"THE CLEAN HEART."

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18670, 20 April 1926, Page 10

"THE CLEAN HEART."

«THE CALL OF COURAGE." AT THE GRAND THEATRE. Beautifully constructed and sincerely acted is the new photoplay, "The Clean Heart," heading the new programme at the Grand Theatre. The stdry is a simplo but appealing one, and if anything, Percy Marmont, the leading man, is better in this than as Mark Sabre in "If Winter Comes." Tho picture is a film version of A. 8. M. Hutchinson's famous novel of the same name, and starred with Marmont are Marguerite de la Motto and Otis Harlan. Tho author made the story one of whimsical and philosophic humour, and it abounds in Hutchinson's frequent touchos o£ realism. Truo to life in all its aspects, "The Clean Heart" is distinctive and eminently entertaining throughout. Dramatic situations, containing not a little pathos, are legion. Some of them lead to renunciations, and then there is the engaging humour of the philosophic tramp as a contrast'and a foil to the heavier scenes. Charmingly interwoven through the tale is a delightful love story, containing many unusual dramatic twists which eventually shape themselves into an interesting and satisfactory climax. A remarkable fact about the picture is that it has no villain. A picture without the traditional bad man to offset the virtues of the hero is indeed an exception, yet here it is, the hero's only enemy being bis own self. The production is skilfully balanced, and has all the humane characteristics which give it the Hutchinson hallmark. Percy Marmont's role is 'a difficult one, but, as usual, he invests it with all the artistry of the great actor. As a tramp, Otis Harlan leaves little to be desired, and as the girl, Marguerite de la Motte presents a tasteful and interesting' character sketch. Something quite new in Wesctrn drama is the second feature, "The Call of Courage," starring Art Aeord, the cowb'oy whose horsemanship has thrilled countless movie fans the world over. The star is seen once again with his remarkable horse, "Raven," and the dog actor, "Bex." Supporters in the unfolding of the story are the famous Universal ranch riders, the most sensational group of trick specialists ever seen in combination upon the screen. "The Call of Courage" is one of the more logical types •of Western pictures. Evory action is quite possible to tho ordinary human, although the indispensable elements of swift action and thrill are not omitted. Western pictures have a large following among movie patrons, chiefly due to the wholesomeness and healtry outdoor atmosphere with which they are impregnated. "The Call of Courage" is one of the best of its kind yet seen in Christchurch. Tho Grand Quality Orchestra plays an interesting programme of special and incidental music.