EMPRESS THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 103, 5 May 1925, Page 9

EMPRESS THEATRE.

A fascinating comedy-drama is v now showing at the Empress Theatre, which is another adventure of that delightful screen comedienne, Squibs, as played by Miss Betty Balfour. This time Squibs, with her delicious sense of humour, decides to fittingly celebrate her approaching wedding, with hilarious results. Squibs has never been so delightfully funny; she brings all her beauty, allied to brains and wit, to bear on the role, and is a fascinating little figure, thoroughly feminine. <*■ The picture is easily her best, and Miss Balfour rises to the occasion. The supporting cast includes Fred Groves, Frank Stanmore, Hugh Wright, Irene Tripod, and others, and the English settings are a relief from the usual type of film released here. The Empress Orchestra supplies splendid musical accompaniments, and there is a fine picture programme in support.

"MYSTERY OF A HANSOiM CAB."

"The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," which is to be screened at the Empress Theatre next Friday, is the work of an old Dunedin boy, Fergus Hume, who was an articled clerk in a well-known solicitor's office almost forty years ago. Mr. Hume's dramatic thriller" has been always among the world's best sellers, and even to-day the book is being read by thousands all over the world. When the picture was commenced the demand was so great in Australia that the Pyramid Picture Company arranged with the publishers to print another edition of the book, which has since been practically sold out. With this great' subject for his picture production, and a strong financial, backing, Arthur Shirley had no difficulty in making a great picture. The total cost was just on £10,----000, which is a record as far as Australian production is concerned, but the results have justified it. Arthur Shirley, in- addition to producing the picture, plays the principal , character, and is supported by a strong cast, including Miss Grace Glover, Messrs. Sydney Stirling, Godfrey Cass, Carleton Stuart, Roland Stavoly, and: Miss Cora Warner, who as Mother Gutersnipe, the gin-sodden soak of the slums, is said to give a wonderful characterisation. It is j claimed that seldom has there been seen; i on the screen such a great performance |as hers- It is stated that the mountings are all elaborate, and the photography exqellent, and in every way the production something to be proud of. i