Evening star., 1921-12-05
Photoplays.
METROPOLITAN -"The Wonder.
ful Thing"

The popularity of Norma Talmadge
was trlumphantly proclaimed at
Crandells Metropolitan Theater yes
terday afternoon and evening by
continuous audiences that detied the
storm to welcome her in her latest
picture, The Wonderful Thing"
The story concerns the daughter of
a ham king of Iowa. who has spent
her life in French convent and
who is enjoying the first flutter of
her wings of womanhood among
English aristocrats-oneo of whom she
marries. 1t is a volcanic courtship
on her part. since she not only pro-
poses but sets the immediate date,
1Sth"-and which the scion Of i'm
poverished greatness submits to be-
cause he needs the cash. Her sweet
generosity reaches out to a dissi-
pated younger son, whom she sends
to her dad in Iowa that he may have
a chance to get in line condition.
like the hogs: she renews the youth
of an elder sister of the house to
bring her the happiness of long de
iayed love. and softens the adamant
OF another by secretly buying paint
ings which she and her paid art
agent agree are works of genius. but
of which the audience has it's doubts
since the canvas is discreetly turned
away.
There is moment when the young
for her money, but each complication
has its sunny side, and a romantic
coming together of husband and wife
provides happy ending.
1t is not an exclusive plot. but good
acting that makes it an agreeable
addition to the stars collection of
plays-the good acting embracing
every member of the cast.
1t is so easy and so pleasant to add
dramatic ability to the youth and
hEa r,f t1a,.
to the happy fortune that has shaped
her career. Miss Talmadge has been
SO greatly overpraised that the won
derful thing" about her new play is
that adulation has not blinded her
judgment to the great truth that act
beauty and youth-Indian gifts that
nature bestows and takes away.
This picture plainly evidences that.
a s she mellows into womanhood. she
is working. independently of physical
charm and influential environment,
to climb to stellar heights which
talent and hard study alone may
achieve. But she needs for her climb
ing staff really great play, which
her director will doubtless provide
Also, while she is about everything
that Is lovable in her present pro-
effect which Mr.. Brenon's genius also
overlooked: A very young girl reared
in a French convent would not have
faced her first party-an ordinary
social dance-in gown. with no back
to the waist and loaded down like "a
oowager with Jewels.
Sartorically considered. Miss Tall
madge is one of the few-very few
screen stars who can look sweet and
glrlish in defiance of the vampy style
that is repulsive to many very good
people who are also artistic-so that
when ssity demands full dress of
that sort she has a right to wear it.
But it was not suitable for an inno-
cent child-woman just out of a con-
vent. and as. anyhow. she looked far
prettier in the little frocks that only
youth may wear. her toilet in that
dance was sin against truth and
art. This can be rightfully said for
the reason that the screen is chal-
longing the stage in it's work of hold
ing up that mirror to nature which
is the slogan of the stage. And be-
cause. if Miss Talmadge is to become
the really and truly great actress her
ambition longs for, and her ability
admits of. she must be historically
true in the matter of dress; not be-
cause it means dress. but because it
means history.
NANNJE TAN-f>A SrE,p