DE LUXE THEATRE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 12652, 12 January 1927, Page 8

DE LUXE THEATRE

“THE MYSTERY CLUB.”

An unusual mystery play, entitled “The Mystery Club,” is- now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. The real title of the club is the Armchair Club, which includes a number of men who are descended from old-time pirates and buccaneers, but who, having been born in a more civilised period of the world’s history, are compelled to more .legitimate, though quite as practical, methods of acquiring wealth. Some half-dozen of the members, who are cronies, make an agreement that each will commit a crime without discovery, and stakes a large sum of money which shall be forfeited in the event of failure. Each draws a number, but no man knows what the other has drawn, merely waiting until he learns that the crime number preceding his own has been committed. The whole story is very cleverly interwoven, and the. element of mystery is maintained right to the end. .Matt Moore, Edith Roberts, and Mildred Harris occupy the l chief roles.; ■

There is a. good supporting programme. with excellent music by the De Luxe Orchestra.

“MARRIAGE LICENSE” Commencing Friday night next, with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30, the tensely dramatic story .entitled “Marriage License,” featuring Alma Rubens and an all-star cast' will commence screening. This unusual feature isl based on the sensational stage success, “The Pelican,” by H. M. Harwood and F. Tennyson Jesse. The theme is that of a mother’s sacrifice for her son, paralleling the old legend of the pelican who gives her life blood to feed her young. Not a problem play, yet answering the most vital question of the day; not a sex drama, yet pulsating with violent emotion; not a “thriller” in the accepted sense of the word, yet replete with exciting situations; not a pink tea society drama, yet dealing with the “upper half” ; not a comedy, yet offering many a smile—it’s a true story of life and just as big. By the same director and the same star who made “Humoresque”; in fact, “Marriage License” is considered greater .by far than “Humoresque.” One dramatic situa tion is closely followed by another in this absorbing story of a beautiful Canadian girl who marries the son of a haughty English family. Alma Rubens, in the principal role, gives a splendid portrayal as the girl, Wanda, who is considered an inferior by her new relatives. One of the most stirring climaxes ever screened is incorporated in the picture. Through the genius of Frank Borzage, the director, the film sparkles with originality. A splendid supporting programme has been arranged, including a Fox comedy, Fox News, and a delightful musical programme. The box plans are now open at the Bristol Piano Co., Aitken’s Book Arcade, or ring theatre ’phone 23-080.