“THE SCARLET LETTER”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 98, 16 July 1927, Page 16

“THE SCARLET LETTER”

LILLIAN GISH’S PINNACLE No role ever better suited Lillian Gish than that of demure Hester Prynne, who comniited the unforgivable sin in “The Scarlet Letter.” the Metro-Goldwyn version of Hawthorne's romance of Puritan Boston. In this feature, which was shown for the first time at the Majestic in Auckland last night, Lillian Gish undoubtedly gives the most artistic performance of a career which has included many successes. “The Scarlet Letter” is probably the professional pinnacle as far as this talented artist is concerned. The interpretation of Hester Prynne, who sLiffered so nobly becatise she loved too much, and sacrificed her own happiness in order that the minister of the bigoted little community might retain the respect and esteem of his fellow co-religionists, might quite easily have been overdrawn. For instance, when poor little Hester stood upon the scaffold, her babe in her arms, ready to receive the scarlet brand of shame which the community decided that she should bear until the end of her days, there was no wild sobbing. Hardly a tear fell from her eyes, though the ordeal was truly terrifying. This was an America happily now no more. It was the time when lovers conducted their courting, in the presence of the elders, through speaking tubes. It was the time, too, when lovers had to leave the homes of their inamoratas by nine o’clock. The enormity of poor Hester’s offence, therefore, when she bore the child of an unknown father, can well be imagined. When the child was the daughter of the beloved young pastor the heroic intention of the seamstress never to divulge her secret can be readily understood. True, it said little for the minister, admirably portrayed by Lars Hansen, the Swedish actor, who has come to the fore of late at Hollywood. Nevertheless, he paid dearly for his sin. On his own breast, placed there by his own hands, was the same “A” that the members of the congregation forced Hester to publicly wear. Ii was not discovered, however, until the pastor lay dying. “The Scarlet Letter” is a film of more than usual interest. The artistic nature of its production was not neglected in favour of a feature with “action.” For those who would see the motion picture placed on a higher standard than has generally been the case in the past, they would do well to see the picturised version of the unfortunate love of Hester Prynne. The delightful prologue to “The Scarlet Letter” was arranged by Valeska. A ballet of Puritan maids danced on the green until surprised by a horrified elder, who frightened them away. The tiny soloists were most enjoyable. too, likewise the diminutive bride and bridegroom who also joined in the dance and appeared to thoroughly enjoy it.

The New Zealand scenic “Tall Timbers” gave New Zealanders a new glimpse of their own country, the Majestic and Pathe budgets provided information from all parts of the globe, and “Hold Your Hat” was well in keeping with the amusing standard set by the St. John Mermaid funmakers. The orchestra was deservedly apfor its rendering of the ‘Zampa ’ overture under the direction of Mr. John Waugh.