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Show THEDA BAM 1 "TIE SERPENT" Play Deals With Russian Serf's Beautiful Daughter, Who, Trod Beneath Heel of a Duke. Vanla Lazar (Theda Bara) Is the ibeautlful daughter of a Russian serf. She lives with her parents in a small cottage close to the vast estate of the Grand Duke Valonoff. Valonoff, despite his title, is nothing more than a wealthy libetrine. His one redeeming redeem-ing quality is the love he feels for his son, Prince Valonoff. The Grand Duke has practically forgotten the existence of Ivan Lazar, until ore day when he blunders on the Lazar cottage after af-ter he and his followers have lost their way during a 'ild boar hunt Tho Grand Duke sees for the first time Vanla, who Is in love with Audrey Au-drey Sobi, a young peasant Valonoff is enraptured with her charms and decides that he will see her again. To further his purpose he loaves his gold cigarette case In the serf's cottage cot-tage when taking his departure. The case is found by Ivan, who, fearing that he will be accused of theft, sends Vanla to return it to Its owner. The Grand Duke's plans have worked as he expected. He greets Vania joyously and makes ardent love to her. Following her seduction, ho maintains her in stylo and lavishness upon her every gewgaw that her heart desires. Valonoff, ultimately tiring of Vanla, makes an effort to conceal the fact that his infatuation has waned. Despite De-spite her pleadings, he casts Vanla off, and devotes his attention to some newv charmer. It is the turning point in Vania's life. That she ever would be separated from tho Grand Duke has never been conceivable to her. She analyzes the cause of her plight, and she resolves the cause into one word Man! Vania arrives in Paris. The war is In progress As she watches one of the long lines of wounded soldiers pass by she notices a face which awakens memories. She makes inquiry in-quiry and discovers that the woundod officer is Prince Valonoff, son of the Grand Duke. She helps nurse him back to health, and he, too, falls victim vic-tim to her charms. Shortly after their marriage tho Grand Duke, who Is Ignorant that the Prince is wed, sends Tvord that he is coming to visit his beloved and only son. The Prince is called away before his father's arrival. Vanla gres the Grand Duke, who does not recognize her. Ho makes love to her after she has lured him on. The Prince returns at the appointed hour, known to Vania, and, finding his wife clasped in the arms of his own father, commits com-mits suicide. The last drop of venom from "The Serpent's" langa has found Its mark. |