GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17569, 20 June 1925, Page 6

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

MAY M’AVOY IN “THE MAD WHIRL.” GLENN HUNTER and MARY ASTOR IN “SECOND FIDDLE” “ The Hurricane Kid,” “ Defying Destiny,” and current fine programme of motion pictures will be shown at Greater Crystal Palace for the last times this afternoon and to-night, and the world-famous Symphony Orchestra, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, will play at both sessions. “ The Mad Whirl,” Universal-Jewel all-star production, which heads the new programme at Greater Crystal Palace for next week., commencing Monday, is a colourful vehicle in which players in ver3 r evident accord with their roles give an excellent portrayal of presentday life, thanks to William A. Seiter. The men and women who are portrayed in “ The Mad Whirl ” are young, for the most part, and unmarried, but they indulge in a form of pleasure that a few years ago would have been loudly condemned, namely, heart}' indulgence in beverages forbidden by the eighteenth amendment. Also, their openness of displaying ardent affection for the opposite sex has become known as “ petting.” There is comedy, straight narrative of a feverish sort of tale, and well conveyed drama in “ The Mad Whirl,” which is by way of being the screen version of that sensational story “ Here’s How,” written to the consternation of many by none less than Richard Washburn Child, former American Minister to Italy. As a matter of fact, the story and the picture tell the story of a father and mother, possessed of great wealth, who believe that they can safeguard the j-oung folk of their acquaintance by joining in their jazzy parties. Consequently the summer estate of the Harringtons becomes an oasis thronged by glorious youth, with bathing suit parties, highballs, and the like. The contrast is contributed by a former saloon-ke<?}x?r and his daughter. The latter falls in love, with the Harrington heir. But her father despises them all, and tells her -so It is here the fine drama of the story begins. May M’Avoy has the feature role in a cast of unusually noted players. The male juvenile is well cared for by Jack Mulhall, and the others are Myrtle Sted man, Barbara Bedford, Alec. B. Francis, Ward Crane, George Fawcett, Marie Astaire and Joseph Singleton. Thrills, suspense and human interest abound in “ Second Fiddle,” the second big picture on the new programme, featuring Glenn Hunter, Mary Astor, and other popular screen celebrities. The fact that clothes do not always make the man is most interesingly portrayed. Have you ever been caught in a rain storm while you were out driv ing in an automobile and endeavoured 1 to put up one. of those proverbial oneman tops? If you have you can sympathise with Mary Astor, tlie feminine star in “ Second Fiddle.” Miss Astor encounters a similar difficulty in the picture, and her efforts in extricating herself constitutes an amusing and entertaining bit of comedy. A short time ago newspaper readers as well as all sport lovers were surprised to read that Universal Pictures had signed the most celebrated boxer of our times to play the stellar role in a series of ten two-reel stories to be written especially for the champion, Jack Dempsey, by Gerald Beaumont, famous “ Saturday Evening Post ” author. The last of this series is also on the new programme, and it is the best of the lot. Those who have not yet seen Dempsey should take this opportunity of doing so, because, apart from being the heavy-weight champion of the world, he is an actor of promising ability. Besides the three main pictures, there is a very funny Century comedy and the latest International News Film. Following the established custom, particulars of next week’s magnificent musical programme will be announced in Monday’s newspapers. The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats mav be reserved by telephoning Greater" Crystal Palace, number 3755.