LIBERTY THEATRE.

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

LIBERTY THEATRE.

A FARCICAL STORY. StD..CHAPLIN'S NEYT PICTUKL\ The name of Srd. Chaplin was no; a familiar one to pictnre-goers un'il tho famous "Charley's Aunt" came to tho screen. Tho humorous situations in the stageplay were given to the screen by Syd. Chaplin in a hilarious comedy, and his name was made. "The Man on the Box" is the seccrnd picture in which he has scored a trmmpa At the initial screening at the Liberty last , night, a crowded house expressed their appreciation of 6yd. Chaplin iu a way thai . left no shadow of doubt as to his popularity. Again he is cast in the role of a female impersonator, and the complications that ensue from his posture as a winsome female of uncertain age, allow of a really amusing development of humorous situations, lne plot of "The Man on the Bos," » a much more elaborate one than is usually tonno. in comedy of this nature, and the story "hangs together" in a manner otten lack.in b in recent motion pictures. The action centres in certain valuable plans which are conveyed from villain to villain, and innocent to' innocent, iu a most confusing manner before the mixed comedy skeins finally untangle themselves and all is made clear, .sja. Chaplin plays a more or less innocent part in the intrigue, centreing in the theft ot the papers, but he displays a wonderful aptitude for becoming embroiled in every conceivable plot. Chaplin shirks not on y as a bogus lady, however, and when the action of the story becomes exciting ho is nlwavs to ho found again in the thick _of thing's. Pugnacious to a degree, despite bis feminine atM-e, he proves his starling worth a R a swashbuckling fighter on more to one .occasion. -f'The Man on the Box provided thrills as well as comedy although it on the humorous elements of the picture that the production deserves its highest praiseThe supporting cast is excellent, hyd. Chap lin's leading lady being the charming Alice Calhoun, Alice Heleno Costello aso having a good part, which she plays skilfully. . The supporting pictures are all enjoyable, and tho playing of tho Liberty Concert Orchestra, under Mr E. Jamieson, added to the entertainment's mer't. An exceptionally enjoyable programme of music is rendered by the Select Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Ernest Jamieson, and judging from last night's performance, the'orchestra has improved beyond, expectations. - Their crisp and artistic mterpretaions left little to be desired The <£«turo was "Captain in Command". (Ilelard), and the entr'acte waa "Valencia" (Padtlla), , this popular- number receiving an enthusiastic encore. •