"DANCE MAGIC."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19163, 21 November 1927, Page 7

"DANCE MAGIC."

A ROMANCE OF BROADWAY.

I LIBERT? THEATBK, TODAT. Dancing is supposed to lie 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 enlarge upon on the motion picture screen. To-day, 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 dancing been mora indulged in. condemned, lauded, and gono mad over. At the Liberty Theatre this week the First National picture, "Dance Magic," will be presented, with Paulino Starke in the leading role, supported by Ben Lyon. It is a drama of Manhattan madness, of Broadway and Bohemian unconventions, and of a lot ol other things that the true oicture patron seeks in no small measure. The film is not melodrama, although there are two or three familiar ecenes that many producers utihso foi their more tense moments. The everthrilling third degree, the murder of the musical comedy producer in jjis apartment and the sensational rise to dancing fame of the rebellious Puritan from New England are popular, and triumphant, standbys of the best picture producers aud they have heic-ed considerably to make "Dance Magic the gripping play it is. Pauline Starke is, perhaps, the most forceful factor about the film: in the hands of a lees competent actress a great deal of the interest and importance attached to the role of the dancer would have been lost. Nor is ' Danco Magic," for all its impassioned nature, without its humorous relief: Broadway has no heart, but it has a wonderful sense of humour. The picture is superbly mounted, being a fit 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 tho 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. "Upstage" is the very true and life-like etory of the eirl 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 state of affairs is brought about only after she has tasted of all the pathos, the romance, and the laughter that is behind tho scenes. Mias Shearer plays_ this difficult role with consummate artistry. The Concert Orchestra, under Mr Eme6t Jamieson. will play the following musical programme—Overture, "Morning, iSoon, and Night" (Suppe): "Fifth Symphony (TBchaikowskv), "Masaniello (Auber), "Rienzi" (Wagner), "True Love" (Brahms). "Life of the Czar" (Klinka). "Dcr Irevclwtz" (Weber), "Sonata Pathetiaue' (Beethoven) "Invitation to the Waltz" (Weber). "Danco Mistress" (Lehar). "Ukelele Dream Girl" (Low). "A Lane in Spain. Lay My Heart Beneath a Rose," "Just Once Again (Moore). The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Compan s -, where seats may be. reserved