Herbert Beerbohm Tree was signed onto the project so that his performance as Macbeth would be immortalized. Sadly, the film is now lost.
Herbert Beerbohm Tree had played Macbeth on the stage and was well known for it. He also liked to have everything go his way. Sir Herbert did not see why the cameramen had to keep moving the camera around, interrupting his dialogue. Also, he insisted on speaking all his words of dialogue verbatim from the play. Often, when sufficient footage was taken, the film would be removed from the camera and the cameraman would continue to crank away while Sir Herbert continued with his lines. Apparently, he never knew that he was wrenching his performance to an empty camera.
Herbert Beerbohm Tree's daughter, Iris Tree, came to Los Angeles with him while he was making this film. The two were welcomed to the Fine Arts Studio. They were given a large welcome ceremony by the entire company, presided over by D.W. Griffith and Frank E. Woods.
Herbert Beerbohm Tree expected to work about seven weeks on the film, but ended up working eight. He was surprised by the 18 hour days, telling reporters that he had never worked so hard in his life.
Just as he was given a large welcome reception by Triangle, Herbert Beerbohm Tree was treated by the company to a lavish farewell dinner on 25 March, 1916, at the Alexandria Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Douglas Fairbanks served as toastmaster.