ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1652, 19 December 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“OUR PICTURES.”

“THE IRON STRAIN.’

The initial screening of the great Thomas H. luce's feature film, “The Iron Strain,” took place at. the Town Hall last evening, and proved to be a drama ol’ exceptional merit. Apart from the excellence of the story, the acting of Miss land Mackey and .Dustin Earnnm, the latter as the Alaskan cave man, is very fine, and together with the beautiful scenery depicted in the. Alaskan mining country, combine to make a film of a very high order. The supporting items consist of a good number of the Topical Gazette, containing many items of present-day interest, and a really funny comedy featuring Mr and Mrs Sidney Drew, “Diplomatic Henry.” This programme will be repeated tonight, and is one that can be thoroughly recommended to the jnc-ture-loving public*.

WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.

The programme to be submitted on Wednesday evening is of an exceptionally attractive nature, featuring Earl Williams and Anita Stewart in a Yitagraph masterpiece, “Sins of the Mothers.”' The story won the 10,000 dollar prize given by the New York Sun against all comers for the best scenario for a film play, and after witnessing its exhibition one realises its great merit. It possesses elements that impress and entertain, and in addition point a fine moral. It is > absolutely true to life, and unfortunately its counterpart may be found in many a home to-day. It deals with the evils of gambling by medium of cards, dice, roulette wheels, and horse racing, and drives its lesson home with sledge-hammer force. The girl was reared in a convent, where she was placed by a mother who had driven her husband to suicide through her losses at the gambling table, only to be taken out and set down amid all the temptations of her mother’s gambling house, and with the hereditary taint in her blood, gave to clever, winsome Anita Stewart a character that afforded the wonderfully fine actress an opportunity of showing her true merit as an artist. Miss Stewart’s performance was remarkable. She received splendid support from popular Earle Williams, Julia Swayin' Gordon, and a cast wilhou! a weak member. The supporting items include a Keystone star comedy, "A Bathroom Blunder,” which is beyond question the funniest film ever shown in this town;' “Water Queen’s” diving and the work of “Reggie" are remarkable features. Ollier subjects are “The Lake of Thoune" (scenic), and the latest Gaumont Graphic.