EMPRESS THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 142, 16 June 1923, Page 9

EMPRESS THEATRE.

Richard Barthelmess, one of the most popular of juvenile "leads," is starred' in " The Bond Boy," a fascinating screen drama which was released at the Empress Theatre yesterday for the first time. It is a stirring, wEolesome story, dealing with the " bonding " of lads as labourers until they attain majority. Joe Newbolt, son of a widow, is oppressed by Isom Chase, the tyrannical husband of a charming wife. The boy is bound over to the master, and in the household of the tyrant he meets wrffi many adventures, and frustrates the wife's elopement with a wastrel; is condemned on circumstantial evidence for murder; undergoes tortures of mind in a prison cell (a really wonderful piece of acting on the part of Barthelmess); flees prison, and is chased by bloodhounds until he reaches safety in the house of his former master, where complete exoneration is offered through the wife's disclosure. j\& the " bond boy " Barthelmess does some powerful acting, and at once gains sympathy for Joe Newbolt and his hard lot in life. There is a fragrant lovo etory too, and the telling provides an enchanting romance. The country scenes are refreshing. In the cast are Mary Alden, Mary Thurman, Charles 'Hill Mailes, Lawrence D'Orsay, and Virginia Magee. A mermaid comedy, " Step This Way," topical and educational pictures, and selections by the 'Empress Orchestra under Mr. M. Dixou, including tiha popular " Georgette," with variations, complete an admirable bill.