GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17347, 30 September 1924, Page 5

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

THRILLS AND LAUGHTER IN ‘‘THE FIGHTIXG ADVENTURER.” MILDRED HARRIS TX POWERFUL DRAMA. Mr Carl Laeminle, .president of Universal Pictures Corporation, who seems to have many flashes of inspiration. hit upon the happy idea of offering a scholarship prize, equivalent® to 1000 dollars, for the best movie story written by a college student. Air W. E. Oliver, a student of the University of California, was the winner, and “The Fighting Adventurer” was the result. Air Laommle’s object was to raise the standard of movie pictures. His success was demonstrated at. Greater Crystal Palace last night, when a large number of movie patrons, many of them critics, gave this quick-ly-moving, rollicking romance of an American college youth their hearty approval. The story begins in a college town, not unlike Christchurch, but ends in China Between the alpha and omega, there are a score of incidents full of love, adventure, or surprise. Expelled from college and disinherited, the hero stows away on a steamer on which his sweetheart sails to the Ohine.se mission field. She is captured by bandits during n rebellion- He takes possession of the whole air force— a solitary aeroplane of almost prehistoric type—sets

out to the scene of trouble, finds her having tea with villainous old Fu Shing, rebel leader, and rescues her. The most amusing of many amusing incidents is when the Chinese general appears, covered with medals and with the insignia of exalted rank. The ignoble Danny, who, at college developed a terrific thirst, and was “fired out,” is forgotten until his comical features are recognised under the great general *s helmet. Air Pat O’Al alley, as the hero, has to do some amazing air “stunts,” which almost take away the breath of those who see them. The story, frankly, is not intended to make people think. It is a story anil nothing else ; a pleasant story of youth and of these times — 5539 feet of wholesome, homely fun and adventure. For this reason alone, it is worth seeing. Another recommendation is the presence in the cast of Aliss Alary Astor, who takes the part of the college girl heroine, and who, in fact' and in law. is a college girl, busying herself with her studies between pictures. Air Laemmle’s confidence in the players he selected for “The Fighting Adventurer” is shown ; by the fact that, defying the most per- j sistent of all superstitions, they nuraber thirteen. Quite different in theme and treatment is “ The Fog,” a Metro production. which Mr V. AI. Beebe last night gave second place on his varied programme. Somewhat strange in construction, it is a fateful story of a man and a woman who. apart, are sunk into the depths of black misery and despair, but who, on meeting. find that the fog is dispersed by tW sun--1 shine of love and happiness. It rivets the attention like a vivid dream. Its principal feature i.s powerful drama and a clever representation of the ugliness of modern life and sharplv contrasting beauty that may be found there. Miss Mildred Harris—Alildred Harris Chaplin, on the screen is Mildred Harris again— i.s the woman: Mr Cullen Landis i.s the man; and Aliss Louise Fazenda, better known as an experinced comedienne. sheds convincing ears as AJillie. a factory girl. The irecting was in the hands of Air Jatil Powell, who directed many Paramount features. The support came from the third chapter of “ The Fast Express.” a Century comedy, and an InternatTofiaT news film. The Symphony Orchestra supplied a particularly bright programme. Notable amongst the items was “Pique Dame ” (Suppe). Jt began at the allegro con fuoco, and the bass passages were well phrased. The andante duet for flute and clarinet was played beautifully by the performers. The fourth movement from Haydn’s “ G Major Symphony” was given refinedly. By request, the orchestra played Beethoven’s “ Fourth. Symphony.” In “ Scenes llustiques,” by Alouton. the opening number by clarinet was played with a tranquil effect. In the second number the theme is given out by the flute and answered by the oboe. In number four, the whole orchestra entered into the spirit of the beautiful music. Selections from Offenbach’s operas were opened by pieces from “La Grande Duchesse,” and the trombone solo w’as played ably. “ Piccolo,” by Strauss, was played daintily and was heartily applauded. Chinese music fitted in with the big picture. Mr F. Bate played as a ’cello solo Lemare’s “ Anclantino.”