UNUSUALLY BIG PROGRAMME BEING SHOWN AT LIBERTY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18187, 21 June 1927, Page 7

UNUSUALLY BIG PROGRAMME BEING SHOWN AT LIBERTY.

The programme this week at the Liberty Theatre is on of unusual merit, as was shown last evening by the appreciation which was expressed by the audience. In addition to an exceptionally fine Reginald Denny picture, a vaudeville turn by the “Joy Boys” (Tilton and West), who come from the Tivoli Theatre, Sydney, was given. Reginald Denny, that clever young Englishman, has a very large following tmong the picture-going public of Christchurch. He has worked his way to the top of the ladder of success by sheer hard work. His parts are always admirably executed, and as a comedian ©f the subtle type,' he has few peers. In England he was noted as an athlete and boxer. Then came the war, with the call for fit men, and Denny answered. He joined the Royal Flying Corps, and tsoon became known as a daring and skilful pilot. The war finished and, like thousands of others, Denny had to find some means of living. He went to America, and joined the Universal firm, taking the main role in boxing pictures. As he became popular, his parts were Increased, until now he is one of the lending actors of the American screen. His training in pre-war days in light comedy has stood him in good stead. In “The Cheerful Fraud,” which is the title of his latest production, he has two other British-born players with him In the main parts. These are Emily FitzJoy and Charles Gerrard, the former being London-born, and the latter being a. native of Dublin. The plot is about a mix-up in society life. A nobleman poses as his own secretary, and discovers a burglar posing as himself A crime takes place, and the real nobleman is accused of it, while the pseudoHobleman, otherwise a burglar, takes the part of the injured party. Into this tangle comes a pretty girl, and of course, things become further involved. However, all ends happily. in pictures of the type in which Denny takes part, the plots, although laughable, are logical, and thus the story can be enjoyed by those who do not car for the slapstick type of comedy. The film is one off the beaten track, and is very enjoyfible. A notable feature of the story is the fact that with the exception of the Indoor scenes, everything occurs In wet weather, even to the final fade-out, where love-making takes place under conditions that, to say the least., are not pleasant from the climatic point of The vaudeville turn by Tilton and West was most enjoyable. Their efforts consisted of songs and patter, and these were of a good standard, and met ‘with the approval of the audience. The introduction of this type of entertainment eeemed to find favour, judging by the applause which concluded the turn. Two Gazettes, a travel film, an educational picture of great merit, and a cartoon •oinplete an enjoyable programme. The musical programme this week is £r> entertainment in itself, and the Überty Orchestra, under the copductor--Bhip of Mr Ernegt Jamieson, gives some fne interpretations of popular and classical numbers. The entr'acte is “Aloha” (Allan), arranged for trumpet and strings by the conductor. During the .screening the numbers include: “Symphony” (Beethoven), ‘The Flying Dutchman” (Wagner). “Der Rattenfauger von Hamelin” (Xebler), Pizzicato Xroin “Sylvia” (Delibes).