PRINCESS AND TIVOLI

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 324, 9 April 1928, Page 13

PRINCESS AND TIVOLI

“THE PATENT LEATHER KID” Richard Barthelmess is appearing in “The Patent Leather Kid” at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres this week. This epic of the tank corps, produced by First National Pictures on an imposing scale, introduces Barthelmess as a cynical, liard-boiled prize-fighter —a characterisation differing very radically from anything he has heretofore essayed. “The Patent Leather Kid,” introduces Richard Barthelmess in a role far removed from any of the abovementioned parts. In the title role he plays a pugilist famed for his affectation of shiny black leather and the gloss of his black unruffled liair. Tlis cocksure attitude toward life and people, his shortcomings in such things as patriotism, respect for the American flag, concern for other people's feelings, unselfishness, are the landmarks of his character. A tremendously difficult role to essay, but one -which is acclaimed a milestone in histrionic annals. “The Patent Leather Kid’s” eventual discovery of his soul, his spiritual regeneration, forms the denouement of the story leading up to an exciting climax. The balance of the cast includes Matthew Betz, Lawford Davidson, Arthur Stone, ITank Mann, Raymond Turner, Nigel de Brulier and others of note. The spectacular battle sequences, showing the monster tanks in action on the screen for the first time, were done at Camp Lewis, Wash., with the co-operation of the military authorities.