NATIONAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 194, 5 November 1927, Page 14

NATIONAL

“DAMAGED GOODS” Following upon a. remarkably succossfu! season in Wellington, “Dam* aged Goods” will be shown at the National on Thursday. In Eugene Brieux’s gr* at lilrn work. “Damaged Goods,” the . m.. tic elements of the film story sustain hoiat the entire picture. To those who have not read Brieux’s book it may be as well to brie tty refer to it as an exposure of an actual chapter of life. It presents on the screen a story that no doubt has been enacted many times quite as tragically, but the actual force of fact has been so hidden as to be really a secret. Damaged Goods” stifles none of the facts necessary for a full inculcation of its tremendous lesson, scenes taken in a hospital showing victims of the dread disease, contribute greatly to tho picture’s authenticity and moral appeal. The whole story is profoundly moving and is not for one class of men or women, but for every grade of society. It does not parade evil that good may come of it. It shows how the most innocent may become victims of the sins of others. This is in accordance with the censor’s ruling, mixed audiences being absolutely prohibited. It has therefore, been decided that during the Auckland season ladies only will be admitted to the dress circle and men to the stalls. There is nothing repulsive or sordid in the film; in fact, the opposite is the case, for no finer sermon has ever been preached, and it is acclaimed by the clergy, the Press and the humanitarian workers as a smashing Indictment o£ prudery, quackery and hypocrisy.