Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), Monday 12 February 1917, page 9


TOWN HALL PICTURES. I

A CAPITAL PROGRAMME!

In point of general interest no finer programme of moving pictures has been seen in Adelaide than that presented at the Town Hall on Saturday evening. There was a large attendance, and patrons gave frequent manifestations of approval at the selection of films. The problem play, "Re-morse," by the Mathews Photo Play Producing Company, embodying a wholesome warning on the subject of how the "red plague" may be contracted and spread, was in itself a feature, and the merits of each one of the supporting reels was such that enjoyment was ensured. for all. No more admirable or thrilling picture of heroism in war has been presented than "The Joan of Arc of Loos," illustrating incidents which actually occurred in France at the outset of the Hun invasion, but out of consideration for the feelings of the public, with the more revolting details of Teuton barbarism cut out, and only enough shown to form a background for revealing the qualities of courage and patriotism in the French people, and more particularly the bravely of a girl of 19 years, who was in some ways a modern Joan of Arc, and who, in recognition of her splendid deeds, was recently awarded the Military Cross. What was particularly pleas-ing about this 'film was fidelity to life.

The- programme opened with a fine scenic set; showing the - Morialta Falls In all their beauty. . Most people have visited this beautiful resort near to Adelaide, but not many can realise how finely its most picturesque features are brought out>by the biograph. Moreover, it is only at a certain time of the year that the falls are. looking their best, and the views were taken when they were at perfection. It must be reve-lation to any who have not been to Morialta to have brought before them the fact that such scenery exists within such an easy distance of the capital. The film is the work of Mr. H. Krischock, and is highly artistic. It was screened to the accompaniment of hearty applause.

"Remorse" was next shown, and each of the four acts was followed with the closest attention. The story is one of how an unsuspecting lad from the country comes to town on business and falls into bad company. He ultimately develops the "red p ague," and his hopes of a happy married life with the pretty little sweetheart, from whom he parted at her country borne, are pathetically blighted. The condition of his health renders him a menace even in his own home, and he becomes an outcast from society. The tragic sequel to his misfortune was realistically shown. The principal parts were sustained by Messrs. Cyril Mackay, Victor Fitzherbert, C. R. Stanford, and C. Turton, and Misses Mabel Dyson, Ida Gresham, and Marie D'Alton. "Remorse" has been commended in different quarters for its moral lesson against the evils of loose living, and its inclusion in the programme was evidently appreciated by a great many of those present.

"Charley's Night Out" is undoubtedly one of the most irresistibly humorous films yet seen. It shows the premier biograph comedian. Charles Chaplin, at his best, and the scenes are uproariously funny, without being rendered ridiculous through the "business" being overdone. Moreover, there are a large number of clever comedians taking part in addition to Chaplin.

The interior of a music hall is shown,

with Charley sealed among the audience. He soon starts his pranks and there is a whole budget of comical incidents, each funnier than its predecessor.

Erailienne, a pretty French girl, is the heroine of the "Joan of Arc" film, which is a George Willoughby photo-play of exceptional quality. The first scene reveals a peaceful village, with its happy inhabitants before the war cloud burst. Then the rains come down like hungry wolves on the fold. Their brutality and tyrannous, conduct towards the inoffensive villagers is well depicted. The leader of the German troops, Captain von Epstein, a typical Teuton bully and a brute in human form, singles out Emilienne as his own particular property, but when he attempts to victimise her the girl invokes the aid of St. Joan of Arc, her patron saint, and thereby is enabled to escape from his clutches. The spirit of St. Joan is depicted as watching over her welfare. Emilienne's lover, a young French dispatch rider, is captured by the Hun soldiery and sentenced by von Epstein to be shot at dawn as a spy. How Emilienne and an aged priest rescue him form a most thrill-ing chanter. Ultimately the Allied troops attack the German position, and the various deeds of bravery, for which the girl was subsequently decorated are graphically portrayed. The battle scenes are remarkably well done. No more conveneing war picture has been shown in Adelaide, and none in which there is a more inspiring story, as its central theme. The programme will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night, and is well worth seeing.