PICTURE AT THE QUEEN’S HAS STRONG HUMAN INTEREST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18468, 21 May 1928, Page 7

PICTURE AT THE QUEEN’S HAS STRONG HUMAN INTEREST.

If one had wealth, social position, was politically successful, and was told by a phvsician that one had but a few weeks to live, what would one say or do? Could one always be in a jocular mood, always have a smile on one s face, always seem apparently happy? That is the condition which confronts Eugene O'Brien, cast in the title role of “Simon the Jester" which will be shown at the Queen's Theatre this week. Simon through his friendship for a young man (his secretary) gets him in more trouble, more startling and thrilling situations than the average man encounters in a lifetime. His generosity and kindly attitude create all sorts of havoc, until finally he is forced to battle for his life as well as that tof the woman he loves. Never did a screen story contain more human touches, more humour, more pathos, more sentiment and more thrills than does “Simon the Jester.”

George Melford directed the production. with O'Brien in the title role. Lillian Rich the heroine. Edmund Burns the. misunderstood lover, and Henry Walthall the villain. A complete circus. with its wild animals, performing horses and dogs, and a dozen clowns, many side-show freaks, such as the thin man. fat woman, giant, midget, and wire-haired beauty, as well as “Sultan." the screen’s most marvellous trained horse, are all »een in the film. William H. Platt, known as “Billy” Platt, has an excellent role. He is the smallest man in j.:.-tures to-day, and while his height is given as 3 feet. 10 inches and his weight at 51 pounds, he is physically perfect. “Simon the\ Jester" is not Platt s first picture appearance, but in most instances Tie has doubled for child parts in which a thrilling stunt was essential Won in the Clouds an *ir-drama of the most thrilling type, with A! Wil«on doing some wonderful “stunts." is t.he supporting picture. The locale of sterv is in the wilds of Africa Helen Foster is Wilson’s leading woman. There are many comedies and gazettes on the supporting bill. Seats may be reserved at Webley’s or by tele f hone 3342.