“MOTHER KNOWS BEST,” REMARKABLE TALKIE, HAS EXTENDED SEASON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18786, 15 June 1929, Page 9

“MOTHER KNOWS BEST,” REMARKABLE TALKIE, HAS EXTENDED SEASON.

Ones goes to the “ Talkies ” in an openly sceptical frame of mind, much the same as, twenty years ago, one went to the “movies.” And it may he said that one walks out of the theatre searching for woi-ds that might fitly explain this latest wonder of the scieiitirtt's laboratory. Although the invention may be said to be still in its infancy, it is comparatively perfoct. Voices, music, singing, sound effects, i all come through with amazing clarity. The equipment in Liberty Theatre assists Fox Movietone in presenting a talkie programme that is of the highest artistic worth. The programme which has been holding huge audiences enthralled will be presented again next week. The feature-length picture is “Mother Knows Best,” from the Edna Ferber novel. Madge Bellamy, Louise Dressex* and Barry Norton have the leads

“ Mother Knows Best ” would be a remarkable picture merely as a “ movie,” but as a talking film it is doubly so. The Rosy Theatre Orchestra, a combination of one hundred and ten performers, supplies the music throughout, and comes through with rich tono. The first part of the programme is devoted to several short talking subjects, those of most interest to people in these parts being the speech of his Majesty the King at the opening of the Tyne bridge, and the delightful monologue' delivered by George Bernard Shaw A classic American turf event, With the hoi-ses thundering round and the roar of the excited crowd, is, perhaps, the most realistic. Miss Gertrude Lawrence, a popular West End artiste, sings a humorous song, “ I Don’t Know,” and Bransby Williams is seen and heard as Grandfather Smallweed from “ Bleak House.” The Chicago Wheat Pit is heard in full action, the excited shoutixxgs of hundreds of buyers simply filling the auditorium. The Royal Hawaiians are seen and heard in some faultlessly rendered native airs and songs. The stage at Liberty Theatre has been refurnished, with a handsome blue and gold screen lending dignity; the former orcheeti'a well is lit with a tasteful combination of changing colours, and has the appearance of some sylvan rockery. The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Company, v/here seats may be reserved.