“ PUBLIC OPINION.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17016, 14 April 1923, Page 6 (Supplement)

“ PUBLIC OPINION.”

CHAPLIN'S FIRST SERIOUS PICTU RE. Charles Clmpliu (says the " Moving Picture World”) has announced that the title of his first serious production will be “ Public Opinion." The production, which is already well under wav. will h<> in ion reels and. though written and directed by Chaplin himself, it will star Edna Purrinnce in the leading role- " Public Opinion.” marks a rmw departure in most every element that goes to make up motion pictures. In story structure, in acting and in theme the production promises to he revolutionary. and Chaplin himself is very emphatic in saying that it is by far his most important, contribution to the : There runs through ii a new form of j dealing with the basics and fundamen--1 t-als of life with a vi-wpoint that is

more of understanding than of preachment. According to the company’s announcement, it presents a. problem and comments upon it in interesting fashion rather than solving it. and throughout the action, which vibrates with humour, pathos. tragedy and beauty, there is painted an exquisite portrait of a woman's soul naked in its sincerity though clothed in individuality . The theme is a startling one. made more so because of utter simplicity and warmth of feeling that permeates it. and it marks Chaplin’s own first at-

tempi at serious drama. “ I believe that - Public Opinion ’ I will bo the most important work of i my career, and no one realises more than I what a. revolutionary step T am taking in adhering to the original style of construction which I am usine.’ said Charlie Chaplin in speaking of the picture. And 1 have the utmost confidence in the public. I have never, nor shall I ever try to talk down ts> the public or up to the public. The i public doesn’t need such questionable i oo n s id ora t i o n. I am trying to portray, as far a> i my ability will permit, an intelligent and sincere story, and if I succeed in keeping faith with myself. I have no fears as to the reception of the public. Whether this will be a great picture or just as groat a failure, there will ho originality in story treatment and nct- ” There will be no armies, no huge

acts and no elaborate mechanical effects, but through it all will run a poignant note of human suffering, joy, tragedy and humour. “There have been a number of queries as to whether l intend to act in tho picture or not. I am not going to act in it, not- from, am policy, but because in the story as l truthfully aee it there is no place for my cliarac-