GRAND THEATRE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18184, 22 September 1924, Page 7

GRAND THEATRE.

"SAFETY LAST." "CONDUCTOR H 92."

For pure, unadulterated comedy, the new programme at the Grand Theatre has rarely had an equal. The prime attraction "Safety Last," is "dedicated to the cause of laughter and' thrills," and tho big support, "Conductor 1492." etars the splendid comedian, Johnny Hines. The supporting pictures oro all first rate and the-Grand Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mis s A. Shearsby, plays delightful musio T.tiat" which stars Harold Lloyd, "•hw I HLS°<S 1 freres upon whose faces is the indelible stamp of Emerald Isle birth, to say nothing of several quito pretty girls All these elements make a sum total winch is enjoyable in the extreme, but must be actually seen to bo thoroughly appreciated. Besides the out and out comedy, there is a spice ol dwima judiciously sprinkled throughout. This acts as a splendid background for the comedy, but it must be said that the dramatic incident is extremely cleverly worked out and provides not a little excitement in the course of the screening of the film. Dealin" with the oomedy, there is a wealth of wit throughout. For instance, when dressing for dinner, tho principal as usual loses portion of a collar stud. He removes hia boots and walks about tho floor until he retrieves the missing article with the sole of his stockinged foot—a method which, although painful, is certainly to be commended eo far as its time-saving aspect is concerned. The story deals with tho adventures of an Irish village lad, who sets out to seek his fortune in the States. Ho duly arrives at his destination, and finds employment as the con-ductor-driver of a one-man electric tramcar. He becomes quito popular on the road —especially with the ladies, and finally, succeeds in rescuing the ©on of the president of his company from beneath the wheels of his car. The president's pretty daughter appears on tho scene, and the young Irishman ia introduced into society. All goes well, and the young man secures enough ready money to import his father to America. O'Toolo senior is as amusing as his son, and between them the pair manago to help the president to secure a couple of the company's shares, which give him the controlling power in the trust. Marriage with the president's daughter is inevitable, and the film closes with a honeymoon scene.

STRAND THEATRE. NEW PROGRAMME. The current programme at tho Strand is headed by Herbert Rawlinson in "Tho Victor." The finances of Lord Waring were at a low ebb, and he suggested that his son, tho Hon. Cecil Fitzhugh Waring, go to America and establish a matrimonial alliaJico with the daughter of a rich American. Cecil did not like tha idea, but came to America with the idea of seeking a job. One hungry morning he met Teddy Walters, of a late theatrical job, now broke, but with a couple of doughnuts left which he gladly shared with Cecil. Then Cecil reached a point where he accepted a job as waiter. Here, in an impromptu argument, he knocked out a prominent prize-fighter. Hia fistic ability was noticed by an ex-fight promoter, and Cecil bacame his protege. Tho Britisher finally won the middleweight crown and saved the family estate just about the time that the old rran had it fixed for tho son to marry the daughter of a chewing gum magnate, but the son preferred another title. Hoot Gibson, in "Out of Luck," is tho second feature. The play is a humorous classic, a oomedy-drama that carries a shipload of laughs. "Daniel Boone" (final episode), "The Bookies" (Brownie comedy), and International News complete tho bill.