EVERYBODY’S THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17039, 12 May 1923, Page 7 (Supplement)

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE.

“ MANSLAUGHTER.” For the first time in many years, Cecil B. De Mille copied the feminine fashions of the day in at least one por tion of his latest production, ‘‘Man slaughter,” showing all next week at E-verybody’s. The De -Mille wardrobe, under the direction of Clare West, habecome world famous for the origin il fashion creations which it has produced for each succeeding Cecil B. Demille production. Fashion designers the world over have consulted the producer or. matters of feminine style. In ‘‘Man slaughter,” however, Mr De Mille dress-

ed the feminine portion of his cast in a part of the story according to th'i dictates of another fashion dictator—• the prison authorities of the .State of New York. The story concerns Lydia Thorne, who is a speed maniac constantly craving for excitement. She narrowly escapes death by speeding into the path of a locomotive. O’Bannon (Thos. Meighan arrives at a party Lydia is giving as she is auctioning a kiss to her masculine guests. Then Lydia’s maid. having no money to get medical attention for her child, steals one < I Lydia’s rings and is arrested- She tel T s O'Ban non her story and he gets Lyjjiia t«« intercede on her behalf, and Lydia has the maid released on probation. That night Lydia has a party likened

to the orgies of ancient Rome, with a patrician hostess. There is a gladiatorial combat, anti the spectators are brought back to the present by tw - young girls boxing in u ring for their amusement. The next morning Lydia fails to attend the Court and her maid is sent to prison. While speeding on the highway Lydia is arrested by a mo-tor-cycle policeman, and bribes him wit a diamond bracelet to let her escape. He derides to return it and goes after her; her machine skids and lie crash©-, into it arid is killed. She is prosecutor! by O 5 Ban non for manslaughter and is sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. She finds herself doing scullion work nuclei her loritiei maid, and blame. O’Bannon as the author of her troubles. O’Bannon goes to the gaol to see Lvdia. and she is about to attack him when she collapses and fever and delirium follow. She finds out that she love?. O’Bannon. and when released opens a coffee kitchen in the slums with her former maid as helper. The picture finally shows O’Bar.non perminess and dissipating, rescued by Lvdia, and be coming the Governor of the State. Ho resigns that position to marrv her. as a Governor could net wed an ex-con vict, and the drama happily. Thomas Meighan. Beatrice Joy, Lois Wilson. John Hiltern. Julia Fnve. Jack Mmver, Edvthe Chapman and James Neill are the cast of “Manslaughter. ’ which was adapted bv Jennie Maepher son from Alice Duer Miller’s novel.