The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-02-10
MARY pIcIfoRD
N DOUBLE ROLE
Popalar Screen Artist in
'1Stella 1laris' Inter.
pre4s Two Parts.
AT EMPRESS TODAY
Clever Photography Makes
Possible This Wonder
full Production.
AT EMPRESS TO-DAY

Monday and Tuesday at the Empress
theater. Mary Pickford plays a part
wonderfully adapted to her. In fact,
the illustrations in the novel by Will
lam J. Locke. show Stella Maris as a
replica OF Little Mary, golden curls
and all.
The work OF Mary Pickford as Stella
Maris is overshadowed by that Of the
character Of Unity Blake. a homely
girl, uncouth and misshapen. who Gre q
ates big moments in the photoplay.
and whose emotional work 10 a revela-
ton. The superior work OF Unity
Blake is apparent in scenes where
Unity and Stella Afaris appear together
on the screen.
Miss Pickford frankly admits that
Unity Blake more than shares the hon.
ors with Stella Maris. and that she.
herself. loves the part of Unity Blake.
This may seem strange confession
for a star to make, but the fact is
that Mary plays both parts herself.
The dual role is made possible by
clever photography. and Miss Pickford
Is seen talking to herself. and walking
off the scene with herself.
SyncpNS OF RAY.
Stella Blount was an orphan, ire
mendously rich. living with her uncle
and aunt, Sir Blount and Lady Eleanor.
in big stone castle by the sea. She
was afflicted with a mysterious disease
which had paralyzed her from child
hood. and her room was always kept
lighted, day and night. The twinkling
light. seen from far off on the ocean.
led John Risca, a distant relative. to
name her Stella Maris-Star of the
Sea-and BY this name she was known
for the rest OF her life.
Stella Maris was an unusually beau
tiful girl. tenderly loved and sur
rounded by every luxury wealth could
command. Separated from the world
and all knowledge Of sordidness and
sorrow kept from her, she developed
an angelic nature and purity Of mind
and heart which caused all to love her
as an almost supernatural being.
In his youth, John Risca had entered
into an unfortunate marriage with a
girl of lowly origin. whose beauty had
infatuated him. He discovered that
she had secret appetite for liquor.
which she proceeded to satisfy. despite
his pleadings and protestations. He
separated from her, though he con-
tributed generously to her support.
Ten years of dissipation reduced her
to bestiality, and as she could get no
servant to remain in her service she
took little Unity Blake from an or
phanage. Unity was a homcly child, and
IL anything. gifted with less than an
ordinary degree OF intelligence. She
submitted without complaint to the
cruelties OF Mrs. Risea until one day,
in a fit of rage. the drunken woman
beat Unity with a red hot poker, for
which she was arrested and sent to
the penitentiary for three years.
Overwhelmed with shame at the
publicity of the trial. John Risca de-
termined to leave the country. but was
persuaded to remain by Sir Blount
and Lady Eleanor, who begged him
not to wound Stella Maris. who loved
him. To rectify the great wrong done
Unity, Risca adopted her and had his
Aunt Gladys keep house for him
Through unremitting kindness. though
he felt no warm affection for the child
he won her gratitude and love. and
she delighted in looking after his COM
fort,
"Miraels" Physician.
Stella Maris continued to rule her
world, OF which she termed John Risca
her chief high be1ovedest," and he
was constant attendant at her court
weaving beautiful and fantastic tales
OF the outside world to amuse her.
The Blounts retain the services Of q
specialist who has attracted much at
tention by his marvellous results and
he performs the miracle Of restoring
Stella Maris to health.
From her first peep into the new
world Stella Maris saw how unfounded
her ideas and ideals had been. and sh,
learned OF poverty, crime and Inliap
piness. Her childish regard for .IohI
Risca turned into the deep love Of 8
woman. and John found that his affec.
ton turned into the deep love OF Z
woman. and John found that his at
ton for her had grown to an over.
whelming passion. He decided to tel
her Of the existence of his wife. bu
was dissuaded by Sir John, who fearee
to add to the sorrows of Stella Maris.
Mrs. Risca learned about Stella Mari.
and told her many lies which nearl,
broke her heart. and caused her t.
crushingly reproye Risca, who is drive
to distraction by his inability to ex-
plain the situation. Both underwent
mental fortunes, and Unity Blake sui
fered anguish over the troubles of thu
man she adored. Believing that Rises
is about TO commit suicide, she nerves
herself to a terrible act of self-sacri.
fee. and kills Mrs. Risca and destroys
herself. Her deed Is attributed by tn,
police to motives Of revenge.
Stella Maris slowly adjusts hersel
to the wsrld as she finds it. and see
the true worth Of John Riscs.
Dreadful Cough Cured.
&c eff fotlo~cA hS, ,