AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 34, 10 June 1915, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

H.M. THEATRE. "The Ordeal," a masterpiece Franco-German war picture which is now showing at this Theatre, exposes the cruel methods of "kuitured" German officers in obtaining secret orders from enemy despatch carriers. The story briefly is as follows:—A young Frenchman is happy with his parents and sweetheart at their home in a little French village when war is dedared between France and Germany. Recruits flock to enrol, and Jean is the only lad left in the village who has not volunteered. He fears to leave those he loves so well. Whilst on active service he is commanded by his superior officer to carry a secret message to the general army some miles distant. On his way is captured by the Germans and is brought before the German general, who tries to force the secret from him, and fails, hut then commands his soldiers to bring the Frenchman's mother before him, and tells Jean that unless he reveals the secret his mother will he shot. The mother begs her son not to speak, and her words are: Son of my heart keep silent My days at their best are few, And I am proud I can give them To my country and for you. His sister is also brought before the German general, who says she will be shot if he refuses to speak, ami this gallant girl's words are: \i you betray your Country, You spit on your father's name. What is life without honor? Or death besmirched with shame. His sweetheart is shot also, but lie stands firm and will not speak. He is put in a cell to starve .but his officer, failing the secret carrier's return, attacks the village and routs the Germans, the "kuitured" general being killed in the battle.