CIVIC THEATRE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19666, 9 July 1929, Page 16

CIVIC THEATRE.

S DRAMA AND MUSIC. ' JEAN H2RSHOLT IX GREAT ROL-i:. It has "beer, the aim oi the management o: the Ciri-j Theatre to present programmes oi outstanding merit, and this week two splendid pictures and a special musical ir.teriudo hava been arranged. "Tiio Battle of tho Sesss," y reduced by D. W. Griffith, is ;» powerful modern play packed with genuine pathos and une hurnoiu-. Jean Hoi'shoit nas the lead, and those A'fco have seen this actor in any c: his previous pictures will agree that in "The Battle oi tbe SexW ho upholds hi 3 reputation ae one oi iha tost character-actors on tho screen. Playing the part oi an unfaithful husband and ia.th.er, Hershek gives a perfectly human interpretation. The supporting cast is a notable one. Belie Bennett as the deserted ■wife brings real tragedy to the screen, and her daughter, played by the vivacious end sympathetic Saily O'Neil, is the cause of reuniting; tho family. Phyllis Haver and Doe Alva-rado have important roles. "William Judson, a wealthy business man, enjoys life with his wiio and children until he becomes infatuated with a beautiful ■« oman who is out for all she can get from him. He is discovered with her at a night club by his wife and children and implored to mend his ways. He refuses, and parts from hia family, leaving them heartbroken. Hero the mother becomes despondent and 13 only saved from suicide by the timely arrival of her daughter, who, driven almost crazy by the sorrow in tho home, determines to straighten things out and win back ber father, which she does. "Steamboat Bill, Jun.," the other feature. 13 Buster Keatcn's latest. At a of fact, in other cities in New Zealand, this picture has had pride of place on the programme. It is very rarely that one has tho opportunity to see two really good pictures screened together, but this is the case nt the Civic. Buster Keat.cn is funny all the time, end, as the milksop eon of a Mississippi boatman, he is unproariously so. Ernest Torrence plays the part of the father and little Marion Byron that of the girl. A tornado vhioh destroys everyth: Bg and almost everyone but Buster is a gem of trick photography, and there are eome thrilling rescues on a swollen, angry river. The musical side of tbe programme is something out of the ordinary. A stage presentation, "Moonlight and Roses," by the De Luxe Orchestra and De Luxe Duo, is excellently done, and Jfie3 Anne Stephenson and Mr Harold Prescott earn? "A Night in Venice" to the delight of last night's audience. Miss Stephenson also sing 3 "Sailing the Sea of Romance," and Air Prescott contributes '"Awake'' with talent and feeling. "Raymond," played by the orchestra, who occupy the stage for their presentation, is splendidly treated. Other numbers include: "Muddy "Water,'' "High, High Up in tbe Hi'ls," "Doll Dance," "Pollv." "Rag Doll," "The Girl Friend," "Oh Kay." "Rocked in tbe Cradle of the Deep," "Humoresque," "Glow Warm," "A Breezy Evening," "Flying Seagulls," "The Sneak." "Storm Scene," "Sanctuary of the Heart," and "Home, Sweet Home."