PHOTO-PLAYS

Evening Star, Issue 17597, 28 February 1921, Page 4

PHOTO-PLAYS

OCTAGON. Crowded houses at the Octagon on Saturday witness the screenings of ‘ The Heart of Humanity,’ the present headliner, and all were convinced (hat it is a notable achievement in film production. It was produced by the Universal Jewel Company, and no expense was spared to make it the success it undoubtedly is. Many war scenes in France are depicted, showing in detail the horrors of battle. The film is over B,oooft in length, and its screening occupies more than two hours, Dorothy Phillipps lakes the part of Nanette, the heroine, and .Margaret Mann that of the mother who sends her five sons off to the war, only one returning. The story is intensely dramatic throughout, sensations being numerous. 'lho Octagon Symphony Orchestra, under the capable leadership of Mr Robert Caulton, supplies the accompanying music in a finished manner. O’BRIEN’S EMPIRE. The current programme is headed by an English production, entitled ‘A Sinless Sinner,’ starring the popular actress Mario Doro. The story is powerful and most unusual. The heroine is a girl who is subject to a sub-conscious control, and gets into dangerous predicaments while under the influence of her other self. The production was directed by the great American producer Herbert Breuon, who has made the most of many beautiful settings in the old English countryside. _ The Empire Orchestra supplies appropriate music, and Norman West is heard in popular songs. GRAND AND PLAZA. William Fanunn, the popular portrayer of Western roles, is appearing very successfully at the Grand and Plaza in 1 The Orphan', 1 which is easily one of his best vehicles. As a victim of circumstances Farnum has a role that is eminently suited to his style of acting, and he makes (he most of the opportunities provided by the story for dramatic acting. The supports are good. QUEEN'S. ‘The World and His Wife’ is the big picture at the Queen’s. It is noted chiefly for the picturesque settings in which it is played. Spain forms the background for this tragic story of the ruin of three lives by scandal. Alma Rubens enacts the chief role in an accomplished manner, and she receives splendid support from a speciallyselected cast. A comedy is among the supports. EVERYBODY’S. Eugene O’Brien is the star in 1 The Figurehead,’ a good political picture now showing at this house. He is seen ns a candidate for election to the American Senate, who, in spite of his reputation for laziness, smartens up and is returned. Other good pictures are shown in support. KING EDWARD. ‘ Haunting Shadows,’ featuring IT. B. Warner, is the main item at the King Edward. It is a good picture from Meredith Nicholson's novel ‘The House of a Thousand Candles.’ A comedy and a gazette arc also screened. Hie King's programme includes Eugene O’Brien in ‘ The Broken Melody,’ and the first episode of ‘ The Moonridcrs ’ serial.