ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1922, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE PEOPLE’S. WILLIAM FARNUM IN “LES MISERABLES.” William Farnum, the popular character actor, will be seen to-night and to-morrow at the People’s in a stupendous screen production of Victor Hugo’s immortal story, “Les Miserables.” This picture is well termed “stupendous,” as it is the only real screening of the remarkable story of the conflict of man with humanity and human ity’s half-barbarous laws. In the character of Jean Valjear, William Farnum gives a portrayal that leaves one believing he has walked out of the book. The hard side of the man is shown in all his revengeful feeling against the world that caused him to serve 19 years’ hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving relatives; and the softer side, when he, having changed his names and become wealthy, is lending a helping hand to everyone around him. Then, too, the wonderful spirit that makes him renounce the few joys he has had in life is shown in remarkable bits of acting by this master artist. The picture will prove a rare treat to everyone who has read the book. Th ; s big special feature is being screened at the usual prices of admission.

EVERYBODY’S. “HAIL THE WOMAN.” A drama in praise of modern womanhood is “Hail the Woman,” which was shown for the first time at Everybody’s last night. It is a master drama of the day’s greatest problems—man’s intoleran for woman. One forgets time and place in feeling the tense situations —the ’ utter pathos of the lives of the unfortunate women who have suffered through the bigotry and cruelty of one man. When one has taken into consideration the minute details, the atmosphere of the home, and accepted them as genuine—one must turn to the eloquent acting of Theodore Roberts, who in his portrayal of the bigot, outdoes himself in character interpretation. He is not the humorist here, but a lifelike representative of what he portrays. Florence Vidor lends a spirituality to the role of the misunderstood daughter, Judi h Beresford, who upsets her bigoted father’s philosophy that “men and their sons come first.” She goes out to battle for her ideals, facing life in a great city’s turmoil, and doing her part in woman’s mission, which is to “shelter the flame of life," and to redeem through her devotion and sacrifice the lives of those she loves. Theodore Roberts also gives a wonderful portrayal as the grim and bigoted New’ England parent. “Hail the Woman” screens at a special matinee this afternoon and again for the last time to-night.