EMPRESS THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 50, 3 March 1928, Page 7

EMPRESS THEATRE.

One conclusion drawn from historical revelations is that good women have nover made history; Tho love tales of Cleopatra, of other ladles of different periods are Interesting, but none perhaps so Intriguing as those of Manon Lescaut. The Empress Theatre submits tho Louis XV. talo in settings that are remarkable for their accuracy, and tho superb acting of John Barrymoro as Fablen, Chevalier dcs Crleux, and of Dolores Costollo, as the famous Manon. On her way to convent In the company of her brothor, Manon, then a simple girl in simple garb, is rescued from tho clutches of the old roue, do Morfontalne, by tho Chevalier, himself on his way to pursno religious studies. Their Innocent flight to Paris develops Into a romance. In a poor room the Chevalier and Manon learn love, and are Intense in their happiness until a Menji of her lover appears, appealing'to her to release him from bondage so that he may fulfil his destiny. ner brother's arrival coincides with the appeal, and Manon leaves, but. her note to Fabien Is deliberately distorted by her brother. Fablen's grl,cf is terrible, but he finds solace In tho church. Manon's name has bqcome, famous;, she is the' Idol of society, of the gambling dens, and Fablen realises that do Morfontalne has wonr through : wealth. His meeting with Manon under the glittering chandeliers of tho gambling room is one of the -tensest moments in a drama crowded with such moments. Manon's awakening to Fabien's worth loads her to plead with the Chevalier In the gardon of his church, and she wins forgiveness. Fablen forsakes the church, lives publicly with Manon, and has to resort to card cheating to make enough monoy for nor expensing tastes. fle Is pitted against tho King himself ono evening In tho home of the Due do Richelieu, Manon the prize. The King wins by choatlng, and Fablen has to fight for his life with the sword. In revenge for insult lie Morfontaine has Manon deported as a public character, and Fablen, after a visit to thd police, follows to tho convict ship bound for Louisiana, and is cast into tho hell-hold. Ho Incites tho other men to mutiny, they break loose, and tho ship's crow is overpowered. Manon and Fablon escape and reach land fend happiness. Tho proRrnmmo Includes also comody, an Irish-Jewish feud, a gazette, and tuneful orchestral Items.