Movies Way Back When: Ancient Rome in Montecito

By Betsy J. Green

On October 27, 1913, the “Flying A” released “In the Days of Trajan,” a movie set in Ancient Rome featuring men in sandals and skirts. It was filmed at several of the million-dollar mansions in Montecito. Trajan [TRAY-jun] is the emperor of Rome, and he feels that if you aren’t with him, you are against him. So, when some royal folk from another kingdom refuse to swear allegiance to him, his highness has a hissy fit. The victims of the emperor’s wrath are sent to the arena to fight each other to the death. Somehow or other, this movie manages to have a happy ending, although they never do have an orgy.

The movie got rave reviews. “Scenic backgrounds of such beauty . . . make one really believe that he has been transported to Rome in the year 100 A.D.  . . . one is forced to pinch oneself to realize that here is a feature film taken in the United States of America, instead of in Italy.” – Motography, October 18, 1913


Betsy’s Way Back When book — 1919 — is now available in local bookstores and at Amazon.com. This is the sixth book in her series of the history of Santa Barbara, one year at a time. Learn more at betsyjgreen.com​.

bjgreen

Written by bjgreen

Betsy J. Green is a Santa Barbara historian and author. Her books are available in local bookstores, and at Amazon.com. (Shop local if you can.) Learn more at betsyjgreen.com.

What do you think?

Comments

0 Comments deleted by Administrator

Leave a Review or Comment

One Comment

Feeding Families, Nurturing Community

KISMET THE NIGHT OF A LIFETIME