"SPORTING LIFE."

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18675, 26 April 1926, Page 7

"SPORTING LIFE."

FAMOUS DRURY LANE DRAMA. GRAND THEATRE, TO-DAT. To day 'will gee a return to the old melodrama at the Grand Theatre, when Seymour Hicks's sensational stags success, "Sporting Life," •with Bert Lytell and Marian Nixon in the leading roles, will appear. This story is marked -with the author's versatility of treatment, the usual thrilling mystery plot becoming an intensely alluring story. As is common with pictures of this type, there is, in reality, more than one plot, or rather, several phases of the major plot, and around these central ideas is woven such a brilliant and absorbing story that only a naturally dramatic author could write. The intriguing allure of the Turf, the fascinating enticement of beautiful ballet girls and glittering revues, the rugged virility of the' ring, deep mysteries and missing women all add their quota to the general hectic excitement which runs through this bewildering picture. The inside life of the English nobility, the tireless and exotic existence that i 3 London at night, the grand parade of men and things that is Ascot are all included in "Sporting Life," which is a picture of breathless interest and glorious beauty from start to finish. Bert Lytell has never given a stronger portrayal than as Lord Woodstock, faced with ruin, yet who cannot give up his private theatre, his splendid stud, and a thousand other things which to him mean life. Opposite him is Marian Nixon, the Nora of the famous play, and she is a consummate little artist in every sense of the word. The second feature is "Daddy's Gone A-Hunting," a vehicle for the display of talents of Percy Marmont and Alice Joyce, and is one of those thoroughly good stories one usually associates with these clever artists. The theme is eminently convincing and original, and receives intellectual treatment and artistic consideration from the stars. A talented cast, a director who has a profound insight into human nature, and sympathetic actors make this picture a truly memorable one. The Grand Quality Orchestra will play a special programme of music. The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.