By mid-1919, Theda Bara's career was on its downslide. The release of A Woman There Was all but killed it. This was a very weak attempt at casting her as something other than a "vampire." The plot was silly and dated -- Bara plays Princess Zara, who lives on a South Sea Island. A handsome young missionary (William B. Davidson) arrives and there is a romance, which is hindered by various complications including a poorly-staged typhoon. Zara is accidentally stabbed and killed, and the missionary goes home to the white girl who is waiting for him at home in England. Apparently this film no longer exists, but stills for it show Bara looking her worst -- she is overweight and her primitive costumes and wig make her look especially dumpy. It was the last film she made with director J. Gordon Edwards -- a sorry end to what was, overall, a very profitable working relationship. The films Bara and Edwards made together formed the peak of both their careers.
by Janiss Garza
synopsis
