Athalie

An elaborate Biblical subject of double interest now because toward the middle of April it is in the international Sunday school lessons. It is a scene in the history of Judah when the nation has tired of its idolatrous queen, Athallah, who has murdered all of the heirs to the throne, as she supposes. They crown little Joash, who has been preserved by the high priest while the soldiers kill the queen in the streets. The story is taken from the account in Second Kings of the stamping out of idolatry in Judah. It is an elaborate production in every sense and is sumptuously staged. The settings and costuming are made historically correct, or according to the conclusions of the best modern Biblical scholars. This picture is well worthwhile and it might be made an important portion of the church services for April. The representation in this graphic form of these scenes which have been made prominent in the Sunday school lessons would do much to impress upon the minds of children and others what actually occurred in those times. Whether it is wise or not is a question much better decided by others. The fact that these pictures have been produced with fidelity to the original so far as is known, the costuming and settings afford a more graphic understanding of the actual conditions than is possible by means of description. These pictures make the Biblical narratives real. The people seem to live and move. The legendary impression disappears and in its place comes the strength of actuality that cannot be forgotten. This picture deserves commendation for the excellence of its mechanical effects and the timeliness of its release. - The Moving Picture World, April 15, 1911