CIVIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 977, 21 May 1930, Page 17

CIVIC

“TAMING OF THE SHREW” In a. day when every picture is heralded in superlatives, the motion picture-goer hardly knows where to look for the really outstanding film. It lias arrived at last with the two foremost stars of the cinema, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, in ‘‘Taming of the Shrew,” at the Civic Theatre. This is the first appearance of these famous stars together, and is a real event in local theatrical circles —an event no one should miss. While this is a transcription of Shakespeare, it is the same kind ot rollicking comedy one would expect from any modern dramatist adept in j handling a farcical courtship. The ; part of Katherine is perfectly suited to : Mary Pickford’s flair for comedy, and ! Douglas in the part of Petruchio has | never had a part that fitted him as j well. The story is laid in Padua, and relates the experience of a. young man who sets out to win a girl who is famous for temper so fiery and a tongue so sharp that no man dares woo her. Petruchio beats her at her own game, or thinks he does, and meanwhile we are treated to the most amusing comedy situations that any screen has offered. This Sam Taylor production offers . wonderful scenic beauty as well as an absorbing story. The distinguished cast includes a number of Broadway stage celebrities, Edwin, Maxwell, Geoffrey Wardwell, Clyde Cook, Dorothy Jordan, and Joseph Ca.wthorn. Outstanding in the brilliant supporting programme are the musical selections by both Ted Henkel’s orchestra J and bj’ Fred Scholl at the organ. CRYSTAL PALACE, MOUNT EDEN ! A welcome season of “Seven Days’ ! Leave,” the screen version of Sir J. M. Barrie’s play, '‘The Old Lady Shows Her Medals,” will begin at the Crystal Palace Theatre this evening. The producers have adhered closely to the original, the subtle blend of humour and pathos for which Barrie is famous being admirably transferred to the screen. Gary Cooper and Beryl Mercer have the leading roles.