ENTERTAINMENTS MARY CARR IN “SILVER WINGS.

Southland Times, Issue 18937, 10 May 1923, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

MARY CARR IN “SILVER WINGS.

Last night at the Albion the crowds were delighted at the beautiful programme presented by the management, it being quite safe to say that no two star features of the calibre of "Silver Wings” and "What’s ! Wrong with the Women” has ever been screened for an evening's entertainment. It was distinctly a Mary Carr night at the Albion Theatre last night. Not only did the famous mother of “Over the Hill" score a distinct personal success as the star in her latest super-production, "Silver Wings,” presented by William Fox, but at the close of the photoplay found the audience according the picture a well deserved ovation. It left no doubt as to the esteem in which ehe is held by the public not cniy as one of the screen's great mothers, but a splendid, capable actress to boot. In fact, it is the pleasure which is derived from watching the work of Mrs Carr that is one of the incentives in viewing "Silver Wings.” It is certainly a well done picture with Mrs Carr in the stellar role. She is at all times an appealing figure who possesses a true understanding of the mother heart and the rare ability to convey that understanding to the screen. She Is also ably supported by an excellent cast and the photography is flawless throughout the entire production.

Mrs Carr’s role is that of a mother and devoted wife who assumes upon her husband’s death the care of a fairly profitable business he has built up and the care of her two sons and a daughter. In the prologue she is shown during the early days cf her marriage, later as a prosperous business woman and then as a forsaken woman. Her two sons furnish a splendid example of the contrasts of character within a family. One is slow and plodding, but sincere, and the other—although the favourite of his mother —is lazy and deceitful, and, as is always the case, eventually brings disgrace upon his mother. The daughter, over the protests of her worthless brother, marries for love, but is forced to leave her family. In time the entire family has left the mother, who is forced into bankruptcy. Step by step we see the family become reunited after the keen realisation .that fidelity to their mother is a sure sign of happiness. The super-play, "What’s Wrong with the Women,” is well worth the pridfe of admission alone. Intending patrons may reserve their seats by telephoning the Albion (738). Day sale tickets are obtainable at Dunlop’s (next Bristol). CIVIC PICTURES. FINAL SCREENING OF "FOOLISH WIVES.” "Foolish Wives.” Universal's elaborate and costly super-special, will be shown for the last time at the Municipal Theatre to-night. All who have not yet seen this big production will regret the fact if they do not take advantage of this final opportunity. Never has there been such a kaleidoscopic array of beautiful settings and artistic photography combined with such adept characterisation and careful direction. Eric von Stroheim, the author, director and star of the picture, has made a screen masterpiece. The action largely takes place at Monte Carlo. The buildings and surroundings were reproduced on an exact scale and at apparently tremendous cost. The colourful settings, the activities of the noted pleasure resort, are merely backgrounds for the impelling story of “Count” Sergius Karamzn, renegrade Russian captain, debonair adventurer and consummate villain. The role of the bogus Count is played by vou Stroheim himself. The character is so well drawn that you hate him—hate him—and rejoice when he comes to a bad end. The Count and his accomplices, two Russian “princess,” played by Maude George and Mae Bush, are international crooks, who prey upon wealthy visitors to Monte

Carlo. Also on the programme is a comedy drama “The Ghost Breaker” featuring Wallace Reid. He is seen as a young American who undertakes to clear a Spanish castle of some undesirable ghosts •which have chosen to inhabit it for purposes of i their own. "The Ghost Breaker” fully ! lives up to all that might be expected of ■ it, for exciting situations follow one another in swift succession. The star is sup- ' ported by Lila Lee as leading woman, and , Walter Hiers, in a blackface role for the ’ firct time in his career, has an excellent i comedy part. Flans for to-night are at the ' Bristol or seats may be reserved by ringing I No. 380.