PRINCE EDWARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 64, 7 June 1927, Page 15

PRINCE EDWARD

UPSTAGE AND POLICE PATROL The Prince Edward Theatre is showing “Up-stage” and “The Police Patrol” to-night. Norma Shearer and Oscar Shaw are the stars of “Upstage,” which, as its title suggests, deals with life behind the scenes in the theatre. It is an excellent theme, treated with a simplicity which makes it all the more appealing. It also gives one an entirely new idea of stage life. Miss Shearer is called upon to show what she can do with her dramatic talent, though her beauty wins the day. Mr. Shaw, who plays the part of a vaudeville star, dances brilliantly in several scenes. In one of them his exhibition of a Russian dance must leave the Russians green with envy. Briefly, the story tells how a young vaudeville performer (Mr. Shaw) takes the little tvpist (Miss Shearer) as his partner in a dancing turn. She proves a success under his guidance and longs to become a star. Fortune does not favour her, but a dramatic interlude enables her to prove her worth, and the fadeout comes with a hint of wedding bells. Like most good film stories, “Up-stage” wins by its simple and direct tretment, combined with exquisite photography. The second attraction at the Prince Edward Theatre is “The Police Patrol,” which has at the head of its cast James Kirkwood and Edna Murphy, t is a thrilling drama of the adventures of Jim Ryan, a member of the New York police force. Owing to a misunderstanding, he is discharged from the force, but he continues to try and bring justice to a gang of crooks who devote their attentions to the theft of precious furs. The picture throughout has an amusing touch, and its feature is the exciting experiences which befall Jim Ryan. The film concludes with Jim carrying out his object and bejng taken back into the force.