EMPRESS THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 28, 2 August 1923, Page 5

EMPRESS THEATRE.

To-day will •be the final opportunity of witnessing "Oliver Twist," a picturisation of the greiit novel by Charles Dickens, which is now showing at'the Empress Theatre. It is a faithful reproduction in every way, and Jackie Coogan shows real dramatic talent, apart from any comedy qualities, in the role of Oliver Twist, whose adventures have been read and re-read by thousands the world [over. His tuition as a pickpocket under j'Fagin's guidance, his kidnapping from the care of his benefactor by Bill Sikss and tho Artful Dodger; his protection by and of Nancy; the killing of Nancy by Bill Sikes, and tho meting of justice to. the criminals—all is told in a setting and with the exact manners of the period. There is pathos and humour, as well as grim tragedy. In addition to the usual supports there is a novel and original prologue arranged by Miss Lucy Sullivan, and the principal artists in elude Billie Murphy, Irene Wilson, and Una Smith. " MIGHTY LAX' A ROSE." Edwin Carewej it is said, reaches great emotional heights in "Mighty Lnk' a Rose." which is the star attraction at the Empress Theatre to-morrow. The story has as its theme the redeeming virtues of music and its power to sway the lives of people, but back of this is still a deeper thought. Simply, the tale tells of Rose Duncan, a beautiful blind girl, whom fate throws in the hands of " Bull " Morgan, leaVr of a gang of thieves. He proposes to use her as a foil in his crooked dealings. Jimmie Harrison, a young member of "Bull's" clique, falls in love with Rase, and through her gentle nature and her music begins to realise the futility of th e life h e is leading. Bull's other companions do not so soon come under the spell of her influence, and it is in a fight between Jimmie and the hard-fisted boss of the gang that Rose is injured. This brings to all of them an awakening and a resolve to go straight. _ This is accomplished, but a final sacrifice is made by them to secure sufficient money for an operation on Rose's eyes. In this final theft Jimmie, is caught by the police and sentenced to I prison, and the girl for wham he made thp sacrifice is led.to believe him dead. Years pass, while Rose, with sight regained, pursues a musical career with the aid of a wealthy man who had fallen in love with her. The hour-of her triumph comes on the day when Jimmie is released from prison, and it is the sound of the song, " Mighty Lnk' a Rose," that makes him pause at the stage dcor to listen, and. brings the two together again. Dorothy Mackaill j as Rose Duncan is a splendid ■ choice for the blind violinist. Her frail beauty, golden hair, and wistfulness give to the character an almost spiritual appeal. James Rennie as Jimmie in this characterisation is said to place himself among, the foremost leading men on the screen.