EMPRESS THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 48, 25 August 1923, Page 9

EMPRESS THEATRE.

A play in two. periods with an effective contrast of the Victorian days of fifty years ago and modern times is, "Smilin'. Through," screened for the first time at the Empress Theatre yes-* terday. * The star in the piece is Norma Talmadge, who. appears in the: opening scenes as the beautiful Mory-: een, who is tragically killed at the altar: by a former Suitor. In the, later'period she reappears as Kathleen, Moryeen's' niece, and her. role gives her opportunities for the full display of her dramatic artistry. The essence of-the story is the love of Kathleen: for the'son of Jeremiah Waynes, the murderer of her aunt. Torn between affection for her uncle, whose bitter memories are roused' by the relationship, and her love for the youth, she keeps smiling until the moment of reconciliation arrives. Harrison Ford has also a double part as' the unworthy Jeremiah, and later as his sou Kenneth, and he fulfils the:, role with distinction. The remaining characters are adequately presented by a notable, cast. The vocal selections, "I Have a Little Cottage" and ' "Smilin' Through," specially written for: the piece by Mr. W. E. Crewes, were decidedly pleasing. The Empress Symphonic Orchestra contributed an excellent programme of incidental music.