The Washington herald., 1921-08-29
METROPOLITAN.
"salvation Nell.-

Just as Gypsy Blood" was recug-
nized as the most authentic version
OF Carmen" ever seen in Washing
ton. so will salvation Nell" Whit
man Benefits special film produc-
ton Of the famous play of the same
name by Edward Sheldon. presented
for the first time in the Capital as
chief feature of the excellent pro-
gram at CrandatHs Metropolitan
Theater this week, be recognized
as the most realistic version of Mrs.
Fiske's former starring vehicle ever
revealed to local lovers of the
drama.
Salvation Nelr' is a play of life
among the submerged tenth and
abounds in brilliant high lights and
dead black shadows. Its action at
times Is almost brutal and frequent
ly IL is thoroughly exciting, but
through the entire length Of the new
First National form OF the story
there is an undercurrent of pathos
and magnificent self-sacrifice that
lifts it high above the tawdry plane
Of mere melodrama and stamps II as
a thoughtful, true and exceptionally
forceful cross-section OF life as il is
-
Of New York's lower East Side. The
East Side of the days of the saloon,
barroom debacles and pocketbooks
pinched to buy rum. Not a happy
picture, but one that fulflls the
highest function of the theater-
to depict accurately an actual phase
of everyday life.
In the title role, Pauline Starke
offers a portrayal that bids fair to
place her name high on the list of
silent dramas most gifted actresses.
The figure of the wan, wistful,
worn-out little slavey Is limned
with infinite pathos and superb con-
viction in the early scenes of the
picture. Later, after seven years of
ceaseless effort to redeem her Jim
from the drunken depths to which
he has sunk, Nell Sanders, as a cap
tain of the Salvation Army, finds
life less a burden, but still there is
that terrific urge to rescue the only
man in the world she loves-a bro
ken. scoffing derelict, descended to
the depths of utter degradation.
The manner of her accomplishment
of this vast undertaking demon
strates to what glorifled heights
the cinema may aspire, and lends
the pictures climax a peculiarly
potent heart appeal.
Gypsy O'Brien, as Myrtle Hawes,
the symbol of frailty in the drama,
contributes a character study that
is in sharp contrast with the sterl-
ing depletion of the wholesome
Salvation Army worker. Hallelujah
Maggie, offered by Evelyn c. Car
ington. Joseph King. as Jim Platt,
proves himself a character actor
whose capabilities heretofore have
been unfortunately underestimated
His deiineation of a repellant char
acter in the story is one of admir-.
able fidelity to type.
No less interesting than the pic
tured portions of the program are
the musical embellishments which
have been arranged by Mr.. Mirskey;
conductor OF the Metropolitan Sym
phony. The overture number for
the week is "Old Folks at Home and
in Foreign Lands" a colorful inter-
national transcription by Charles ].
Roberts. of the familiar American
folk-song, into the musical manner
Of seven Of the foremost nations Of
Europe, which was played with
great effectiveness to tremendous
applause yesterday.
As a prologue to salvation Nell"
Miss Viola Taubert Abrams. for
merly soloist with the Russian
symphony Orchestra, renders as a
harp solo Pinto's The Souls
Awakening" an exquisite. number in
which Miss Abrams displays perfect
technique and exceptional tone pro-
duction. The solo is played from the
proscenium side-stagc. with the ar
tist dressed in the uniform Of the
Salvation Army, thus affording a
prelude in close harmony with the
spirit Of the picture that immedi-
ately follows
The rich symphonic accompani-
ment with which Mr.. Mirskey has
illumined the major feature has as
its thematic melodies. THE Rosary"
the prelude from 'Lohengrin." "On-
ward Christian Soldiers" and Lead
Kindly Light" the last-named being
sung off-stage by an unnamed and
genuinely artistic soprano of evil.
IDENTIFY thorough schooling and ex-
perience.
The excellent bill is completed by
q new comedy, standing Pat" the
Patha Navs as.A 'aronias AZ TIA DAY.