QUEEN’S THEATRE

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12211, 8 August 1925, Page 2

QUEEN’S THEATRE

“NEW TOYS.’’ Screened for the Initial showing the Queen’s Theatre last evening was the splendid 1 First Nations,! coomedydrams, “New Toys.”. Abounding -in laughter-raising situations, and mterspersed with' occasional, touches .of pathos, “New Toys” undoubtedly ranks as one of the. greatest comedy-dramas ever witnessed by Wellington picturegoers'. The principal theme _of the story, which] by tlpe way, is, a delightful little tragedy of a young married couple, centres around newly-mar-ried life; many amusing and interestsustaining situations arising from 'the experiences of the young husband, who,,, deserted by his wife, is faped with the problem of edring for the-newly-arrived baby. Richard Barthelmess’s productions are ever distinguished for their excellent casts, and in this respect ‘‘New Toys” is no exception. Surrounding him in this production, the: popnlar young star has indeed a noteworthy array of players,. including winsome Mary Hay (Mrs Barthelmess), who skilfully portrays the role of the young wife. Clifton Webb, the well-known footlight comedian, makes his film debut in another important role. ! A new , discovery, Katherine Wilson, also, makes almost her first screen appearance. Other players in the oast are Bijou Fernando®,: Francis Conlon, Laura Lacalllade, Jules Jorddn, and Jacob Kingsbury. " An excellent supporting programme was screened, ..including a hilarious Larry Semon comedy scream, “Her Boy Frined.” An additional attraction was the* showing of the opening stages of the Universal chapter play, “The Riddle Riders,” featuring Win Desmond and Eileen Sedgwick. A further: unique attraction was the appearancefor a one-week’s engagement only, of Barry and' Irwin, clever entertainersand danoers, who proved exceedingly popular in a variety of delightful musi-i cfw numbers and dance novelties. Excellent incidental musio was submitted throughout; the performance by the Queen’s , Select Orchestra, under the baton of Miss Eileen Dennehy.'