EMPRESS THEATRE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12470, 11 June 1926, Page 4

EMPRESS THEATRE

“THE MAN ON THE BOX.” Said to be one of the best programmes ever screened, “The Man on the Box” with Syd. Chaplin, ana “Stage Struck” starring Gloria Swanson, are the two features commencing at the Empress Theatre to-dayi. Syd’s first picture for Warner Brothers is said to be the funniest thing he has ever done, surpassing all his previous successes, even “Charley’s Aunt” which stamped him as an outstanding comedian and made his name as famous as his brothers’, “T Mail on the Box” is an adaptation of Harold McGrath’s famous novel and play of the same name and concerns the romantic adventures ot charming and wealthy Bob Warburton, and also gives Syd. an opportunity to masquerade as a flirtatious maid. Those who have seen the picture at a private review were driven into roars of laughter, there is not a dull moment right through and the humorous situations are delightfully refreshing and novel. The story of “Stage Struck” opens in a crowded theatre. Outside, a famous actress is arrivingand a cheering crowd welcome her. The scene shifts to a banquet halt in a palace. The court is massed on either side of a great staircase. Trumpets sound and the king descends the stairs and escorts a famous actress down to the banquet tables. By some mysterious process the actress’s costume changes as she advances. The scene is made even more impressive by the fact that it is done in technlcolour, the new process of natural colouring. Gloria, as a stage struck waitress, in love with Larry Grey, decides to go oh the stage, because Larry loves actrea ses. One of the Ohio river’s show boats comes to town, and Gloria is given an opportunity to show what she can do. The manager of the floating theatre (Ford Sterling) bills her as “The Masked Marvel” in a boxing bout. This and other scenes on the boat are among the funniest ever brought to the screen.. Gloria is seen in some gorgeous gowns at the start of the picture and she wears them in her own inimitable manner.