DE LUXE THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 112, 14 May 1927, Page 14

DE LUXE THEATRE.

The stein and-ofttimes cruel intolerance of the early. Pilgrim Fathers in America, their hardships arid-their fanatical opposition to all that savoured of pleasure, forms the background for "The Scarlet Letter," one of the most startling and dramatic of screen productions yet seen in, Wellington, which .was shown for the first time last evening at the De Luxe Theatre. To Lillian Gish, one of the screen's most popular actresses, goes chief honour for the success of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic story. She reveals great depth of-feeling in the character she impersonates, that, of Hester Prynne. The story of the girl who loved deeply and with every fibre of her being is as gripping as is the. splendid .manner in which the grim habits and customs of the early days of the Puritans has been reconstructed for the.screen. .. Miss Gish is supported by the splendid acting of Lars Hansou, a Swedish film discovery, who ' takes the difficult role of ,the Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale. the clergyman' lover of the heroine. While the other characters have been just as carefully selected as have the star parts, it is to Miss Gish that one's memory instinctively' turns. She enters into her role with a.spirit which shows her appreciation of the tragic character of the heroine; which is : also one of the most delightful in fiction. She lives the life of the girl who, ivalled in by intolerance, bear's the brand of. shame in order to save the man she loves.'. Two other interesting hlms are included on the pictorial side of the programme^a scenic and a cartoon. Careful attention has been paid to the selection of the music, and Mr. Emauuel Aarons was well received for his rendering of Rachmaninoff's Prelude iv C Sharp Minor and the "Meadow Lark," for which he had to respond to several encores. As a. prologue, to the star feature, Miss Kathleen O'Brien, one of the most accomplished of stage dancers in Wellington, together with twelve of her pupils, provided an ensemble which was a really delighttWay introducing the picture. The orchestra also ,made . its contribution to the general ''scheme of things by playing selections 'from' ' Morickton's "Quaker Girl. Matinees are taking place daily during the screening of "The Scarlet Letter,- and-the programme is repeated each evening,' including to-night.