THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1916, Page 6

THE EMPIRE.

BEAUTIFUL VIOLA DANA APPEARS IN "THE INNOCENCE OF RUTH."

CHARLIE CHAPLIN IN A WHIRL' WIND COMEDY.

The chief attraction at the Empire today is a fine series entitled "The Innocence of Ruth." These portray the experiences of a young and beautiful girl whose innocence leads her into many dangerous situations, and causes her youthful guardian many anxious moments. Miss Viola Dana, as Ruth, is superb, and her chief support, Edward Earle, is a finished screen performer. There are some thrilling scenes in the play, which is enlivened by some lighter incidents. A vaudeville scene is introduced, and provides Miss Dana a good opportunity for some excellent acting. A powerful scene is that in which Ruth is lured into the den of » would-be betrayer. Her guardian appears in time to save her, but is felled by the villain, who, however, meets just retribution later on. Miss Dana's characterisation of Ruth is a fine piece of work. The play of her features alone is a work of art. As the innocent girl, destitute of suspicion, and the disillusioned woman, she is alike convincing, and the touch of the coquette in her final scene with her guardian reveals a versatility as great as her natural girl for dramatie expression. The picture is produces by the Edison Co. in its best style. The big drama is supported by a Charlie Chaplin comedy, 2000 ft. in length, described a? a versatile whirlwind of fun. These two pictures will be screened at the matinee and night sessions. i