“A DAUGHTER OF THE GODS.”

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1439, 22 November 1917, Page 32

“A DAUGHTER OF THE GODS.”

William Fox’s million-dollar picture, featuring Annette Kellermann, will be shown at His Majesty’s Theatre, commenc ng Monday, November 26. It :s not recommended solely on account of its cost, but because every one of the million dollars expended bought its quota of genuine value, talent and beauty, all combined and visualised in one grond cinematic dream. If an epic poem is one which celebrates in stately verse the achievements of heroes and demigods, then this feature stands as the epic of the film. Such a series of impressive and truly noble pictures were never before collected and exhibited in the history of the cinema; and there is small possibility of this tribute to art ever being duplicated. There is only one ugly person and one ugly spot in its entire length, and those designed to be ugly are superlatively so. One is the Witch of Badness; the ugly spot is the Cave of the God of Evil. The rest of the play—which means all of six tremendous episodes —is one long delight of sheer, appalling beauty. Annette Kellermann. the most wonderfully-fashioned woman in the world, has for the first time in her life the play, the setting and the backing which enable her to do herself justice. .. She has not cnly been displayed to the best advantage in the most exquisite natural surroundings, but is given such a diversity of action that she can employ her remarkable talents to the full. In diving, swimming, dancing, acting—and even fighting in armour —she establishes herself, not only as the Venus of the screen, but as its most versatile and talented actress. Her supporting cast includes a school of bewitchng mermaids, charming children, a valley of gnomes, a harem of houris, a bevy of Oriental dancing girls, a sultan, a prince, slaves, eunuchs, and warriors.

The J. C. Williamson firm will have three star attractions in New Zealand at Christmas. Auckland will see the Musical Comedy Company in “Canary Cottage” and “You’re in Love,” Marie Tempest is due in Wellington, and Cyril Maude in Christchurch.

Thus the Sydney “Bulletin” on Mr. Cyril Maude in “Grumpy”: “Horace Hodges and T. Wigney Percival built a comedy upon the firm foundation of an irascible old gentleman with the mental acuteness of a Sherlock Holmes and the heart of a child. Upon that character Cyril Maude eagerly fastened and dowering Grumpy with all the excellencies of a great character actor, Maude makes of the keen old lawyer a remarkable and forceful personality, dominating the stage every moment he is on it. Certainly, in Mr. Maude’s hands Grumpy is an actor’s triumph.”