“THE BAT” SEASON EXTENDED FOR WEEK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18043, 31 December 1926, Page 4

“THE BAT” SEASON EXTENDED FOR WEEK.

GREAT MYSTERY FILM AT GRAND THEATRE. •The Bat.” the United Artists’ production of Mary Roberts Rinehart s audiences to the Grand Theatre tins week, is to be continued next week. This picture an unusual one every combination is a photo-play of exceptional merits and widespread -interest. It is in quite recent years that ‘‘The Bat ” was presented on the stage in Christchurch, so recent that the remembrance of the eerie play cannot possibly have faded from the public memory. Rut the stage has, necessarily. . limitations in the way of production which, no matter how far craftsmanship increases, can never approach the wide possibilities possessed by the cinema. On tlir screen action is quickened and Intensified. effect is heightened, drama and sensation can be made more realistic and convincing, and in no stage play brought pronouneed ee t n hon in” ’• TiiT Bat.” And ?s this is a mystery drama, the opportunities for producing a masterpiece become more numerous and intriguing. Wonderful and mysterious and puzzling as was - The Bat son Hie. boards. R _is fiafitly conceived plot in the first instance receives a skilful manipulation by Roland West, the director of many outstanding screen successes. He has taken fhe talented authoress’.* ••'.ever adding aiiV embellishment s, vhe has ?„ u , b o t,y tiS J Vo'S, 3 Wn^?. , Vn^ , T l i: , p^?u , rs"U h oSi p in its own particular realm. The Baf differs funds mentally from all other mystery dramas in truH it ”« aombi-o and 'trash-. things SSri'SH-ii-vv-vSt: rounlerl with the most eerie and delicicut, thrills that ”* v « i ;'' e ( r f *l*?"’",?,"^ arTar.Fatlc" on” £ t n ha at°thr s e a h m. r 't^e t hJnd,TH Such obvious good taste and discretion th a t the slapstick t elcme n t Jr pH me p t moiTienU Some members of the stellar ..o nt are Umilv Fitzroy, Jewel i.armen, obi. production. Th. Grand Quality Ol - rhestra will play an orchestral programme in incidental music. Luring th. holidays the box plans will be at the theatre, 5 and patrons are counselled to bod- 'heir ara.s,