AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 August 1922, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

POLLARD’S PICTURES*

WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY

“WAY DOWN EAST.”

After “Intolerance” and “Hearts' of the World,” it was safe to predict that any further advance in the majesty and beauty of screen drama would be made by their great author D. W. Griffith. In “Way Down East” the critics are unanimous that ho has succeeded in almost achieving the impossible. The public at a.nv rate have given their verdict in no uncertain terms, and all the great cities of the world have seen seasons of this photoplay which are longer than those enjoyed by successes in legitimate drama of musical comedies. The ice break scene never fails to lead to tumultuous excitement, and pandemonium occasionally reigns when David, after his titanic struggle with the elements, rescues his dainty sweetheart. Lilian Gish, as the heroine, is completely delightful in every moment sho is on the screen, and occasionally her emotional passages measures up with the greatest work ever seen on the screen. She is heartbreaking lovely in the early scenes of her infatuation with the careless philanderer who ruins her and tosses her aside, and indescribably pathetic when she passes through the Gcthsemane of all mothers. Richard Bethelmess is the perfect hero. He simply is David and his work is flawless. A word is needed about the spectacle scene which are tributes to the artistic genius of Griffith. Tn the big ballroom scenes, the colour effects arc magical, having the effect of actual coloured material, and in one striking scone where Lilian Gish sta.nds as a debutante under the glow of a lamp, she is a feast to the eye, and the riot of colour almiut her is indescribable. The humour of the piece is of the riotous order, provoking uncontrollable shrieks of laughter, and there are roar jng scenes of country life as only Griffith can pa.int it. It is melodrama, but the Story is human, gripping and alive with touches which keep it among the realms of big things A revelation is promised to entertainment lovers when the season opens on Wednesday.

McLEAN’S PICTURES.

TO-NIGHT.

Hr McLean presents to-night “Children of Destiny.” starting Edith Haller. Her worthless husband made her the stake in a poker game in an Italian villa. Then a duel, a catastrophe, and an aftermath which reached the heights of a great climax at Monte Carlo twenty years later. It’s all in “Children of Destiny,” a powerful glainourful photoplay. It tells the story of a woman vho finds her husband a brute, turns for consolation to another man—of

course she finds it. It is around her child, a daughter of destiny, that the rest of the story is woven. This feature is recommended by he N. Z. Censor more especially for adult audiences. The supports include a comedy, gazette and further chapters of the Serial •‘The Branded Four.”