“ SURRENDER ” WILL HAVE GREAT CAST AT LIBERTY THE ATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18450, 28 April 1928, Page 10

“ SURRENDER ” WILL HAVE GREAT CAST AT LIBERTY THE ATRE.

1 hat plot, often found in classical dramas and a few times in Shakespeare and his fellows, which deals with the capituiation cuf a woman to a man to save her people, is one of the most successful used in dramatics. Shakespeare’s “ Measure for Measure,” Maurice Maeterlinck’s “ Monna Vanna,” the story of Queen Esther in the Old Testament, and a few great isolated instances, tend to show that this plot can only be successfully dealt with by a master. That this has been accomplished by Alexander Brody in “ Lea Lyon,” the famous stage play, is beyond dispute, and the screen play adapted from “ Lea Lyon,” entitled on the films, “ Surrender,” has been accepted as one of the few good films of the current year. “ Surrender is the leading feature at Liberty Theatre next week, with Mary Philbin, heading an imposing cast as Lea Lyon, and with Ivan Moskine appearing for the first time on the American screen as the Russian Prince Constantin, the soldier, who knew what he wanted, and took what he wanted. “ Surrender ” is notable for three things. Firstly, for the acting of Mary Philbin; secondly, for the coherency and fidelity of the story, and thirdly for the genuineness of the types and the setting of this Russian drama. Miss Philbin is one of the few real actresses on the screen to-day. There are drcSves of young women masquerading under that honourable title, but Miss Philbin belongs to the school of Sarah Siddons, Nance O’Neill and Mrs Kemball. As that tragic but inherently romantic figure, Lea Lyon, she reveals a great command of emotion, she bestows upon her role fine artistry, and is fortunate in receiving from her Constantin, Ivan Moskine, ideal support. Also outstanding in the drama is Nigel de Brulier, as her father, the Rabbi Lyon, whose emotional acting, as he sees his daughter sacrificing her honour on the altar of amor patria, is magnificent. The story may be considered one that is best appreciated by adult audiences. Its plot is delicate, but is worked out to its logical conclusion, the bitter end. But the climax is satisfying, embodying that spirit of romance which is personified so well by Lea and her recreant prince. “ Surrender ” may have its tragedy, its grim atmosphere of war and the four horsemen, it may be essentially a “ lifelike ,>v and Russian drama, but it was written by an Irishman, and it must end with forgiveness and reconciliation. It is a sumptuously produced film. No expense was spared to make it realistic and immense, but it is never overwhelming. What with its truly great theme, its superb acting, and its interesting sets, “ Surrender ” sfiould be accepted by the Christchurch picture public in the spirit it deserves to- be accepted.

Lionel 'Barrymore, in “ The Thirteenth Hour,” is the minor feature on the bill. This also is an exceptionally good picture, and has evoked much high praise from American critics. It is a mystery drama, but its good acting, and its really brilliant handling of a conventional theme, save it from being dubbed “ just another mystery play.”

The Concert Orchestra, under Mr Ern est Jamieson, will contribute the following programme of music: Overture,

“ Euryanthe ” (Weber), “ Symphony” (Mendelssohn), “Gems from Schubert” (Golden), “Quaker Girl” (Monckton), “The Belle of New York ” (Kerker),

“The Geisha” (Jones), “Flying Dutchman” (Wagner), “Polly” (Zameniek), The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Co., where seats may, be reserved.