LYRIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 526, 1 December 1928, Page 14

LYRIC

TWO FINE COMEDIES ‘Playing Straight, - ’ which was shown last evening at the Lyric Theatre, is one of those films wliich appeals to everybody. Unlike most entertainments, “Playing Straight” is not entirely dependent upon its plot to insure its success. The vital point of this screen drama is coated over with an element of human interest which touches the heart-strings and awakens fond memories in the minds of the adult population and great ambitions in the souls of youths. The mad pranks in a typical American college, laughable incidents in the dormitory when the student was supposed to be burning midnight oil, but actually has lost his sleep in antics which are remembered as highlights of the college career, are caught by the camera. It is from such episodes as these that the author has woven the story of “Playing Straight.” It is a sincere endeavour to present college life as it exists, without exaggeration or the introduction of unnatural plots and counter-plots. Pauline Saron and Robert Agnew. appear as two students and comedy element is introduced by the inimitable Ben Turpin. The second picture is outstanding, both because of the claim of the plot and the personality of the star. This is “The Cardboard Lover,” in which the bright little comedienne, Marion Davies, appears as a modern American schoolgirl who, visiting Monte Carlo, competes with a beautiful and seductive siren for the attention of a tennis champion. Jetta Goudal and J'Jils Asther have the supporting roles.

EVERYBODY’S TWO FINE PICTURES Hoot Gibson’s latest Western picture is now at the Everybody’s Theatre in •'Hiding tor Fame,” one ot the cowboy star’s greatest screen hits. In spite of a long career of popularity and success in motion pictures, Gibson reaches the highest point ot his career in this production. Playing the sympathetic role of Bill Hammond, an expert horseman and ‘one-man "Wild West show,” Gibson packs the film with thrills and stunts. Hoot is always at his best in riding scenes, and “Riding for Fame” is filled with these. The cowboy goes through his famous list of stunts and adds a few new ones. Reaves Eason, noted as Hollywood’s greatest director of swift-moving scenes with horses, wielded the megaphone on this production. Eason, who directed the famous chariot races in “Ben Hur,” has succeeded in filming some of the screen’s finest riding scenes for the Gibson picture. The second attraction on the programme is a breezy Bebe Daniels picture, her latest, entitled “Hot News.” The irrepressible actress plays the role of a camera girl securing photos for movie gazettes and goes through some hazardous experiences with Neil Hamilton. SWEET-PEA AND GLADIOLI SHOW A Sweet Pea and Gladioli Show has been arranged by the Auckland Horticultural Society and will be opened at the Municipal Hall, Newmarket, on Tuesday and Wednesday, December j 11 and 12. •