AMUSEMENTS.

Thames Star, Volume LXI, Issue 17051, 3 December 1927, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

KING’S THEATRE

Raymond Griffith, with his inimitable and unique style of silk-hat comedy, is coming to-night to the King’s Theatre. “Wedding Bells, 1 ” the Paramount picture starring Griffith, is said to be one of his greatest comedy vehicles in years, in a class with “Paths to Paradise,” and “Hands Up,” and other great successes. Griffith will present a new leading woman, the blonde and beautiful Ann Sheridan, who, although only 19 years old, has been signed to a long-term contract with Paramount, because of her promising work in “Casey at the Bat.”

A sparkling, rollicking comedy, laid in the society atmosphere of Palm Beach and other Florida beauty spots glorified by the bewitching presence and humourous antics of Bebe Daniels, and depending for its thrills upon speedboat racing is what picture-goers may expect to see at the King s Theatre to-night, when “The Palm Beach Girl,”*, a Paramount picture, will 'he screened. Just picture Bebe as a gawky country girl trying to learn the manners and mannerisms of the smart social set, falling in love with a handsome millionaire, adventuring with bootleggers and running wild in a. sixty-mile-an-hour speed boat, and you’ll begin to realise the hilarious fun and hysterical thrills wrapped up in this picture. “DAMAGED GOODS.” The approaching exhibition of the film, “Damaged Goods,” showing at the King’s Theatre on Monday next, promises to create unusual interest, for the story contains some very forcible examples of how youthful indiscretions lead up to tragic happenings, and unintentionally destroy the happiness of many lives. The deepest, impression that the film story is said to make is the indictment agains society denouncing the victimised woman. At the same time, the aim is not to parade evil that good may come of it, but to •reveal those pitfalls which beset the path of young men or women entering the worldly struggle. The author’s main contention is that much of the wrecked happiness in married lives * due to ignorance, prudery, and blindness to facts. As a film production, Brieux’s fine story has almost been improved by the camera, and, naturally, any preachiness is eliminated. It is, in short, a genuine tragedy of modern times, and as such it has earned a high place in the film literature of the day. “Damaged Goods” stifles none of the facts necessary for a full inculcation of its lesson; scenes taken in a hospital contribute greatly to the picture’s authenticity and moral appeal. The New Zealand censor has certified that this film be shown to men and women only, therefore no individual under the age of sixteen will be admitted.