The Bible story of the revolt of Absalom and his death following his lost battle with his father, King David, is covered in this two-reel short from director Henri Andréani.
When you mention the Comedie Francaise to me, I think of....well, comedy, usually performed on stage. This story gets its lead actors from that institution, although the large number of extras for the battle scenes was undoubtedly drawn from.... well, I don't know where Pathe got a large number of dress extras. Surely their use, as well as good costuming and sets shows they expected this to be a popular movie: if not theatrically, then for various aftermarkets, like churches and Sunday school.
When you mention the Comedie Francaise to me, I think of....well, comedy, usually performed on stage. This story gets its lead actors from that institution, although the large number of extras for the battle scenes was undoubtedly drawn from.... well, I don't know where Pathe got a large number of dress extras. Surely their use, as well as good costuming and sets shows they expected this to be a popular movie: if not theatrically, then for various aftermarkets, like churches and Sunday school.