Italy's first diva seduces the screen in 72 minutes of silent yearning.
Young aviatrix Lyda spurns the advances of the Prince of Sèvre and falls in love with journalist Mario, who, although engaged to Cesarina, goes to Lyda's home. Cesarina sees them and manages to persuade Mario to leave Lyda.
Acting
Borelli's legendary 'diva gestures' invented screen melodrama.
Cinematography
Hand-tinted fire sequence still astonishes.
Costume
Lyda's aviatrix gear and flowing gowns.
Director
Alberto Degli Abbati
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Borelli became the 'Diva' archetype that dominated Italian cinema until WWI, her image licensed on everything from perfume to postcards.
Director Degli Abbati died mysteriously in 1937; most of his films are lost, making this survival miraculous.
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