"THE MARRIAGE CLAUSE."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18898, 13 January 1927, Page 14

"THE MARRIAGE CLAUSE."

A REMARKABLE DRAMA. Embodying a theme that ha 3 como to be a favourite" one with modern novelists, and possessing all the dramatic force, 6parkle, and sophisticated enthusiasm of tales of the theatre, ''The Marriage Clause," a drama built on a foundation of profound human interest, is one to command a rapt attention among the most seasoned theatre-goers. To is, a woman dependent upon a man'/ la it possible for a man to exert such an influence over a woman bb to make her very career hinge upon his mere presence or absence? Admitting that initial aid is sometimes a factor in the la tor success of a woman, is it necesary for her helper to bo ever present, Svengali-liko? This is the motif of "The Marriage Clause," the Universal-Jewel production to bo presented at the Liberty Theatre on Monday next. It is a drama of the theatre, with its constantly changing life back-stage, flowing sometimes smoothly like the sandfa in an hourglass, more often turbulent, like the waters in a rocky brook bed. "The Marriage Clause" is a story for every type of patron—for the amusement-seeker, for it has many light moments; for the thinker, for its depth of characterisation; for the drama lover, for its wealth of colour and description 'of the lives of a group of stage players. It is, throughout, intensely emotional, nil these' artistic elements blending with discretion and effect. Lois Weber, the only woman director in the industry, has invested the story with a wealth of insight and a sympathetic feminino viewpoint that are unique, and of interest to film audiences. Sho has given tlio story a perfect cast of popular players, in itself no inconsiderable feat. Billie Dove, an actress of peerless artistry and an appreciation of the dramatic, plays "the leading role, "supported by a brilliant cast of ensemble players, including Francis Bushman, Warner Oland, and Grace Dai-mond. The box plans open to-morrow at The Bristol Piano Company, where scats may be reserved.