STAGE COMEDY IN PICTURE FORM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17853, 22 May 1926, Page 6

STAGE COMEDY IN PICTURE FORM.

premier attraction, in which the energetic but serious youth scales the noblest heights of comedy and suspense. It is difficult to think of Lloyd ever making a picture to eclipse “Safety' Last,” for its element of delightfully' absurd danger, and the comically resigned manner in which the hero accepts the slings and arrows of ail outrageous fortune tend to make it a thoroughly enjoyable vehicle for the outlet of this talented comedian’s art. It is somewhat different from his previous pictures, a more pronounced originality of theme and acting make it his most ambitious film to date. Solemnity, except perhaps, that of countenance. is never for a moment tolerated in the story, the sole aim being to amuse, to thrill, to excite, a laudable aim in a weary world. With vacant >aze and fantastically' nimble legs, Harold Lloyd can draw laughs out of any situation, and in “Safety Last” he attains the enviable distinction of the Comic Muse of the screen. Jobyna Ralston is again his leading lady, and her quiet demeanour throughout enhances the clowning of the star. The box plans are at Webley’s.

MONDAY’S ATTRACTION AT CRYSTAL I’ALACE. One of the most popular stage comedies of the last generation was “ Seven Keys to Baldpate,” an intriguing, laughable drama that always had a most insistent appeal for the public. kJguglus Mac Lean has now made the

play into an excellent picture, which will be shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre next week, and what is a really fine screen comedy should prove a very popular offering. There is a little elaboration at the commencement necessary to the play' as a picture, but the main theme has been followed closely, and an entertaining story* results. “ Seven Keys to Baldpate ” is surprisingly original, and MacLean invests the part of the hero with genuine comedy', abstaining nicely’ from over-emphasis and lending smoothness to the general action. The picture is always but there are some eerie thrills at Baldpate Inn which, while causing spinal shivers, would also bring a smile to the face of the Sphinx. So surprising is the finish to this film that a special sub-title has been inserted at the beginning of the picture. It asks people seeing it to refrain from divulging the secret of the climax to those who are seeing it for the first time, so that the latter may get the full enjoyment out of it. This clever and surprising twist at the end furnishes that which is, perhaps, the most entertaining aspect of this most entertaining picture, and will cause “ Seven Keys to Baldpate ” to be remembered as one of the few successful stage comedies transferred to the screen. Edith Roberts is again Mac Lean’s leading lady, and does creditable work in a congenial role. The second picture on the programme is an English production, “ If Four Walls Told,” in which Lilian Hall Davies is the star. It is a strong story dealing with seafaring folk, and the simple dramas and emotions of their every-day life. Varied complications occur in the course of the story’, which required considerable skill on the part of the author to unravel in an artistic manner, but what difficulties there were have been admirably overcome in the best literary fashion. Excellent comedy' is afforded by the übiquitous “ oldest inhabitant,” and the scenery, all natural country and village, is a welcome change from the prim, “ jerry’-built ” views so often shown on the screen. The Symphony Orchestra, under Mr A. J. Bunz, will play a special musical programme, including the following numbers: Overture, “ Raymond ” (Thomas); “ Zauzerflote ” (Mozart); ” Rienzi ” (Wagner) ; “ Venusberg ” (Wagner); “Coronach” (Barrett); “The Gypsy’ Princess” (Kalman); “Britannia’s Realm” (Ronald); “Veronique ” (Messager); entr’acte, " Only Me Knows Why ” (Walden) ; ** Felix •Kept on Walking” (David). The box plans arc at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.