“ THE WHITE SISTER ” RETURNS TO QUEEN’S.

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

“ THE WHITE SISTER ” RETURNS TO QUEEN’S.

THE DRAMATIC TALE OF AN HISTORIC LOVE. Antony and Cleopatra, Paoli and Praneesea, lleloise and Abelard, Sheba and Solomon, are amongst the Great Lovers, of history, immortal all of them, arid intensely picturesque. Yet in fiction may be sometimes found a phantasy of the author’s brain that approaches in sublime passion and nobl® sacrifice the loves of the great- dead ones of the world. Browsing through the world’s literature, an Italian story by an 'English author strikes the reader as being a blending of all the great love stories, Marion Crawford’s “The White Sister,” the screen version of which comes to the Queen’s Theatre today. It is a tensely dramatic, innately beautiful story, made into an even greater photoplay, one that combines vivid emotional power with pure spectacular melodrama. It is, in every respect, a classic story; there is not one minor sentiment or incident in it to lessen its dignity, and it sweeps along towards as mighty and devastating a climax as ever ended a story or picture. It is drama as drama was first conceived to bo—strong, elemental, passionate, ruthless. The picture has everything to make it truly great. A faultless cast headed by the supreme artistry of Lillian Gish; a brilliant director, Henry King, who, since the appearance of “The White Sister” and • Romola.” has been in demand in every big motion picture studio; a worldfamous story, perfect settings, actually filmed in Italy and Africa; dramatic moments hitherto unequalled: the whole-hearted co-operation of a Government to make every detail authentic and a smoothness that bespeaks the harmonious interplay of the efforts of everyone concerned in its production. Although the story and the marvellous photographic effects' are sufficient guarantee of the film’s worth, the acting of Lillian Gish in the title role is what lives longest in the memory. ITer interpretation is a veritable revelation of ■what histrionic ability can accomplish, Ronald Colinsn heads the supporting cast, which includes Gail Kane, Charles Lano and Barney Sherry. Hoot Gibson stars in the second picture, a new. Universal Western romance, “The Man in the Saddle.” This film presents the popular cowboy actor in a role that is distinct from all his previous ones, and a story that calls for some of the most courageous riding and fighting of his film career. It is a rollicking comedy that is a tornado of humorous action from start to finish. T’ay Wray appears in support. The box Elans are at Webley’s, where seats may e reserved.