AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 250, 21 October 1926, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

NATIONAL AND LYRIC.

"The Silver Treasure," adapted from Joseph Conrad's ''Nostromo,'' is the featured picture on the programme nowshowing at the National and Lyric Theatres. It is described as a dynamic story of adventure and romance. The true spirit of recklessness so typical of* the Celebrated author's work* has been incorporated in the photoplay version of his most-widely-read book. The wealth of characterisation and rapid action are forcefully brought to life by George O'Brien, Lou Tellegen, Helen O'Algy, Joan Renee, Stewart Rome, Harvey Clark, Gilbert Clayton, Otto Matieson, Hedda Hopper, Evelyn Selbie, Daniel Makarenko and George Kuwa, who are cast in the principal characters of the story. Rowland V.. Lep, director of "As No Man Has Loved," and "Havoc," staged the picture version of "Nostromo." The whole town of Sulaco in the mythical domain of Costaguana, was erected at the Isthmus at the northern end of the famous island for use in the production. The whole story revolves around the San Tome silver mine, located near this village, so the technicians were required to build the complete townsite to give a genuine South .American appearance to the scenes. "Sweet Daddies," a First National comedy, is shown with the same programme. The picture has a fascinating plot and contains many thrilling scenes.

STRAND THEATRE. "The Limited Mail" heads the new programme which comes to the Strand Theatre to-morrow. Audiences will be fascinated and thrilled by the exciting story of "The Limited Mail," the Warner Bros, classic of the screen, which opened with one of tho finest casts ever assembled for a photoplay. Monte Blue plays the leading role of Bob Snobson, a black sheep of a wealthy Eastern family, who turns tramp, and, in the solitude of the Colorado mountains and in work findß peace and happiness. Willard Louis is his most amusing self as a happy-go-lucky hobo who relieves the tension of the. thrilling wrecks in this adaptation of Elmer Vance's melodrama. Vera Reynolds makes an attractive little waitress, the heroine of Bob's romance; and Master Jackie Huff an appealing youngster, who supplies many dramatic moments in the photoplay. "The Limited Mail" was directed by George Hill from Darryl Francis Zanuck's scenario. Charles Van Engcr photographed the picture, which has the majestic Colorado mountains as its background, "In Nelson's Day," a stage production to celebrate Trafalgar Day will be presented. The supports include an overture, "The Pink Lady," a comedy, "Hay Fever," and delightful banjo novelties by Rene and Renard, direct from the London Coliseum.

HIPPODROME THEATRE. "Wild West Rodeo," starring Fred Thomson and his remarkable horse Silver King, is at the head of the programme now showing at the Hippodrome Theatre. It is a picture with really two big shows rolled into one. One of the big features is a smashing sequence of scenes during tho famous Alturas roundup, with Fred Thomson and Silver King regaling us with all manner of arenic thrills, The climax is reached when the question is asked: "Who fired the fatal shot that killed 'All Round' Austin?" Bart Andrews held the smoking weapon. A dead man lay at his feet. His lips were sealed. Circumstantial evidence as damning .as doom plays an important part in one of the smashing scenes of which there are many to hold the audience enthralled when they see the picture. Silver King plays the part of a wild unruly bucker for the first time in his screen career ia this picture. How a horse can rescue his master from being lynched, is one of the cleverest sequences in" the" picture. The "Alturas round-up, one of the outstanding contests of the great West, is filmed in a good deal of detail in the picture, and. with Thomson taking an active part in the bucking contests. Silver King steps out of his usual equine roles for a moment and takes the part of a woolly broncho. "It is. a fine exhibition and -fully representative of the West," said a critic.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Bebe Daniels has a remarkable role in "Volcano," a Paramount release which is at the head of the programme now showing at Everybody's Theatre. "Volcano" gives Bebe Daniels the opportunity for which she has waited for a long time —a truly dramatic role. One is instantly attracted by this lovely appealing dainty young girl. The way in which she meets the tests of some tensedramatic moments is a revelation. Coming after such fast comedies as her previous successes, this film helps strengthen Miss Daniels' claim to the title as the screen's most versatile actress. That is what a well-known critic said about the picture. It is a story of Martinique, in the French West Indies.' It is the story of a girl who had always believed herself to be of France's bluest blood, until cast out by relatives and torn from the man she loves because she is suspected of being a quadroon. A thrilling rescue takes place when a volcano, which overshadows the island, wakes up from a thousand-year slumber and proceeds to rain fire on the inhabitants. Jack Hoxie's latest thriller, "A Six Shootin' Romance," is the second attraction. Thrilling scenes, love and comedy and beautiful photographs of picturesque spots in the west are all shown in the film, which is a Universal-Blue Streak release.

