"DRINK."

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9600, 21 September 1909, Page 5

"DRINK."

A POWERFUL DRAMATIC STUDY. The complete cinematographic re- ] presentation of a play is quite new to i Masterton. Considerable interest has been manifested for some time past < in the announcement that Messrs T. j E. Taylor and Henry Hayward were I to present here the great picture i drama entitled "Drink," which has i been shown with so much success s throughout the Dominion. The result < was that there was a large attendance at the Town Hall last evening, and the anticipation that the programme was to be an uncommonly good one was fully realised. This class of subject adapts itself to cinematographic purposes, and the many interesting characteristics in the Btory are such that no man or wo- ' man witnessing it is likely to pass it lightly by. In addition tothis the work is outlined arid filled in with a strong touch that robs it of any "preachy-preachy" quality it might be supposed to possess. For over i forty minutes the machine spins out ' the story surrounding the eventful life of "Coupeau" in such a manner that the interest is not allowed td flag. His many terrible experiences are depicted in a lifelike and faithful manner, his happiness with Gervaise, his friendship with Gouget, his temptations and fall through the evil machinations of Virginia, whose dianolical nature is realistically delineated by Mdlle Fontenay, reputed to i be one of the most beautiful women \ of the French stage, to the tragic ; finale when Coupeau succumb 3 to < hii life's enemy. The story is in- : tensely dramatic, and interpreted in so skilful a manner by high-class actors and actresses, that it needs no dialogue to 'make its mission thoroughly understandable to all. The second half of the programme was taken up with the presentation of a collection of films that were , remarkable for their refreshing yanat.y of subjscts. The machine was regulated m a clever artistic manner right though, and the audience were treated to a most diverting series of pictures of a highly attractive nature. The humourous studies prubably elicited the greatest appreciation, the adventures of ! "Jimmy as a Stove Fitter" causing ; the audience to convulse with merriment, particularly in the last act. The "Non Stop Motor" before it finally drew to a standstill against a brick wall, bristled with amusing incidents, as the various .collisions with all and sundry were recorded on the screen. Ono of the best scenic studies was that of Strasberg with its beautiful gardens and waters and other interesting views. Scenes on the Mediterranean were remarkable for the sunset effect 3, which were of a most artistic nature. In the dramatic studies the "Flower-girl at Ixmas" ii a beautiful and pathetic study, , and the introduction of the angel in the final scene by means of the "dissolving effect" is clever. Other pictures worthy of special mention wera "Love and Duty," "Saturday | of Rest,'-' and "Thief Through Despair." ■ C TO-NIGHT. 3 This evening "Drink" will be J again presented, and in the second half there will be an entire change ot 4 new, interesting and amusing studies.