“ WHITE BLACK SHEEP ” AT EVERYBODY’S.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18144, 2 May 1927, Page 5

“ WHITE BLACK SHEEP ” AT EVERYBODY’S.

'RICHARD BARTHELMESS HAS PRINCIPAL ROLE. Pictures of the Orient tend fn simiStirity in plot and handling, unfortunately for the public, because these Pi c " tures, when produced with care and restraint, can really be very entertaining on account of their kaleidoscopic nature and possibilities for that type of emotional drama which the picture-going public so dotes on. But an eastern picture with a .difference is “ The White Black Sheep,” a First National production opening at Everybody's Theatre tiiis week. For one thing the locale of this picture is in Palestine, a far remove from the oases and bazaars and unlocked seraglios of Hollywood and the less disturbed areas of the East, when it comes, with .a blaze of exotic colour, to the screen. The action takes place during the British occupation, so natrons can be . assured of entertainJnent which savours of originality and Home cleverness. In the title role is seen Richard Barthelrness playing a role that, at its first glimpse, is a tangible reminder of a Kipling barrack ballad. The whole story is one which might easily have come from the pen of Kipling, so vital it is, and full of all the best traditions of the army, together with a wonderfully accurate presentation of the purely human side. In “The White Black Sheep,” Barthelrness lias eschewed the romantic, idealistic lover, and shines forth as something of a misogynist, a fighting. adventurous .soldier of fortune, who makes a graceful capitulation in the final fade-out, after approved custom. The story is not padded by a great deal of romantic Interest, just enough to make it human, but it is replete with thrilling action and intrigue in Bedouin camps, and the ever-interesting spectacle of a perfectly good hero living under a stigma. The star lias excellent assistance from Patsy Ruth Miller as leading lady, with Constance Howard playing a minor role with commendable ability. The second picture on the programme Is “ Womanpower,” a film based on a theme much beloved of writers the world over in all lands and in all ‘■limes, namely the influence or mavbe lack of it, which womankind extend over men. With such figures in his minds eye as Helen and Du Barry, Cleopatra and J.ucrezia Borgia, the author has written a most fascinating and absorbing story, clever, interesting and with just enough drama and romance in it to nicely temper its academic inclinations. It is produced on a lavish scale and should prove a very popular offering. Kathryn Perry, Margaret Livingstone and Ralph Graves Play the leading roles, with Lou Tellegen appearing as a most delightful villain. The Select Orchestra, under the direction of Mr W. J. Bellingham, F.S.M. will be heard in special orchestral numbers, Including the following: Overture, “The Barber of Seville” (Rossini), “Eastern Romance” (RimskyKorsakov), “Rubaiyat of Omar Khavyam” ((’adman), song suite, “Stars of the Desert” (Woodforde-Finden i. "Four Indian Love Lyrics ( Woodforde-Finden), opera. “ Jewels of the Madonna” (Wolfferran) entr'acte, “Farewell My Love” (Franz Lehar). fox trots, “Sleepy Hollow Time” (Kountz), "Black Shuffle” (Spark). The box plans are at the Brisano where seats may be re-