Page:Star Film Catalogue 1908.pdf/145

 1050–1065. Humanity Through Ages. Length, 1000 feet. Price, 120.00.

'''1. Cain and Abel. The first crime, 4000 B. C.'''—The first scene represents the killing of Abel by his brother Cain. When he had executed his horrible crime, Cain, overcome with remorse, concealed himself in a lonely and unfrequented place, for he imagined that he was pursued by justice and vengeance. The last part of this scene is a beautiful and faithful reproduction of Prud'hon's masterpiece, "Justice and Vengeance Pursuing Crime."

2. The Druids, Human Sacrifice, 500 B. C.—After having collected the sacred mistletoe in accordance with the rites of their religion, the Druids invoke the Divine Protection and perform a human sacrifice under the ancient oaks of Old Brittany.

'''3. Nero and Locust. Slave Poisoning, 65 A. D.'''—Nero and Locust have a slave poisoned in their presence in order that they may feast their eyes upon his sufferings, and, at the same time, study the effects of a terrible drug upon the human system.

'''4. Catacombs of Rome. Persecution of Christians, 200 A. D.'''—In the Catacombs at Rome some Christians, in the early days, have taken refuge where they may practise without molestation the mysteries of their new religion and address their prayers to God. Suddenly a Roman cohort invades their hiding-place. The soldiers forcibly take possession of the worshipers and lead them away to the Colosseum where they are fed to wild beasts to make holiday for an emperor.

'''5. Scourging with Cat-o'Nine-Tails. 1400 A. D.'''—During the Middle Ages, punishment by whipping was inflicted upon condemned persons in the public squares amid the laughter and the jibes of a cruel populace.

'''6. The Gallows under Louis XI. 1475 A. D.'''—During the rein of Louis XI, gallows were scattered all over France. So frequent were executions that hardly a day passed without somebody being executed.