THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20025, 5 September 1930, Page 19

THEATRE ROYAL.

"FREE AND EASY." Buster Koaton was above criticism in the silent films, but in talking pictures jie is even better. In "Kreo and Easy" the famous comedian makes < hi a bow at tht Theatre Royal this iveek. Koaton scores a aucceas in this production equal to anj> of his former triumph 3, and it is evident that he will not be one of those former "fitara" which have definitely set as the result o£ th 6 coming of the new movie technique. GRETA GARBO IN "ANNA , CHRISTIE." Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's screen adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's widely-known drama, "Anna Christie," starring Greta Garbo in her first talking role, will open to-morrow at the Theatre Royal. The picture, said to be the most distinguished of Clarence Brown's directorial efforts, was adapted from the original stage play by Frances Marion. The supporting cast contains Charles Bickford. George F. Marion, Marie Dressier in her first straight role, James T. Mack, and lieo Pholps. The picture will represent Marion's third portrayal of the father role, the actor having played the original stage role wtih Paulino Lord, later again assuming the part in the silent picture, made with Blanche Sweet. The production has been particularly looked forward to because of general curiosity concerning Miss Garbo's voice and her reputed Swedish accent. It is said that Miss Garbo began work on the picture without a preliminary voice test, bnt, having once started, broke all existing records for length of dialogue sequences. From all reports, her voice is perfectly suited to microphone requirements.

Th« ?tory of "Anna Christie" revolves about the regeneration of a Swedish girl who, brought up without care or guidance, ehoue a shameful career to escape the tyranny of life on a Minnesota farm. Several months spent with her father on an old set barge and the love of an Irish sailor inspire her to a fresh start in life. It is said the production has been filmed with close attention to authenticity of settings, the various scenes including reproductions of New York's waterfront, cobbled streets, horse-drawn vehicles, old saloons, and a picturesque representation of Coney Island with its Eden Musee, side-shows, concessions, and other details. Hiss Oarbo's performance as Anna is declared to be the finest (Ihing she has ever done, the tragic sincerity of the role being of the type to which the distinguished actress is particularly well suited. As. a play, "Anna Christie" ran for 177 "o-forrcances on Broadway, and continued for two solid seasons in the United States niitf in England. It is regarded as one of the best of Mr O'Neill's works.