NEW GRIFFITH FILM IS A1 ENTERTAINMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18805, 6 July 1929, Page 9

NEW GRIFFITH FILM IS A 1 ENTERTAINMENT.

“BATTLE OF THE SEXES” UNFOLDS FINE STORY OF A MODERN HOME. The same blending of artistry apd entertainment values which made possible many of the screen’s greatest pictures is again introduced by D. W. Griffith in his latest picture, “The Battle of the Sexes,” which commences a season in Christchurch at the Civic Theatre on Monday, and which was privately screened yesterday. The picture’s chief characteristics are humour and pathos which are woven into a pleasing story whose theme is the American home, wrecked by the machinations of an unscrupulous golddigger, who gets her man regardless of his strong family ties. “The Battle of the Sexes” is appropriately titled. Griffith is said to have made onto of the most entertaining and worth-while photoplays of his career in this new Civic attraction which everyone should see. The unmistakable Griffith touch is to bo found in the big moments of the picture. In fact, so real has he made the relationship that exists btetween husband and wife and parents and children, that the introductory scenes showing the happy family are like a page from life. Tears flowed freely when the wife, choked up with emotion over her husband’s thoughtfulntess on her birthday, is unable to find the words with which to thank him. Jean Hersholt, as Judson, the family man who strays from the straight and narrow path, clinches his hold on the title the motion picture people have accorded him, “the screen’s greatest character actor.” He portrays this role with such naturalness and feteling that his philanderings are almost forgiven him. Phyllis Haver, who plays Marie, thte gold-digger, is cast in a role that has grown typical of her. It is she who injects much of the spontaneous humour into the production. Belle Bennett is cast as the mother and wife who becomes temporarily crazed by Judson’s marital deficiencies. It is her best performance since her memorable “Sttella Dallas.” Don Alvarado, who appears on the screen as Marie’s sweetheart, makes the best of his unsympathetic role. This is the first time Alvarado has been cast in an unromantic part. Sally O’Neil, who used to play flappers, is Judson’s daughter in “The Battle of the Sexes.” It is through her that the once happy family is reunited. William Bakewell as her brother and John Batten as a friend of the Judsons complete the cast. “The Battle of the Sexes” was made at the United Artists studio under the personal direction of D. W. Griffith. It was photographed by Karl Struss. The story, by Danltel Carson Goodman, was adapted to the screen by Gerrlt J. Lloyd. This United Artists picture is presented by Joseph M. Schenck. Buster Keaton will also be seen in his latest picture, “Steamboat Bill Jr.,” in which he is assisted by Ernest Torrence. It is stated to be the gayest comedy that Keaton has ever marha. This will be unquestionably one of the

finest programmes ever offered at the Civic. THE MUSIC AT “THE CIVIC.” The musical side of the programme at the Civic for the coming week promises to be well up to the high standard already set. For the first time in Christchurch the orchestra will occupy the stage for the presentation of the overture “Raymond.” The stage will be appropriately set, and in addition to the band’s numbter the De Luxe Duo, Miss Anne Stephenson and Mr Harold Prescott, who have been delighting Civic audiences during the past week, will again delight with their vocal contributions. Miss Stephenson will sing “Sailing the Sea of Romance,” Mr Prescott will delight with “Awake,” and together thte Duo will repeat, by very special request, the duet “A Night in Venice.” Mr Gladstone Hill will be guest-conductor for these items.