'ANNIE LAURIE'

Evening Star, Issue 20057, 24 December 1928, Page 6

'ANNIE LAURIE'

DRAMA IN THE HIGHLANDS. The wistful charm of the world-lam-ous love song and a- red and teuibie page of history have'been combined as the theme of ‘ Annie Laurie,’ which wil open at the Octagon Theatre ou Friday next. ‘ Annie Laurie ’is a beautiful story told in a masterly manner, with tho first lady of the screen, Lillian Gish, appearing at the lady ot Maxwellton. Never was a historical romance more ideally planned for the public than this one. Not a trace of the pedantic nor the history book is left in the picture; it.is romance and a certain vigorous drama that finds expression in the tragedy of lovers’ misunderstandings—the tragedy of the massacre of Glencoe, the tragedy of *?ie Macdonald’s humiliation at the hands ol the stronger Campbells—a brave and enticing tale. The actual story of Annie Laurie, of the clan Campbell, and lan Macdonald, of the clan Macdonald, is well known to everyone, whether of Scottish birth or not, who loves a story that rings with the clash of steel and the melody in lovers’ sighs—and such is ‘Annie Laurie,' Im the title role Miss Lillian Gish is said to give a perfectly dehditful performance. Apart from looking extremely in the graceful gown of that period she is, in very truth, the spirited and patriotic Scotswoman, deeply imbued with that clan spirit. But all critics are unanimous in giving the palm to her. leading man, Norman Kerry. As the man torn between tribal fidelity and hjs love for Annie of Maxwellton he completely dominates the picture. Creighton Hale, as a treacherous Campbell, is another outstanding actor, while Hobart Bosworth and David Torrence are a rugged pair in their roles. ‘ Annie Laurie ’ is a picture made on an extravagant scale. There is great faithfulness to national customs, some entrancing (dirapses of Highland scenery, and such p< star turns” as the gathering of the clans to the piping of many pipes help to ma'ke the film one of conspicuous and memorable merit.