EXCITING STORY OF FIRE-FIGHTERS NOW AT LIBERTY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18393, 20 February 1928, Page 7

EXCITING STORY OF FIRE-FIGHTERS NOW AT LIBERTY.

Melodrama still holds its own with the more cultured and sophisticated order of entertainment that often finds its way into the films. Its element of danger and excitement, its large proportions of heroism still make the same appeal to 1928 as they did in 1888, and that ancient adage about human nature being ever the same bears out this preference for this still popular form of entertainment. That is why “The Fire Brigade,” the single-star attraction at the Liberty Theatre this week, has been such a pronounced success wherever it has been shown. Its ample bulk of thrills and heroic exploits fire the imagination and delight the populace, and the many spectacles of gallant fire-fighters combating the enormous tongues of flame, and braving the perilous heights hold the same old thrill. “The Fire Brigade” tells an absorbing story of a family of fire-fighters, from the grey-haired father to the youngest son; of the gallant mother of these sons, of grating city politicians, and young love, all so neatly woven into one another, that fire and romance look the bestmatched couple in the world, with City Councils the most effective villainous element. This picture is produced on a tremendous scale, and its enormous canvas of flames and falling buildings does not overshadow the story that runs through it. The picture was produced with the active cooperation of several fire chiefs of Canada and the United States, so it is realistic in every scene where realism is demanded. Nor is it all melodrama and romance. The presence of Tom O’Brien in the cast spells comedy of a particularly droll nature, comedy which balances the more dramatic parts. May M’Avoy, Holmes Herbert and Eugenie Besserer are the other leading players, supported by a good cast. The Concert Orchestra, under Mr Ernest Jamieson, will play the following musical i programme: Overture, “Symphony” (Haydn); “La Femme et le Pantin’’ (R. Zandonai); “Nadeshda” (Goring Thomas) ; “The Belle of New York” (Kerker); "Burning of Rome” (E. T. Paul); “ Florodora” (Leslie Stuart) ; “Going Up” (Hirsch) ; “Jerome Flits” (Jerome) ; “8.8. March” (R. Horne); “My Blue Heaven” (Donaldson). Box plans are at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.