SATIRE ON AMERICAN PRISON LIFE NOW AT EVERYBODY’S THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18788, 18 June 1929, Page 7

SATIRE ON AMERICAN PRISON LIFE NOW AT EVERYBODY’S THEATRE.

Karl Dane and George K. Arthur •ave presented the screen with another of tlreir laughter-provoking comedies. In "Brotherly Love,” which is the first attraction at Everybody's Theatre this week, these two clever comedians, excel themselves, surpassing even their work in "Rookies,” which is well remembered in Christchurch for its laughable qualities. The story of "Brotherly Love” is a broad satire on American “reform” prisons, where convicts are coddled so much by an idealistic gaol governor That they fight to get in, but they cannot be bribed to leave. The story is full of novel settings, and gives an amusing insight into the life of the inmates of an American prison. A convict in love with the daughter of the gaol governor is something unusual, and this forms the basis of tli*> romantic relief in "Brotherly Love.” The principals have ample scope for their ability, and they rise to every occasion. Jean Arthur, who plays the feminine lead, makes a dainty and attractive heroine, whose work as the governor's daughter is excellent. The second attraction is Carl Laemmle’s poignant romance, “Lonesinrr.o ” r» n and Barbara Kent

are in the leading roles, and these players fully justify the trust placed in them. The stcry tells of the bringing together of an every-day boy and girl. But, although its theme is so simple, it is one of the most dramatic pictures of the season. Coney Island, New York’s famous playground, is the setting for many of the romantic scenes in the picture. The boy and thte girl both go to the beach on Saturday afternoon in search of fun and entertainment, each in the hope that they might forget the oppressive lonesomeness of their lives. They form an acquaintance which quickly ripens into lo\ r e. During a tour of the attractions of Coney Island, an accichsnt occurs on a scenic railway and the pair become separated. They made a long and weary search for each other, but without success. Their re-union forms a fitting climax to a story of exceptional merit.

There are some splendid supporting pictures, and the Select Orchestra, under the baton of Mr Albert Bidgood, contributes an excellent programme of music, including the following numbers: Overture, "Invitation to the Dance” (Weber); suites, "Four Fancies” (Somerville). "Miniatures” O’Donnell). “Les Deux Pigeons” (Messager); selections,

"Last Waltz” < Strauss), "My Son John” (Morgan), "Chariot Show” (Brahms); "Oberon” (Weber), "Song of Sleep” (Lord Henry Somerset), "Bell Boy” (Clark), “Lonesome” (Cherniavsky); entr’acte, "Culloden” (Bidgood).