AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19162, 19 November 1927, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

"DANCE MAGIC."

A ROMANCE OF BROADWAY.

LIBERTY THEATRE, MONDAY.^

Dancing is supposed to be the outward expression of internal joy. No one quarrels with that definition, which is as good as any. It is always a simple and a successful theme to dramatise, to make a novel of and to enlargo upon on the motion picture screen. Today, more than at any other period of the world's history, such an enunciation, in the theatre, invites eager patronage, for at no other period in the world's history has dancins: been more indulzed in. condemned, lauded, and gone mad over. At the Liberty Theatre nest week the First National picture. '"Dance Magic," will be presented, with Pauline Starke' in the leading role, supported bv Ben Lyon. It is a drama of Manhattan madness, of Broadway and Bohemian unconventionc, and of a lot ot other things that ths true picture patron seeks in no small measure. The film is not melodrama, although there are two or three lamilinr scenes that uianv producers utilise foi their more tense moments. The evcrthrillins third degree, the murder of the musical comedy producer in his apartment and the sensational rise to dancing fame of the rebellious Puritan from New England are popular, and iriumohant. standbys of the best picture producers and they have Leiped considerably to make "Dance Magic" the gripping play it is. Pauline Starke is, perhaps, the most forceful factor about tho film: in the hands of a less competent actre3s a, treat deal 'of the interest and importance attached to the role of the dancer would have been lost. Nor is "Dance Magic." for all its impassioned nature, •.vithout its humorous relief; Broadway has no heart, but it has a wonderful sense of humour. The picture is superbly mounted, being a St background for the beauty and talents of Miss Starke: the acting of Ben Lyon, who in the United States at all events is one of the most popular of pre-scnt-dav stars, is all that can be desired. Norma Shearer, who makes a most welcome reappearance on the local screen, plays the leading role in "Upstage," assisted by the great Oscar Shaw, the American vaudeville headliner who numbers his followers by the million. "Upstace" is the very true and life-like story of the girl who thought she was the best box-office bet of the modern stage, and was in reality what is termed in theatrical circles a "flop." Her realisation of this atato of aflaiia is brought about only after she has tasted of all the pathos, the romance, and the- laushter that is behind the scenes. Miss Shearer plays this difficult role with consummate artistry. The Concert Orchestra, under Mr Ernest Jamieson. will play the following musical programme —Overture,- "Morning, Noon, and Night" (Suppe); "Fifth Symphony" (Tschaikowsky), "Mnsaniello'' (Atiber), "Rienzi" (Wagner), "True Love" (Brahms), "Life of the Czar" (Klinka). "Der Freycbutz" (Weber), "Sonata Pathetiaue" (Beethoven), "Invitation to tho Waltz" (Weber). "Dance Mistress" (Lehar). "Ukelele Dream Girl" (Low). "A Lane in Spain," "Lay My Heart Beneath a Rose," "Just Once Again" (Moore). The box plans are ai The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may be reserved