The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-08-29
METROPOLITAN
salvation Nell"

Just as Gypsy Blood" WAS recog-
nized as the most authentic version OF
Carmen" ever seen In Warrington.
so will Salvation Nell" Whitman
Benefits film production of the ia
nous play OF the same name by I'd
ward Sheldon. presented for the first
time I'm the Capital as chief feature a.
Crandall's Metropolitan Theater this
week, be recognized as the most re-
alistic version OF Mrs. Fiske's former
starring vehicle ever revealed.
salvation Nell' is play of life
among the submerged tenth that
ahounds In brilliant high lights and
dead black shadows. Its action a.
times is almost brutal and frequently
IL is thoroughly exciting, but through
the entire length of the story there Is
an undercurrent OF pathos and mag
nificent self-sacrifice that lifts II nigh
above the tawdry plane OF mere
melodrama and stamps II as n
thoughtful, true and exceptionally
forceful cross section OF life as II Is
lived in the teeming melting pot OF
New York's lower East Side.
In the title role, Pauline Starke or
fers a portrayal that bids fair to place
her name high on the list or silent
dramas most gifted actresses. The
figure OF the wan, wistful, wornout
little slavey Is limned with infinite
pathos and superb conviction In the
early scenes of the picture.
Later. after seven years OF cease
less effort to redeem her Jim from the
drunken depths to which he has sunk,
Nell Sanders, as a captain In the Sal
walton Army, finds life less burden,
but still there is that terrific urge
to rescue the only man in the world
she loves-a broken, soothing dere.
lict, descended to the depths OF utter
degradation. The manner Of her ac-
complishment of this vast undertak-
ing demonstrates to what glorifed
heights the cinema may aspire ana
lends the pictures climax a peculiarly
potent heart appeal.
Gypsy O'Brien, as Myrtle Hawes,,
the symbol of fraifty in the drama,
contributes a character study that is
In sharp contrast with the sterling
depletion of the wholesome Salvation
Army worker, Hallelujah Maggie, Of
fered by Evelyn G. Darlington. Jo-
seph King, as Jim Platt. proves him
self a character actor whose capabfli-
ties heretofore have been unfortu-
nately underestimated. His delinea-
ton of a repellant character in the
story is one OF admirable fidelity to
type.
tured portions of the program are the
musical embellishments which have
arranged by Mr.. Mirskey, conductor
of the Metropolitan Symphony. The
overture number for the week Is "Old
Folks at Home and In Foreign Lands"
a colorful international transcription
by Charles ]. Roberts of the familiar
American folk song into the the must
cal 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, formerly
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 production. The solo
is played from the proscenium side
stage with the artistic dressed in the
uniform of the Salvation Army. thus
affording a prelude in close harmony
with the spirit of the picture that i'm
mediately follows.
The rich symphonic accompaniment
with which Mr.. Mirskey has illumined
the major feature has as its thematic
melodies, THE Rosary" the prelude
from "Lohengrin," Onward Christian
Soldiers" and Lead. Kindly Light"
the last named being sung off stage
by an unnamed and genuinely artistic
soprano Of evidently thorough school
ing and experience.
The excellent bill is completed by
new comedy. Standing Pat" the
Pathe News and Topics of the Day"