“THE WOMAN DISPUTED”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 173, 23 July 1929, Page 11

“THE WOMAN DISPUTED”

AT MAJESTIC ON THURSDAY 44 The Woman Disputed,” the love and hate drama of an outcast woman’s redemption, brings Norma Talmadge to the screen of the Majestic Theatre on Thursday, in what is said to be the greatest role of her career. This United Artists picture is based on the sensational stage play of the same name by Dennison Clift. The story has, in its film manifestation, all the drama, virility and charm of the play. A character of unusual strength and fascination, perhaps one of the strongest in fiction, is the way critics have described Mary Ann Wagner the heroine of “The Woman Disputed,” the part played by Miss Talmadge. Mary Ann’s life is the drama of regeneration, the romance of boundless love, and conflict between self and sacrifice. Two men. inseparable friends, fall in love with Mary Ann. Then comes war and the rivals in love find themselves rivals in war. Misunderstandings destroy the friendship of years, and a lust for vengeance springs up in its place. Loneliness, the unending tread of war-racked soldiery, the desolation of battle-scarred country and the pitiless hand of a steel-hearted invader sweep before the girl in kaleidoscopic rapidity. Suddenly she finds herself face to face with a supreme tost; she must sacrifice either honour c- country. The same artistry and unng accuracy of detail that charactoiiscd the director, Henry King’s

“Stella Dallas” and “The White Sister” are reported to be a feature of “The Woman Disputed.” The players appearing in support of Miss Talmadge in “The Woman Disputed” are well known to picturegoers. Gilbert Roland is the hero, and Arnold Kent, is the rival suitor, and other members of the company totalling several thousand actors are Gustav Von Seyffertitz, Michael Vavitch, Boris de Fas and Gladys Brockwell. The screen version of “The Constant Nymph,” which will also be presented is a British picture that “grips” throughout. Ivor Novello gives the best performance of his screen career, and Mabel Poulton—eight years ago a junior typist—a superb portrayal as the wild, tempestuous “Tessa,” uncommonly sincere and effective.