Fri, Apr 9, 1954
A mystical drama of passion and fate, set in the half-mythical kingdom of Allemonde during a time of remote antiquity. While hunting, Golaud, grandson of the aged king of Allemonde, discovers a maiden lost in the forest. She refuses to say anything about herself, but Golaud, a widower, persuades her to marry him and return to Allemonde. In the castle, the young woman, Mélisande, meets Golaud's younger half-brother, Pelléas, and they fall in love. They try to avoid each other, but circumstances bring them together. Golaud is jealous and forces his young son, Yniold, to spy on them. Pelléas plans to go away, but, as the lovers are bidding each other farewell in the garden, Golaud comes upon them and kills Pelléas. As Mélisande lays dying in her chamber after giving birth, Golaud begs her forgiveness, which she gives him at the final moment.
Fri, May 7, 1954
Salome, daughter of Herodias, the wife of King Herod, is in her father's court at dinner one day when she hears the voice of the prophet, Jokanaan, who is being held prisoner by her stepfather. She bribes Narraboth, the young Syrian Captain of the Guard, who is enamored of her, to bring Jokanaan to her. Upon seeing her, Jokanaan proceeds to denounce the entire court as one of lechery and debauchery. Salome at once falls passionately in love with him. Herod, who is love with Salome, asks her to dance for him, and she complies providing he will grant her any request. After she completes the erotic dance of the seven veils, she demands that Jokanaan's head be presented to her on a silver platter. When it is brought to her, she kisses and fondles it, exulting that he who scorned her love and passion is now helpless in her power. Herod, horrified, has his guards crush her to death beneath their shields.