Salome vs. Shenandoah (1919)

A small road company decides to give its audience a treat by presenting two shows in one night - that is, if they can survive the first. The first play is a melodrama of the Civil War, Ben Turpin and Phyllis being Southern spies. Disguised as an officer of the Army of the Potomac, Ben orders Charlie Conklin, a Northern officer, to charge upon the Rebels. The whole Northern army is killed except Conklin, who accuses Ben of being a spy and orders his execution. But in the nick of time, as usual. Phyllis rushes in with the pardon and Ben is saved. End of first show. The second act, "Salome,' has Charles Murray as the king, Conklin as a vassal, and Phyllis Haver, shimmier extraordinary. Ben Turpin, as John the Baptist, enters, and after having judgment passed upon him, is taken out to be executed. Disguised as a slave, Ben comes back carrying the supposed head of John and sticks around to watch the dancing. While doing a dance Phyllis stabs the king, who dies a horrible death. She then stabs herself, after placing some cushions conveniently near by to fall upon, and when a property man overturns a vat of water, flooding the stage, the show ends.