AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17823, 3 January 1920, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

The practice of "transferring a big stage success to tho screen often reveals that tho silent drama can tell the story more forcefully, more convincingly, and certainly with moro wealth of detail than the same story can be portrayed by the spoken drama. This i 3 said to be true of "The Struggle Everlasting," which is to commence at the Queen's Theatre this afternoon. The eternal fight between good and evil in human nature, the primal lure of sex overcome by strength of character, are the big underlying thoughts of this story, and they find expression _in words and actions that the screen drives home with telling force. Everybody's Theatre has been doing "great business" during the holiday season, which is in a large measure duo to the fact that a most attractive.programme is being presented at this place of entertainment. First of all there is "A Bachelor's Wife," with Marv Miles Minter, who is regarded as a "picture" beauty, in tho loading role. This picture in itself makes a good programme, but there is much additional, notably a new instalment of "The Lightning Raider," with Pearl White in tho leading part. "His Debt" and the supporting films at the King Edward Theatre .are attracting food audiences nightly. Tho acting of essuo HayckaWa in tho principal film is excellent, and the programme is interesting and instructive.

The Hopworth Company, of England, has taken the old story, play, and song of "Molly Bawn," and has made an altogether dalightful picture, which will bo shown at the King's Theatre to-day for the first timo. The old drama has been brought up to date, and tho rottings are modern and, most effective. The character of Molly Bawn is taken by Alma Taylor. ,Miss Taylor was the leading lady with tho London and Ideal Film Companies a year or two ago, and in everything she did she revealed a charm and power that places her at tho top of English screen artists. In tho beautiful story of "Molly Bawn" she is said to achievo even greater success than in the past. Tho charm of the English acting, the sincerity of all that take part, the reality of tho various give a force to the English pictures that appeals to everyone. The quaintness and beauty' of tho old story aro well brought out, and the rather unexpected turn of events following the reading of tho grandfather's will is particularly well done. Charles Chaplin will also be s£«n in "Tho Shopwalker." There will bo a fino supporting programme.