AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18890, 4 January 1927, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

—♦ — LIFE AND ADVENTURE. 1827 PROGRAMME AT CRYSTAL PALACE. rOLA NEGRI. LIONEL BARRYMORE, GRETA NISSEN. The advent of the year 1927 has been appropriately marked at Greater Crystal Palace, where carefully selected pictorial and musical programmes entertained an aud.encs which filled tho theatre from floor to ceiling lit I eight. A fascinating blonde, with a twinkle id her eye and » roguish smile, >« Greta Nissan, the very dainty and very slini «tr"s who pa.ses through the many bewildering scenes in Paramount s I".""/?' *Tbe Lucky Lady," with an irresistible eharm. She is, without doubt, one of the S of Hollywood and a decidedly pleasant discovery. And the is ub j.supported by » «troa»- « st ot popular pla>erg Lionel Barrymore. famou. for his portrayal ol' Mathias fa "The Bells," William Collier, gun., tho dashing young American who io often doliibts the house with his bghts through to the side of the rlrl of his dream*, and-Marc McDermott the severe, middle-aged Englishman, are cast in the roles of the three men who intrigue he ftt«.t of the .»" and captivating Greta Nlssen. "The Lucky Lady" is the happy .torv of a young and beautiful modern priuce,.'m a foreign realm of San Guido-a mytholojcal rcalm-who falls madly in love with .handsome young hero, desp'te the fact *h,t .he is engaged to a grand duke. Lionel flarrrmore plays the part of the vainglorious duke betrothed to the P"»"" P o *; frayed by Greta Nissen), while William Collier gives a striking picture of the iuckj Teeth who won the heart of the merry prmren Marc McDermott acts as Prime Minister. Swift action and innumerous hilarious and compromising situations assist to make "The Lucky Lady" one of the finest and funniest films that has been thrown on the silver sheet at Greater Crystal Palaco for some little tiino. The old, old theme of a girl engaged to a man and a the same time in love with another, is treated in a refreshing and original manner, and held the interest of last night a capacity house from start to finish. Tho lavish scenes in the royal palaces and courts and the magnificent frocks worn by the women were touch admired by the feminine section of the audience. There is bright comedy and just that portion of emotionalism which elves it the human interest. The plot has been skilfully thought out, the settings are natural, and the atmosphere is realistic. Polk Negri, the exotic Russian beauty, is featured in a fast-moving comedy-drama entitled "Good and Naughty," which was also produced by Paramount, and which is the supporting picture on the programme. Tom Moore and Ford Sterling, both stalwart arid well-known actors, lend their talents, to make "Good and Naughty" tho best and snappiest film that Pola Negri has been seen in. From the first flash to the final fade-out this tale at the "good and naughty" girl who led smart Palm Beach society a merry dance, and Who set the pace in the ultra-smart circles, is thrilling. Excitement and laughter permeates every scene. The acting of Pola Negri who turned the heads of so many men with her rare charm nnd flashing eyes, is superb. She proves that she can play • light and delightful comedy with tho same •as* as she can handle "heavy" roles. Pictures in support of the featured ones Include a comedy and a news film. Under the baton of Mr Alfred Bunz,. the theatre's Symphony Orchestra enraptured the audience with a musical' programme, admirably played. Numerous encores , v.-ere demanded. '