PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 19589, 22 June 1927, Page 3

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE

~ ‘ Thr.ee Bad Men,' whiclr is the. cuirant attraction at the Empire Theatre, depicts tlie life and customs of one of the most colorful and fascinating periods of American history—namely, the great rush that took place whenthe Indian lands were opened up. It is a drama of the days that were so full of life and the joy of living, and days that were magnificently thrilling and dangerous. It is a story which is inherently fraught with pathos, showing an unusual grip of human nature and the frailties thereof. Appealing in its purely human aspects, dramatic, and absorbing in its every scene, snatching a hurried romance' out of the rush and tumble of the old days, ‘ Three Bad Men ’ is a picture that will live a long time in the memory of those who see it, for it tells its brave and pathetic tale in a gentle manner, with .more than a dash of lilting comedy, and with no touch of cynicism to mar its simple greatness. Olive Borden plays the feminine lead, and is throughout a veritable picture of beauty and grace, beside being an attractive actress. George O’Brien has the leading masculine role, while ■ the supporting cast includes J. Farrell MacDonJd. Tom Santschi, and Frank Campeau 'in the roles of the “rascally three,” Alec Francis, Otis Harlan, Lou Tellegen, and Jay Hunt.

OCTAGON

The famous picturisation of the life of Sweet Nell of Old Drury,' First National’s ‘Nell Gwyn,’ with Dorothy Gish in the leading role, is now showing at the Octagon Theatre. Although Nell Gwyn has no conspicuous place in history, she was, and still is, a popular character in .England’s story, because she was a friend of the people. This love of others was eloquently proved in the part she played in the foundation of the Chelsea Hospital for maimed and aged sailors and soldiers. One day, whilst riding in her cooach, Nell Gwyn was approached by an aged soldier returning from the wars at Taagiers, who begged charity of her. Affected to tears, she took the first opportunity of entreating the King to patronise any scheme that might he suggested to provide for the support of wounded, aged, and sick soldiers, who had spent their lives and shed their blood for their country. She also interested _ many noble and influential persons in her project. The Royal Hospital was eventually designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The building was begun in 1682 and finished in 1690. The King laid the first stone. At one end of the hall, in which the pensioners assemble for dinner, hangs a large painting by Norris, depicting Charles 11, surrounded by allegorial figures, the face of Nell Gwyn being introduced at the corner. A cemetery is attached to the hospital, and the first old soldier to he buried there was Simon Bax, who- served in the Army during four reigns—Charles 1.. Charles 11., James 11., and, lastly, William 111. „

EVERYBODY'S

The tingling romance of ‘Thelma,’ Chester Bennett’s picturisation of Marie Corelli’s famous novel, with Jane Novak as “the pale little rose with a crimson heart,” is now on view at Everybody’s Theatre. ‘ Thelma ’ reveals this excellent young actress as an artist of rare beauty and facile talent. 'Oh, Baby,’ the supporting attraction, is full of thrills and laughs from start to finish. Madge Kennedy and Creighton Halo play the leading roles, _ supported by Little. Billy and .Flora Finch. Corinne Griffith proves herself the champion of the romantic working girl in ‘Syncopating Sue,’ her latest comedy vehicle, which comes to Everybody’s Theatre on Friday. Supporting this attraction will'ho ‘ Tho Popular Sin.’

QUEEN'S

Thomas Meighan, Paramount’s popular star, is now at the Queen’s Theatre in a William Bcaudino product’on, ‘ The Canadian Pioneer.’ The picture was filmed with, a cast that includes Wyndam Standing, Mona Palma, Dale Fuller, Charles Winnigcr, and Billie Butte. Briefly, the picture is a tale of love . and adventure in those wideopen spaces above the United States boundary, familiarly known as Alberta. There in the vast wheat fields a man battles Nature and loses nil his money, but succeeds in finding the woman ho loves.

Commencing on Friday is an hilarious comedy featuring Jackie Coogan in ‘ Johnnie, Get Yonr Hair Cut.’ The “hair cut” is described as the most famous hair cut in history.

PLAZA AND GRAND

Francis M'Donald, dashing and debonair star of ‘The Desert’s Toll,’ the thrilling out-of-door story which is now being unfolded at the Plaza and Grand Theatres, is one of the most picturesque personalities in motion pictures. M'Donald is aborn rider, and his feats of horsemanship so tbrillingly displayed in ‘The Desert’s Toll’ will convince any sceptic of his equestrian ability. For years he has ridden, most frequently for the pleasure to be derived from the exhilarating sport, as until recently he has confined his histrionic efforts to straight drama, having attained great popularity in both romantic and heavy roles. ‘Just Another Blonde ’ is also showing.

ROSLYN

Frank Keenan, one of the greatest actors that ever faced a camera, is seen in one of the important featufe roles m the screen version of Mrs Henry Wood’s stage play of years past, ‘ East Lynne, which opens at the lloslyn Theatre tonight. In the photo-play tbo veteran actor plays Chief Justice Hare, whose radical views on the subject of justice drive his own son from his door. The role is one of powerful scope, nnd_ tests to thb fullest extent the capabilities of the versatile actor. Alma Rubens and Edmund Lowe portray the two leading roles, with Lou Tellegen, Marjorie Daw, Leslie Fenton, Bell Bennett, Paul Panzer,' Martha Mattox, Lydia Knott, and Richard Headrick in strong parts.