PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Star, Issue 16224, 20 September 1916, Page 6

PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS

'THE BIRTH OF A NATION.' The masterpiece moving picture ' The Birth of a Nation' will be presented at His Majesty's Theatre for a season of six nights, commencing this evening. The firm of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., have left no effort unturned to make the presentation a memorable one. The picture is described as being at once educative and historic, and deals in a most thrilling and realistic manner with the stirring events of the American Civil War and the sanguinary battles that were fought to unite and solidify the nation and for ever free it from the curse of colored slavery. The opening scenes will show the growth of the nation from the petty and parochial jealousies engendered by sovereign States into the saner national spirit which was fanned into flame by Daniel Webster's immortal words : "Liberty and union, one and inseparable, now and for ever." The divided interests gave rise to bitter jealousies, and ultimately the war clouds burst, and families in which had hitherto dwelt peace and sweet accord were rudely rent asunder, and horrible war spread death and desolation all round. One of the most sensational incidents will be that showing a raid on a Southern town. The historic scene of the surrender of General Lee to the veteran General Grant at the courthouse at Appomattox on April 9, 1865, will also be depicted. The last great tragedy of the war, the assassination of President Lincoln in Ford's Theatre, is described as most dramatic in its realism. The second half will be devoted to the doings of the Klu Klnx Klan, a force organised by the whites for the protection of their women folk, who indulge in many a thrilling fight in their struggle for liberty, until (after many bitter experiences) the faith and steadfastness of the noble-hearted martyr President find a reward in the unity of a people and "The Birth of a Nation.' The incidental music is specially selected, and serves to emphasise the dramatic effect produced by the many thrilling episodes. On Saturday next will be given the only matinee of the season, when children will be admitted at half price. 'THE SECRET SIN.' tlie opium question seriously, and drastic legislation has wiped the habit practically oufc of existence as far as Europeans are concerned. But America, it appears, is just waking up to the seriousness of this vice, and two or three films built upon it have been released lately. The last i« the Famous Players picture ' TV ?---<-n-' Sin/ which iv*o hr £,;ir>-uea at Everybody s I heatre to-morrow. The story 'is said to be a strong one, and the incidents dramatic and interesting. The film depicts lifo and scenes in Chinatown, New lork. The pictures were taken 'in the actual c-jiitres of that area, The picture :s m five acts, and features Blanche Swcote, with Sessue Hayakaw, the Japanese Irving, who was so prominent in ' The Cheat.' The supporting pictures are said to be very fine, so that a programme strong in all points will bo presented to patrons of Everybody's. 'THE NE'ER DO WELL.' 'The Ne'er Do Well' is said to be a remarkable adaptation of Rex Beach's robust, inspiring, am l thrilling tale, set tor the most part in Panama, at the time oi the building of the big ca.nal. In this work the Selig Company have created their greatest picture, both in point of len<-th and strength, sparing no expense to attain * that made Beach's story live. Rex Beach himself supervised much of the Mm, and selected the. localities, while Kathlyn Williams, Wheeler Oakman, l'rank Clarke, and the other artists have done their greatest work for the screen. Ihe 'Sydney Sun,' in its criticism of this picture, which will be screened at the Octagon Theatre on Monday next, said : _ Every foot of the nine reels is interesting, and in these days anything that holds one past five reels must be groat. The story is the diary transcript of an irresponsible but likeable voung male animal of good nature and heavy eox punch Ho is nowhere powdered up for a hero nor black-bordered as a villain. Neither are the antics of Mrs Cortlandt, a, r.rc-ttv woman, palliated in the usual iini-h----manner of 'moral' pictures. We have never seen a more adroit, more finished or ?'?.Y, e . 1 ' 01 ' characterisation than KathJvn Williams* Mrs Cortlandt. As a Jul, reposeful study, so faultless in deportment that no censor can reasonably delate a foot of her-as a study completely within every bound of decorum—this picture 'is more than photography; it is somethin.-r that be depended on for perpetuity m the Louvre of creative accomplish-

'The Curse of a Nation' is the chief attraction at the Grand. 'Seven Sisters' is proving a popular film both at The Octagon ami Kh,/Ed ward. °