THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 December 1916, Page 6

THE EMPIRE.

A WONDERFUL LADIES' PICTURE. NORMA TALMADGE IN " MARTHA'S VINDICATION. A picture with- a magnificent theme showing tlie depths of a good woman's character, was the principle attraction at the Bmpirc last evening. Entitled "Martha's Vindication," the picture shows two devoted girl friends, Dorothea, threatened with disgrace owing to the accidental death of her lover, and Maatha, Avho sacrifices herself to save her friend. Miss Norma Talmadge plays the part of Martha, and it is in this role that she has attracted worldwide attention by her portrayal of the girl who accepts the burden of another's

sin. The reason doubtless is that Miss Tahnadge has a face that is most effective in the delineations of the softer .emotions, and the lines ot her face seem naturally to portray sympathy and affection. Certain it is that n< picture has proved more popular with lad}' pic-ture-goers than this excellent example of the high-class producers' art, and the success of the film is in no small measure due to the manner in which the part of Martha is portrayed. There are n number of good supporting films in addition trt'the feature attraction. The full programme will be repeated again to-night and at the matinee and night sessions to-morrow'.