EVERYBODY’S

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 454, 8 September 1928, Page 18

EVERYBODY’S

“13 WASHINGTON SQUARE” For real comedy there is no type of picture that gains greater appreciation from an audience than the socalled mystery story. “13 Washington Square,” the Universal picture, which was shown last evening at the Everybody’s Theatre, is just such a picture. The theatre was repeatedly swept with gales of laughter. On the stage this story was doubtless a spine-chilling melodrama, but on the screen it is the most delightful of comedies.

Every incident imperiliing a player, every expression of fright, every scurrying shadow and eerie light, utterly broke down the spectator’s reserve. A woman would shriek here a man guffaw there, then the whole house would tumble down in mirth. There was just as

much pleasure In , . observing the nearby impressionable woman as in watching the screen, which is high praise for the pbotoPl Jean Hercholt gives a very fine and sympathetic performance as the picture thief. Alice Joyce is splendid in her role as the aristocratic mother, a part which might have been unsympathetic in less capable hands. Zasu Pitts contributes a great deal of the humour of the picture as Mis. Joyce's maid, and George Lewis and Helen Foster handle the love intci e. with a youthful charm. “The Poor Nut,” the second attrac tion, is a story laid in a big American university. The star is Jack Mulhall, who gives one of his best characterisations as a somewhat shy and lovesick young country lad. Charlie Murray is also in the cast.