THE EMPIRE

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1916, Page 6

THE EMPIRE

•BOOILES' BABY." A LONDON FILM COMPANY J'EATURE John Strang' Winter's world famous military story, "BooUbs' Baby," will tonight be the supreme attraction of what is described as the best programme ever shown at the Empire Theatre. The military flavor of the fine story and the absolute accuracy of the barrack room atmosphere finds special favor at the present moment. The following is a resume of the plot. Ganor Gilchrist and Helen Grace marry in haste and repent at leisure. He drinks heavily, acts the brute, deserts his young wife, and lives in barracks. Helen, obtains a situation as companion to a lady going abroad. Before leaving she writes a note which she attaches to her baby's clothes, steals into her husband's quarters and leaves the baby on the bed Gilchrist discovers the infant and takes it to Booties' room. Booties adopts the child and calls her Mincn. She b n comes a great favorite with tho whole regiment. Two years later, Mignon is invited with Captain Lucy and Booties to visit Bootle's home. There she meet.- her mother, whose mistress is one of the guests. The child immediately takes a great liking to her mother (although entirely ignorant of the relationship), in consequence of whloh Booties frequently finds himself in the company of both .mother and child, and falls in love with the mother. He propose? Marriage, but Miss Grace says that is impossible. The house party breaks up and Helen says a. sorrowful goodbye to Booties and her daughter. Booties is now preparing for the regimental races, and is favorite for the big race, with Captain Lucy and Gilchrist as his keenest competitors. Mignon wears Booties' colors and is his mascot, Gilchrist is fatally injured and Booties wins. Gilchrist makes a will in favor of his daughter, and expires before giving (he name of the mother. Three months later Booties receives a note from Mission's mother, demanding the child. With heavy heart he takes her to the ,ioM, and is surprised to find "Miys Grace." Matters are soon made clear, and with the mother's consent Booties continues to look after Mignon. The acting of the child is one of the cleverest pieces of juvenile acting that has been seen. Other pictures include "Use of the Parachute in War Time," "The Gaumont Graphic," a smart eartoon comedy, "Mutt and Jeff : n the Trenches," a short drama, i'The Siren," and "The Pearl of the Adriatic," showing some dviichtfnl Venetian scenes. This selection will also be screened tomorrow night. NEXT MONDAY AND ■ TUESDAY, "THE NE'ER-DO-WELL.-' In presenting to patrons of the Empire Theatre next Monday the Selig production "The >.p'cr-Do-We]l." the management oxpre.-scs the belief that it is the finest picture of its kind ever shown in New Zealand. Of all Bex Beach's books this is probably the best known and most popular, and the story is one that lends itself admirably to adaptation for the screen without detracting in anywise from the interest of the book. The Selig Company has never been more successful in producing a picture, and even their portrayal of "The Spoilers," gool as it wa-i, pales into insignificance before this, tlcir latest. Nor have the jrtists ever done better work, and their •characterisations one and all establish beyond question their dramatic ability. That the necessary atmosphere of realism should be imparted the Selig Company journeyed to Panama, where the greater part o: The action of the story takes place, and filmed the scenes under ideal conditions. Thus, apart from its dramatic interest, the picture possesses added interest by reason of the many excellent views of the construction work in progress on the Canal. To know that such universally popular nrtists as Kathlyn Williams, Frank Clary, and Wheelw Oakman appear in the leading parts is to gain some conception as to the worth of the picture. Their acting throughout displays conspicuous ability, and is clean, forceful and e wincing. Throughout its entire length the interest of the story is maintained ant there is never a dull moment The p-or'ution is in every way an admirable one, and should maintain, if not enhance, the reputation of the boo's.