ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 18990, 11 July 1923, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. PRISCILLA DEAN AND JAMES KIRKWOOD IN ‘UNDER TWO FLAGS.” There is a certain feeling of satisfaction that comes to a reviewer when he sallies into a theatre to review a Priscilla Dean Jewel feature. From past experience he knows an evening’s entertainment is going to be combined with the work in hand. Never has Universal's dynamic star appeared in a disappointing picture. Her vitality, utter abandon, ability to lose i herself in her characterisation, her flashing eyes, and mobile features enable her to give portrayals that carry away even the most blase of patrons. Announcement of her coming to the Municipal Theatre in such a magnificent vehicle as Ouida’s “Under Two Hags” found us in a receptive frame of mind, and the jaunt was made last night in an expectant mood. As usual, there were no disappointments. Our favourite star “came through again.” As a matter of fact that hardly expresses our real feelings about this picture. If is far and away the best thing that Miss Dean has done. Her interpretation of the passionate Cigarette, who loves and hates with equal intensity, is a work of art. The picture opens with the cafe scene where the man of mystery, “Victor,” is gambling with Cigarette to see whether he fights with the French or the Arabs. From the start Director Tod Browning has set a fast tempo which is maintained throughout, increasing at the finish to a “crescendo furioso.” The scenes showing Cigarette in her wild desert race against death; and the climax where she gives her life for the man she loves and her beloved France, are some of the finest things ever portrayed on the shadow screen. Despite the greatness of the story and the ability of the star any picture that lacks intelligent, direction and adequate supporting players would fall far short of being a masterpiece. James Kirkwood, a star in his own right, is the chief male lead, playing the difficult role of Victor in a manner that leaves nothing to be desired. The same can be said for Stuart Holmes, villian de luxe of the screen, who interprets the part of the Marquis. Other prominent members of the cast are. John Davidson, Ethel Grey Terry, Robert Mack, Burton Law and Albert Pollet. There is also on the programme a breezy comedy drama “The Speed Girl” featuring Bebe Daniels. The story concerns a fascinating little feminine dare devil, who becomes a motion picture star and specialises in stunts. Interesting scenes showing the heroine at work in the studio give the audience a glimpse of the actual working day of a star. Bebe Daniels portrays the stellar role, and a verysparkling comedy-drama is the result with a large supporting cast including Walter Hiers assisting Miss Daniels in the funmaking. Johnny Hines also makes merry in another “Torchy” comedy. Such a programme should again pack the theatre tonight. Plans are at the Bristol until noon, later at Mrs Gawn’s, or seats may be reserved by ringing No. 380. Day sales depot at Mrs Gaun’s. ANITA STEWART AND LARRY SEMON. The comfortable Albion Theatre was the rendezvous of a large number of pleasure seekers last night, the fine programme tempting an unusually large number of people out. “Her Mad Bargain,” the Louis Mayer-First National attraction starring Anita Stewart that opened its run last night is unique because it has many twists that make it stand cut among the season’s offerings. Alice Lambert, protege of wealth, is suddenly deprived of every comfort and luxury she has known. Without any training in the practical things of life she is forced to a miserable existence haunting studios or dressmaking shops for a few hours’ work as a model. Fleeing from the persecution of an undesirable artist she presents a charming picture in negligee as she bounces into the studio of David Leighton. David is a highminded young man, who decides to save Alice from herself; and since she won’t accept from him he talks her into signing an unusual bargain by which she is to be surrounded with every comfort for the period of one year. There’s a price to be paid, but it’s her life the young artist is after. That’s all we can tell you about the plot without spoiling- your enjoyment of a 'unique situation when you go to see the picture yourself. Anita Stewart is herself. That describes capable acting, a glittering sheen of gorgeous clothes, beautiful features and a graceful 7 carriage. Her support is unusually capable. Walter McGrail is the leading man and the players include among others, Arthur Edmund Carew and Adele Farrington. Young Ernest Butterworth takes a juvenile role with a mixture of comedy and pathos. The direction was by Edmund Carew and the scenario by Josephine Quirk. Since the creation of man, the male individual has been endowed with fortunate qualities—fortunate in possessing physical superiority which coerces the female of the species into cowering and obeying. The pride of the male is so false at times that it is amazing to what extent some fathers go to further their scheme in perpetuating their malepride. Not only are women so constituted by Nature as to be regarded the weaker, the gentler, the more tolerant sex, but eft-times, through the 'prejudices of parents, untold suffering has been heaped upon the children who have .been born girls instead of boys. Thus instead of living the fortunate life cf man-dictatorship, women have been destined to bear the patience of girlhood and the nobility of womanhood, and by their life of self-denial and selfsacrifice have rightly earned the name of “The Unfortunate Sex,” the attraction screening at 7.30 p.m. A Larry Semon comedy “The Agent,” and other subjects complete a very fine programme indeed. Seats may be reserved by telephoning the Albion (738).