The story
“A biblical tale, magnificent in its settings, notable in its cast yet wonderfully familiar in its story, is The Star of Bethlehem, as it is told in two [sic] well-acted reels by the Thanhouser Film Corporation. The subject has been impressively handled and is to be released as a Thanhouser Christmas feature, December 24 being the date named for its presentation to the motion picture public. The costuming of the many characters who go to make the story the stupendous production it is, was the consideration of months. The settings were minutely studied and worked out until correct and perfect in every detail, insofar as history enlightens one on the subject. The expense of the whole monster venture was spared not in the least. The story goes back to the time of Micah, the prophet who was the first to inspire Israel with the hope of a great Redeemer. As the Bible gives his prediction, it is supposed to date back to 701 B.C., when Sennacherib waged war against Judah. Micah foretells Zion’s capitulation and the deliverance of the people elsewhere. Also he named Bethlehem wherein the Deliverer and the King should be born, as that city was also the birthplace of David. Previous to the birth of Christ, there were numerous signs and portents which affected the Israelites and their rulers, and a vague unrest pervaded the people. Herod was so much affected that he called together the wise men of his court to tell him where and when the Messiah would be born.
“Long had the Jewish people paid tribute to Rome, and Augustus, who then reigned, was accustomed to call together, periodically, the subjects of his domain that they might be inscribed. When the proclamation was declared, Mary and Joseph, whose birthplace was Nazareth, journeyed to Bethlehem, the city of David, a place in which his family descent required that he be inscribed according to custom. The film shows the journey as the Bible describes it. When the tired travelers reached their destination they find there is no place for them to rest, as the inns have been filled with the earlier arrivals. Because of Joseph’s descent from David, however, the door-keeper offers them the only quarters he has, those in the stable. But Joseph and Mary are thankful for these accommodations and gratefully accept them, as others of their countrymen are forced to sleep in the hills and in the vineyards of the town.
“Part two opens with the journey of the three wise men from the East, who hearing of the birth of Christ, come to Bethlehem to adore Him. Resident in three widely separated countries, they have found favor with the Almighty, and are brought through deserts to a common meeting place. The guide of each is a wonderful star in the heavens that precedes each man, until, bringing the three together, it disappears. They exchange experiences, traveling in company to Jerusalem, and there inquire as to the new King of the Jews. Herod learns of their inquiries and sends for them. They are questioned as to who the new King might be and ask to return to Herod and tell him of His whereabouts that he, too, might worship Him. So the three wise men resume their quest. When they had entered Jerusalem the star had disappeared, but now it shines again and guides them to Bethlehem, becoming stationary over the inn wherein there had been no room for Mary and Joseph. At the inn the wise men inquire if any children have been born, and they are told of the child who was born in the stable where He and Mary and Joseph still remained.
“Meanwhile, some humble shepherds, who have been tending their flocks on the hillside, are visited by an angel who tells them of the birth of the wonderful child in a lowly stable in the little city of Bethlehem. And leaving their flocks, the shepherds descend the hillside and make their way to the stable. There they find the newborn babe in a manger, with Mary and Joseph attending Him. Kneeling down, the shepherds adore Him. The three wise men enter and offer their gifts from the far East. They bow in adoration before the tiny form in the crib; the humble stable becomes transformed by numerous glittering angels who appear and sing ‘Hosanna Unto the Most High.’ And the humble shepherds and the learned men from the East kneel side by side in thankful prayer for the privilege of seeing the Savior and for the miracle they have beheld. Thus ends the pretty Christmas story.”
Summary from Motography · 23 November 1912
