The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-12-05
METROPOLITAN
ssThe Wonderful Thing"

Norma Talmadge has done many
fine things on the screen. but IT II
doubtful II she has ever offered 30
completely charming a character de-
lineation as in the role OF Jacqueline
Laurentine Boggs in "The Wonderful
Thing" which yesterday attracted
overflow crowds to CrandaIls Metro
politan Theater, despite the nclem-
ency of the weather. In this subject
Miss Talmadge net only reveals the
full power of her art as an emotional
actress, but also discloses comedy
gift no less vivacious and no less
effective than the ebullient endowment
that has elevated her sister, Con-
stance, to the front rank of stardom.
1.-THE Wonderful Thing" In screen
adaptation of the play of the same
name by Lillian Trimble Bradley. The
movement Of the drama Ii brisk and
direct and unfailingly holds interest.
The production is one Of the most
lavish in which it's star has been seen
under the First National banner, and
the photoplay Is such as to emphasize
he astistry Of the pictures mounting.
The story centers in the experiences
OF Jacqueline Boggs. daughter OF the
Ham King of America, who has been
educated In q French convent and who
tTNoIb tuOic VI tCoo oSt AOaS
business of life infinitely more Gallo
than American in temperament.
viewpoint and speech.
Meeting a young man whom she
greatly admired at house party given
by his sister in England, Jacqueline
ingeniously proposed to him that they
be married, having previously been
informed that he would not propose to
her because she had money and he
had none. This trifle overcome. she
marries the boy.
And Immediately thereafter Laurie
Mannerby, the groom's young brother,
in a moment Of extreme inebriety
FORCES his mothers name to a large
check. which is held by an unscru-
pulous innkeeper. To save the lad
from Jail and his mothers name from
disgrace, Donald signs a note for
$4,000 and guarantees that Laurie
will not leave England until the note
IL paid.
Jacqueline. unaware of anything
save the ono fact that her husband
was In trouble over money, ships
,-aurie to her home In America and
rings things to such crisis that 1t
$ made to appear that Donald had
married her only Tor her money. They
art and both hasten to Centerville,
iowa. The ensuing developments Of
he engrossing tale are rich in ro-
nance and humor as well as in
genuine dramatic forcefulness.
Miss Talmadge throughout the &C.
ION Of the picture is fascinating.
Tot in years has she had so congenial
role and never before has she APP
Jared so beautiful as in the wonder
al series Of gowns with which she
istumes her role. Julia Lydig
ioyt, one of New York's social leaders,
no makes her screen debut in this
Inject, also appears to decided ad.
antage. The leading male roles are
,ayed with great skill by Harrison
ord, Robert Agnew, and Howard
'ruesdale.
N. Mirskey. director Of the Metro.
Titan symphony, offers az the over.
- are number for the week selections
rom Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci," which
ist evening was roundly applauded
he orchestral accompaniment OF
The Wonderful Thing" is richly
lelodious and wholly in consonance
18th the tempo and the spirit Of the
picture.
The bill for the week In completed
new comedy. The Joy Rider, -
Earring Harry Pollard: a new issue
If the Pathe News, and the lates,
symposium of the Literary Digest
witty Topics Of the Day"