AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20100, 2 December 1930, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

CRYSTAL PALACE. "THE SONG OF THE FLAME." A story of the Russia of earlier days, •with the grandeur and splendour of its court, is told in tho picture showing at the Crystal Palace this weok. "Tho Song ot tho Flame" opened its season yesterday, and provided a film of lavish settings and dramatic plot. Peasants suffering under a regime of dospotiam are roused by the enthusiasm of their leaders and tho einging of a song of frcodom to attack and destroy the ruling l»o\vers, but their zeal takes them beyond their purpose and eventually tho timo of revolt and carnage gives way to ono of pome and happiness. Leading parts are taken by termce Claire and Alex Csra.y, who perform well as the central figures of the story, Noah Beory and Alice Gentle also filling difficult roles with distinction. These four artists may be singled out ii 3 worthy of special praißO, for in addition to carrying the major burden of the acting, they aro all good singers, and provido a number of very well-recorded songs. Tho cast as a whole is particularly large, some of tlin dancing choruses and combined singing being of the highest standard, nncl arranged in settings which arc lavishly produced and beautifully screened. Short vaudeville items open the programme, which should enjoy a good season.