PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 19708, 8 November 1927, Page 1

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE . Tho “ Miss New Zealand ” season_ is drawing to a close at the Empire Theatre, hut large audiences arc still Hocking to see this talented young lady before she leaves for Hollywood to represent the dominion in that city. Several stage sketches arc presented by .Miss Austen, and every patron who attends is presented with an autographed portrait of Miss Austen. The picture programme is headed by ‘ Orchids and Ermine,’ which has Colleen Moore in the leading role. In this picture Miss Moore gives her usual 1 convincing characterisation, and is seen las “rink” Watson, a telephone operator in a large hotel in the heart of New York. Staying at the hotel is Richard Tabor, an extremely shy young millionaire who has made his valet change places with him in order to escape from publicity, lie falls in love with the girl, hut their romance is nearly brought to au abrupt conclusion by a series ot_ extremely humorous events. Everything is satisfactorily straightened up in the end, however, and the girl, instead of marrying a valet, finds herself tho wile oi a millionaire. OCTAGON John Gilbert, who already has a long list of screen triumphs to his credit, adds another one by Ids portrayal in 1 Dardclys the Magnificent,’ which ts being screened at the Octagon Theatre. Tim part that Gilbert portrays with such marked brilliancy is that of Bardolys, whom all men, and not a few women, called “The Magniliccnt.” His main characteristics, as suggested by Sahatiui, and indicated by Gilbert seem to have been an endless fascination for the ladies, a merry wit, and an eager sword that hade men beware of questioning his motives or actions. The story of ‘Bardolys the Magnificent ” is as unique anil colorful as its actions. A gay Frenchman wagers his entire fortune and worldly possessions that ho will melt the lioait of Lady Boxalanno, Urn most beautiful and coldest lady in France. The carrying out of his determination is depicted in” a. fascinating manner. Exquisite photography, powerful incidents, and merry wit throughout, culminate iu a climax that leads to an appropriate and fitting romantic ending. The supporting players include Eleanor Boardmau as Ladv Bnxalinne, Boy D’Arcy, George K. Arthur, Lionel Belmoro, and Arthur Luhiu. In addition, Tilton and Most appear in a comedy turn. QUEEN'S Willi its scenes laid in San Francisco, ‘ ‘Frisco Sally Levy,’ the attraction at the Queen’s Theatre, is a brilliant comedy romance of a family in a big city. ' Tho vivacious Sally is the chief player, being the stormcentre of a Jewish-] rish home; Her father is Jewish, her mother as Irish as Erin. Two suitors appear for Sally’s hand, the one a wealthy Jewish broker, the other an Irish traffic policeman. After thrilling intrigue, pathos, and romance, the family solves its problem. An unusually brilliant cast, including Charles Delaney, Boy D‘Arcy, Kate Price, and Tenon - HulU, appears in the picture. EVERYBODY’S The pictunsed version ol Fouls Joseph Vance’s famous novel is now being shown at Everybody’s Theatre, and in this film Bert Lytcll gives an excellent portrayal of ‘ The Bone Wolf.’ No truer portrayal of this difficult character could possibly he given than that outlined by Mr Lytcll. The element of mystery, the spirit of adventure, tho romantic and, in fact, picturesque qualities ol the story are grippiiigly projected in Columbia’s master production of a great author’s work. Billie Dove plays the feminine lead. In ‘Beware of Widows’ Laura La Plante is seen in the leading role. PLAZA AND GRAND A good farce, with the title of ‘Too Many Crooks,’ heads the hill at the Plaza and Grand Theatres. The cast includes Mildred Davis (Harold Lloyd’s lending Indy), Lloyd Hughes (of ‘ Sea Hawk ’ fame), George Bancroft (gunner iu ‘Old ironsides’), and El Brcndel (remember him in ‘ The Campus Flirt’). In ‘.Lure of the Wild,’ the. second feature, Jane Novak is seen in one of her typical characterisations, this time more than ever emphasising her fine emotional restraint. One of the stars of the cast is “ Lightning,” and in this film the canine actor is seen in a series of thrilling stunts. On the same programme is the third episode of ‘The Biddle Bidcr,’ starring William Desmond. KING EDWARD Two highly entertaining pictures comprise the progfvmmo at the King Edward Theatre. In ‘ The Lone Wolf Bcturns ’ Bert Lytcll is seen in the leading role, that of “Tile Lone Wolf.” The picture, is a thrilling melodrama, telling of the reformation of a crook. Biilio Dove is charming as Marcia Mayfair, a society girl. ‘ Frisco Sally Levy, is a brilliant comedy romance of modern city life.