PIQUANT PARISIENNES TO ENTRANCE AT LIBERTY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17865, 5 June 1926, Page 6

PIQUANT PARISIENNES TO ENTRANCE AT LIBERTY.

“COUNT OF LUXEMBOURG ” IS LEADING FEATURE. On Monday there comes to the Libert y Theatre a picture such as is given <>ne to see but once or twice in a year. It is the picturisation, accurate and faithful in all respects, of Franz Lehar's celebrated opera, “ The Count of Luxembourg.” This piquant play comes to the screen deleted of nothing regarding plot and effects, greatly enhanced concerning artistic ljeauty, and eminently superior in its histrionic aspect to any stage production of the famous story. As a stage play its haunting music undoubtedly had no mean share in its triumphant success, 1 but the libretto, written by the composer. has the same freedom from conventions of thought and treatment that was so happy a characteristic of the music. There is about it, despite its avowed sophistication, a dainty freshness which its pure dramatic tone in nowise mars, and also a simplicity which its lavish magnificence never quite overshadows. The story, Continental in conception and handling, is entirely original, with no shackles of literary convention to deteriorate from its intrinsic interest, and as it moves across the screen to the tune of the Quartier Latin, the Riviera, brilliant carnivals and flashing duels, one i> afforded a glimpse of an entrancing Utopia, a life that so completely lifts one out of one's environment that it is with something of a surprise that one

finds oneself in a prosaic theatre after all and not in some romantic and colourful land of fantasy. Although “ The Count of Luxembourg ” may be said to be comedy-drama, it has its indispensable element of pathos and hreathless suspense, so nicely mingled with the lighter side as to produce the flawless motion picture. Apart from the actual story. there are two other features to be dealt with, the acting and the staging, and the three combine together to form the perfect entertainment. “ The Count ” introduces the welcome return of screendom’s most polished dramatic actor, George Walsh, who in the title role gives a dashing and fascinating performance. Helen Lee Worthing, as Angele, Michael Dark as the Duke, and Charles Requa as the scheming secretary, complete the stellar cast, which is supported by experienced extras. The box plans are now open at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.