WORLD-FAMED PICTURE FOR NELSON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 20 April 1923, Page 4

WORLD-FAMED PICTURE FOR NELSON

"ORPHANS OF THE STORM" "The great picture "Orphans of the Storm'' is so absolutely fine in everj way that I feel I must most strongly recommend it to the many patrons of the Empire Theatre," said Mr W. Sur-, rell this morning. "As you know I have presented many big attractions in picture! form, but never before have I felt so confident as in presenting "Orphans of tho Storm." I know its worth and I', am more thain satisfied .'that those who witness it will be just as enthusiastic about it as I am." As giving an idea of what the critics say, the following will be of interest:— In his notable picture, "Orphans of the Storm," Mr D. W. Griffith has demonstrated, more acutely than ever, his pre-eminence as a master producer for tiro screen. Long ago this wizard's peculiar genius was recognised as something almost uncanny, and his imitators have been many, but is there one who has been able to lend' to a picturo that "Griffith touch?" We do not mean by that simply a big way of handling great themes,' though no one can do that for the camera better than Griffith, but rather the manner in which he imbues each of his masterpieces with soul. One has only to remember the appealing self-abnegation manifested in "The "Birth of a Nation"; the significance of the rocking cradle in "intolerance"; the deathless love theme in "Hearts of the World"; and the. mute palpitating misery of the ■ .. two. girls in "Orphans of the Storm" to realise what we mean. Excellent pictures may he witnessed almost any week in any citv, but after a short lapse of time the impress of their story fades from the memory. That is not the case with a picture with soul; for that is the element which burns itself into one's comprehension, and leaves one amazed at the wonder of it all. As Victor Hugo is to the world of fiction, so is D. W. Griffith to tho movies. uWhen Henrietta hears, or fancies she hears, her lost sister singing in the streets without, everyone in the audience is crazy for her to go to the window and then to her sisters' rescue. "Oh. why'doesn't she go to her!" cried out an emotional woman, sitting in a, Wellington theatre one night. Nor must it be overlooked that Griffith insists on the perfect cast. In the ordinary way, productions on the legitimate stage have to be content with making the company fit the play as well as possible, so thatJn.manyyinstances a play is not given a fair chance; but with fine instinct Griffith sees to it that each character is fitted with the right type of man, woman, or child, physically and intellectually, and so he builds his masterpieces with artistic perfection, the thing of paramount importance. A special musical score arrived in Nelson this morning with the picturo and is in the hands of tho orchestra. There is a big demand for seals, especially over the 'phone, but I would like to point out that these cannot be kept after 8 o'clock on Monday night, therefore patrons would be well advised to secure their tickets at the Empire Theatre. For those who find it inconvenient to attend the evening session, a special matinee vftll be held on Tuesday commencing at 2 p.m. sharp.* V;