PICTURES.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 14, 30 August 1928, Page 5

PICTURES.

SATURDAY. '-THE OPENING NIGHT." From the first flash of '' The Opening .Night" the Columbia Pictures production starring Claire 'Windsor which opens at the Bang George Theatre on Saturday there is not one dull minute. A large variety of action from tense love scenes to soul stirring thrills feature the production. The audience is first introduced to the mechanics of the theatre during the rehearsal of a new production about to open on Broad way. It is then taken to the home of the producer and instructed in the use of a miniature stage for experimenting with sets anl lighting effects. A few domestic sequences follow in which characterizations are built up by Claire Windsor, John Bowers, E. Alyn Warren and Bobby Mack and then the background shifts to an ocean liner. Here the real thrills begin. The boat is rammed by a derelict and sinks. There is the tense rescue work and fin 1 ally the point of .safety where the lifeboat lands in* a quaint Newfoundland fishing village. Next flashes upon the screen the premiere performance of a Broadway production with all- its glamour,- followed by wedding scenes and a touching ending. It is a picture of highlights and human interest touches. There is something about the production which will appeal to everyone and linger in .the imemory long after the picture has faded from the screen, also "EAST SIDE, WEST SIDE" With George O'Brien in -the leading role, Allan Dwan has directed a marvellous picture from Felix Riesenberg 's successful novel, "East Side, West Side." Dwan planned the screen treatment of "East Side/West Side." He also choose "Virginia Valli as the leading woman. O'Brien had just completed his part as the prize fighter in "Is Zat So."

"East Side, West Side" is first the story of a rugged man's career and, second, the story of Greater New Yoi'k. The scene, sweeps from the river fronts through the slums, along the Bowery np Fifth Avenue to Harlem, Morningside and "Washington Heights. The novel has already become a best seller. In the vividness of his characterizations and the. vigour of his narrative. Riesenberg has maintained the standard he set in his earlier books. TUESDAY. <«THE SMART SET ".The Smart Set" shows William Haines as Tommy Van Buren scion of a wealthy family \vho toils not, but who rides a pony with a mallet in his land in particularly thrilling fashion and who at the same time .is considered most eligable by many lovely young ladies. "The Smart Set" is entertainment of the highest quality. All who see it will immensely enjoy the story the acting and the particularly fine, almost lavish production.. Haines is superb as he always is. Alice' Day, opposite the star is charmingly, dainty and convincing. .Tack Holt, a star in his own right, plays an important featured role with fine restraint 2 and that old favourite, Hobart Bosworth also appears to advantage. Wernesday, Thursday and Friday "WHITE WINGS'' 'William Boyd's most recent production, "White Wings" looks like being his greatest triumph of all. In this fine drama o* the sea he gives a wonderful performance. The main story deals j with the thrilling race of an English and an American clipper ship in the days of the old sailing vessels. The race takes place "from China to Boston Harbour, U.S.A. land the first vessel to land its cargo of tea is to have the entire tea market. William Boyd is a gallant, dashing figure as the young captain and there is little doubt that this will prove quite one of the most popular of his roles. It is a race for gloryr^-won by a British ship—and a race for love won by and English girl. Elinor Fair has the leading feminine role opposite WiLliam Boyd. also "HONEYMOON LANE" Adorable Florence Vidor as the scrappy, though married Yankee oride of a handsome Italian prince! You loved her in "The Grand Dnehess and the Waiter' 'and "The World at her Feet" and this is every bit as good as anything she's ever done. Her name was Gail but she was muro like a cyclone. Gail had but to blow into town of a morning and leave it* a complete wreck in tne evening. When she wanted something she got it—even a husband. But that was the start of her sorrows because he wanted to be

King while she —well, Florence Vidor has the role of her career as the tuiiipestuous bride of a just as tempestuous husband! A modern "Taming of the Shrew!" With apologies to Shakepeare and laughs for everyone else! A comedy classic that stands at the head of its class. William Austin is cast in the role opposite Florence Vidor and he gives a very creditable performance.