McLEAN’S PICTURES.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1924, Page 1

McLEAN’S PICTURES.

“LADDIE." A WONDERFUL PICTURE. This evening McLean's Pictures will present the most human picture play ever shown since “Over the Hill.” "Laddie,” features Miss Sydney Fnirbrother. A little old lady in an old-world cottage lives only in her loving thoughts of her boy, “Laddie.” It is fifteen years since she sent him oil to London to study medicine, and in that period he has climbed to tic top of his profession, lie occupies a great house with many servants, arid is busy with it large practice too busy, in fact, to think often ni Ins little old mother in the eotmlrv. Not only too busy In think ol let', but ill a way 100 worldly tiLu. tnr be has gained social position and be feels that any emphasis upon bis bumble origin would hurt Lis standing in the great world, and ye! he loves bis mother, and be is not a cad. Tie is thoughtless and sell -absorbed . 1 1 in i is all. Mrs Carter has lived in (hi* same eoLtago since she came to it as a bride. "Laddie ’ was horn there; her husband died there; blit now one day the landlord,’ calling lor the weekly rent, tells her that bo must take the cottage for himself. The old lady is heartbroken, but., as she says to Hefty Joyce, who is living with her, “It isn’t its though she hadn't a son to look after her.’ Hetty's husband, Harry, had written to Hetty to come to hint in London. Airs Carter decides on the spur of the moment to go up by the same train with Hotly and take "Laddie” by surprise. Dr Carter has hern giving a dinner in honour of \ iolet. The fashionable guests have gone, and the host, alone in bis study, is reviewing the pleasant memories of the evening The ‘butler tells him that an obi ladv lias called who insists upon seeing hint. Carter assents and relapses into bis reverie, and presently a plain little body is standing beside his desk and saying tremulously “Laddie.”

Only after Ins first happy emotions at seeing her does Carter begin to realise Imw “unsuitable” her presence is in bis great bouse. To his momentary discredit, be is ashamed, ami worse than that, in his awkward ex-

ntUr.r rountry Ijcnui lor liftr. Ho nn wittingly lets her see how lie feels. She hides her hurl from him. anti smiles at him bravely and lovingly a.s lie escorts Tier to her room ; but to herself she says. “I’ll never be a shame in my “Laddie,” and in the morning she quietly leaves the house, before even the servants are up. A two reel comedy, travelogue and gazette will complete a splendid programme. Ale-Loan's renowned ouchestin "ill render appropriate selections. Usual prices. SATURDAY. A 7-net star entitled ‘•Just Call ATc Jim,” will be shown. Pouplar Will Rogers is starred, supported by an all-star east.