AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18802, 21 September 1926, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE.

"HIGH STEPPERS."

A PHILLIP GIBBS STORT.

When the Great War ceased the cryrang out through the whole country, "What its- England now?" A great gulf was left and no one stepped forth to bridge it. Instinctively England looked to her young, as then untried and unfledged, to carry on the reputation of those who had died on the battlefields of Europe, to win fresh laurels that the nation might retain her place In tbb sun. Such a fledgling was young Ferryman, whom Lloyd Hughes characterises ifl "High Steppers." a Sir Phillip Gibbs story which is showing at Everybody's Theatre this week. Tho novel is a noteworthy one that has considerably enhanced Gibbs's reputation. The picture version does not follow tho novel as closely as it might, and much of the psychological study that the author worked into his characters is lost. Notwithstanding, the screen version contains the spirit of tho work, and has been given u dramatic flavour.

Gibbs knew England in th"o darkest days of war better than she knew herself, and his knowledge of her in her post-war troubles was no less accurate. The story is woven together, with those little touches of romance and pathos and scenes of real life which he always portrays' so vividly. The story depiot3 the wild life df tho upper classes when they flung themselves into their post-war frenzy, and contrasts with this the misery »nd desolation of those who had given their ill for their country only to find themselves alone and without friends. Bereft of all aid, these persons aro made tho victims of ruthless' money grabbers. All through the screen version is seasoned with the spice of real life presented in palatable form, the creation of a master novelist.

Tho selection of o cast is a happy one, Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes being cast together as the youthful high steppers Lloyd Hughes is popular in any production, but here in the role of the Oxford undergraduate who.has been "sent down" to find a living and gain a reputation in the world of journalism, ho is supremo. Mary Astor is bis vis-a-vis, "iin'l her winsome manner and capable acting in a. responsible part lend charm to the production. Alec. Francis, Emily Fitzroy, and Olnrissa Sehvynno all have important places in a caste which is exceptionally strong and well selected. An intriguing tale of a maid to whom the glamour of Broadway is more than her father's millions, forms the plot of the supporting picture, "A Broadway Butterfly," featuring Dorothy Devoro and Matt More. Tho story is powe-fully drawn, and contains moro truth than the average person would care to acknowledge. A judicious mixture of comedy, pathos, and tender romance woven into a snappy and dramatic talc, give on atmosphere that is pleasing. Willard Louis and Cullen Landis play malo leads, and assist materially towards its success. Everybody's-"Select" Orchestra, under the baton of Mr W. J. Bellingham, F.S.M., is heard at its. beßt in an appropriate programme of incidental music.