MARY PICKFORD IN 'MADAME BUTTERFLY'

Evening Star, Issue 16197, 19 August 1916, Page 2

MARY PICKFORD IN 'MADAME BUTTERFLY'

The picture which will he screened at the Kind's 'theatre to-night, featuring Mary Pickford in ' Madams Butterfly,' is that brilliant, artist's latest and said to be her greatest triumph. It has never before been shown in New Zealand, and Dunediu picture patrons will have the opportunity of atpiu renewing acquaintance with this popular actress in a gorgeous exposition of dramatic art. Mary Pickford, as <lia little Japaaieee maiden" Cho-Cho-San, lias been wed to Lieutenant Pinkerton, an American naval officer. Two months after the wedding Pinkerton sails away, promising his wife—Madame Butter-fly, as he calls her—to return when " the robins nesi ajain." .To the officer the marriage has been but a jeve affair of the moment, to be forgotten with his departure, but to Madame Butttrflv it was a real and lasting compact. After two years tho American Consul calls to toll her that Pinkerton, whose ship is due to arrive eoon, has taken?''an American • wife. The ingenuous faith of Madame Butterfly so touches hini that he cannot pea-form his task. Bui Cho-Cho-San learns that the ship is due, and joyfully makes the home ready for its lord and master. Night comes, and the lamps aro lit. The servant and the baby fall asleep, but Madame Butterfly continues her vigil, while the lights, like her hopes, die out, and only one remains when morning comes. Then she goes to her bedroom, and Pinkerton and the Consul enter. As Madame Butterfly returns to tlie room with her baby the lieutenant is overcome with pity, and withdraws unobserved. Tho Consul then tells her the sad truth, and hands her money given to him for her by her husband. The girl ginks griefstricken to the floor. Pinkorton's Ameri can wife enters and tries to comfort her, but Madame Butterfly gives her the lieutenant's money, bidding her return later. Then, drawing tho curtains, she prepares for suicide. She has taken the sword of hei> father front the vail, and is about'to plunge it into her breast when her baby toddles over to her. Lest the child should eee,_ she blindfolds its eyes and returns lit-hind the curtain. Then Madame Butterfly staggers forth, clasping her child to her breast, as Pinkerton enters and embraces the dying girl whose face is illuminated with infinite happiness. An attraction is added to the picture by the orchestra, \sho will play tho beautiful Japanese selections.