DE LUXE THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 46, 23 August 1926, Page 3

DE LUXE THEATRE.

Ten of Wellington's prettiest girls, under the guidance and direction of Miss Phyllis Bates, provide a Charleston ballet and burlesque dancing as an introduction to "The American Venus," the chief attraction on the new programme screened for the first time last evening at the De Luxe, Theatre. The picture is most entertaining, and tells the story of a girl who, aided by a very modern Press agent, attempts to win a national beauty competition. Mies Fay Lanphier, who last week met "Miss Australia" on her arrival in the United States.to take part in the American national beauty contest, and who hersejf holds the title of "Miss America," brings both beauty and talent to the title role. She is well supported by Miss Esther Ralston, whose blond loveliness is a fine foil for the swarthier .beauty of "Miss America," and who is a really delightful heroine, while Lawrence Grey plays the part of the publicity agent with a due attention to the characterisation required. The comedy on the programme is "On the Go," and the gazette is quite up to date in its subject matter. The musical programme, under the conductorship of Miss A. Bryers, includes EdwaTd German's "Nell Gwynn Dances" as an overture, and Sapelinikiff's "Second Gavotte" as the ontr'aete. "BEHIND THE FRONT."

Bruce Bainsfather, the man ■who compiled "The Anzac Book," Heath Robinson, and scores of others, put humour on paper for tens of millions to laugh at. Now the Paramount Film Company produces "Behind the Front," which will commence screening at the De Luxe Theatre next Friday, with a matVnee on Saturday at 2.30. Considered the greatest screen comedy of the year, and featuring Wallace Beery, Raymond Hatton, and Mary Brian, this picture will chase the gloom off the face of the most confirmed pessimist. "Behind the Front" is niirth from beginning to end, and shows the funny situations and incidents at the front. As a pair of simple soldiers, who get into all the trouble possible, .Wallace Beery and Raymond' Hatton are irresistibly funny, and Mary Brian, as the Red Cross worker, for whose love Beery and Hatton perform all their exploits and get into all sorts of trouble, is more charming than ever. The supporting cast includes Chester Conklin, Richard Arlen, Louise Lorraine, and Gertrude Astor. In addition there will also be screened "The Life of Jack Hobbs," the only authentic picture of the world's paramount cricketer, which includes slow motion pictures to show how he makes his strokes. A full supporting programme will also be screened, including bright music arranged for the Orchestra de Luxe. The box plans are open at The Bristol, Aitken's Book Arcade, or ring the theatre.