DE LUXE THEATRE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12616, 29 November 1926, Page 8

DE LUXE THEATRE

“BEVERLY OF GRAUSTARK.” Romantic castles in Europe, devious intrigues in a European court, the romance of royal loves and bartering for kingdoms; these all come to life in the filmisation of George Barr 51cCutcheon’s famous novel, “Beverly of Graustark,” presented by Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer as Alarion Davies’s latest starring vehicle, and now playing at the De Luxe Theatre. The famous novel is enacted by players hand-picked to follow the spirit of the author’s famous tale, and thrills, romance, comedy, and the piquant tang of modern court intrigue run through it. Aliss Davies plays a dual role, one of the most difficult ever attempted, for, as tbe heroine, she is required to masquerade as a crown prince and be the central figure in the coronation to have a throne. She played the role rvith hair cut short like a man’s and so thoroughly and humorously duplicated male mannerisms. The production was staged on a lavish scale, with a great throne room scene, some remarkable settings depicting European castles, and other elaborate details. Gorgeous costumes and uniforms lend colour to the story, and Aliss Davies appears in a number of magnificent creations. The cast includes many screen notables. Antonio Aloreno plays the leading male role of Danton, and Roy D’Arcy is seen as the sinister Marlanax. Creighton Hale, Paulette Duval, Albert Gran, Charles Clary, Max Barwvn are others who appear in principal parts. There is an excellent supporting programme, and the De Luxe Orchestra, under tlie baton of Aliss A. Bryers, renders a delightful score of incidental music.