THE GRAND THEATRE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17066, 20 August 1917, Page 6

THE GRAND THEATRE.

The first of a series of photo-plays from the Artcraft studios is to be screened at the Grand Theatre on Thursday next, the 23rd met. The picture is entitled "Less Than the Dust," aod features Mary Pickford in the leading part.'. It is said to be far the largest production in which Mary I'ickford has appeared, and it has been made under her guidance and influence in the perfection of every'detail. The scenes, laid in India and England, are all of great beauty, while it is eaad that several have startling effects, withput stepping beyond the possibilities of the olot. iMaxy Pickford will be seeu as a little orphan, girl who, deserted in" India by her father, an English officer who has become a social derelic.t, is adopted by a swcrd-maket, and is reared as a native of the lower caste—less than the dust. During an uprising of th© troops she saves the life of a dashing young British officer, and here begins a tender love story that runs through, all the scenes like a golden thread. Among the picturesque scones are a street m a city in India, with all, its quaint shops and vari-col-oured bazaars and conglomerated crowd of peoples, a battle between troops and natives, the desecration of the temple and the sacred waters of the pool, and a storm in the desert; also, the quiet and stately atmosphere of an old English estate, where it is learned that the little castaway is not a native and of the Just, and where sbe finally gives her heart to the young officer. The part is admirably blended for delightful comedy and tender pathos always mark Mary Pickford'b creations. It is a well-known fact that Miss Pickford is seen to advantage in any story ; this one, however, appears to contain settings particularly euited to her ability; In order to give every facility to the many admirers of "the world's sweetheart" to see this picture, vhe management of the Grand Theatre announce that a matinee performance will be given each afternoon during ;the season. Tho box plan for the season opens to-day at the Grand Theatre office.