"THE DIVINE SARAH."

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1917, Page 5

"THE DIVINE SARAH."

BOWS TO NEW PLYMOUTH AUDIENCE. With the enterprise always characteristic pf the management, one of tho most unique and powerful dramatic films iffer screened was secured for Everybody's, and a large audience of New Plymouth picture lovers had the privilege of teeing and appreciating it last night. The picture is unique, because the leading character is portrayed by the incomparable tragic actress, Sarah Bernhardt, whose fame has been worldwide for many years, and the story is one that affords her every opportunity for the display of that quiet but effeotive intensity and restrained emotional power which bespeaks the truly great artist. In the role of .Teanne Dore, a noble woman whose whole life is devoted to one of self sacrifice, first for husband and then for son, Madame Bernhardt had magnificent scope for her marvellous talent, and judging by the picturisation, shown for the first time here last evening, the demands upon her powers w.Sro, in the original dramatic representation itself, fully and adequately met. In the film reproduction the play lias lost non« »f its spectacular effect, and only lacks the interest that must have been imparted by the spoken word of the tragedienne. But even this additional effect was scarcely missed last night, because of the extreme mobility of her features and the expressiveness of every mbve and gesture, so that the pudienee followed the pathetic story throughout each of its six parts with close and absorbed attention. The plot m"Ay be briefly outlined, although to fully appreciate its strength anil development the picture must be personally seen. A liappy wife aud mother, beloved by both husband ftri<U son, has her life shattered and is compelled to face ruin through the weakness and folly first of one and then ot the other. The liueliand is an inveterate gambler, and eventually in a fit of mad remorse commits suicide. The widow Is left penniless, and by a hard struggle manages to keep herself aud darling boy from absoluto want. When' tho boy grows up into manhood he, in turn, brings, disaster and disgrace upon her. becomes entangled With a, worthless-wo-man, and, on the refusal of a miserly uncle to supply funds to meet ttie woman's needs, becomes violently enraged, and in a struggle kills the old man. He is shielded and' protected by liis mother for a time, but eventually iB aTrested and brought to justice, the maternal love, devotion, and self-abnegation following even to the guillotine. Thia is but a rough and incomplete, sketch of' the story, and those who desire to become acquainted with it in all its thrilling aiuj vivid power may do so at Everybody's to-night, when the performance will be repeated for the last time.

The supporting programme consists of many varied items of interest, topical, scenic, and amusing, whtoti are also ccKtain to find high public favor.