AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20127, 21 April 1928, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Esther Ralston has a truly winning way and shows it to advantage in “The Spotlight” appearing at its initial Wanganui screenings to-day and to-night at the Opera House. The production, by its successes elsewhere, must be classed as a film of note. The story of a girl who sacrifices her own personality and identity to £vn fame, and then wishes desperately to be herself again. That is “The Spotlight.’’The action centres about the stage, with the heroine struggling to gain renown behind the footlights. How she finally does win greater success than she had ever dreamed of, and then longs to cast it all aside to obtain happiness, make? the story an exceptionally absorbing one. For the first time in her career. Esther Ralston plays a dual part, or it might better be termed a triple role. She is first seen ‘mid Lizzie Stoke:, a New England girl who is too sensitive to give her own natural ability and potential good looks a chance. Then she blossoms forth as Olga Rostova, the dazzling Russian that Lizzie has been transformed into ’ r *tage purposes. Finally she becomes Lizzie, but a different Lizzie Stokes than she was before having been Olga Rostova. Intimate and authentic scenes of backstage life arc given in the picture as much of the action occurs in the star’s dressing room. Beautif ful gowns add their allure, and an able supporting cast, including Neil Hamilton as the leading man, and Nicholas Soussanin as the theatrical producer, contribute to make what the critics unite in : sing ns one of the best filmed in a long time.