THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1917, Page 7

THE EMPIRE.

"THE DIVINITY OF MOTHERHOOD," MATINEE TO DAY AT 3. • Perhaps at no other time in the history of the world has there boon more need for active propaganda against racial suicide, and it is doubtful if ever there has been devised so powerful a preachment against this as is embodied in thepicture, ''The Divinity of Motherhood," screened for tho first time in New Plymouth at the Empire Theatre last night before a crowded house. Tho fact that the motive of the film is known was proved by the fact, that the auditorium was filled mainly with the fair kcx. Admittedly a delicate subject, it has been handled in a manner that no one can object to, and yet its irrefutable arguments could scarcely be presented to the public in a more artistic manner. In a word, it is the story of a selfishly childless married life, the solfinhness of which is regaled to the young wife in a dream. The dream pictures her as leading a. flighty* childless existence, incompatible " with tho noble ideals of wifehood. With no children to make ilia home lijte a home, the husband strays from the narrow path and there is a divorce. The husband marries again, and this time there is the laughter ot happy children to gladdon the hours of his advancing years, and he mellows gradually in the atmosphere of love. But what of his first wife? With whitened hair and wrinkled face, she faces the future alone —no children's prattle for her, ne loving hands to smooth the careworn brpw. And then in her dream •comes a '.pretty little child, who leads her through the paths of babyland, and ill many a beautiful allegory shows her the only real road to happiness. At length she is hurled into flaming perdition by. an inexorable fate—and then she wakes. Thd picture is studded with many beautiful and charming effectsangels, babies, and happy folk. One can only express the hope that its mission—for it'has one—will be successful in New Zealand.

BILLIE BURKE r? "GLORIA'S ROMANCE." • * Supporting the star was tho first epiBode of the fascinating film novel, "Gloria's Romance," with Billie Burke as Gloria. Tho growth of 'a dainty girl from maidenhood to womanhood is a fascinating period of life's story, and it Is beautifully handled in Mr and Mrs Hughes' film novel, "Gloria's Romance." This ambitious undertaking marks .v new era in the moving picture arena. Billie Burke is absolutely satisfying' in every chapter, and her characterisation of the "flapper" stage of the lovoly Gloria is full of winsomeness and tomboy devilry. She is "up to something" every minute of the time, and the escapade which leads her into such danger in this chapter is a characteristic piece of waywardness. The photography is marvellous. Palm Beach is known a'l over the world as the last thing in seaside luxury, but the wild nature of the swampy and trackless Everglades comes as a surprise. The full programme, including "Divinity of '.Motherhood," "Diana the. Huntress," "Gloria's Romance," and the Pathe Gzette, will be repeated to-night.