NELLIE BRAMLEY.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1922, Page 5

NELLIE BRAMLEY.

IN “BOUGHT AND PAID FOR.” That the refreshing experience of being able to enjoy a good play well acted is Appreciated by New Plymouth theatre-goers was demonstrated at the Empire Theatre on Saturday night, when the Nellie Bralnley Dramatic Company thoroughly leased a large audience with the second play of their season, the somewhat "well-known “Bought and Paid For.” Of the story there is little to say beyond that it carries a strong moral, and its telling is through a channel of varied situations which call for clever acting. It has been described as the story of a modern marriage, but one would like to believe that it is not typical of modern marriage. A poor, working girl marries a millionaire, to discover that life is a very gay affair until it is revealed that the husband is not strictly temperate —in fact, that he often comes home in a state which indicates a generous indulgence. Then the trouble begins. The husband reveals a phase of character at once repulsive, and as he refuses to give up his> habit, he goes on amongst his motor cars and wine and she goes back to work. He thought lie “bought and paid for” her. but the girl shows that the finer instincts of womanhood do not allow things to be seen in that light. Somewhat melodramatic in parts, often rather an unpleasant theme —but it is all patched up, and gives plenty of scope for artistic work by the actors, which, after all, is the main thing. Let it be said at once that Miss Bramley is a very clever actress. As the wife of the millionaire she was splendid. Varying moods she portrayed with a skill that was highly artistic; as a dainty 4vife living in luxury she was fascinating; as an enraged woman she was formidable and splendid; and as a poor working girl who had “dropped a lot” she was just as thoroughly miserable and ill-looking as the part demanded. Miss Bramley is extremely versatile, and her performance on Saturday night was responsible for making the story very real. Mr. Guy Hastings, the millionaire, was a man of moods, and a man of moods is a difficult character to interpret. There wtts nothing lacking in the careful work of Mr. Hastings to make the role a convincing one, and with Miss Bramley he shares the honors of a very clever performance. Mr. George Hewlett* and Miss Ethel Bash ford were vitallv concerned in the tragic marriage in the characters of sister-in-law and brother-in-law of the millionaire, for on tihe success or otherwise of the marriage depended their prosperity. Their parts gave scope for a lighter side of acting, and their performances were of distinct merit, each displaying plenty of ability. Minor parts were well filled by Mr. William McGowan and Miss Biddy Hawthorne. To-night “Sunday” will be presented, and the success, of the first two plays given by this company should ensure a good house.