'THE CAT AND THE CANARY'

Evening Star, Issue 19774, 26 January 1928, Page 4

'THE CAT AND THE CANARY'

INTRIGUING MYSTERY DRAMA Mystery in i,ts most enthrilling form, compounded with tragedy and drama, combine to form one of the most startling and compelling dramas ever filmed in ‘The Cat and the Canary,’ the Universal production which will be screened for the first time at the Empire Theatre to-morrow. Almost from the very first foot of film of this absorbing mystery play, directed by Paul Leni, action commences in ever-increasing tempo; climax caps climax; dramatic sequences pile up one after another; while the suspense is tempered with opportunely injected comicalities, contributed by Flora Finch, Gertrude Astor, and Creighton Hale. Laura La Plante, the vivacious blonde star, deserves the greatest praise for her excellent portrayal of Annabelle West, the sole legatee of an eccentric old recluse’s estate, who, actuated by strange motives, stipulates that his last will and testament be read in an abandoned country mansion, in the very room in which he died, at the midnight hour. A featured cast, including Arthur Edmund Carew, Forrest Stanley, George Siegmann. Tully Marshall, Martha'Mattox, and Lucien Littlefield, give exceptionally fine support in their respective roles. A special musical programing will be played by the Empire Orchestra, under Mr Charles Parnell.