AMUSEMENTS

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 2 October 1917, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

EVERYBODY’S

“GREAT EXPECTATIONS.” Two of Dickens’ stories picturised and shown in successive weeks is somewhat of a novelty, but they are nevertheless very welcome and the management of Everybody’s deserves the thanks of patrons for “putting on” subjects that, cannot fail to revive pleasant memories in adults and teach lessons to the rising generation. Last week “Oliver Twist”, a production from the Jesse L. Lasky studios was shown. To-night “Great Expectations” is the attraction produced by the Famous Players. We have always admired charming little Louise Huff in her many impersonatons for the Famous Players but her rendering of Estelle in “Great Expectatons” ranks among her best efforts, even if not quite the character that Dickens intended. She is altogether too charming for the role of the scheming woman in |he novel, but is all that we would wish her to be in the filmed version. In the heavier portions of the play Miss Huff rises to the occasion, and gives us a taste of her versatility as a screen artist. Of Jack Pickford we can also speak in terms of commendation. As the poor boy with expectations he is splendid, and really appears to grow years older as the story progresses. We see him first as a growing youth with an appetite and an inclination to grow out of his Icothes. Next we find him a young man with ideas of love and advancement in life, and then we have to realise that he has arived at man’s estate, and we find him buffetting with the world, and endeavouring to live down his disappointments. It is a clever portrayal that could not have been placed in better hands.

THREE STARS

Marion Lane lives with her parents in a small town in the Middle West. Being the possessor of a fairly good voice, Marion is jollied along by her vocal teacher and her friends who insist that if she could only get to the city and complete her studies she would become a second Patti. Marion persuades her parents to let her go to the city and later through a girl friend who is studying art at the Academy Marion is introduced to the best social set. She meets Alan Craven who takes advantage of her innoncence and she runs away, leaving Marion to bear the responsibility of her indiscretion alone. Later Marion meets Doctor George Page, believing her to be a poor young widow, After a time Page proposes marriage, but Marion will not listen because of her past, Finally thruogh reading a book that dwells with great emphasise on the very same subject, Marion changes her mind and becomes the wife of Dr. Page. For a while all goes well, Then one night Dr. Page takes Marion to a skating rink. Among the skaters Marion recognises Craven. Dn Page seeing Marion’s agitation, thinks her ill, and takes her homoi where unable to stand the strain any longer, Marion confesses her past, withholding nothing. Although crazed by grief with Marion’s confession, Dr. Page in his bigness blames only the man and prays that the time may come when he can get his hands to him. A struggle ensues during which each man strives to secure possess of the revolver. A shot is heard and Craven sinks to the floor.