MELODRAMA AND SENSATION COMING TO CRYSTAL PALACE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18380, 4 February 1928, Page 10

MELODRAMA AND SENSATION COMING TO CRYSTAL PALACE.

Plato has somewhere said that though a man might have to suffer evil for the sake of justice, he would suffer a yet greater evil even if he prospered by doing injustice.. It is a sublime doctrine that should be the guiding star of that profession of which Cicero is still the most, illustrious member; vet so garbled over has been this act of faith, so often has the blind goddess been trampled on by those who have dedicated their lives to her. that dramatists, novelists and men, of letters have utilised their talents to the denunciation of this abuse. The latest effort, along these lines is the motion picture, “ The Man in the Shadow,” a melodramatic and sensational production. it is true, but there are. more things in Heaven and earth than are dreamt of in the philosophies of thote who worship at the shrine of life, real and prosaic. The Crystal Palace. Theature features this picture, “ The Man in the Shadow,” on next week’s bill. The producers of the film, in presenting it. say “it is a humble protest against the supreme penalty of .death when the evidence against a human being is circumstantial.” A very laudable object, in truth, but no one takes to heart the moral contained in a vehicle of entertainment. The entire story is based on that fragile entity,

circumstantial evidence, and a remarkably clever and convincing story is woven round that fascinating theme; nothing theatrical about it, nor is it maudlin or emotional; there is little sentiment in a court of law. Criminal procedure and legal investigation do not, oil the outside, appear to be ideal foundations for a dramatic play in which there are also to be found some subtle humour and the inevitable romantic interest; a complicated story, full of involved generalities, it never becomes tedious and palling on account of its technical trend and application. The play’s the thing, and though “ The Man in the Shadow ” is a gripping drama of the law courts, it never forgets that its mission is to entertain. The theory of circumstantial evidence receives a stern rating from the author: its weaknesses and uncertainties are divulged! it is all very informative very intriguing and very necessary. The picture is, in practically every scene, immensely dramatic, and though it disdains to pander to uncultured tastes by introducing inane sentiment and silly humour, it is sufficiently light in parts to ensure its complete balance and thorough humanness. The players are drawn from experienced ranks. David Torrence plays the leading role, immediately supported by Mary M’Alister and Myrtle Stedman; the other artists perform their parts with creditable distinction. A 1 Wilson, said to be the world’s greatest “stunt” aviator, has the main role on “Three Miles Up,” the second film on the programme. This is a cheerful blending of the underworld and the reformation of an erstwhile “crook” after his service in that convenient spot, France, time, 1917. It is surprising what the war did to movie heroes who, prior to the first flicker, were known to the police. “ Three Miles Up ” is an enormously thrilling story, with a little humour to leaven it.

The Symphony Orchestra, under Mr Alfred Bunz, will play the following musical programme: —Overture, "Humouresque ” (Alford) ; “Symphony in B Minor” (Schubert)Suite ” (Mouton), “The Golden Cockerel” (Rimsky-Kor-sakov). “Funeral March” (Chopin), ‘Le Talisman ” (Drigo), “ Reveil”

(Murzillis), “Waiting and Watching” (Nicholls), “Me and My Shadow.” The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.