THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 August 1916, Page 6

THE EMPIRE.

A DARIXG DRAMATIC FEATURE. WORLD FILM SENSATION, ''SHOULD A WOIIAX FORGIVES" Something of that more potent appeal of the picture over the spoken drama, the World Equitable Co. has infused into the powerful society play, ''Should a, Woman Forgive?" which will he screenI'd for the first time to-night at the Empire. There are over a hundred scenes in the play, which is well produced and acted. The story is woven around •lack Holmes, a young business man, happily married, and whose prospects are of tlie rosiest hue, until he is drawn into a, cafe c'hantant by the noise of a quarrel; Here he meets ''La, Belle Rose,'' a dancer,.of whom he becomes enamored. Holmes meets some of her Bohemian associates, and eventually backs a dramatic play in which she is the star attraction. In order to meet the expenses of the production Holmes is compelled to borrow a large sum of money from his wife. She attends the play on the first night, and accidentally discovers who is hacking the show. She writes a letter to the actress, who confronts Holmes with it, and tells him if he loves her that he shall commit suicide with her. He refuses; a quarrel ensues, and the girl is shot. La Belle Rose is carried to a hospital, where she becomes repentant. Holmes attempts to obtain his wife's forgiveness, but she tells him it is too late. The end of the play shows the husband beginning a new career with the ■aim of earning the respect, and probably the old love, of his wife. The play is lavishly produced, and the costuming is an outstanding feature. The supporting programme includes a. brisk Billy Reeves co.mcdy, "Billy's Lucky Bill," the "Topical Budget,"' and "Fashions of the Present Day.'' The plan for reserved seats is at Collier's.