EFFECTIVE FILM, “EVERY MOTHER’S SON,” AT LIBERTY THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18045, 4 January 1927, Page 7

EFFECTIVE FILM, “EVERY MOTHER’S SON,” AT LIBERTY THEATRE.

BRITISH PRODUCTION THAT DEALS WITH STIRRING SUBJECT. A simp)? Ftory, told without embellishment, but of a deeply impressive nature, sums up “ Every Mother s Son.” { which. Is being shown at Liberty Theatre this week. The picture is a f triumph lor British industry and enter- j prise. It is wt-Olly British, dealing with i the lives of English people and made by the United Kingdom Photoplays, Ltd. The quiet, steady, but at the same time stubborn, spirit of the British race is depicted in the story. The manner in which men went about their work when the Empire was facing dark days during the war ami the wonderful spirit that was maintained by those who were at. home despite the alarming reports is shown without exaggeration and in a perfectly natural way. There is no reaching after effect. Yet, never once does the story flag; there is always something that appeals to the spectators. There is laughter anti there is tragedy, with a dozen different moods intervening, but all are so carefully blended that the picture reaches a high standard in the way of entertainment. The players have been selected carefully from among the cream of the British stage. Heading the cast is Captain Hex Davis, M.C., as David Brent, a difficult role, but one that in the hands of Captain Davis is natural, appealing and satisfying. The part, of Jonathen Brent, foster brother to David, is taken by irLaddon Mason, who sustains his part wonderfully. As the young soldier he depicts the care-free attitude of the millions of men who faced death daily with a smile. A part that carries with It a great deal of laughter and a tinge of tragedy is that of Nobby Clark, played by Mooie Marriott. He is a typical Tommy Atkins, who while the war waged, cared little for the next day and who after, the war, had to face a hard life until he got back to the normal ways of peace. .Tean. Jay has a pathetic role as Janet Shaw, and she manages to convey to the spectators her difficulties and troubles without any over-reaching for effect. Minnie, who afterwards becomes the wife of Nobby Clark, is portrayed by Gladys Hamer, an actress of great ability. With Nobby, she manages to create wholesome laughter, but she Is never absurd. The story starts with the first of the war. The departure of ine young men from their peaceful occupations of tillers of the land is depicted. Then follows warfare, with its tragedy, its lighter sides, and above all, the wonderful spirit of those who went out in 1914, with the conviction that they could not lose, and who carried through for four years without losing' heart. The return to England of the Unknown Warrior, a symbol of the great sorrow of the nation in the loss of the flower of her manhood, and a. mark of respect to the dead of all classes from the highest to the lowest, is cleverly vrorked into the story, and the scene is one that turns back memories a few years and recalls to mind the tremendous sacrifices lhat were made, now alas, often forgotten by those who should remember, those for whom the sacrifices meant the opportunity to carry out their normal lives in a free country. To tell the actual would spoil the picture for those who still will see it. It is a story which is an inspiration to carry on and a reminder that British stock is still as of chivalry did not die with the knights of the Crusading period. Also on the bill is a mystery picture that contains a lot of humour and which keeps the spectators in a state of suspense for some time. It. is entitled The Mystery Club,” and it has been aptly named. An excellent musical programme is provided by the Liberty Concert Orchestra the direction of Mr Ernest Jamieson.