EMPRESS THEATRE. "Kiki," said to be a screaming. comedy-drama, is the stellar attraction on the programme now showing at the Empress Theatre. Norma Talmadge has the title role. With the filming of "Kiki," Norma Talmadge realised an ambition that she had treasured for more than three years. Ever since she saw the famous Belasco play on Broadway, she wanted to appear in the movie version. The story is of Paris and Parisian love. It is the ambition of a little street urchin to become a stage, star realised. Everywhere that the picture has been screened it has drawn capacity houses, because the audience is assured of a laugh from the beginning to the efad. 8 c

.MUNICIPAL CONCERTS. The above series of concerts will be continued on Saturday evening in the Town Hall Concert Chamber by the Municipal Band, when a programme of light band and solo numbers will h* ?£?"■ C » 1 band items a « Rossini's Semiranude' overture, Nevin's tuneful W^?K^ a ' some l*i»f numbers of the modern school. "Cheerfulness* a cornet duet by Messrs. Bowes and Morgan, will he found a delightful item, and «v T> iU render Gounod's "Aaawgf" to *a fine band -accompan,ment. Mr, hartley t Warbiirt o n will sing ta piano accompaniments by Mr. Leo Whittaker, the .prologue to "Pagliacci" and "O! Star of Eve," from -'TannBooking is at Meßsrs. Lewis R Eady and: Son's,; Ltd.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

A programme of exceptional merit will be presented with the change at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. "The Son of the Sheik," the last picture produced by the late Rudolph Valentino, is the headline attraction. Rudolph Valentino returns via a fast-moving and highly dramatic story" to the type of screen role which made him famous as "The Sheik." Vilma Banky, exotic Hungarian beauty, Who played opposite Valentino in his last film, "The Eagle," is here shown as Yasmin, dancing girl ofthe desert, who wins the love and' then the bate of Ahmed, son of the sheik. The dramatic story tells of Ahmed's determination to revenge himself upon Yasmin for her alleged deceit of him. All the warmth and brooding languor of the desert are in Miss Banky'a sterling performance. There is spark and flare in the contacts between Rudy and Vilma, and genuine emotion is beautifully portrayed in those scenes wherein the cruel son takes his revenge. The supporting cast is indeed a notable one. Agnes Ayres, leading lady of "The Sheik," returns to the screen in "The Son. of the Sheik" to play once more the rale of the sheik's wife. Karl Dane of "The Big Parade" is the giant Ramadan. On the same programme is a New Zealand scenic entitled "Getting His Goat," a comedy, "Hit and Run," and topical Pictures. An elaborate feature, "in the lays of Pompadour," will 'be presented amid appropriate settings.

PRINCESS AND TIVOLI. Adapted from the novel '.'Brewster's Millions," by George Barr McCutcheon, "Miss Brewster's Millions" is the title of the headline attraction on the new programme which commenced its season at Princcee and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Polly Brewster inherits a million dollars and provided she invests this money, will receive the balance of several millions. Another uncle offers ber his entire fortune, a larger one than the riirst, should she spend the first million within three months. How she loses both is one long laugh. The ever popular Bebe Daniels has the title role. One of the smartest fashion shows ever shown on the screen is said to be presented in the picture. Hundreds,, of yards of fabric, ranging from broadcloth to almost priceless souffle dc soie, arrived daily at the wardrobe department of the Paramount studio in Hollywood, together with costly furs, spangles, beads and other accessories for milady's- gowns. "White Slippers,*' an all-British film, is tho second attraction on the programme.

GRAFTON SHAKESPEARE AND DRAMATIC CLUB.

Tho final play of this season, "Art and Opportunity," by Harold Chapin, was' presented at the Grafton Library Hall before a crowded house, under the stage direction of Mr. E. Blair. It is the first time that a play by this author has been produced in Auckland, and. the committee iSi to bo congratulated on the selection of such a fine work. Mrs. Frank Turner's representation of Pauline Cheverelle —the young widow of limited means who is contemplating a rich marriage—was exceptionally fine, the part, necessitating seme display' of the gentle art which, in its apparent transparency, brought all with whom she came -into contact, to her feet. Mr. A. R. Duncan, as the rather affected son of an old family, was quite a surprise to the audience who are used.tO;-sceing him!.in heavier parts. , Mr. AY Penh's work was as usual most natural and convincing. Mrs. E. R. Pilkingtcn appeared quite at home as the dignified and rather dominating aunt, while Mr. S. M. Yallop gave a good rendering, of the "blood without brains" type, and his work was much applauded by the audience. Mr. Ernest Blair, as the clever secretary who manages all the Duke's business and personal matters and finally carries off the heroine, ably filled the part, while Mt. C. M. Rattray, who performed the duties of footman in finished style, was quite up to his usual excellent standard. It is the intention of the club to repeat the performance before the disabled soldiers at the Evelyn Firth Home on Monday next. v :. IRVING'S IMPERIAL MIDGETS.

The box plans for Irving's Imperial Midgets and the Chefalo-Palermo Company, who are to appear at the Opera House, commencing at the matinee on Monday next, are now oh view at Lewis R Eady and Son's. The Midgets are a highly-talented organisation of fifteen of the world's smallest people, all perfect pocket editions of the average adult, who present a programme of musical comedy, dancing, acrobatic work, etc., the whole forming a programriie full of novelty and charm. The act was engaged in Europe by Sir Benjamin Fuller, and is being presented here by Messrs. Palermo and Tishman. In addition to the Midgets' there will appear the Chefalo-Palermo Company of illusionists. Chefala is billed as.;'the merry monarch of mftgic,"~and he offers an act vastly different to the usual run. Birds, animals, etc., are used in large numbers, and a specialty is made of new "cabinet" illusions. Palermo is claimed to be tbe only lady illusionist in the world. Her main offering is "The Garden of Mystery," a most beautiful * : turn" in which Signorina wears some very entrancing frocks. Irving's Midgets and the Chefalo-Palermo Company will "appear twice daily next week.