MARY PICKFORD IS BACK AGAIN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18016, 29 November 1926, Page 7

MARY PICKFORD IS BACK AGAIN.

PLAYS IN “ SPARROWS ” AT THE GRAND THEATRE Of all the beautiful pictures ever made by Mary Pickford—and a beauty that is always more spiritual than material ia her artistic aim— all these pictures without exception, “ Sparrows,” which will be presented at the Grand Theatre this week, is the finest and sincerest in every respect. It is a poignant storv of l'orgot ten children, one ■w hose significance can only really be understood by adults, one that. sends forth a ringing, message that, cannot be ignored. It is a true-to-life story, one that blends, in exquisite manner, the drolleries and griefs of childliood, one whose flawless -comedy does. at' all events, make it appeal to children. It is a 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 Bickford'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 call, 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 Pickford had never made another picture but ** Sparrows,” this film alone would make her famous. She lias taken a serious theme and has embellished it with her own lovable personality; she has done what no other actress could possibly hope to do—made a tender. human story, fraught with humour and thr’lling incident, out of one of society's greatest tragedies. “Sparrows” is an immortal monument to her name. The little artists who assist her in this picture are worthy in every respect of her genius. They all play their parts with an unconscious sincerity that is always faintly lacking in adult actors. Some are 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 seats may be