BRIGADIER GERARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1916, Page 7

BRIGADIER GERARD.

A SPLENDID IPICTUKE PLAY. 1 An indefinable halo of charm is goner ■ ally associated with Napoleonic romances, and this applies to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's noted story ''Brigadier Gerard," which is superbly treated by Bakers in tiieir photo-play adaptation, constituting the "star" attraction of the change presented at the Empire Picture Palace last evening. The late Mr. Lewis Waller, one of England's most popular actors, and Miss Madge Tithcradgc, another performer of indisputable talent, interpret the leading roles which they so artistically accomplished in the original stage production witnessed in Australia a few years ago. Mr. Waller plays most artistically the part of the swaggering dashing cavalry officer, while Miss Titheradge is exquisitely natural and graceful as the beautiful Countess de Eocquelaire. The adaptation for picture purposes has been of a liberal nature, but the romance is none the less irresistible. Napoleon, according to the plot, is disconcerted on learning that his former friend and adviser Talleyrand has treacherously turned his enemy, and it becomes imperative that an important package of papers which were left in Paris by the Emperor be 'recovered. Gerard's exploits had gained for him a reputation of reckless bravery, so he is entrusted by Napoleon to go to Paris to the Countess, de Eocquelaire, who knows where the documents are hidden and to bring the papers back with him. Talleyrand's spies serve him well, so that he soon becomes acquainted with the nature of Gerard'3 mission. The Countess secures the papers, but Talleyrand, by a daring ruse seizes them. When Gerard arrives at the Countess's mansion he recognises her as a lady he had rescued from a street mob some time previously. The Countess also remembers lier hero, and discovers that she is in love with him. Gerard, being acquainted of Talleyrand's chicanery, sets about to outwit him. The old statesman is aware of the cavalryman's intention, and cunningly entraps him. By a stroke of good fortune the Countess is able to set free the discomforted Gerard. They both surprise Talleyrand, and after being securely bound and gagged he is locked in a cabinet which the old diplomatist had previously ordered to be sent back to Napoleon as a rejected present from the Emperor. Gerard seizes Talleyrand's cloak to' disguise himself, and with the Countess makes his escape. They ar# pursued, but elude their wouldbe captors. Minus the much dosireS papers Gerard appears before Napoleon, who he believes will forgive him when he finds his arch-enemy, Talleyrand, delivered into his hands. The cabinet, however, arrives empty, and the Emperor is furiously' angry with Gerard. But the situation is saved by the discovery of the precious documents in the pocket ' of Talleyrand's cloak, which Gerard has brought with him. Napoleon then pro- ' motes Gerard to the rank of brigadier, ' and sanctions his marriage with the 1 Countess. A splendid series of support- • ing films include "Pathe Gazette," "Cul- ' ture and Kultur in Belgium" (industrial and war study), and "A Mix-up in ' Black" (Edison comedy).) The orches--1 tra, as usual, gave u pleasurable pro- ' gramme. The.same programme will be 1 Anally screened to-night.