“MISSING HUSBANDS.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17032, 4 May 1923, Page 8

“MISSING HUSBANDS.”

‘‘ Missing Husbands,” which is the principal attraction at the Liberty Theatre to-morrow, is a very fine production, starring the eminent French actress. Madame Stacia Napierkowska. A considerable portion of the action takes place in tlie desert palace of An tinea, a Sahara queen, and the pomp and splendour of her court eelpses that of Cleopatra. It is a romantic drama, and the acting by the T rench cast is splendid. The story, a strange and fascinating one, concerns two French army explorers, Captain Marhange and Lieutenant Saint-Avit. A man they rescue from drowning leads them, to an oasis on which is located a wonderful palace. Here they meet Antinea, queen of this desert kingdom. She falls in love with Captain Morhange, but he repulses her advances. Lieutenant Saint-Avit is smitten by the compelling beauty of the queen and is jealous of her regard for his comrade. The queen drives the lieutenant into a mad frenzy of jealousy, and he stabs Ins friend as he sleeps. But his love for the queen now turns to hate. His attempt to kill her fails and he flees into the desert. He is found unconscious by a French military expedition. Later, when he is declared fit for service. his one desire is to go to Antinea. He tells two brother officers of her, and the three set out on the desert trail to Antinea, love—and perhaps—death. The brilliant cast of French screen players appearing in “ Missing Husbands ” include Stacia Napierkiwska. Marie-Louise lribe, Jean Angelo, Georges Melchior, Franchesi and Abd* El-Kader Ben-Ali. “ My Mild Irish Rose,” which will be the second big attraction at the Liberty Theatre to-morrow, tells a thrilling story of life in the Emerald I Isle in the early days of Queen Vic- , toria’s reign. The plot- is an absorb | ing one; there are spies, informers. “ redcoats,” and pretty Irish colleens galore—and in addition, there are i three love stories, three heroes and t three heroine*. One i* oomI pletely saturated with the senI timent of the song and tbe plot, i The all-star cast includes Pat O’Malley, Helen Howard. Maude Emery. Pauline Starke and little Richard Daniels, “ the champion freckled boy ” of the screen. The support* will include Larry Semon in “ Golf,” his latest comedv vehicle, and a Pathe Gazette and Topical Budget. The Liberty Grand Orchestra, under the baton of Mr Arthur Gordon, will i play a specially selected programme, The box plans for thef season are now open at The Bristol Piano Company. The current programme. “One of the Blood.” “ The Man from Beyond.” “ His Wife’s Husband ” and “ Endurance,” will lie shown for the last time to-night.