"THE BABES IN THE WOODS."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17427, 23 September 1918, Page 2

"THE BABES IN THE WOODS."

Something of the possibilities of tho kineina, as a portrayer, lor tho amusement ol chadren ol the lairy tales ana stories Hindi are the birthngnt ol the little lolk, is revealed by tile new Fox super-teature utm iiie Babes in the Woods," wiuch was screened m.tially at the King's Theatre on Saturday, 'iiie picture is a deJightlul creation in which fajries, witches, robeers enchantment, and all the other indispensable parts oi tho time-honoured fairy tale combine to form a spectacle of great beauty oi interest, and ol a nature wiuch comes as a welcome change to tile character ot the usual film screened. The picture, at an immense cost, was filmed among the beautiful redwood trees of Oahiorma, and two of the iairest children—a girl and a boy— give a long exhibition of the most delightlui child s acting that anyone could wish to see. These children—^Virginia Lee Coram and trances Carpenter—both under six years, are seldom off the screen during the showing of an 8300 ft production • and it is a testimony to their ability and charm that never for a single moment does the eye grow weary while'they go through a series of adventures in the enchanted woods m which fear, honour, laughter, tears,' lighting cnivalry, and finally happiness and safety, make a heavy call on tho capacity of these two children for emotional acting. Tho story, which is well known, concerns the adventures of two children who, at the instigation of a cruel mother and uncle, are left alone in the woods by two bad men hired for the purpose. In the woods they are attracted to the famous house of gingerbread and sweets, whore they fall into the clutches of an ugly and wicked old witch, who happily comes to a hot end in the oven wherein she had intended tb cook the children. The two are, after further adventures, captured by a band of robbers, from whom they are rescued by the good fairy, who appears several times in the story, and by a band of soldiers whom they had rescued from enchantment at tho witches' house. Special sessions, in addition to the evening screejngs, have been arranged for each afternoon this week, so that every child in Dunedin may be able to see the picture without losing attendance at school. In addition the programme will include a good Fox comedy, and a six-part drama "The Love Thief" cam also be seen