A Biblical subject which has been considered one of the dramatic events of ancient Jewish history, and which, in capable hands, lends itself very readily to thrilling reproduction. In the hands of the Vitagraph Company this subject has been admirably worked out, and the result is a satisfactory film. Like the one previously criticised, much of the staging, which includes the costuming, must be taken on trust, but it would seem that the work has been well done. The priestly garb, the soldiers and the others seem to be costumed in accordance with the accepted interpretation of modern scholars. In the acting, Ada, Jephthah's daughter, the central figure of this tragedy, does her work as well as is possible. Jephthah is admirably acted, these two figures rising to true tragedy in their interpretation of their parts. The others are merely accessories, and their work calls for no extended review. The film is toned brown, excepting the sacrificial altar just before the fire is lighted, which is a rather heavy blue, and after the fire is lighted it is a brilliant red, like the glow of a fire. Both changes heighten the effect and improve the picture. As a whole this effort is to be warmly commended. It is a film well worth seeing, and indicates the earnestness with which the Vitagraph people approach their work. - The Moving Picture World, May 29, 1909
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