PLAZA AND TIVOLI

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 559, 11 January 1929, Page 15

PLAZA AND TIVOLI

“OUT OF THE RUINS” The France of the hectic war days and the France of the reconstruction were faithfully portrayed foir the audiences at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres last evening in Richard Barthelmess’s “Out of the Ruins.” This story, based on an original by Sir Philip Gibbs, is a thrilling story of a French Rlue Devil, his heroism under lire, his romantic and passionate love for Yvonne, his daring method of desei'ting his regiment in order to visit his sweetheart; and, following the declaration of the armistice, how tremendous obstacles were overcome and the two lovers were brought together. Barth.elm.ess has many unusual histrionic opportunili ties in the piece and, as usual, avails himself of them to the utmost. He looks picturesque and hai»usvxne m me striking costume of the Blue Devils and offers his followers something different. It is really the first “great lover” role Barthelmess has had for some time and it should go down in cinematic annals as one of the most beautiful love stories ever screened. Opposite the black-haired Barthelmess is seen, for the first time, Marian Nixon. Miss Nixon is a very feminine little creature with a wistful appeal. She is a perfect foil for the star, and the screen hero’s sacrifice to be near her seem quite logical and rational. Barthelmess has been surrounded with an excellent cast and some really notable work is done by Robert Frazer in the role of the brother who is blinded by a shell-burst and who plays such an important part in bringing the two lovers together again in the fast-moving climax of the story. Other important players who contribute fine characterisations are Emile Chautard, Bodil Rosing and Eugene Pallette. “Anybody Here Seen Kelly?” the second attraction, was named from the words of the old song, which was a popular favourite a few years ago. Like the song, it has an Irish romance for a theme. Tom Moore and Bessie Love are co-starring as Kelly, the traffic cop, and Jeanette, the French girl. Others in the cast are Tom O’Brien, Kate Price, and Alfred Allen. Another of the breezy “Collegians” pictures completes the enjoyable programme. At the Plaza Theatre enjoyable music was provided by Mr. Howard Moody’s Symphonic Orchestra, which played for the overture “Cock-a-Doodle.” The incidental music included selections from the operas, “Thais” and “Madame L’Archdukc.” also the ballets “Ascanio” and “Etienne Marcel,” and the selections “Bing Boys” and “Passing Show.”