CIVIC THEATRE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19852, 13 February 1930, Page 8

CIVIC THEATRE.

To-day is the last opportunity that Clinsti;liuvch picture patrons will l'ave of seeing the fine aerial iilm, "I'ligUt-" l'>>e Future has .1 particular appeal to all classes ot the community, who have responded by record attendances at the Cmc a hl3 J* j From all angles it is a film all should see, and the remaining two screenings including matinee-will doubtless be well patronised. Tho programme immediately following "Flight" is the first all-British talkie, Hish Treason.''

"HIGH TREASON."

BIG SPECTACULAR, ALL-TALKING FILM. Hitherto, most ot the sound and dialogue films shown in this country have cither presented stories of the stage or crime, and in consequence au insistent demand for "something different" has arisen. "High Treason," which opens at the Civic tOjinorvoiv breaks the spell of stereotyped ' talkies " more thau that, it is sufficiently unusual to be .distinctive in film entertainment, either sound or silent. Based on a play by Pembertoii Billing it presents a picture of the world in 1940, when the Peace Movement has frown to lairge enough proportions to take militant action to prevent war. No greater_ theroo could be found for dramatisation at this day, when the wholo world is seeking a way to permanent peace; but it may be remarked that since the primary purpose of this film is entertainment and not propaganda, the producers havo wisely woven the world's greatest theme, the omnipotence of love in all ages and the triumph of humanity. Such a story affords opportunity for unique visual and sound effects, and the film shows London in 1910, with the new Charing Cross bridge, double-deck streets, aeroplanes, airships, and helicopters, which rise from and land on the Toofs of buildings; television is ineveryday use, news simultaneously broadcast in sound and picture, the Channel tunnel in operation, the night club of the future, with its mechanical instruments for jazz -band music and lady fencers as cabaret turns; fashions of 3 940, with plus-fours for the women, and soft silk shirts and knee breeches for the men; in short, an age of scientific marvels and sartorial surprises. The acting throughout the film is on .in extraordinarily high level, and not only do the principals act well, but their voices are in every case most agreeable and perfectly recorded. Indeed, the sound recording isthe world's best, for voices, music, and effects alike, and is particularly good in tho graphic realism of the aeroplane raids, (lie explosion in the Channel tunnel, and the women's triumphal singing of the Peace Song —to mention hut a few of the "high spots" in the film. Beautiful photography completes tho picture, and a magnificent piece of production; a stirring, dramatic, and intriguing entertainment. Jameson Thomas, Benita Humo, Humherston Wright, and Basil Gill are the principal actors in a film directed by Maurice Elvey. In addition to the main feature there is a wonderful supporting programme, including a Pathe Sound Review and News. Also a United Artists' musical and photographic feathrette the "Irish Fantasy." This depicts with vivid realism the eviction of Irish patriots, featuring the brilliant tenor in "Bulldog Drummond," Donald Novis. There is, in addition to the items mentioned, the first of a series of talking cartoons, "Mickey the Mouse." Mickey's contribution this week is called "Mickey's Follies." London papers declare these drawings of Walt. Disney to be the cleverest ever seen on the screen. The box plans nra now open at The Bristol, Begg's, and The Farmers', The Civic 'phone is 31-508.