MARY PICKFORD IS STAR IN TRUE-TOLIFE PICTURE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18015, 27 November 1926, Page 6

MARY PICKFORD IS STAR IN TRUE-TO-LIFE PICTURE.

“ SPARROWS ” WILL BE AT GRAND NEXT MONDAY. Of all the beautiful pictures ever made by Mary Pick ford—and a beauty that is always more spiritual than material is her artistic aim—of all these pictures without exception, " Sparrows.” which will he presented at the Grand Theatre next week, is the finest and sincerest in every respect. It is a poignant s£ory of forgotten children, one whose '.significance, can only really be understood by adults, one that sends for.th a ringing message that cannot be ignored. It .is a true-to-life story, one that blends, in exquisite manner, the drqlleries and griefs of childhood, one whose flawless comedy does, at all events, make it appeal to children. It is n picture with its central characters children, the star herself again playing a juvenile role, and the fact that it is essentially an adult entertainment speaks eloquently of Mary .Pickford's ability to speak to her peers through the medium of a. child. Lighting its sombre realism and tingling melodrama are flashes of that particular comedy which is Miss Pick ford's own,, a comedy that always seems to have a hint of furtive tears behind it. a comedy so subtle and ' emotional as to become the very acme of emotional art. “Sparrows” is, in reality, an artistic and fearless piece of propaganda. The star has sent out an appeal that should be a clarion cal), and she has, at the same time, given to the screen an everlasting document of her own charming art, and abilities as a producer. If Miss Bickford had never made another picture but “Sparrows,” this film alone would make her famous. She has taken a s< rious theme and has embellished It with her own lovable personality; she hay done.wHat no other actress could possibly hope to do—made a tender. human story, fraught with 'humour and thrilling incident, out of one of society’s greatest tragedies. 'to KP her°name? S The "littie * artists who assist her in this picture are worthy in every respect of her genius. They all play their parts with an unconscious in adult actors. Some arc more prominent than others. Spec O'Donnell deserving a word for liis excellent portrayal. The Grand Quality Orchestra will provide a programme of orchestral music. The box plans are open at The Bristol Piano Company, where scats may be reserved.