|
The Treasure of Buddha
(1913) England
B&W : Three reels
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
[?] Gerrard Film Company? production. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film was released in the USA by [?] Box Office Attractions? in January 1914.
[?] Drama?
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? An English regiment desecrates Goddess Kali by stealing from her supposedly sacred head, the wonderful crown of jewels. Vasantasena, the daughter of the Prince Gab-el-Mandor, the custodian of the jewels, incited by an old priest into a frenzied, fanatical hatred, swears to avenge the insult to the goddess and to recover the treasure. With three of her followers she travels the seas and in England seeks means of entering the vaults of the British treasury, wherein are kept the spoils of war. Lieutenant Hamilton, one of the custodians, falls prey to her meretricious wiles. Out-tricked, disgraced, he is dismissed from his office when it is discovered that the treasure of Buddha has been stolen. Seeking to retrieve his superiors’ favor, he embarks for India, accompanied by Bower, a Scotland Yard detective. They strike the trail of Vasantasena and her accomplices. The fugitives, hearing of the pursuit, change their route. Lost in the wilderness, the pursuers almost die from thirst. They encounter a Hindoo magician. With the aid of his mesmeric powers they are shown, while in a hypnotic state, the encampment of Vasantasena’s party. Lieutenant Hamilton is captured. Bowers escapes and goes for reinforcements, after having stolen from Vasantasena the much-sought crown. To deceive her he had substituted a spurious imitation. Hamilton is sentenced to die. Vasantasena, aroused by love’s longings, offers to liberate him. He spurns her advances. Hamilton, in the midst of the enraged fanatics, is about to be sacrificed to the altar flames, to appease the wrath of the Goddess Kali, when, with a whoop and a hurrah, in rushes the English troops, led by Bower. They snatch Hamilton from the flames, whose red forks lick hungrily at him.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 3 June 2024.
References: Tarbox-Lost p. 208 : with additional information provided by Mark Zinky.
|
