"EVERY MOTHER'S SON."

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

"EVERY MOTHER'S SON."

AN ENGLISH PICTURE. THE LIBERTY'S PROGRAMME. An English production of more than usual merit, "Ever; Mother's Son," was screened at the Liberty Theatre last night. "Every Mother's Son" is a satisfying reply to those critics who declare. that, in moving pictures, little good can come from Britain. Tire picture is a . long one, and occupied an extra hour in screening, but the majority of the audience remained to the end—a tribute to their interest in its development. -The Great War supplies the background for this interesting picture, and many tense moments are experienced as the menace of unseen dangers surrounds the indomitable "Tommies." But there ara many light touches, and the- spirit of old Albion, dauntless in the face of death, is shown in many scenes. The story so touchingly portrayed has its setting in a typically English village. The Brants, a hard-working couple, are holidaying in London, and a foundling is committed to their care on Thames. bridge. Jonathan, whose name is unknown, grows up side by side with their own son David. But the adopted boy excels in everything, while David is a ne'er-do-well, finding his pleasure in the public-house rather than behind a plough. He has one grace, his love for a village maiden, but. she, bestows her affection unrestrainedly on the. squire's son, Browning. Into this simple atmosphere of the Homeland comes the clarion ■ call to arms. Jonathan enlists at once, as does young Browning, and David is shamed into joining them. Three cheerful unregenerates, - a•• tramp, a coffee stall proprietor, and a pugilist, pro vide an element of humour that runs right through the harrowing.war scenes. In an effort to capture a strategic position, Captain Browning is wounded, and David, hat ing his successful rival, still does his best to save him.. Browning is killed and Jonathan dies in hia ~ fOster-brother'B arms. Thus David loses the ono force that has spurred him into better things, and after the Armistice he joins London's hopeless band' of wasters. Then comes the impressive scenes where tho Unknown ■ Soldier is brought to the Abbey, and David meets again the girl he had loved—a mother now, and fighting hard to provide food and shelter for her infant. The picture ends on a cheerful note. Rex Davis, ex-captain in the war, playe . the leading role of David, while the other •■ principal parts were taken by a very able | cast of "English players. -On the same programme is screened an inI trigtting American film ■'."The Mystery Club," lin which Matt Moore is starred. Six genI tlemeri planned six gentlemanly crimes, when they, found, to their dismay, that they I had become involved . in .an exceedingly tangled skein of mystery and intrigue. "The Mystery Club" i* a wholesome mystery drama, but has an irresistible vein of comedy and romance which prevents the action ! from becoming too serious. .■ The Liberty Concert Orchestra was augmented with an organ for "Every Mother's Son," and under Mr Ernest Jamieson played the 'special musio chosen by London's leading picture theatre ,for the .production.