AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 234, 4 October 1927, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

NEW HIPPODROME THEATRE.

Quite the most noticeable feature of the programme which will start a season at the New Hippodrome Theatre to-morrow is the thrill element in each of the two big pictures, "Daring Dangers," a Selznick production which has at the head of its cast Pete Morrison, and "North Star," which features that popular dog performer Strongheart, are the two main attractions. 'Daring Dangers" tells of Cal Horton, a man upon whose shoulders the peace and safety of a whole community rest. He has in front of him the task- of bringing to justice a gang of cattle thieves. His work leads him into almost every sort of adventure and experience imaginable, but ia the end he is successful. The star has plenty of opportunity to display the trick shooting and expert horsemanship for which he is noted. In this he is helped very much by his horse, an animal which performs some extraordinary feats. Esther Rawlson has been entrusted with the feminine lead, and plays it excellently, while other rhembers of the supporting cast are Lewis Mechan, William Ryno and Robert Fleming. Strongheart's performance in "North Star" is wonderful. The exceptional strength of his' breed, the Alsatian, and the ' almost human intelligence of Strongheart-in particular are well shown. While the thrill element of the story has been stressed by the prodiicers, the theme is by no means without its romance, its humour, and even occasional touches of pathos. A strong cast interprets the theme. Accompanying these two big pictures at the New Hippodrome there will be a varied supporting bill. STRAND THEATRE. No patron of the Strand Theatre could, after seeing the Dominion finalists in the Miss New Zealand 1927 screen star contest last evening, doubt that whichever of the girls is chosen, we will have a worthy ambassador, not only to Hollywood, the realm of pictures, but also to the whole of the United States. While two of the contestants, Miss Auckland (Billie Andreasson) and Miss Wellington (Hazel Spiers), were probably the most popular with last night's audience, not one of the other girl? is by any means without her enthusiastic followers. The presentation of the finalists was in three parts. First all tien appeared together on a darkened' stage, each representative with her Maid of Honour behind a parasol of the colours of their province. The stage was then lit and the girls introduced. Then l each of the ten was presented in a different playette. Finally each walked across the stage. The stage setting was excellent, being ii. the form of a large spread fan in black. The girls will appear at the Strand and Regent for the rest of this week and all, next week. They have toured the for twelve weeks, and their presentation in Auckland maris the grand finale of the contest. Voting will start next Monday.