LIBERTY THEATRE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18238, 24 November 1924, Page 7

LIBERTY THEATRE.

ACTOR'S masterpiece. • ' "BEAU BRUMMEL." When :t. became known iliat the picture carura Beau Brummel" was to be available for screening in Christchurch, it was realised that the management of the theatre which secured it would indeed have obtained a master production. The picture had a ready created an interest . for the public 3" its mere. reputation, a fact which was more than anyjly proved by the large house present to witness its initial screening at the Libaity Theatre on Saturday afternoon and evening. In Beau Brummel" Master Pictures present a great artistic triumph. The famous "plays the stellar part,- and n? « w world knows, he is, perhaps, tn-e finest character actor of the present day. oome years back, his portrayal of Oonan Ppyles inimitable Sherlock Holmes won for him the most favourable comment in or Great Britain's most authoritative Periodicals, all of which pronounced him the world's master of make-up. In "Beau brummel" he justifies his enviable reputation, and adds not a little to his already peat prestige as a character actor. In history the 1 famous "Beau Brummel" played a part which is ever reflecting itself in our present mode of living. In other words, the famous Beau was the originator of modern male fashions. He lived from 17.78 to 1840, ana Was raised from lowly rank by the then Prince of Wales, later George 111. He flourished until 1816, and ■ was accepted by Royalty as their superior, but the tragedy of his life, was as that of many other Royal favourites, dependent' on the whims of their sovereign. Barrvmore, in his interpretation of this difficult character, has made the Beau live.once more. His characterisation of Brummel's arrogance and cleverness has yet with it a touch of pathos which makes the whole a masterpiece of character study. ' Moreover, he traces his character's life until its tragic end in . a French madhouse, the whole part giving him a scope of which he takes full advantage. The story is as simple as the acting is difficult, but the two are. combined amazingly. and without doxibt "Benu Brummel" is one of the best pictures which has been produced up 'till the present day. THe theme tells of the love of the Beau right from the time of hiß insignificance, through his successful conquest of the Court of his patron, till the time of his death. Despite his other amorous adventures he is consistent, but there lies a tragedy in his love of which none but a Barrymore could make advantage. In support is shown an amusing comedydrama entitled "The Cradle Buster." ~ It is a most •unusual film story, and deals with the adventures of a young man who has hitherto been tied to hia' mother's apron strings, .but eventually meets a girl who eauses him to break his former docility. His adventures are as amusing as they are entertaining, and excitement plays not a small part- in the course of the story. Besides this there are several other good pictures on the bill.

Th,e Liberty Orchestra, under fhe direction of Mr. Howard Moody, played a' magnificent programme of incidental music. The entr'acte was Paderewski's "Menuet," which was charmingly played, and introduced some nice work for the glockenspiel, and put the audience in the rignt frame of mind for the big feature. Right throughout "Beau Brummel" great care and,, discrimination was shown in the selection of the musical accompaniment, and the atmosphere and mood, without exception, wa3 carefully studied. "The : Rose," a selection of well-known English airs, was played most appropriately. Another charming number was . Thomas's "Gavotte Mignon," arranged as a glockenspiel solo, and delicately played by Mr Shelton.' Mr Arthur' Gordon played the "Andante" from ■ "Symphonic ■ Espaghol" (Lalo). • Another number was . a selection from the new musical comedy, "Catherine," which is based on melodies of Tchaikowsky. Other numbers included;—"Merrie England" (German), "Fifth Symphony" (Beethoven), 'Ooppelia Ballet".. (Delibes), "Menuet" (Beethoven),, and "My Sweet Girl" (Green).