“THE GOLD RUSH” DRAWS CROWDS TO QUEEN’S THEATRE.

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

“THE GOLD RUSH” DRAWS CROWDS TO QUEEN’S THEATRE.

THE INIMITABLE CHARLIE CHAPLIN VISITS US NOW IN SCREAMING COMEDY. Tt may he argued by the average theatregoer that a comedy special with a famous screen comedian as the star cannot be anything bat straight burlesque; it seems unlikely that a comedy could convey a deeply serious meaning, act as a reflection of moods, and be shaded with an intense pathos. Yet such a picture is “The Gold Rush,” Gharlie Chaplin’s great production, which is showing at the Queen’s Theatre this week. The fame of (his picture is world-wide, and it is easy to understand its phenomenal popularity when witnessing its vivid, lifelike t drama. It is a story of contrasts and of moods, comedy and tragedy blended j In a way that grips the hearts of the I spectators. The story is good, the humour is paramount, but the most I powerful factor Is the sentiment of i ” The Gold Rush.” A fine, human, vital I story of the hardships and trials anil | tragedy attendant upon the assault of the pioneering gold seekers upon tin I savage barrens of Alaska. The realism 1 of the setting and acting is grimly appalling, but at all times it is glossed over by the pure fun that one instinctively associates with Chaplin. At. all times, however, the farcical aspect in its turn is shaded by an intense pathos that is the logical and natural adjunct of the story itself. As such, the film demanded particularly careful handling to secure the desired effect, but the work has been done, and done well. The result lias been a varied comedy of brilliant wit and sombre shades of other emotions, a. comedy picture so sincere, so true to life, so I utterly human and genuine that it ) stands alone on a proud and lofty pinAlaska is the setting without equal for a film of this kind. It is a place where the strangest and most untoward happenings are accepted and disregarded in the rapid course of events, and the sheerest drama and tragedy go unheeded. Alaska, with its stark'nesa and primitive atmosphere, is perhaps the only place where a sense of humour and an artistic genius could take humanity as be found it there and convert tear’s and heartaches to joy and laughter, and cause the tears evoked of pathos to be lost in the wrinkles of fun. This is a combination seldom met with in life, but Chaplin has produced it in “The Gold Rush.” When the setting of the picture is fully appreciated it ceases to be a matter of wonder that it should be such a poignant piece of patchwork, lhero is something truly great about The Gold Rush,” despite its breathless laughter. It is typical of actual life, all its vain strivings and enterprise and the ultimate futility of it all The human interest of the story has not been neglected. The flame of romance buds and blossoms valiantly and radiantly amid the strife and hectic struggles of the Alaskan miners. Jt g-oes without saying lhat the acting of the star and of all the supporting players is eminently pleasing. Chaplin himself has for long been one of the world’s foremost screen comedians, but is. 7 16 Rush "he reveals potentialities of artistry of an absolutely diverse kind. His acting throughout Lhe Gold Rush is natural, spontaneous, and seems to be getting very near the true man And in the film he Is a very disillusioned and sadly misconstrued little person. In the chief supporting role, Georgia Hale is delightThe second picture is that great Australian classic, ’* Robbery Tinder Arms” a stirring, virile melodrama with a touch of triumphant tragedy in the closed The whole world knows of a eollr ageous character of the Ned Kelly school, and of the band of men that a toss of the coin sent fter Jt is erne of the finest stories of the great Australian bush ever written, and on the screen it loses none of its power and appeal. FREE TREATMENT FOR FILES. A generous trial of Zann Double Absorption Treatment for Piles will be sent on receipt of nine penny stamps, one lady writes: “It: is twelve months since I had your pile treatment, and I wish to let you know they don’t trouble me now.” Guaranteed. Money refund.rl if not satisfied. Easily applied. No > operation. Zann Proprietary, Box 95L\ Wellington. Free Booklets and stocks 0 £ " Zann ” from Barnett and Co., 1 Chemists, Cathedral Square, and E. » Cameron Smith, Chemist, Corner Wor- / ; cester Street and The Square, Christ- J church. S j