The object of this dramatic picture is to show how human fate sometimes makes the evil that one may shoot, arrow-like, at another miss the intended butt and make a victim of the one who sent it forth. In this case, the poison Locustra gives to Nero for Britannicus is stolen by her son and causes his death and her own great sorrow. If the spectators could know that in the street scene, the reveler who is stealing the wine is Locustra's son and that she loves him, the picture would be far more effective. As it is, they know it only when the messengers come to Locustra with the sad news. It is a very graceful picture! this reviewer thinks it the best Roman picture he has seen. The street revelers with Locustra's son dance gracefully and make a very beautiful scene. The acting of the whole cast is good; but Locustra's picture of the tragic situation is excellent. The film is colored and the photography is very good. - The Moving Picture World, May 27, 1911
