QUEEN’S PROVIDES BRIGHT PROGRAMME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17879, 22 June 1926, Page 9

QUEEN’S PROVIDES BRIGHT PROGRAMME.

“SHORE LEAVE” AND “ THE ENEMY SEX.” “Shore Leave,” a great starring vehicle for Richard Barthelmess ana Dorothy Markaill, heads the attractive double programme at the Queen’s Theatre this week. A delightful comedy ele- 1 ment predominates in the picture; the troubles and mutual perplexities of “Bilge''' Smith, the “gob,” and Connie Martin, the village dressmaker, are detailed against a background of great ships and a quiet New England village.. Connie Martin, with potentialities of charm, ‘wears her hair drawn tightly back, and seems to be in line to became one of. the village old maids Then the fleet comes, and Smith, uncouth but with certain harsh opinions of his own about morals and conduct, makes the acquaintance of Connie. Their companionship is only short, then the sailor leaves with the promise to return falling lightly from his lips.

Meanwhile Connie makes a small fortune out of a schooner left her by her seafaring father: but there comes no word from Smith. Efforts to locate him fail, till the fleet once again arrives at Nantucket, and Connie gives a party to all the Smiths of the squadron. Her particular Smith turns up tardily, but everything is going well with them when he discovers that she has money. Pride flares up, and he goes away, stubbornly refusing himself the chance of “living off” a rich woman. Then Connie, transformed with shingled hair, lays a trap for the wary Smith, and they come into their own at last. The second feature is the Paramount picture, “The Enemy Sex,” in which Betty Compson is starred. This story has a strong dramatic plot, full of the vicissitudes of life as it is lived on Broadway, showing which is the enemy sex and why and when. A naturally emotional theme, the .story is pleasantly lightened by comedy effects in which both the star and the supporting cast shine. Playing opposite Miss Compson are such well-known- artists as Percy Marmonty Huntlv Gordon and Kathlyn Williams.