THEATRE DE LUXE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12393, 12 March 1926, Page 9

THEATRE DE LUXE

“CALIFORNIASTRAIGHT AHEAD." That Reginald Denny is one of the foremost light comedy stars of the screen cannot be denied after seeing “California Straight Ahead,’’ the Uni-versal-Jewel feature which opens tonight at tho Theatre De Luxe. Presented with an unusual story, and many opportunities for clever comedy bits, Denny gives one of the most delightful performances of his screen career Even his portrayal of the hypochondriac in “Oh, Doctor!" is rivalled by his performance in this latestfarce

Tho situations on which "California Straight Ahead” are based are intrinsioally funny, because they chronicle an event painfully familiar to almost every one —a long motor trip. Denny in this picture is represented as a young man making a cross-eountry tour in a palatial motor bungalow and the adventures and mishaps which occur are productive of seven reels of delightful comedy.

Harry Pollard, the director, has incorporated some splendid scenes and types in the shots of other tourists, and in action taking place in the auto camps along the road. In the thrilling climax, which takes plaoe Denny is a race driver of no small ability ns well as an accomplished actor and a versatile comedian, for he pulls the audience to its fqet with n hair-raising automobile race. Denny, is given splendid support by Gertruds Olmsted as leading woman, and by Lucille Ward, Charles Gerrard, John Steppling, Fred Esmeltcm, Tom Wilson, Leo Nomas and others.

There will be good supporting films, and the usual excellent music by the orchestra under Mr L. D. Austin,