BIG CURWOOD FILM AT CRYSTAL PALACE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18186, 20 June 1927, Page 7

BIG CURWOOD FILM AT CRYSTAL PALACE.

Speaking to a wide audience. James Oliver Curwood, writer of the finest type of outdoor story that is on the stalls to-day, always seems to preserve that, illusion of sweeping plains and roaring rivers in his pages which has made him one of the most popular Authors'of the day. His stories arc al-

ways eminently thrilling, dramatic and I powerful, and he introduces comedy and i romance with a skilful hand which completes the final human touch. Such i a. story is ** Steel of the Royal Mounted,” which is to be presented at the Crystal Palace Theatre this week, in which Bert Lyttel plays the role of the Canadian. North-West Mounted policeman, the “ Mountle,” as this quite celebrated man is now called. A vigorous, well-sustained story furnished with a splendid, virile plot and incidents of sensational power and forceful effect, this picture is a typical example of the outdoor writer at his best, a story in which human drama mingles adroitly with the elemental things, a natural drama in which there are real men and women, and in which every human emotion plays its part. Melodramas and stories of the open spaces are, in. outer guise, all of a pronounced similarity, so when something is said of one it is said of them all, and In fundamentals this applies, to a limited degree, tr “ Steel of the Royal Mounted.” Its conventional plot and familiar, easy manner of interpretation place it on a par with the best rugged draxpas, and it is in the acting and authentic locations that it rises a rung or two above its followers. Starting off on a note of thrilling boldness, it continues its way through reels of breathless undertakings and those acts of daring and intrigue that make the lonely outposts of Canada among the most romantic in the world, and this story of Curwood’s has captured the spirit of those parts with fidelity and effect. Supporting Bert Lyttel in the chief assisting role is Stuart Holmes, who plays a villainous character with admirable gracelessnessh The remaining parts are well “ Going Crooked ” is the second picture on the programme, and stars Bessie Love in the leading role. This is one of the most delightful light films screened at Crystal Palace tills year, being an intriguing admixture of society-mystery-comedy drama, vastly amusing, wonderfully thrilling and characterised by an air of mystery which rounds off the fascinating ensemble. Miss Love, who Is an accomplished and artistic actress, is supported by a talented cast. The Symphony Orchestra, under Mr Alfred Bunz, will be beard in an orchestral programme, including the following numbers: Overture, “The Happy Warrior” (Kahl), “Adagio e Largo” Symphony” (Dvorak), "Adagio” (Mozart), “ Azora ” (Hadley), “Joy and Sorrow” (Snook), “Wings of Love” (Benedix). “Lost Happiness” (Patou), “Whistle Away Tour Blues” (Myers),

“Mariposa” (Stansky), “In a Little Spanish.. Town ” (Wayne). The box plans are now open at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.