THE PICTURE HOUSES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 209, 18 August 1927, Page 9

THE PICTURE HOUSES.

MUNICIPAL. In “The Better ’Ole’’ Svd Chaulin rises to great heights. Bruce Bairnsfathei’s famous caricatures offer him the widest scone for his uncanny ability to provoke laughter. His chharacterisation of “Old Bill” is his masterpiece, and it is the opinion of Bairnsfather himself that Svd Chaplin is the only man in pictures who ceuld make “Old Bill” live on the screen, Doris Hill is the name of the sixteen-years-old beauty who plays opposite Syd Chaplin. Miss Hill plays the role of a petite French girl, daughter of the village innkeeper in Boucaret, where most .of the scenes of the picture are laid. As a comedian Syd Chaplin in his earlier release. “Charley’s Aunt.” proved himself out on his own. This picture adds further to his comic laurels and at the same time gives a fine rendering of the comic side of the war. COSY DE LUXE.

The versatility of John Gilbert is something to marvel at No two of his roles have been alike, vet of each he has made a real and ■ convincing characterisation. And never has the star of “The Big Parade” appeared to better advantage than he does in his new starring vehicle for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, “The Show.” This is a colourful and intriguing storv of the Hungarian underworld. Gilbert is seen as a “spruiker” in a sideshow. one of his most vivid portrayals. Particularly fine are nis scenes together with Renee Adoree. which rival those in which this nair appeared in “The Big Parade.” With her usual keen sense of dramatic values. Miss Adoree plays the part of “Salome,” a dancer, and Lionel Barrymore contributes a remarkable piece of character acting in the role of a Greek villain. Doroth-,- Sebastian, Edward Connelly and other favourites make un the cast of supporting players. Tod Browning, famous for his direction of “The Unholy Three.” is, responsible for “The Show.” Under his masterly hand, the unusual story moves with increasing interest until the thrilling climax. The settings are both picturesque and unique and worthy of special mention Supports that are really worth while are also screened.