"A DAUGHTER OF THE GODS."

Taranaki Daily News, 9 January 1918, Page 8

"A DAUGHTER OF THE GODS."

DELIGHTS A PACKED HOUSE. Patrons of the m'oving picture entertainments are used nowadays to sensationalism, so that it needs something extraordinary to create enthusiasm and stir the emotions. William Fox, however, has succeeded beyond measure in his production of "A Daughter of the Gods," which was screened at Everybody's last night. The film has been described as a "million-dollar production," but the phrase does not convey any adequate impression of the merit of the pictures, or the stupendous undertaking of its.production. The conception of the film is so natural that one could well imagine having entered some hitherto unknown country of the East, and there secured the representations of its romantic history. The story has all the essential features of a fairy tale, but there are woven into it charming incidents in which human beings participate; and the two characteristics are so blended as to be of continuous and aW sorbing interest. The central figure m the production is Annette Kellcrmami, who plays the title role, and, on account, of her natural beauty and prowess, she simply carries all before her. The varying scenes are a galaxy of Oriental splendor, and everywhere there are thrilling and pathetic adventures of Anita, cleverly portrayed by Miss Kellermann. The story proceeds to show that after being taken a captive in the desert Anita is sent to a slave market, from which she is taken to the Sultan's harem. For. refusing to accept his attentions she is thrown to the crocodiles, but by the interception of a good fairy the crocodiles are turned into swans. Anita is next precipitated into a swirling torrent of water, when, although bound, she gives a remarkable display of swimming, ultimately succeeding in reaching the sea. In a second attempt to escape from the Sultan she dives from a tower 100 feet high into an angry sea. She succeeds in escaping the slaves of the Sultan, who pursue her, and in the seclusion of the forest gives further displays of her swimming abilities. A fairy touch then turns the forest people into a band of warriors, who, with Anita for their leader, go to the rescue of her lover, and make war on the Sultan. The figlit and the burning of the city are The final scene shows the bodies of Anita wonderful and spectacular portrayals, and her lover being committed to the deep, where they are re-converted into mermaids. This section of the film is wonderfully impressive, and makes a fitting conclusion to a story of enrapturing interest. The photography throughout is of a high order, whilst the staging effects and costuming are simply gorgeous. The incidental music has been specially arranged, and adds greatly to the enjoyment of the entertainment. The picture drew a large audience last night, the theatre being packed. Tnere will be a matinee at 2.30 this afternoon, the final screening taking place to night.