"OUTSIDE THE LAW."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18340, 2 September 1921, Page 6

"OUTSIDE THE LAW."

Tod Browning’s original drama _of the under-world, “Outside the Law,” with Priscilla Dean in the stellar vole, supported by Lon Chaney. Wheeler Oakman, B. A. Warren,. Ralph Lewis, Melbourne MacDowell, William Taylor, and a _ wonderful child actor, Stanley Goethala, is the big 8000 ft super-masterpiece that will form the star attraction at the Octagon Theatre to-day. “Outside the Law” is a Uni versa!-Jewel feature, and was produced at a cost of more than £50,000. The beauty and lavishness of the production gives ample evidence of the expenditure and there are many big settings. The locale, is San Francisco, and several blocks of the Bay City’s underworld were reproduced at Universal City at a cost of £20,000. An apartment house on Knob Hill, the modern palace of a banker, and the splendid Oriental intricacies of the rear and second floor of a bazaar are some of the more expensive settings. The story of “Outside the Law” concerns the struggles of a little group of criminals to free themselves from the shackles of crime and live the life they desire. In this they are thwarted and double-crossed by an evil and revengeful figure of the half-world, who resents respectability. In the background, and yet the dominant personality of this drama, is an old heathen philosopher, whose ideas of right and wrong are based on no political statutes, and who metes out an unsanctioned justice “outside the law.” Priscilla Dean is said to be at her dramatic best in this, her first picture since “Tire Virgin of Stamboul,” while Lon Chaney has a dual role which outshines anything in his career of distinctive and_ difficult screen impersonation. The supporting pictures are International and Selznick News films and a comedy entitled “On With the Show.” The popular symphony orchestra, under‘the conductorshin of Mr Caulton, will present a new musical programme in complete harmony with the picture programme. The box plan is at Beg.g's. After 5 p.m. seats may be resowed at the theatre on application or telephoning No. 3091.