ARTHUR SHIRLEY IN "THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB.”

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 20 July 1925, Page 10

ARTHUR SHIRLEY IN "THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB.”

Picturcgcers everywhere have flocked in thousands to view the city presentations of the 11-reel film masterpiece, “The Mystery of a Hansom Cab,” and it is safe to predict that the Theatre Royal will bo packed this evening, when this gigantic picture is shown here for the first time. It is a great visualisation of a famous book dealing with social, slum, and every phase of Australian life. More than a generation worker and accessory required lor motion picture making; and that he has passed since Fergus Hume wrote this thrilling story, and the title_ lias been a household phrase ever since. Arthur Shirley has now proved, beyond all doubts, that he can, in Australia, find capable artists to act, mechanica murdered man in a cab; how Brian can organise them to produce the ians who can build the most elaborate sets, art title writers; and every highest standard of pictures. Shirley left tho United States at the very height of his film stardom, where ho had just finished in "Branding Broadway,’’ a picture in which he was costarred with William S. Hart, and immediately after the release of his great pictures with Mae Murray and other leading stars, including the tenreel production, “The Fall of a Nation,” in which he was the featured player. Arriving in Australia four year’s ago, ho found that ho had to clamber over mountains of scepticism and batter down countless walls of prejudice. Nothing daunted, he put up a real fight, and at length won the recognition and confidence _of the enterprising business men in Pyramid Pictures Limited, who now proudly present this elaborate production. Millions have read the enthralling drama of Melbourne life; all know of the element of tragedy surrounding the finding of Fitzgerald was accused of the crime and had to stand trial; how lie was acquitted, leaving the mystery still unsolved ; and how the ravings of an old woman in the slums finally helped to solve the problem, exculpating Brian from all implication in the tragedy, and releasing his fiancee’s father from tho suspicion that surrounded him. In the role of young Fitzgerald, Arthur Shirley is an ideal hero. He is ably supported by Grace Glover as the fiancee. The character of the old woman is maintained in a fashion that is a triumph for the actress responsible. The rest of the cast is excellent, and the settings are exceptionally fine. Supporting films will include the latest "Gazette, ’’ and tho great animal comedy, "The Lion and the Souse.” Mrs Agnes Scott, A.T.C.L., L.A.8., has arranged art excellent musical programme for the Royal Orchestra, and seats may bo reserved throughout the day and until 7 p.m. at the Theatre office or through ’phone 570.

THE GRAND. "ARGENTINE LOVE.’?.

In "Argentine Love,”- the headline picture at ihe Urarul T'neatre on Saturday night, one saw none of the insipid tasteless kiss-and-curtsuy stuff mat non-Latin people call love, but tho wild, burning, masterful brand of tne approved Spanish people. Perhaps it should be labelled ‘’cayenne,” for what the New Zealand swain would coolly contemplate tho killing of one or two rivals tor the sake of a charming lady. Tho film is a creation of Vicente Blasco Ibanez, author of "The Four Horsemen of tho Apocalypse,” and “Blood and Sand.” The story concerns Juan Mat-tin, masterful and arrogant, who loves the neice of the sponging mayor of Alcorta, Manual Garcia. Consuelo Garcia did not love him, but an American engineer, Phil Evans, instead. Manual hears of this and kills a man with whom the girl flirted, with the result that she is whipped out of town at tho tail of a cart, according to a pleasant little Spanish custom. The town is placed under martial law by the dead man’s father, a politician, but Philip steps in and saves Consuelo, who has told Juan shei loves him only to save Philip’s life. The American helps them to escape, and Consuelo confesses her lie to Juan, who returns to kill Philip, but instead acts in a sportsmanlike manner. Bebe Daniels is a provocatively pretty Consuelo, Ricardo Cortez, a masterful Juan, and James Rennie, a brave and upright Philip. Ilia acting is excellent and the scenes of Spanish life admirable. The supporting pictures include a rattling Christie comedy, tho Paramount Gazette, and an interesting educational picture "Kangaroo Hunting in Australia.” Tasteful and appropriate orchestrations were provided by the Grand Orchestra.

A welcome re-appearance was that of tho well-known baritone, Mr Wilfred Scott, who delighted the audience with his specially selected numbers, which included the "Toreador’s Song,” from Carmen, and two other vocal gems.