BUSTER KEATON HEADS BILL AT LIBERTY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17871, 12 June 1926, Page 6

BUSTER KEATON HEADS BILL AT LIBERTY.

“ THE NAVIGATOR ” IS UPROARIOUSLY AMUSING. A wholly original and uproariously amusing story, the ability to draw laughs from any situation and an unsmiling, unfriendh*. almost sulky demeanour on the part of the star, are the trappings for “ The Navigator,” Buster Keaton’s latest picture. that will l>e shown at the Liberty Theatre next week. Of all the original comedies seen in recent years “ The Navigator ” must certainly be awarded the palm, not only for originality of conception, but for pure comedy of acting, for burlesque unadorned, and for the delightfully fresh manner in which the solemn-visaged Keaton goes about his clowning. He assumes a pained expression as though comedy-acting was, to him, an enormity to shun; a smile never appears on his face, and the complacency with which he accepts the most outrageous situations all tend to add to the slapstick humour of the excellent film. “The Navigator” is the comedy hit of the year. The three principals, Keaton, the girl and the “ N avigator,” an ocean-going liner, set out for a trip, the lady and gentleman being ignorant of each other’s presence on board. These two comprise the crew, and out of necessity they have to try their hand at navigation and sundry other duties of nautical life. The results can be imagined dimly, but by no means completely, for the frozenfaced comedian brings to bear on the situation the most original collection of “ gags ” ever conceived. Each one is carved exquisitely from a rippling laugh. Katherine M’Guire, Buster Keaton's leading lady, has a fine idea of comedy, and lends artistic support to the star. Also on the programme is the Master picture, “ What a WiFe Learned,” in which Milton Sills, John Bowers and Marguerite de la Motte play the leading roles. This story asks the momentous question, Must a woman put aside all hope of a career if she marries? and proceeds to answer it in the most impartial fashion. It puts marriage under the microscope, and as is but natural with such a theme, a strongly dramatic picture results, which culminates in a sensational climax to the satisfaction of all concerned. The acting of the stars in tense roles is admirable. The Liberty Quality Orchestra, under Mr Ernest Jamieson, will play a specially selected programme of orchestral music. The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.