The Bioscope (July-Aug 1912)

The Bioscope, August 1, 1912. ot. 355 all entitling it to rank beside the best examples of “legitimate” work. ‘Western films” of the ordinary cowboy type, ‘chase comics,” sensational stories, in which real motor cars are demolished and railway engines burned up, are all very weil in their way, but ono cannot think that they represent the only form of dramatic entertainment of which the cinematograph may in time be capable. Personally, we look forward to far greater possibilities for the picture play—and our belief 18 founded upon the passing flashes to be discerned every now and again in such films as the present. ‘Whom the Lord Hath Joined,” like most, great tragedies, is the tragedy of a woman. A young barrister on a holiday wrongs his landladys daughter. The old story runs _ its usual course; the girl finds herself deserted by her lover, who has returned to his work, forgetting what has been to him the passing fancy of an idle moment. Unable to bear the shame and misery of her situation, the girl leaves her native village, to find employment in a city restaurant. Here one day she sees the destroyer of her honour, who has, in the meantime, married the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant. Not knowing that te is no longer free, and believing that he will be glad to see her again and to help her, the poor country girl discovers his address, and one day presente herself at his house. Here she learns that her lover is now a married man, and, unwilling to destroy his young wife's happiness, she goes away again, leaving her address with a kind old servant, who presently gives it to her master. Immediately he hears of the plight of the poor girl he has wronged, the barrister, horrified and deeply repentant, hurries to her lodging to make what amends he can. A wonderful scene follows, in which the poor, lonely, ignorant country girl is made to understand, for the first time, that the man she loves, and for whom she has sacrificed so much, has never really loved her, and can never be anything to her again. He offers her money when she is yearning for love, and for the protection so long denied her. The man, remembering his wife at home, can do no more, and shamefacedly withdraws, and so ends, in bitter disillusion, this interview upon which the miserable girl had set such high hopes of happines;. Nothing is now left to her, and, in a frenzy of anguish and despair, she destroys herself. By a chance, the barrister’s wife presently learns the whole story. After a remarkable scene, in which the husband makes his wretched confession, and is finally forgiven, the drama comes to a close. We have not the space here to enlarge upon the acting of this film, but we may say that finer art in this respect is seldom seen upon a screen. That wonderfuliy powerful émotional actress, Fraiilein Wanda Treumann, gives a performance of the truest beauty and pathos as Mara, the deceived country girl; whilst Ernst Warren, the weak, impulsive barrister, whose wanton, thoughtless selfishness causes so much misery, is splendidly done by Herr Viggo Larsen, who is also the author of the play. AWAY UP NORTH. A FEW In a recent issue I had a short paragraph relating to the new Olympia Theatre, Arbroath, and I may now mention that the entire seating, proscenium curtains and drapery, and carpets were all supplied and fitted up by Messrs. Paterson's, Limited, the well-known theatrical furnishers, of 79, Howard Street, Glasgow. The Olympia is rightly regarded as one of the best and artistically decorated theatres in the East of Scotland, and Messrs. Paterson are deserving of the highest credit for their share in the scheme. “The All-Conquering Film.” Thus was headed a paragraph in the Glasgow Evening Neus the other day, and I compliment the sub-editor responsible on his up-to-dateness. The paragraph in question referred to a new hall in the Maryhill District, and it was worded in attractive phraseology—while an illustration of the building was also given. From the Glasgow Evening Times coast chatter column:—‘‘Leslio Lynn’s Bohemians are still drawing out the crowds. The singing of the ladies Google NOTES FROM SCOTLAND BY “SCOTTY.” and gentlemen of the troupe is very fine. The comic element is most catching. The cinematograph in the late evening is; however, the prime attraction. Hundreds gather nightly to” witness the pictures.” [Jear, hear, and applause, as the daily paper scribe might say. With a capital of £10,000, the Glasgow Photo Pla¥house has just been regi:tered as a private company, with Mr. Neil C. Duff and Mr. William S. Baird as the first subscribers. The registered office of the new company is at 138, West Regent Street. —_—— I observe that the management of a picture hall in a Scottish town have been fined a modified penalty on a charge of having allowed people to stand in the passages and alleys of the theatre, contrary to the licence. Police evidence was to the effect that on the night in question there was a beauty competition, and the place was crowded in every part. The manager of the theatre said the police refused his invitation to go on to the stage and satisfy themselves that everybody had got a seat.