"THE BLUE LAGOON."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19104, 13 September 1927, Page 13

"THE BLUE LAGOON."

| H. DE VERE STACPOOLE'S ROMANCE. It was self-evident that a novel combining the concentrated elements of romantic adventure with such an original nad beautiful love theme as does that famous. romance of H. de Vere Stacpoole's ''The Blue Lagoon," should sooner or later receive attention from the enterprising fllm producer. Armed witn the author's blessing, and s cheerful confidence in their own ability, a company has transferred that delightful story to the screen, and "The Blue Lagoon" will commence its season at the Liberty Theatre next week. It is a picture that is as romantic, as invigorating, as picturesque, and as untrammelled from useless conventions as its title implies, free, wind-s.wept, elemental. The book was one which seemed to clamour for screen adaptation, for it posßeßßed all those indefinable and subtle somethings that appear to make all tho difference between an excellent novel and.a brilliant pioturo. There ia the eternal lure of eternal youth and that fleeting quality, happiness. There is drama, and thero are the thrills that lie ill wait for the unwary in every foot of that strange islaud, and in every depth of the blue lagoon. There is the exquisite humour of* old Paddy Button, there living on the sorech with his violin, and his amazing stories of tho "little people," the banshees and tho leprecauns. And, following the way of things from time immemorial, there is love. "The Blue Lagoon" has received high praiße from the author, Mr do Vere Stacpoole, and it is really only very seldom that an author is satisfied with a pictunsed version of his Works. But his story has been handled With skill and respect, nothing extenuated, nor aught set down in malice, and the natural exterior scenes, being taken on an uninhabited coral reef, are complete and faithful representations t>f the original. An accomplished company Of players play tho roles, the Faddy Button of Mr Richard Cruickshftnks being a rare nioßale of sympathy, pathos, and humour, Mollie Adair and Arthur Pllsey «e Emmolino and Dick respectively, While John Percival, as Arthur Lestrange, gives n strong and convincing interpretation. On Thursday morning the box plans will open at The Bristol Piano Company, where scats may be reserved.