Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-09-26

|fNlCAL observers OF the progress OF
modern materialsm have a way OF
saying that romance is fast dying
out OF the world. Nothing 30 ethereal and
Improbable as the vague emotion that
turns hearts topsy.turvy and detracts the
human mind from it's race for fortune,
honor and luIury-the only ideals OF tho
new generations. the cynics say-can exist
any longer in this matter-offact world. ]
But every once in a while romance turns
up very much alive. sometimes in the
strangest places, Just as glamorous and
spiritual In its idealism as in the day of
old. when to make great sacrifices for
loves sweet sake was tho ambition OF
gallant knighthood.
1t Is Mademoiselle Truhanova, pro-
claimed the most beautiful houri who ever
came out Of the East to charm tho boule-
vardiers OF gay Paris. who has given tho
cynics their most recent cause for shame.
News has Just come to America OF loves
sacrifice by this lovely Oriental which has
stirred excitable Paris to an almost hys-
terical emotion.
II was Just after the armistice that Mile.
the French capital. Paris, tired OF It's war
and It's repression was ready then to
welcome a new diversion, and when this
fascinating, exotic beauty danced at its
gates begging recognition, 1t opened It's
arms and took her to Its breast with an
enthusiasm no other beauty ever before
had evoked.
No better glimpse Of the smouldering
passions which are hidden within Mile.
Truhanova's Circassion soul can be given
than view OF her famous dance OF Cleo
patra." the photographic fantasy with
which she first captivated the boule-
vardiers OF Paris.
The scene is laid on the shores OF the
Nile. Just visible Is the arch Of the
ancient temple, with its entrance through
great figures OF stone. Pillars towering
toward the sky are in the background. with
the waters of the river cleaning between.
The sun is sinking into the hot desert
Mile. Truhanova is there as Natasha, the
priestess of Tailor. and Petroff, her dane.
Ing partner. represents Amour, q warrior.
her beloved.
Natasha meets Amour in the silent pre-
hands and feet. lips and eyes. There is an
impending danger. The silence Is broken
by the sudden appearance OF the high
priest, who announces the coming of Cleo.
patra. But Tailor clings to the lips of
Amour. The stage darkens. Natasha is
lost to sight. Then the queen appears,
represented by Mile. Truhanova. in new
costume. Amour still is visible, hiding
In the shadows OF the temple. The queen
Is yoluptuous beauty. Her eyes are
hIed. like those Of serpent, staring into
the hot night OF the desert She is tired
or the wealth the world has poured at her
feet. There Is but one thing that never
tires her and Is ever new. Love always is
new and beautiful. or love she has never
ttred-only OF those from whom she re.
ceives It,
Cleopatra sees Amour and falls madly
In love with him. There are many pas
siegate and dramatic scenes. Like the sea
Aay-An, her body Is tempest tossed Her
eyes burn into his SOUL The music plays
the songs Of the desert Invitations to the
Nile hymns to the God OF Love- Egyptian
priests move slowly and quietly In the
background. String instruments thrum
like nightingalcs.
Now. Cleopatra. stirred by new love,
dances in the torchlight. She radiates
the spell OF the Nile. Her beautiful girls
and the black, viril bodies Of the slaves, the
waves OF light and the faint wall of
priests fill the air with something inef-
fably tragic. Cleopatra dances to Amour
and draws him after her. Now her new
love Is already waning. The high priest
brings a cup flied with the poisonous