ROYAL PICTURES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2052, 8 November 1919, Page 2

ROYAL PICTURES.

“.Laughing Bill- Hyde,” Hex Beach’s'latest and best him story, will bo screened al: the Koval tonight. In this the author follows his custom of selecting slars for their suilabilily rather than their screen .reputation. In Ibis ease he lias chosen for the title role Will Rogers, principal comedian of the Mew York Follies. Rex Beach slated that Rogers was the living counterpart of Laughing Bill Hyde. Strange to-say, that story might have been written for Will Rogers, his personality being' practically identical with the lictionised hero. Laughing Bill Hyde surpasses and eclipses (he three previous great productions, ‘‘The Spoilers,’’ “The Barrier,'-' and the “Auction Block,” and.is easily first of Rex Beach’s masterpieces. The story is one full of human interest, and deals with an escaped convict whose rough exterior and unpolished maimer enehySe a heart as big as a mountain. Love, and kindness to his, fellow men are his creed throughout, and he is one of (hose nonchalant gentlemen whose motto is “Keep Smilin’.” When his pal is weak, unable to walk, lie carries him in. his arms to the doctor. He acts good samuritau (o’ an Indian girl robbed of her inheritance, robs the robbers, and returns it to her. iHe champions the doctor’s girl and saves her from the unpleasant, attentions of rough characters. The genuineness of ins character* shine- through the veil of a murky past, and brings a message of pathos, humour and good cheer. On Monday and Tuesday the star is “Her Only Way,” featuring Mornm Talmadgc, supported by Eugene O’Brien, a production of superlative merit' that holds and grips the attention from the first moment until the surprising climax arrives. On Wednesday: Charlie Chaplin in “Shoulder Arms.”