NATIONAL AND LYRIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 37, 6 May 1927, Page 13

NATIONAL AND LYRIC

“TWINKLETOES” “Twinkletoes,” though not ono of Thomas Burke’s best Limehous9 stories, nevertheless makes an excellent screen production. Colleen Moore’s portrayal of the little dancing sprite who had just an implicit faith in the goodness of the world in general, and her father in particular, is a notable characterisation. The initial Auckland screening took place before large attendances last night at the National and Lyric Theatres. Everyone in drab Limehouse loved Twinkletoes. Even the Chinese treated her with a degree of respect not usually accorded the feminine portion of this London neighbourhood. And when Twinkletoes realised her life’s ambition, and appeared with the Quayside Kids at the local music-hall, the whole district turned out en force and applauded her efforts. Deep-rooted was the little dancer’s love for her father. When at last she learned that he was a thief it almost broke her heart. She could not believe that he was “crooked.”

Then there was Chuck, another excellent characterisation, by Kenneth Harland. Chuck was the pugilistic idol of Limehouse, and—the husband of Cissie. It was Cissie, slothful, drunken, and dissolute, who caused all the trouble, pricked -poor Twinkletoes’s bubble, and sent her father to Dartmoor.

But it all ended very happily. In this respect the screen version is ever so much more satisfactory than the book. After doing all the harm she could Cissie died, leaving Chuck free to marry the little dancing_girl of his heart.

In “Twinkletoes,” the Universal Co. has made a remarkable film in its way, and Colleen Moore has added still another triumph of characterisation to a long run of successes. The supporting programme includes “Love’s Whirlpool,” a New York underworld drama in which James Kirkwood has the leading role. “When Guide Meets Guide” is a new Canadian scenic which certainly strikes a novel note.

Actual pictures of the Chinese mob storming the British Concession in Hankow are included in the British Topical Gazette, a number of more than usual interest.