ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 4406, 25 November 1916, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE BIRTH OF A NATION.” “The Birth of a Nation,” the most stupendous and fascinating motion picture drama created, will bo produced under tile J. C. Williamson management at the Opera House at 2.30 to-day and at 8 sharp again this evening. It is an adaptation of the world-famed novel “The Clansman,” and is placed by Mr. Hugh J. Ward with the greatest enterprises this firm has presented to the public. “Periodically,” he said, “we offer to the public Borao attraction in which we take special pride. Looking back over the records of the firm, you will see such outstanding offerings as Sarah Bernhardt, 11. B. Irving, Oscar Asclie and Melba to mention just a few. With those place “The Birth of a Nation.” We are as proud of being the firm that introduced ‘The Birth of a Nation’ to Australia and New Zealand as we are of anything in the record of the J. C. Williamson management.” In his novel, “The Clansman,” the Rev. Thomas Dixon had made a fervid defence of his people from the harsh judgments and condemnations of unsympathetic historians. With this book as a foundation, David W. Griffith built up a. structure scope and of heroic proportions. “The Birth of a Nation” is a chronicle of human passion. It is true to fact and thoroughly documented. It is in no sense an appeal to lynch-la.w, it is a- picture of a former time. It is a brilliant, thrilling masterpiece of historical fiction. In this production the scenes change with the velocity of lightning of thought. One moment the audience will see a vast battlefield with the enemies lilt midgets in the big world; the next we see some small group filling the whole space with its personal drama; then just one/or two faces big with emotion. And always the story is being told with every devise of suspense, preparation, relief, development, and crisis. The screening of the picture is always accompanied by an almost incessant murmur of approval and comment, roars of laughter, gasps of anxiety, and outbursts of applause. It is a- silent drama as far as the audience is concerned. As the picture takes nearly three hours to present, patrons are requested to be in tlicir seats by 8 p.m. so as not to miss the introductory scenes. The box plan is rapidly filling, so intending patrons should book at once. “CHILD OF THE PARIS STREETS.” At His Majesty’s 'Theatre this afternoon and evening a special attraction is announced in “A Child of the Paris Streets,” a strong Apache story, featuring Miss Mac Marsh, who also plays lead in D. W. Griffiths’ great conception, “The Birth of a Nation.” Miss Marsh lias a vivid personality, which lends itself especially to characters like the one she represents in this subject. The story opens with a court "cents a man being tried for a serious offence. The mother and brother endeavor to softpn the hardness of the judge without avail. Sentence is passed, but the man dies in prison before its expiration. The mother vows vengeance, steals the judges child, and causes the death of its mother. then bringing up the child as a thief and the associate of the worst Apaches in Paris. She becomes p. singer in a low cabaret, where she attracts the love of an artist, who is the means of rescuing her from her sordid surroundings, restoring her to her father, breaking up the gang of Apaches, and ultimately marrying the one-time “Child of the Paris Streets.” Other features in this extra special programme will be

“Through Ausable Chasm,” “The Paris Zoo.” “Psychic Phenomena,” ancl the latest “Topical Budget.”