CIVIC THEATRE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19815, 31 December 1929, Page 13

CIVIC THEATRE.

"COQUETTE."

A strong romantic drama that -will take its place among the most remarkable that have been presented on the new speaking screen, a superbly-acted play, and Mary Pickford's first all-talking picture, is "Coquette,'' now drawing capacity houses at the Civic Theatre. For the first time Mary Pickford's voice is heard from the screen. "Coquette" is an adaptation of the original stage play, which has become a classic of American drama. The story tells of a little flirt who finally falls in love, who becomes the victim of a misunderstanding and the cause of a, deep tragedy, and who then deliberately faces the shame and p3in of blackening her own and her lover's names, so that she may save her father's life. For the first time Mary Pickford is seen in a highly emotional role as Norma Besant, and gives one of the finest characterisations of her screen career, and one that will increase her army of admirers. "Coquette" is poignant drama, throbbing with life and filled with tense emotional situations. An exceptionally fine array of short subjects is included on the programme. . The chief item among these films is a novel presentation of a talking picture conception of Tschaikowsky's "1812 Overture," accompanied by an orchestra of 70 instruments and a choir of 100 voices. It is a very popular item.

GLORIA SWANSON COMING IN "THE TRESPASSER." In a dramatically forceful story and in a role that once again enables her to wear the beautiful clothes for which she becomes famous on the screen, Gloria Swanson makes her debut in talking and singing films at the Civic Theatre next Friday, when "The Trespasser," her first all-dialogue United Artists picture, written and directed by Edmund Goulding, opens for a limited season. While the star's gorgeous wardrobe recalls the days of her first kinema triumphs, it is a new Gloria Swanson that the talking screen reveals in the United Artists picture. The rich tonal qualities of Miss Swanson's voice give fitting oral expression to her abilitv as a dramatic actress. With a story that is singularly compelling, "The Trespasser" is said to usher in a new era in the audible cinema. Edmund Goulding, author and director of the United Artists picture, is said to havo evolved a new art in the vehicle, so that the method of telling the story is as novel as the theme itself. Goulding also wrote the original number, "Love," which is one of the two pieces Miss Swanson sings in the feature. A capable cast, all of whom are at home in speaking before the microphone, surrounds Miss Swanson in "The Trespasser." Robert Ames, accomplished actor of stage and screen, is the leading man. Others in support number Purnell Pratt, Henry B. Walthall, Wally All-right, William Holden, Blanche Friderici, Kay Hammond. Mary Forbes, and Marcella Corday.