MONDAY WILL SEE “VOLCANO ” AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18009, 20 November 1926, Page 6

MONDAY WILL SEE “VOLCANO ” AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

A PICTURE WHICH IS A DRAMATIC TRIUMPH. French plays have something about them that savours subtly of the unique; even the most innocent, the. most unassuming are faintly daring, not necessarily morally so. but there is invariably a cheerful disregard for artistic conventions that lends them, perhaps unconsciously, a piquancy all their own. It Is thus with “Volcano,” the sweeping torrent of drama and emotions that is to be presented at the Cyrstal Palace Theatre next week. It is based on the French stage play “Martinique,” and bears the unmistakable stamp of Continental “savolr faire,” coupled with the free and dashing style of the New World, the warmth and vividness of the West Indies. "Volcano” is an amazing story, mainly because there is an atom of truth in it, and a great'deal of sincerity in its handling. Tt is not because it is materially imposing and fraught with scenes and incidents of terrific power, but because its story, in its stark simplicity, becomes vital lv real, powerfully compelling. There is all the warmth and allure of tropic nights in the story, yet nothing suggesting the easy life of the Indies that exists only in the minds of some neurotic novelists. Its plot, or, to be more precise, its central idea, is one that holds a peculiar fascination for most writers of fiction—can East and West meet? Nothing exerts such an insistent sway as the tropics. Every . romanticinfluence is at work, the sensuous perfume of myriad flowers, a yellow, winking moon, the murmur of placid waters —can East and 'West meet then? There must be a conflict,, and it is generally a volcanic conflict. But the very material influence of Mount Pclee enters into the scheme of things. The upheaval df* this volcano forms a vita! point in the course of the story, and, moreover, gives to the picture a sense of such exquisite thrills and piofoundlv dramatic danger as to make of the pro'duction one of the great Paramount films of the year. “Volcano” is palpably spectacular, in parts sheerly melodramatic. a startling upheaval of matter and emotions. With truth and sincerity, and with a full regard to consequences, one can confidently say that this picture is one to linger in the memory after many other nolable screen achievements have faded into ■ oblivion A fine cast interpret the leading characters. Bebe Daniels and Ricardo Cortez, two players of pronounced ability and

pleasing personality, have the chief parts and easily carry off the histrionic palm between them, while Wallace Beery, ever a favourite character actor, and Arthur Edmund Oarcw are two other artists who lend strength and poise to the dramatic personnel of the play. Youth must be served. It is difficult patiently and tolerantly to bear with the amazing foibles and equally amazing independence of the younger generation. but it is always vain to endeavour to .stem the tide of their modern activities. “The Plastic Ago,” a clever, witty and sparkling comedy drama of postwar youth, is the second feature on the programme, and is a sympathetic, withal impartial, story of the future mothers and fathers of the race. Youth has ever been a subject of Interest and also a butt for the vituperative attacks of the Now England conscience—which happens to be universal—but the youth of 1026 is assuredly the most interesting and maligned of all eras. “The Plastic Age,” however, is not n condemning piqture, but one of singularly brilliant conception and an originality in direction that make it a particularly bright drama of an enticing theme. Clara Bow, the screen’s most piquante exponent of the “jazz baby,” plays the leading role, assisted by Donald Keith and an excellent company of suporting artists. The' Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Mr A. J. Bunz, will play a specially selected orchestral programme. including the following numbers:—Overture, “Morning, Noon and Night” (von Suppe); ''Allegro” (Moziirt); “Ziegeuner” (Brahms); “Rienzi” (Wagner); “All Souls Day” (Strauss); “Selection of Songs” (Sullivan); “Sweet Home” (Hanley); “Lorotte” (Horne):

“Aubacle d'Amnur” (Monti); “Sizilietta” (von Blon). The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.