"REACHING FOR THE MOON."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17659, 24 June 1919, Page 7

"REACHING FOR THE MOON."

"Reaching for the Moon," Douglas Fairbanks's latest production for Artcraft, opening at the Empire Theatre to-day, was written by Anita Loos and John Emerson, expressly for the noted star, who fairly revels in the part of Alexis, a youth occupying a humble position in a button factory until he discovered he was the missing heir to a European throne. Artcraft has been lavish with this production, which' is crammed full of humorous situations and thrilling incidents. Tho adventures of Alexis aro extremely trying, and Fairbanks is afforded ample opportunity of displaying the extraordinary athletic skill for which he is noted. Alexis loams that the royal road: is a rocky one. He is beset at evejr'y turn by assassins, who constantly hatch plots against him, and exciting encounters take place. He escapes with his life only by virtue of his physical prowess. While abounding in humorous _ situations, the. play is philosophical in its theme, analysing the psychology of happiness, and disoussdng in an able manner the serious question of what constitutes success. The scenes are laid in America and Europe. Combining comedy with sensational _ dramatic incidents, a wide range is given Douglas Fairbanks for the display of his athletio skill and tho exercise of his great artistic ability! This is considered his best work thus far, either on the stage or screen.