Madame du Barry

This silent film epic chronicles the rise and fall of Jeanne Bécu, the last mistress of King Louis XV. It details her humble origins, her ascent through the French court fueled by her beauty and wit, and her eventual downfall amidst the growing unrest that would precede the French Revolution. The narrative focuses on her tumultuous relationships and her significant influence over the aging monarch.

As a silent film from 1917, specific contemporary critical reception is difficult to pinpoint in modern terms. However, Theda Bara's performance as the titular character was widely recognized for its sensuality and dramatic intensity, cementing her status as one of Hollywood's early sex symbols. The film was a significant box office success, contributing to the popularity of historical epics and the exotic persona Bara cultivated.

• Praised for its lavish production and Theda Bara's captivating performance.

• Considered a key example of early Hollywood historical drama.

• The film effectively portrays the opulence and eventual decay of the French monarchy through its central figure.

Google audience: Audience reception for this silent film is not widely documented in contemporary or modern Google reviews. However, historical accounts suggest it was a popular and visually striking film for its era.

None notable.

Theda Bara famously wore a sheer, revealing gown in this film, which was highly scandalous for its time and contributed significantly to her image as 'The Vamp'.