PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 19588, 21 June 1927, Page 3

PICTURE THEATRES

OCTAGON

The piotuvisation of Nell Gwyn’s life, with Miss Dorothy Gish in the title role, is now being shown at the Octagon Theatre. The film is the work of HerbertfWilcos, the well-known British film producer, who also made ‘ The Only Way,’"with Sir John Martin-. Harvey in his original stage role of Sydney Carton. The story of ‘Nell Gwyn ’ was spar ally written for the screen by Marjorie •Bowen, authoress of many of England';, most popular historical novels. Mis; Bowen’s penchant for historical narra tive and her command of detail induccc the producer tho picture to prevail upon her to supply tho basis of the scenario. The picture tells of tho 1 ito and times of King Charles 11., and is conspicuous for accuracy of histories I detail. This fidelity is largely due’ to the wealth of intimate detail provided by Miss Bowen. Tho gorgeously expensive gowns worn by the Court ladies in this picture were designed by Miss Doris Zmkeison, the brilliantly clever theatrical dress designer whose creations, famous throughout Europe, have been introduced to the .Australian public, by many noted English theatrical companies. Miss Zinkeison recently designed for the now-famous ballet in ‘ Still Dancing,’ at the London Pavilion, and for many other of the most recent London theatrical successes.

EMPIRE AND KING EDWARD

The opening of the Indian lands for settlement by the whites is the epochal story of Fox Films’ production of ‘3 Bad Men,’ which is now playing at the Empire and King Edward Theatres. Not only is tins an intensely interesting picture of one of the most romantic periods of American history, that following soon after the Civil War, but it is also a gripping story of the struggle of two youthful lovers for land. George O’Brien plays the part of the hard-riding young pioneer, Dan O’Malley, and Olive Borden as the winsome but courageous young orphan. The ‘ 3 Bad Men,’ historically accurate portraits of the bad men of that period, are splendidly portrayed by J. Farrell MacDonald, Tom Santschi, and Frank Campeau. The supporting cast includes such wellknown film favorites as George O’Brien, Olive Borden, Lou Tellegen, J. Farrell MacDonald, Frank Campeau, Alec Francis, Otis Harlan, and George Harris.

EVERYBODY’S

As if Marie Corelli had opened her treasure chest of tho famous old characters that made ‘ Thelma ’ one of the classics of English fiction, the picturised version of the story ia being shown on the screen at Everybody’s Theatre. As Thelma, Jane Novak makes of the dominating role a character that will live long in the minds of those who have seen it. A significant addition to the all-too-meagre ranks of screen comedians is given the public in Little Billy, who plays the leading role in ‘Ob, Baby,’ the_ second attraction. Little Billy, the tiny actor who forgot to grow up, measures 40in in height, and is twenty-eight years of age. For many years he has been a great favorite on the principal American vaudeville circuits.

QUEEN’S

‘The Canadian Pioneer,’ Thomas Meighan’s latest Paramount picture, is a story of the loneliness of the Canadian wheat fields, of helpless 'dependence on the vagaries of the weather, of the strength and optimism of those building a new empire, and of the overwhelming effect it has on the sensibilities of an aristocratic English woman suddenly thrust into these open spaces. It is the tale of a man struggling against the_ elements, with no-time tor the delicacies of courtship, but who-finally succeeds in winning her love. .‘The Canadian Pioneer’ is the current attraction at the Queen’s Theatre, and was adapted to the screen by Arthur Stringer. Mona Palma, Dale Fisher, and Wyndam Standing head the supporting cast.

PLAZA AND GRAND

‘The Desert’s Toll,’ the adventure epic, starring Francis M‘Donald, the current production at the Plaza and Grand Theatres, gives lovers of this typo of film thrills galore, and is _ a most fascinating story, very ably interpreted. In this picture Francis McDonald appears to great advantage, and will soon be rated as one of the screen’s most popular romantic heroes. Kathleen Key is attractively _ cast as the heroine, and Tom Santschi, as_ the cold-blooded outlaw chief, is entirely adequate. Others in the notable cast are Anna May Wong, who portrays a charming Indian girl: Big - Tree, wellknown Indian actor; Lou Meehan, and Quinn Williams. ‘Just Another Blonde,’ featuring Dorothy MacKaill and Jack Marshall, tho “ Subway Sadie ” stars,'is tho second attraction.