THE PICTURE HOUSES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16379, 12 March 1924, Page 5

THE PICTURE HOUSES.

PALACE. THEATRE. The new programme shown at the Palace Theatre, this afternoon had for its head line ' attractions two splendid dramatic plays, “A Homespun Vamp,” with pretty May McAvoy .in the leading role, and “Garments of Truth,” with Gtiret Hughes as the star. The supporting programme, made up of a nice selection of pictures, includes an extremely funny comedy, “Toreliy Conies Through,” with Johnny Hines as tlie principal fun maker, also some Gazette numbers. “A Homespun Vamp” is a play of strong and interesting characters. A pretty girl, Meg Mackenzie, lived with two bachelor uncles, in a round of drudgery and wistful longing. Her uncies have chosen a husband lor Meg, but the girl dislikes the man chosen. Just at this time a stranger conies to the town; he • is a novelist looking for local color, and a quiet place to write his hook. Living so much alone he becomes an object, of suspicion, and when a robbery takes place he is accused, and the villagers mob him. The girl rescues him from the mob, takes him into the house, .and late)' he is discovered by the uncles, who thinking hei has compromised the girl, force him to marry her. This he does much against, his will, and takes the girl away until he can have tiie marriage annulled. How the girl wins his confidence and his love, and brings a, great happiness to him is sweetly told. May McAvoy gives a most appealing performance, and is ably supported bv Darrel Foss, and a number of other favorites.' “The Garments of. Truth” is another charming play. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE.

The 'programme at Everybody’s Theatre to-night is headed by a picture of special interest- io women, “Slander the Woman,” a. First National production. Dorothy Phillips, the well-known dramatic actress, is. star, and she is assisted by a strong cast. Story, acting, and settings all call for more than passing notice in this gripping tale of a young woman whose good name was sacrificed by an ambitious judge. The elemental human appeal of the character of the girl, suffering under ihe misjudgment of her friends, but determined to fight until tlie wrong is righted, is brought out to the full by Miss Phillips, who- strengthens lietr place as one of the screen’s -foremost emotional actresses. Occasionally there are touches of natural humor to enliven the 1 picture, hut generally it depends upon the, strange pranks played by fate in the development of the lives of the principal figures. A great supporting programme will include “Oce.Tn Swells.” Christie comedy. English Gazette, “The Skipper's Last Resort” (comedy), and the First- National Travelogue, “Making of a New Zealand. Town.’,’