AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 303, 22 December 1926, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

NATIONAL AND LYRIC THEATRES. "Ranson's Folh~," which comes to the National and Lyric Theatres to-morrow, is by Dick Barthelmess. "Eanson's Folly" was filmed at the Marshall Neilan Studio under the direction of Sydney Olcott. Colonel George L. Bryam, a retired U.S. Army expert, superintended the costume and military detail. In this picture the star plays the role of "Lieutenant Hanson," which was made famous on the stage by Robert Edeson. This is the second Edeson stage play Barthlemess has selected for the screen, the other one being "Classmates." "Ranson's Folly" is an adaptation of the story by Richard Harding Davis. It takes Brathelmess back to the time of the Indian wars. He plays the role of Lieutenant Ranson, an adventurous soldier who embroils himself in sundry difficulties on account of his daredevil "disposition. Miss Dorothy Mackaill is seen opposite the star. She has the part of a daughter of a Western pioneer. After a series of thrilling episodes she finally wins the hand of the dashing soldier. Others in the cast are Anders Randolf, Pat Hartigan, William Norton Bailey, Brooks Benedict, Colonel C. C. Smith, Pauline Neff and Billie Bennett. More than fifty full-blooded American Indians have parts in "Ranson's Folly." A second production is a racing picture, "The Futurity Winner," starring Kenneth Harlan and Patsy Ruth Miller. The film is full of excitement and thrills, and should prove a great attraction to patrons of the sport of kings. PRINCESS AND TIVOLI THEATRES. ."A Kiss for. Cinderella," the new Paramount picture to be shown at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres as a _ special Christinas attraction, commencing tomorrow, may be set down as a triumph for every one who had a share in its making. The story is by James M. Barrie. It has lost none of its delicate flavour and essential whimsy by its transition to the-screen, and, in its finished photoplay form, stands out as a delightful modern romance, beautifully etaged and directed by Herbert Brenon and charmingly enacted by a cast, headed by Betty Bronson, Tom Moore and Esther Ralston. The central character is an imaginative little London waif, who has so hypnotised herself with a book of fairy tales, that she believes she is Cinderella and confidently looks forward to the day when her fairy godmother will take her to the ball, where the Prince will choose her for his bride. How her dreams of love lead to a real-life romance with a policeman is the surprising denouement of the plot. The magnificent dream ball, introduced to show the workings of the little slavey's mind, is a novel combination of gorgeous fantasy and glorified reality. Betty Bronson handles the role of Cinderella with subtlety and skill. Tom Moore is a splendid heropoliceman, and Esther Ralston is lovely as the fairy godmother. A second film will be "A Broadway Lady," starring Evelyn Brent. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Filled with the chases, flying leaps, hurdles, dives, fights and sensational acrobatic "stunts" which have made him so popular, Richard Talmadge's new picture, "Jimmies Millions," which will come to ; Everybody's Theatre with the change of programme to-morrow, is said to open a new chapter in this class of screen entertainment. The star is cast as a young "war hero who has a penchant for being late. In an attempt to make him prompt at appointments his wealthy uncle leaves him a bequest of several million dollars; but to collect this money he must be on time for several months. He gets into many escapades from that time on, and in his endeavour to be prompt, is forced to break prison, on one occasion, and then (for an entirely different reason) has to get back again. But he is" thrown out and the consequences of trying to get put back into the gaol are most amusing. T,he film was directed by James P. Hogan. A specially selected supporting cast includes Betty Francis6"o, Lee Moran, Brinsley Shaw and Dick Sutherland. On the same bill will be another star attraction, "Wandering Footsteps," an original picture in which Estelle Taylor (wife of Jack Dempsey), Bryant Washburn, and Alec. B. Francis have the leading roles. The story concerns a kinship between the young hero and a man much older than himself. NEW REGENT THEATRE. The new Regent Theatre will open on Friday evening next, and full vaudeville and picture programmes will also be given at both afternoon and evening sessions on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as advertised. The special opening production chosen by the management as worthy of the occasion, is "Beau Geste," the Paramount masterpiece, featuring Ronald Cohna% Alice Joyce, Noah Beery. Neil Hamilton, Mary Brian, Victor McLaglen and over 3000 extras. The story concerns the adventures of three brothers who, after the theft of a famous jewel from their aunt, leave home and join the French Foreign Legion in Africa. Here they encounter many adventures and make great sacrifices. There are some beautiful desert scene- in the production and the acting of the principals is said to be outstanding. Herbert Brenon directed the picture. In addition to the special film programme, J. C. Williamson will present the first of their star vaudeville acts, Zoe JJelphme and Co., in "In a Paris Cafe," described as a most spectacular and daring dancing and novelty act, and Miss Hilda Nelson, English soprano. The operatic orchestra will provide special musical selections under the baton of Mr. Morris Guttridge. "THE SPORT OF KINGS." lan Hay's famous racing play, "The Sport of Kings," will be staged at Hie Majesty's Theatre this evening by Air Joseph Cunningham's Company. Mr! Cunningham himself will appear supported by Miss Zillah Bateman, the charming actress, who has made herself 1 so popular in the previous plays presented here, and the other well-known players "The Sport of Kings" is a bright pla>% and an appropriate one for the present holiday season. The season will conclude to-morrow evening. AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE —"The Sport or King-s." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE (Fullers)— Midnight Frolics. LUNA PARK- —Amusement Area. PICTURE THEATRES. NATIONAL and LYRIC— LIoyd Hughes in "Pals First" and "The Wise Virgin." PRINCESS and TIVOLI— Jack Holt in "The Blind Goddess" and Art Acord hi "Sky High Corral." EVERYBODY'S —Lerty Flynn in "Speed Wild" and "The Unwanted." MAJESTIC —Hirtnday Week. Sally O'Kell in r ."Don't" and Novelty Interludes. STRAND— Birthday Week. Claire Windsor in "Souls Tot SaDles" and Special Kovelties. HIPPODROME— "The Gentle Cyclone" and '•The Hunted Woman." RIALTO and REQENT —John Barrymore in "The' Sea Beast." GRAND —Mrs. Wallace Reid In "Broken Laws." BRlTANNlA— Vaudeville and Pictures. CAPITOL —"My Old Dutch" and "Success." WEST END— "The Road to Glory." STRAND (Onehunga)—Harry Carey 111 "The Seventh" Bandit." EMPRESS —"The Gentle Cyclone" and '.'The Hunted Woman." PICTUREDROMC (Milford) —"THe Splendid Road," Milton SilL ROYAL —"Sandy" and "Pretty Ladies." EMPIRE —"The Shamrock Handicap" and "The Truth Aiout Women." DELTA (New Lynn)— Mat Moore in "His Majesty's Bunker Bean. ,, ___!._ ,