PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 19271, 9 June 1926, Page 5

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE The rugged scenery of the north woods country forma the chief setting for ‘The Knockout,’ Milton Sills’s latest picture, now at the Empire Theatre, No better role could have been found for the famous portrayer of screen virility than his part in ‘The Knockout —that of a “ Gentleman Jim ” type or prize fighter who goes into the Canadian woods to recuperate from injuries received in the ring, and becomes the victim of tho intrigue of a wealthy New Yorker, who seeks to ruin the father of the girl with whom he falls in love, A feature of to-night’s entertainment will be the singing of the new waits song, ‘Always, by Mrs Wilfred Andrews FRIDAY’S FEATURE. ‘ The American Venus,’ a Paramount picture, is to open a_ season at the Empire Theatre ou Friday next. The story deals with Urn comedy complications, dramatic thrills, and absorbing romance that develop as a result of a national beauty contest inaugurated by a number of famous artists to find tho modern American Venus. Because her father, a manufacturer of beauty creams and lotions, is on tho verge of bankruptcy, Esther Ralston _ sets out to win first prize so ns to stimulate a demand for his products. A rival complexion cream makes schemes to keep her from winning, but with the help of her fiance she outwits her enemy. The picture has been produced on a magnificent scale. A gorgeous fashion show, a series of artistic tableaux, scones in technicoloran exsiting motorcycle race, and some daredevil airplane stunts are some of the outstanding high lights of tho production. Fay Lanphicr, who was adjudged the most beautiful girl in America at tho annual Atlantic, City beauty pageant, plays the tile role, and, in addition, a number of other entrants have minor roles m tho film. OCTAGON In ‘Girl Shy,’ at the Octagon Theatre, Harold Lloyd assumes a role of a bashful tailor’s apprentice who avoids the fair sex on all occasions. Ho is so shy, in fact, that ho writes a book on bis various imaginary love affairs. On bis way to the publisher the young man meets a starry-eyed damsel. Ho is so sure ol Ills book being published that be has an “affair” with her, ami builds ninny castles in the air. Unfortunately the story is declined, but later is published under the name of The Diary of a Boob,’ and everything turns out satisfactorily. The Octagon Concert Orchestra, under the baton of Mr A. F. Neate, renders an excellent musical programme. QUEEN’S AND KING EDWARD ‘Broadway Gold’ still attracts largo audiences to the Queen’s and King Edward Theatres. Tho story tells of a chorus girl who married a millionaire to save bis money, and then fell in love with him. , Next Fridav ‘That Devil Queraado will be screened. Fred Thompson has the leading role of Qnemado, a daring and mysterious young man _of wealth, who sweeps down ou a little border town to right wrongs and swing oil with beautiful girls on tho saddle in front of him. Eventually he kidnaps Joanna. Thatcher, daughter of a very rich Easterner, who is sojourning on his ranch. From this point on the complications are many, but finally everything is straightened out in. a satisfactory manner. PLAZA AND GRAND ‘Wreckage,’ a mighty drama of sea and society interwoven with an absorbing sea story, is the attraction at the Plaza and Grand Theatres. Heading the supports is ‘The Denial,’ a storv which tells of the mistake a motlier , made when she chose her daughter’s husband. Music is supplied by the Plaza Instrumental Trio. EVERYBODY’S Tom Moore and Florence Vidor have the stellar roles in ‘ The Trouble With Wives ’ at Everybody's Theatre. The story tells of a young married couple whose romance in life is almost wrecked by a gossiping friend. ‘ Lawful Larceny ’ tells of a husband who falls into the merciless net of another woman, and of a wife who adopts another woman’s weapons in her winning fight for happiness.