THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1916, Page 6

THE EMPIRE.

'A WONDERFULLY SUCCESSFUL j , ■ i WORLD FILM. THE ACTRESS AND THE MINISTER, ''Tlic Labyrinth" (a. play representative of tlie stage ''behind the scenes"), with Gail Kane in the leading part, registered the greatest success of all the World Equitable Films at the Empire last night. The acting is excellent, the local color abundantly supplied, whilst the splendid photography, the remarkable realism, and the simple, strong, coherent story, stamp the picture as one 0- tlie finest productions yet shown. The audience is thrown from one sensation to another in quick succession, and the connecting link is never obscure. The scenes in the theatre, in the dressingrooms, in the drawing-room of the "star," and dozens of other scenes are decidedly pleasing. The story is that of Florence Burgess, whose stage name is Flo Burke. ■She is a music-hall singei, and is engaged singing at a cafe, when an important theatrical manager happens to see her. He engages her for a small part, but an actress who is with her takes Florence to a lawyer and here the contracts are changed. The manager signs the wrong contract, and Florence is thereby made a "star" instead of being given a small part. Robert Fenton, a minister, is instrumental in closing these cafes. He distinctly detest anything concerning the theatre, but Fate contrives that he shall meet and fall in love with "Flo Burke." Florence tells him she is "Flo Burke's" sister. A railway accident kills the sister, and Florence marries the minister. The theatrical manager discovers the deception and threatens to tell her husband. The Rev. Fenton, however, knows of the deception, and forgives the deceiver. The theatrical -manager meets with an untimely end, and the play ultimately arrives at a happy conclusion. The picture is nearly five thousand feet long and never loses its interest. Mr. 'Edward Rosemen, as the theatrical manager, gives a striking performance, while Gail Kane is superb. The rest of the programme is made up of the Topical Budget, a very interesting number, and a funny Lubin farce, "Love and Bullets." It is a programme that should not be missed by picture lovers.