THE “BLACK PIRATE,” SUPERB FILM, IS NOW AT THE GRAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18062, 24 January 1927, Page 5

THE “BLACK PIRATE,” SUPERB FILM, IS NOW AT THE GRAND.

SHOWS DOUG. FAIRBANKS IN WONDERFUL ROLE. Tt approaches the impossible when endeavouring to convey an impression of the atmosphere, more than the actual storv, of “ The Black Pirate.” The tale is one of those swashbuckling, colourful romances in which Douglas Fairbanks is so supremely at home. It is reprete with a thousand glorious exploits, gay with adventure of the approved schoolboy type, the story filled with the most villainous buccaneers, the most gallant soldiers, wonderful booty and a particularly sensational order of fighting. The atmosphere of the picture is so vivid and realistic that one is carried away to those picturesque days when these vicious sea-dogs infested the seven seas, and there was a surfeit of romance and adventure for everyone. All one had to do was to set out In a schooner, and the rest followed. With marvellous exactitude the spirit of the age has been captured, and with the addition of the technicolour in which the film is made, the illusion is completed. Never was there more thrilling and bold entertainment, crowded into the one photoplay, and everything is so delightfully feasible. On such a ship, and amidst such particularly abandoned pirates, and with the vision before him of such a winsome lady, no gallant could possibly do other than the things Fairbanks does. Tt is all so beautifully simple, and to him who still retains the pleasant imagination of adolescence the film comes as a veritable flash back to our younger days, when to be a pirate was the noblest, calling open to man, and to walk the plank was just the accepted thing, ’to scuttle a ship, to board a merchantman, were all in the day's play. ” The Black Pirate,” with all these incidents, wafts these glamorous dreams into reality, a merry tale which opens with a 'typical R.L.S. scene and closes in accordance with the tenets of romantic fiction. The manner of this picturesque presentation beggars deThe gorgeousness of the setscholarly dignity of appointments,’ manners and costume lend the production a stability which profoundly enhances Its entertainment value. In the title role, Douglas Fairbanks betters his work as Robin Hood and other famous characters. He is always fighting for something, generally for! revenge, or love, or just the pure joy of it, but whatever the motive he invests it with an eclat which makes it. quite, attractive. Miss Billie Dove, a lovely lady among these terrifying fellows, inspires sympathy with adniir^’ ti j nnd playa a sin 'Ple role The Grand Quality Orchestra will be heard in special orchestral numbers during the season. The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.