"FLESH AND THE DEVIL."

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19213, 20 January 1928, Page 6

"FLESH AND THE DEVIL."

GRETA GARBO IN UNUSUAIi ROLE. From the very title, "Flesh and tho Devil," one : immediately assumes that tbeipicturo is something entirely different from the usual run of photoplay. The plot itself may be akin to others, perhaps inasmuch that all stories are related to all others, but ' tho evolution of that plot is unique. "Flesh and the Devil," in which it may be said; that Greta Garbo plays the title role, will open at tho Grand? Theatre next Monday, and" will assuredly rank, if not among the greatest films to be shown at that theatre, then'among those that, have offered the most alluring entertainment. It is-the screen edition of Hermann Sundermann's "The Undyinr, Past," a perfect titte for" tho story of thß two Prussian officers who refused, after many temptations and, falls, to allow a woman to come between their' lifelong friendshipthe undying past that could not bo killed by even-tho Folicitaseß of-tho world. Jpliin Gilbert and Lars Hanson play tho two Potsdam soldiers, living in a time and placo/of nrrogance and luxury, staging their' hutlic loves as young officers will, all very' pean, very human, very, if you like, tlvrilling. There is a bewildering galaxy of scenes, incidents, and-people in tho story, it never suffers from want of interest, aud that happy fact is as much due to -Greta Tidrbo us to •Sundermann. .This Garbo comos from Sweden, and brings with her something of its aloofness but none of its coldness; sho is tho screen's Messalina par excellence, and plays easy women wtih tragic success. John Gilbert and Lars Hanson are excellent as the two young officers: Gilbert (mts his acting across through dint of much heaving of the shoulders, flashing of the* eyes, and the thrilling lover generally, but Hanson is an actor and an artist, entirely different. Marc JfcDermott contributes a small part in convincing manner, while Gertrude Qlmstead has a role of virtuous sweetness, and George Fawcett also appears. "Flesh aud the Devil" has to be. seen to be appreciated; it is a picture that cannot be reviewed with any outstanding surenoss. The box plans are now open at The Bristol Piano. Company, where scats may be reserved.