EMPIRE THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17092, 25 August 1917, Page 11

EMPIRE THEATRE

An excellent Francis X. Bushman release, under tho Metro banner, was screened for the first time locally yesterday at tho _ Empire Theatre. Bushman, as a dramatic artist. . holds an unique position in tho higher- realms of the art, that is as far as his association witfy tho kinematograph may be said to go.' His great personality, impressive physique, and temperamental proclivities, all peculiarly fit him for the role of, a hero. This contention is unquestionably borno out' in "The Silent Voice." As a story aptly fitted for presentation on tho screen, " The Silent Voice " is quite an acceptable one. It deals principally with a groat affliction of deafness w|ich becomes tho lot of a talentH and wealthy young musician. This misfortune is much intensified when the young fellow loses his best friend —his mother—a happening that reduces him to a misanthrope, gloomy and despondent. However, the young man decides to live life as a recluse and returns to the country. It is here that the most interesting episodes of the "Silent Voice" occur, which tax the olevor conception of the author and provide a most intricately constructed plot. Tho picture is beautifully produced and mounted, while tho acting on all sides is much on the same plane of excellence. "The Silent Voice" is sup-portod by an excellently arranged "Cooperative Weekly," and a comedy by the Christie Company of a high standard.