EMPIRE THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17324, 25 May 1918, Page 10

EMPIRE THEATRE

"Blie Jeans" is the title of the 7000 ft Metro special drama which occupies pride of place in the new programme at tho Empire Theatre. This picture house has a reputation for the excellency of its photoplays. "Blue Jeans" is on a pax with its predecessors. It is an adaptation of a stage play by Joseph Aixnur, which achieved a j ecord-breaking success in America, chiefly because of its emotional appeal and the very 'thrilling sawmill scene, 'lhe leading role is taken by Viola Dana, a favourite of the screen, and in this pioture she appears at her best. She takes the part ot June, the little child-wife, wliioh it? the most appealing and poignant in which she has ever been seen. Tho story is laid in an Indian village in tho early eighties, and deals with the fortunes of June, an orphan girl, who runs away from a poorhouse, and Perry Bascom, a young sawmill proprietor, whom she secretly marries. When another woman, on tho eve of a State election, spoils Bascom's chances by openly claiming to be his deserted _ wife, the. disclosure brings with it a suspicion that June and Bascom arc really brother and sister. The young man admits having been tricked into a marriage with Sue fiudaly, only to discover that she already had a husband living. While he is away in search of the missing evidence, his young wife (June) is left to face ths ordeal of motherhood alone and friendless. On her husband's return there is a desperato struggle between a grafting politician with whom Sue is intriguing and Bascom, and tho 'atter is knocked insensible and placed on a lo" by hi* antagonist, who starts tho saw. The scene : s one of *he character thnt thrilh. Tho picture shows how all wrongs are righted. Robert Walker, as Bascom, is a likeablo hero. The supporting pictures include a Co-operative Weekly Budget ')f topical events and an educafo.ial film, "Feeding Odd Animals."