AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18777, 23 August 1926, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

« MANNEQUIN." A BEAUTIFUL PHOTO-PLAY. CRYSTAL PALACE, TO DAY. A (riple star feature from the Paramount studios is to ba presented at the Crystal Palace Theatre this week. It is "Mannequin," a parade of beautiful gowns and a parade of human nature, one of the most finely wrought pictures ever brought to the screen. James Cruze directed this production, consequently there is an easy spontaneity, a subtle, distinctive _ charm shout it that no other director could impart. 'Wonderful though the story is, taut with emotion nnd tense with drama, it is the handling by the artists of their very responsible roles which makes the picture so noteworthy an effort. In difficult roles that require an insight and a sympathy to bring out their full beauty, the players carry themselves with such faithful adherence to all the canons of dramatic art that "Mannequin," in its artistic entirety, becomes a picture of noble depth, exquisite tones of light and shade, and profound and insistent heart appeal. So few people understand, or even endeavour to understand tho mannequin. She is just an automaton, a machine. No emotions, no loves, no fears may ba hers, no ambitions or aspirations. This picture justifies her, vindicates her in a manner no written word could do. There is just a touch of genius in "Mannequin, an influence that is so thoroughly human that the whole picture evolves into a cameo of fine and delicate colours. The settings are most beautiful, gorgeous in their brilliance and splendour, but all in the most refined taste. Alice Joyce, Dolores Costello, and Znsu Pitts play the three leading feminine roles, and they are supported by a cast worthy in every respect of the principals. ... Preceding the principal attraction is a Raymond Griffith comedy, "Hands Up," a deliriously amusing picture, played in that particular style of Griffith's that is so comical a mixture of good-natured stupidity and'cunning cleverness.. There is no suggestion of burlesque about Griffith's playing. He has.a light but firm technique, and with his inevitable eilk bat, sauve smile, and sunny manner, he can make comedy out of anything—a gallant achievement. Marian Nixon appears opposite him, and she has had sound experience in the field of comedy, The Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Mr A. J. Bunz, will be heard in the following numbers: Overture, "Gypsy Life" (Theiere); symphonies, "Eroica" (Beethoven), "Parsifal" (Wagner); selections, "America" (St. Quentin), "The Orchid" (Caryll), "A Night of Love" (Spier), "Just For Awhile" (Rache), "Mannequin" (Fletcher); entr'acte. "Madrigale" (Simonetti). The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Co,, where seats may be reserved..