PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 19772, 24 January 1928, Page 3

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE The popular comedy team, Charlie Murray and George Sidney, are proving a big attraction in ‘ Lost at the Front,’ at the Empire Theatre this week. The story is based on friendship between an Irish New York policeman and a German saloon keeper. They are true comrades, nnd occasionally they become friendly enemies. One of these occasions arises when they both become interested in Olga, a sculptress who has her studio not far from the saloon. Then the war begins, and a short time after the German has invested in a discarded wireless set, sold to him hv a wily commercial traveller, he is called up as a reservist to fight for the Fatherland. Tho policeman and Olga know of the wireless set, and become convinced that it is some deadly contraption to further the _ power of Germanv in America, so Patrick decides that it is his duty to enlist on the offchance of finding his erstwhile friend and destroying tho apparatus before it hurls destruction on the American army. This situation gives scope for diverse c(implications, which are calculated to amuse the most dour of audiences. There are excellent supporting pictures on the programme, and the music by the orchestra enhances the enjoyment of the evening. OCTAGON ‘ Becky,’ the premier attraction at the Octagon Theatre, is a story teeming with the color and life of a great metropolis, a swiftly moving drama of New York theatrical life. Sally O’Neill, tho captivating little Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star, is cast in a perfect and has never appeared more winsome than she does in the title role. The story is an absorbing one of tho most adorable girl that has graced the screen for a long time. It carries a laugh with almost every scene, and pathos, too, is not lacking. Losing a shop assistant’s job, Becky M'CJoskey obtains a theatrical engagement through the agency of Dan Scarlett, a man about town, and in this way she meets a wealthy aristocrat, John Eastabrook, who proposes to her and is accepted. Dan Scarlett is really in love with her, but to further his own interests he deliberately flatters Eastabrook’s sister, and plans to elope with her, taking the proceeds of her famous jewels with them. Becky prevents the elopement, but her fiance arrives on the scene, and a general mix-up ensues, Eastabrook being shown up in his true colors. Scarlett and Becky determine to make a fresh start together, and the picture ends on a happy note. The Octagon Orchestra, directed by Mr L. D. Austin, plays a selection from ‘ Tl Trovatore.’ with an organ accompaniment by Mr C. A, Martin. QUEEN’S If one wants entertainment of the highest order, in which comedy, drama, pathos are intermingled, don’t fail to see Alias the Deacon,’ which is being screened at the Queen’s Theatre. Jean Hersholt, in the part from which the name of the picture is taken, gives a performance which will live long in our memories. So human, and handled with such delicacy and restraint, he establishes himself, if be has not already done so before, as one of the very finest actors the screen has ever scen._ The cast which plays in support of this brilliant character star is no less capable. June Marlowe and Ralph Graves are ideal as the girl and hoy for whom the amiable old ‘‘deacon” sacrifices so much. Excellent supporting pictures are in attendance, including a vivid film of the famous fistic battle between Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey. Every blow and move by the greatest pair of modern champions is clearly shown, and should be of more than ordinary interest to all fight fans. EVERYBODY’S The premier attraction at Everybody's Theatre this week is ‘ Over the Hill.’ Tie picture is wholesome, clean, and inspiring. It is not a great spertacular extravaganza, calling for massive settings, gilded scenes, or an expensive cast; yet, with its homely story, a little old-fashioned mother, an affectionate hut weak-willed husband, six children, a dog, and a humble home, it has an appeal which sets the other and more pretentious showings in the shade. The central figure in the story—that of a little, self-sacrificing mother—has been made one of the most delightful character studies of the present day by Mary Carr, whose finished interpretation of the leading part is a constant joy. The supporting production is ‘ Lady Robin Hood,’ starring Evelyn Brent. Miss Brent is fast becoming one of the most popular actresses on the screen, and her latest vehicle, a thrilling and interesting romance, adds to her laurels. GRAND AND PLAZA Ken Maynard seems to become more popular with every new production, and in his latest picture ‘ Fighting Courage,’ which heads the bill at the Plaza and Grand Theatres, he handies his role like a general and gives promise of winning for himself and his favorite mount, Tarzan, wide additional following. Those who have seen ‘ Fighting Courage ’ pronounce it among the best Western screen entertainments yet filmed. The supporting production is ‘ The Wreck,’ featuring Shirley Mason and Malcolm M'Gregor. Here is a melodrama of crooks and romance that speeds along at a breathless pace. A strong cast includes such well-known players as Francis MacDonald, James Bradbury, jun., and Frances Raymond. KING EDWARD South Dunedin movie patrons will be well served at the King Edward Theatre to-night, when ‘ Lost at the Front ’ will b© shown. The two inimitable comedians Charlie Murray and George Sidney are the principal fun-makers. ‘ The ‘Collegians ’ is on the same bill.