“DON’T MARRY” IS FIRST-CLASS COMEDY AT EVERYBODY’S.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18640, 18 December 1928, Page 7

“DON’T MARRY” IS FIRST-CLASS COMEDY AT EVERYBODY’S.

If the laughter of an audience is any measure of the popularity of a picture, then ‘‘Don’t Marry,” the principal attraction at Everybody’s Theatre this week must be one of the most popular films shown in Christchurch for a long “Don't Marry" is a first-class comedy based on the story of a young man with verv decided old-fashioned ideas, who falls’ a victim to the charms of a demure young “modern” girl. Henry believed that girls should be named Priscilla or Maud, and should wear long dresses. The presence of a modern girl quite unbalanced him. However, Henry’s father, an old soldier, thought that his son should be cured of his ancient ideas, and accordingly the parent plots with Betty, a pretty young girl from Boston. With the aid of the general, she dresses in old-fashioned clothes, and generally behaves in a manner calculated to win Henry’s'love. The young man falls right into the trap, and then Betty reverts to her former ‘'elf and meets Henry sub rosa as Priscilla’s cousin. Complications set in for Henry, and he finds himself falling in love with Louise, the modern girl, who w r ears brief skirts and short hair. No wonder Henry’s head said to Henry’s heart, “Don’t Marry.” The young woman, however, decided to honour his promise of marriage to Priscilla, who completes her cure by playing the part of Louise and trying to vamp him awav from his bride. Finally the truth is revealed, and the story comes to a happy ending.

The dual role played by Louis Moran calls for some fine acting. She scores an outstanding success and rightly can claim the distinction of being one of the- screen’s most versatile actresses. Neil Hamilton, as Henry, gives an excellent portrayal, while the supporting cast is uniformly good. The second feature on the programme. “The Sporting Age,” tells the story of a man who loses his wife’s love by his one absorbing interest in his racehorses. The wife, who seeks romance, falls in love with her husband’s secretary, and the two plan to run away. This is averted, however, by a train accident occurring in which the husband is injured. The young secretary meets a niece of his employer, and they fall in love. The usual happy ending is brought about for all parties concerned. The leading roles are taken by Belle Bennett and Herbert Holmes.

On interesting Empire News Bulletin completes a good programme. Mr Albert Bidgood and his Select Orchestra was heard in the following musical numbers: Overture, “Virginian Rhapsody” (Wood) ; suites, “Callirhoe” (Chaminade), “Carnival” (Guirand), “Pale Dances” (Wood), “Parysatis” (Saint Saens). selections, “Memoirs of Weber” (Urbach), “Rainbow” (Gerschwin); “Sunny” (Youmarjs), “Malaguena” (Moszkowski) ; “Lyric Pieces” (Grieg), “Valse Chiquita” (Gilbert). Fox Trots, “Bill and Coo” (O’Hagan), “Nebraska” (Sissle), Entr’acte. “Jeannine” (Slcilkret). The box plans are at the Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.