THEATRE DE LUXE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12621, 4 December 1926, Page 6

THEATRE DE LUXE

‘‘A TRIP TO CHINATOWN.” When Fox Films decidod to bring to the screen Charles A. Hoyt’s farce comedy, it was announced that no expense would be spared in an effort to make this tho outstanding film mcoess of the year. Just how well this groat organisation has succeeded in carrying out this plan is to be seen at the Do Luxe Theatre this week, when the groat farce is shown for the first time in Wellington. , Tlie story centres around a very droll young man who couldn’t convince his physician that ho was ill. Ho finally hits upon the idea that he has an explosive lung—and then lie meets an attractive widow. This situation, with such artists as Miss Livingston and Messrs Foxe and MacDonald to carry the burden of mirth, affords ample opportunity for side-splitting comedy. Miss Livingston, who wears thirtysix different gowns specially designed for this production, makes one of the most striking figures ever projected on the screen. Earle Foxe, called the screen’s greatest masculine funster, appears as the tired young man with the explosive lung. He is sure he is going to dio—and yet ho has never been more anxious to live. Miss Livingston, as tho audavious widow, is the reason 1 J. Farrell MacDonald, who will be remembered for his excellent characterisation as Corporal Casey in “Tho Iron Horse,” stumbles from one comical situation to another with amazing rapidity. He, too, wants the'widow, and 1 In the course of the story, which opens on a train headed West, the entire company takes a never-to-be-forgotten trip through San Francisco’s romantic Chinatown. This is reproduced with the utmost fidelity and the night scenes are marvellous. For the interiors, Fox Films built somo ot the most magnificent sets ever constructed oil tho West Coast. i The cast, chosen after a long and careful search, includes Anna May Wong, George Kuwa, Harry Woods, Wilson Benge, Mario Astaire, Gladys McConnell, Charles Farrell, Hazel Howell and others. San Francisco's Chinatown is reproduced with the utmost fidelity and much of the comedy is staged here. For tho huge interiors Fox Films’ set-lniilders designed some of the most elaborate effects ever attempted. Tho feature was many weeks in the making and to some of the cleverest wits in America was assigned tho task of assisting Mr Korr with the comedy situations. The results are screamingly funny. There is a bright supporting bill, and under Miss A. Bryers tho Orchestra de Luxe plays much lino music in its usual splendid style. The picture will run until Thursday next and there will he a matinee to-day. Reserves are at the Bristol and the ’phone number of tho theatre is 23-080.