NEW OPERA HOUSE HAS BARRYMORE IN TALKIE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19108, 28 June 1930, Page 28 (Supplement)

NEW OPERA HOUSE HAS BARRYMORE IN TALKIE.

To-day at the New Opera House will almost certainly prove to be a memorable one for the talking screen in Christchurch, for it will mark the premiere screening in New Zealand of Warner Bros and Vltaphone’s latest triumph of the talking screen, starring the distinguished stage and screen star. John Barrymore, who makes his talking picture debut as the star of “General Crack” adapted from George Preedy's famous novel. Only those who have heard John Barrymore on the stage in “Richard III” or that supreme test of any actor’s genius, “Hamlet,” can appreciate what an event in the entertainment world his coming into talking pictures really is. John Barrymore has an unusual opportunity to display his genius for characterisation in “General Crack.” In addition to portraying the dashing title role of the mad Prince Christian, soldier and lover, in this vivid tale of romance and adventure in eighteenth century Europe, Mr Barrymore contributes two other superb impersonations to the picture. In the prologue to the actual story he acts the part of his father, a doddering old soldier. Later in the film, he enacts the role of his father’s ghost who appears as a guiding influence in an important turning point in the story. Said to be his most fascinating characterisation, Barrymore as General Crack is seen as a storming individual in eternal conflict with his gypsy and his aristocratic traits—a man who becomes the dominant military figure of his time, as well as the greatest lover. The exceptional cast supporting John Barrymore, includes such favourites as Lowell Sherman, Marian Nixon, Armida, Hobart Bosworth. Jacqueline Logan and many other popular stage and screen stars. There is an excellent supporting programme of Vitaphone varieties, which should help to make an extremely popular night’s entertainment, and should be a big attrtaction for the coming week. The box plans are at The Bristol from 9 a.m. till 11.00 today, afterwards at the theatre.