QUEEN’S THEATRE

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

QUEEN’S THEATRE

“THE SHEPHERD KING.” It is said that every great play and • every tremendous novel had its origin in life somewhere down the ages. Tlie truth of this is splendidly demonstrated in tho William Fox production of “The Shepherd King,” which will be presented at the Queen’s Theatre next Monday. The dramatic storv of David, tho shepherd boy. who finally becomes monarch, with its romance and pathos, has been reproduced on celluloid with impressive results. J. Gordon Edwards, the director, sought realism and was satisfied only with what he found at the base of the pyramids, where the camera clicked in the sardonic face’ of the Sphinx. More than 5000 extras, with 500 camels and us many donkeys, form the sorrowful army of the Children of Israel, being led out of Egvpfc by Moses. This scene the director has used as a prologue, for the reason that from the House of Moses came the House of David. As Princess Michal, youngest daughter of Saul, who eventually becomes tlie queen of th Shepherd King. Violet Mersereau rises to the emotional peak of her career thus far. She has the support of the cast that made “Nero.” consisting of Continental artists whose work is beyond reproach. Massive sets and impressive mob sceens add to the spectacular beauty of the picture at every turn. The interiors are remarkable enough, but the active desert scenes. filmed”in the shadows of the ancient pyramids, are even more so. The picture was entirely produced in Egypt and toon more than a year in the making. Embarrassing moments, manv of them, fill the delightful comedv-dram i. j “My Husband’s Wives,” starring Shirley Mason, which will bo the second attraction of this big programme. As the title suggests, it is the ex-wives who cause all the trouble in this fast and clever comedy. During the honeymoon an ex-wife happens to be staying at the same hotel. From this point the story takes on many thrilling and exciting incidents and not till Mis? Mason, who is playing the part of the bride, manages to get rid of the former wife, do thiners move along in a normal way. In addition to the above big features there will be attractive supporting pictures and a superb musical programme.