OUTSTANDING FILM.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 257, 29 October 1931, Page 3

OUTSTANDING FILM.

“ Skippy ” has coxiio to Christchurch, and he is worthy of all that has been said of him. The film, which is iSDw screening at the Theatre Royal, is a triumph of child life. It is a picture which appeals to people of all agtes, whether they be ninety years young or nine years old. ** Skippy ” is the story of a boy and his pals. He is an American boy, but it would be wrong to describe him as characteristically American, for his counterpart is to be found the world over—wherever there is mischief to be done and husky, fearless and lovable boys to do it. Jackie Cooper is in the name part. The greater part of the pathos and humour in the picture lies on his small but sturdy shoulders and he has created a character that will live long in the memories of theatre-goers. Robert Coogan and Mitzi Green are the best of a strong supporting cast. STIRRING DRAMA. A picture that has evoked spontaneous praise from critics is “ Transgression,” the stirring drama which comes to the Theatre Royal on Saturday, featuring Kay Francis, Ricardo Cortez. Paul Kavanagh and Nance O’Neill. The production is said to be far advanced in the realms of sheer beauty and dramatic strength. Jn this new film Herbert Brenon has achieved what he considers the ultimate in screen perfection. It is seldom that Brenon grows enthused over his own w'ork. Eleven years of kinematic effort in helping to bring an infant industry to the plane of an art—more reaching and universal even than the graphic arts —has tempered whatever of self-plaudation still left him. However, when this screen creator of " Beau Geste ” and scores of equally famous pictures, thinks he has achieved something out of the ordinary in “ Transgression,” the opinion must be given considerable weight. Brenon is the most definitely assertive individual in motion pictures. He is his severest critic. He doesn’t pander to ego and vanity. A picture is either good or bad —his own included. Many who have seen “ Transgression ” have been unable to express its great dramatic power and vivid treatment in terms of mere words. For the first time in many years, it is claimed, real life is portrayed on the screen in all its ramifications.