JOAN OF ARC.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16308, 4 September 1918, Page 8

JOAN OF ARC.

WONDER OF WOMANHOOD REVEALED IN MIGHTY SPECTACLE. "JOAN THE WOMAN." In the dark ages when the fate of France hung by a mere thread, a gjrl rose from*the people and saved a nation from obliteration Soldiers .. in the trenches to-day, lighting on French soil to pr'jservt ior themselves and the future what Joan of Arc gave to theui, declare her figure liovors over them on the field of battle; her spirit leads them to detds of greatness. The story of Joan of Arc, with its marvellous lesson of 6olf-sacrifice, valour, courage, and unselfishness is an inspiration for the lives of women and children to-day. The men and boys into whose hands are given the care and protection of the lives of the women of to-day cannot afford to miss the portrayal of the life of the most wonderful woman who ever lived. The old of both sexss will find sweetness and comfort in her company, and the young will bo enobled by hoi' association. Joan of Arc's character still occupies the loftiest place_ possible to human attainment, a ioftier one than has been reached by any other mere mortal. A more child in years, Joan of Arc, ignorant, unlettered, a poor village girl, unknown and without influence, found a great nation lying in chains, helpless ana hopeless under an alien domination, and she laid her hand upon this nation, this corpse, and it followed her. The life of Joan of Arc is the only human history from birth to death which is a matter of sworn testimony, and in the making of the mighty film spectacle, "Joan The Woman," which comes to Crystal Palace next week, the French authorities gave the producer access to a complete record of Joan of Arc's trial in 1431. Throughout the twelve thousand feet of film special effort lias been made to hold to the historical accuracies of the life of Joan of Arc, not only because of the fascinating incident, but also because the ecclesiastical featuro of the story is one, in the correct telling of which there can be no question that Joan was a saint, and that among her persecutors were several who turned the power invested in them to their own personal ends. Particularly was this true of Pierre Cauclion, Bishop of Beauvais, who presided at the Great Trial, and who, after his death in 1442, was excommunicated posthumously by Pope Calixtus IV., and his body exhumed and thrown in the common sewer. Authorities for this last incident are many. Encyclopajdia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, places particular stress on the incident. Nothing more strikingly portrays the lavishnes9 with which Cecil B. Do Mille has produccrf "Joan The Woman'' than mention of the members of tho cast. Goraldine Farrar, noted American prima donna, and one of the greatest actresses that ever lived, is the star, appearing in the role of Joan of Arc. The hero, Eric Trent, i 9 played by Wallace Reid, Hobart Bosworth, as La Hire; Theodore Roberts, as Cauchon; Raymond Hatton, as King Charles VII.; Tully Marshall, as L'Oiseleur; and Charles Clary, as La Tremouille, are but a few of the well-known stars who have prominent parts. "Joan the Woman" is a production of magnitude, and the critics of London, Paris, ana New York are unanimous in declaring that nothing quite so beautiful and artistic has ever been seen on the screen. Notwithstanding the enormous expense necessary to secure "Joan the Woman" for Christehurch, the management of Crystal Palace has decided to keep the prices of admission down to the lowest level that could possibly be expected for an entertainment of such magnitude. "Joan the Woman" is a motion picture grand opera and a magnificent musical score was written for the prod notion by William Furst, the most famous composer of incidental music in America. Picture patrons and music lovers may expect a rare treat next week, as the famous Crystal Palace Orchestra will be in attendance at both matinee and evening performances. "Joan tho Woman" will bo screened twice daily, and any seat in. the theatre can be reserved at The Bristol for the night session without extra charge. box plan opens to-morrow morning. 1