THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1916, Page 6

THE EMPIRE.

UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS OF REX BEACH'S NOVEL. "THE NE'ER-DO-WELL." The Selig Company's nine-reel photoplay adaptation of Rex Beach's successful novel, "The Nc'er-Do-Well," was presented for the first time at the Empire Insr. night. The audience fjlled the theatre in every part, and there was evidence that the .picture made an ext ninety favorable impression. The chief characters are profoundly human, and receive capable treatment by Miss Kathtyn V, iilinins as the warm-blooded, passionate Mrs. Cortlandt, and Wheeler Oakman as l'.irk Anthony, the likeable young man, an only son of a millionaire railway magnate, who, handicapped by an excess of money and exuberance of spirit, is a ciwtant source of anxiety to an indulged parent. Kirk's escapades eventually p'ace him on board a liner bound to Panama Canal, penniless, dazed through drink, and friendless. His plight is observed by Mrs. Cortlandt, the beautiful young wife of an elderly Ultiied States diplomatic official, who is accompanying her husband to the Canal ;"iie. Kirk is befriended by Mrs. Cortlandt. who is awakened out of a loveie.is existenet by the handsome young stranger. Under the guidance, political influrr.ee, and encouragement of Mrs. Cortlandt Kirk "makes good" in the Panama zone, although his latest prank ha:? resulted in his father disowning him. The fact that his wife and Kirk arc- constantly in each other's company arouses Cortlandt's jealousy. Kirk, however, has fallen in love with a dazzling Spanish beauty. Chiquita, daughter of a leading politician. His love is reciprocated, and the young couple are secretly married. Mrs. Cortlandt has become jealous of Chiquita anl threatens that she will "break" Kirk. Cortlandt, Ultimately, accuses Kirk of stealing his wife's affections, at a banquet, and a ".•cone" ensues. Kirk vows to kill Cortlandt unless he retract 3. The latter writes a letter to his wife indicating his intention of committing suicide, and then shoots himself. Kirk is arrested on a charge of murder. The millionaire lianis of his son's plight, comes to his rescue, and although her heart is at first steeled with bitterness, Mrs. Cortlur.dt finally produces his dead husband's letter than establishes Kirk's innocence. Kirk, his young Spanish oride, and the iri'l'onaire form a concluding tableau. The screening of the film occupies the entire programme. To-night will be the la--t evening that "The Ne'er-Do-Well" can be screened in New Plymouth, BUTTERFLY.'? MARY PICKFORD AS CHO CHO SAN. Madame Butterfly, the exquisite photoopera, which had such a great reception thrniighout Australia, is to be screened at the Empire to-morrow for the first time with Mary Pickford in the role of Cho Cho San. "Madame Butterly" was written about twenty years ago, and first gained the attention and admiration of the theatrical world when David Ee'a'.co produced it with Blanche Bates in the leading role, in which she scored one of the greatest successes of her career. In 1901 Puccini, charmed by the infinite pathos of the tale, wove about it an exquisite musical setting. Now it ha a been immortalised upon .the screen as a Paramount picture. It is fitting that Mary Pickford should be chosen to appear in "Madame Butterfly," which is the first work of an American author to bo made the basis* of a grand opera. Coincidentally it is Mary's first Oriental role. For the exquisite Japanese settings of this pathetic tale Sid Olcott, under whose direction it is being produced, obtained the exclusive use of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in the United States. That no detail of costume or nai've usage might be overlooked, one of the most dependable authorities on Jiparese matters —a member of the New York Nipponese colony—was especially engaged to superintend the buying of costumes and the acquisition of all properties used. As Cho Cho San Miss Mary Pickford has a part that should be admirably suited to her. peculiar ability and chars?. It is safe to say that of those screen actresses Australian picturegjers are familiar with, not one is better fitted for the successful portrayal of the pathetic little Japanese wife than is dr.inty Mary Pickford.