"FROM MANGER TO CROSS."

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1940, 24 December 1913, Page 14

"FROM MANGER TO CROSS."

• Tlio initial presentation in New Zealand of Ivalem's remarkable production, "From Manger to Cross," will bo given at tho, Town Hall to-morrow evening (Christmas Night) instead of on Boxing Day, as advertised on posters, etc., no"v being displayed. A matinee will tako plaeo oil Boxing Day.- It is estimated that £20,000 was expended in producing this film. The first figure in* traduced in the picture is the representation of Mary at the tirao of the Annunciation, quickly followed by that of Joseph. Impressive scenes follow the journey of the two to. manner-cradle, the visit of the Mail to tho home of Herod, the shepherds keepin;; watch over the flocks by night, and tho homage done by shepherds and tho Ytiso Men of tho East, to tho infant King. Tiie flight into TSgypt comes next, tho long, weary journey with' Mary and the tihild riding im ass, and Joseph walking, and tho scones in Kevpt, with the Pyramids and tlio Sphinx are introduced. Jews in the Temple conversing with tho doctors, tho wedding feast at Cana, and other incidents in tlio early lifo of Christ lead up to tho years of His ministry. Use Last Supper and tlio Betrayal are in-: troduced with powerful effeet. Judas] bargaining with tho priests for tho thirty pieces of silver is realistically portrayed. Tho I'assion scones beginning with tho night in the moonlight garden, and culminating lf 'th Calvary, follow tho New Testament account with great faithfulness. Tlio mock trial mid the incident where Pilate washes his hands of the innocent blood are produced in a manner which assists spectators to understand how awful was the tragedy, with its pretence of iaw, 'and tho sanction of a misguided mob. Nearly two hours tiro occupied in tho presentation of "From Manger to Cross." -This work shows nut only tho events ■ and characters of tho sacred records,: but sliows them in tho very places where tiiey occurred. _ _ During tho forthcoming season suitable music will bo rendered on the Town Hall grand organ by Mr. Christian Ucllemann. Included will bo such general gems as Gounod's "Nazareth." "March to Calvary." from "Tho Crucifixion." somo well-known excerpta trom_ Handel's "Messiah," including tlio famous "Halleluiah Chorus"; also, a quartet will reudc-r well-known hymns and carols. Bo* plans for Christmas r.k'ht and the five following nights, also Tor tho Boxing Day matinee aro now open at tho Dresden. Holiday box offico arrangements aro announced in our adyorusiae coluaaib' a