Antony and Cleopatra (1908), dir. J. Stuart Blackton and Charles Kent and James Young/Vitagraph
Release Date: 3 November 1908 (USA)
Cast:
Marc Antony: Maurice Costello
Cleopatra: Florence Lawrence
Octavius Caesar: William V. Ranous
Advertisement: Film Index 3, no. 42 (Oct. 31, 1908): 13.
URL: http://archive.org/stream/viewsfilmindex1903film#page/n729
“Comments on Films: Antony and Cleopatra,” Moving Picture World 3, no. 20 (Nov. 14, 1908): 379
URL: http://www.archive.org/stream/movingor03chal#page/n385/
If Shakespeare could only realize the fate of the works he left behind, the modern use of them would cause his prophetic soul to weep. Just think of it! Antony and Cleopatra given in its entirety, with the vocal parts and other details of the regular production cut out, in less than twenty minutes! What a vast difference between the older presentation and that represented by the modernized form of amusement! But with all the condensation, the magnificence was retained, and I heard several in the audiences say the film had created in them an appetite for more of the same kind. The Vitagraph Company can take pride in the production. The elaborate stage effects and superb costumes, together with the magnificent manner in which the parts were played, is a credit to the company. The story was told in a concise manner that threw the condensing of the scenes into the shade. The audiences were liberal in expression of appreciation.
“Last Sunday,” Moving Picture World 3, no. 26 (Dec. 26, 1908): 523.
URL: http://www.archive.org/stream/movingor03chal#page/n529/mode/2up/
Last Sunday afternoon and evening an important venture was indulged in by Mr. Walter Donders and J. W. Brownstein, who leased the Madison Square Theater for a performance of the “Passion Play” and other selected films, together with high-class instrumental and vocal music. Although the event was not well advertised, there was an encouraging attendance. This is the first time that this theater has been open for any Sunday performance, and therefore the regular patrons were not aware of the opportunity to see such a splendid show. O. I. Lamberger, Ph. D., announced the numbers and lectured during the “Passion Play” in an impressive manner. He handled the subject as few can and was warmly appreciated. “Julius Caesar” and “Antony and Cleopatra” and a French drama were also shown in pictures, and the show of two hours and a half was a success intrinsically if not financially.
