EMPIRE

Evening Star, Issue 19699, 28 October 1927, Page 2

EMPIRE

Those who attend the Empire Theatre this week have a treat in store for them. In the first place, Miss New Zealand (Miss Dale Austen) will make a personal appearance on the stage. These will be the final appearances or New Zealand’s ambassadress to Hollywood before she leaves for the United States to fulfil her film contract. Miss Austen will be' seen in the same sketches that she gave in the north, and will make her maiden speech. In addition there is a fine picture programme headed by the screen version of Peter B. Kyne’s novel of the limber lands, entitled ‘The Understanding Heart.’ The story concerns Monica Dale, the daughter of a forest ranger, who, on the death of her father, takes charge of the look-out station thousands of foot above the surrounding forests, and keeps her lonely vigil on the watch for forest fires. Against this outdoor beauty is. set one of the most virile romances of the year. ‘The Understanding Heart’ was directed by Jack Conway, who has handled the picture with understanding and sympathy. He has built an extremely convincing drama that works its way to a powerful climax. The leading roles are filled by Joan Crawford and llockliflo Eellowes, while others in the cast include Jerry Miley, Richard Carlo, Harvey Clark; Carmel Myers, and many others.

The programme is nicely rounded off by an excellent musical programme by the Empire Orchestra, under the baton of Mr Chas, Parnell.