“THE STRAIGHT ROAD”

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5479, 25 April 1917, Page 2

“THE STRAIGHT ROAD”

THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT AND TOMORROW A REMARKABLE PLAY When the producer for the Famous Players’ Company undertook the direction of *•' The Straight Road,” a trnly human play in four splendid acts, he tackled a great snbjeot embodying a great truth,*and it must be said that the result is a credit to all concerned. The story of Moll O’Hara, a girl of the lower strata of New York’s humanity, who was left alone and unprotootod after the death of her drankea mother, with, as an only legacy, an hereditary craving for drink in her veins iB oie of great power. The play Bhows how, despite this besetting vice, a woman may avoid all other forms of degradation, and avoiding the temptations that prevail in a modern city, ultimately win through with the assistance of philanthropists, who fortunately do exist in this world.

Clyde Fitch, the celebrated American author is responsible for the narrative, and Fitch claims that he drew the central figure, Moll O’Hara from life and after seeing the film one can readily believe the statement. Gladys Hanson, an actress with a sterling reputation, presents a remarkably striking portrait of “ Moll ” and endears her to spectators. Miss Hanson plays without exaggeration, yet by the aid of true artistry and genuinely restrained methods she goes right to the heart of things. The character and the actress are in real accord, and the result is something worth Beeing.

Five excellent films are shown in support, Yitagraph’s “ One Plus ” is capital and creates much laughter. “ The British Army in France ” is an official picture that everybody should see. “ The Gaumont Graphic ”is very interesting, and Lnbin’s drama “ The Other Sister ” is a really clever play, while “ Charlie Chaplin’B Barnyard Pets ” is a cute, clever and laughable cartoon. Such a programme will compel large attendances.