Salome (1923) in Color — Starring Alla Nazimova & Nigel De Brulier

Salome (1923) — Buy This Classic in Color

Discover Salome, the 1923 drama directed by Charles Bryant and starring Alla Nazimova, now available as a professionally colorized version. Based on Oscar Wilde’s play, the films tells the story of how Salomé agrees to dance for King Herod in return for the head of John the Baptist. This biblical drama combines the eroticism of the Dance of the Seven Veils with the tragedy of biblical narrative, exploring themes of desire, power, and the destructive consequences of obsessive love. Theda Bara, known as “The Vamp” for her seductive screen persona, brought her considerable star power to this iconic role. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Based on Oscar Wilde’s play, the films tells the story of how Salomé agrees to dance for King Herod in return for the head of John the Baptist. Salomé, the daughter of Herodias and stepdaughter of King Herod, becomes obsessed with John the Baptist, who has been imprisoned for criticizing Herod’s marriage to Herodias. When John rejects her advances, Salomé’s desire turns to vengeful hatred.

King Herod, himself infatuated with Salomé, promises her anything she desires if she will dance for him. The Dance of the Seven Veils, a seductive performance that removes each veil until Salomé is nearly nude, captivates Herod and his court. When Herod asks what she wants as her reward, Salomé demands the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter.

Herod, bound by his oath and fearful of Salomé’s power over him, reluctantly orders the execution. John the Baptist is beheaded, and his head is presented to Salomé as requested. The film builds to its tragic conclusion where Salomé’s obsessive desire has led to the death of a holy man, demonstrating the destructive power of unchecked passion and the tragic consequences of revenge.

Cast & Crew

Director: Charles Bryant

Stars: Alla Nazimova, Rose Dione, Mitchell Lewis, Nigel De Brulier, Earl Schenck

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Salome was originally filmed in black and white, with cinematography that captured the exotic splendor of the biblical setting and the erotic intensity of the Dance of the Seven Veils. This professionally colorized restoration enhances every scene with frame-by-frame precision, from the opulent palace of King Herod to the dramatic moment of John the Baptist’s execution. The colorized version reveals new visual richness in the film’s settings, where the period-accurate biblical costumes, palace interiors, and desert landscapes gain authenticity that transports viewers to the ancient world. Alla Nazimova’s legendary screen presence gains additional dimension in color, her face conveying the seductive power and dangerous beauty that made her one of the most sophisticated actresses of the silent era. Now also available in colour.

Buy Salome in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Released in 1923, Salome represents the biblical drama genre of the silent era and the artistic vision of Alla Nazimova, one of the most sophisticated actresses of the period. Nazimova, known as “The Nazimova,” was a legendary stage actress who brought her theatrical intensity and artistic vision to the screen. Her portrayal of Salomé, the biblical femme fatale who demands the head of John the Baptist, was an artistic interpretation that emphasized the film’s avant-garde style and Art Deco aesthetic.

The film was based on Oscar Wilde’s 1891 play, which had been controversial for its treatment of biblical material and its exploration of erotic themes. Wilde’s play was banned in Britain for decades due to its depiction of biblical characters, making it a natural choice for a film starring Theda Bara, whose career was built on pushing the boundaries of acceptable content. The film’s Dance of the Seven Veils sequence became legendary for its eroticism and helped establish the trope of the seductive dance in cinema.

The film’s release in 1923 reflects the cinema’s experimentation with artistic styles and the influence of European avant-garde movements on American filmmaking. Biblical epics and historical dramas offered audiences an escape from reality, transporting them to exotic locations and distant times. Through modern colorization, this biblical drama reaches new audiences who can appreciate Alla Nazimova’s artistic performance, its faithful adaptation of Wilde’s controversial play, and its place in the history of silent cinema. Now also available en couleur.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: Silent with musical score
• Runtime: 50 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Who stars in Salome?
A: Theda Bara stars as Salomé, with supporting performances by Alan Roscoe, Herbert Heyes, Bertram Grassby, and Genevieve Blinn.

Q: Is Salome based on a play?
A: Yes, the film is based on Oscar Wilde’s 1891 play “Salomé,” which was controversial for its treatment of biblical material and erotic themes.

Q: What is the plot of Salome?
A: Salomé dances for King Herod and demands the head of John the Baptist as her reward, leading to the execution of the holy man.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• Under the Cherry Moon (1986)
• Experiment in Terror (1962)
• The Kid from Spain (1932)
• Berlin Express (1948)
• The Senator Was Indiscreet (1947)