PALACE PICTURES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4963, 2 September 1918, Page 7

PALACE PICTURES.

THE CROSS BL.vRER. ’

Cardinal Mercier, one of the most stalwart and commanding figures of the war, has been made the central personage in a new and exceedingly timely photodrama by the World Co. The picture, which is not directly a war picture, since it contains no battle scenes, is in seven parts, and the dominating role is embodied by Montagu Love, the principal member of whose support is -Jeanne Eagels. The story of “The Cross Bearer” is laid entirely in Belgium, with the exception of a single episode depicting the history-making visit of the Cardinal to Rome, seeking the intervention of the Pope. At the beginning Belgium is at peace, totally unsuspecting the calamities which are to follow with such astounding swiftness. The great Cathedral is thronged with devout men and women, when suddenly this scene of tranquil yet impressive religious observance becomes a tumult. German troops rush in with hoarse cries and clattering accoutrements. The people, in mingled horror and indignation, attempt to resist the invading force. Troops overrun the edifice, brutally ejecting the civilians, and, advancing oven to the altar, where the Cardinal, in the full majesty of his holy office, defies them. They retreat,’ but pile, up the furnishings of the Cathedral and set fire to them. From this point onward ther is a rapid succession of events, military and otherwise, in which “the protector of Belgium” matches his wits against the mailed force of the invaders, playing upon their superstitions, meeting craft with craft, a»d pitting the power of the Church against the enemy’s arms. Through these stirring events runs the love story of a young Belgian officer and the Cardinal’s ward, illicit possession of whom is sought by the German military governor. It i s only the most consummate devices of the Cardinal’s invention that the girl is saved from this fate, secretly married to her lover by her wuardian himself, and finally smuggled to safety behind the French lines. “The Cross Bearer” will bo screened for a season of three days and nights in the Palace, commencing Wednesday next.