PLAYS, PICTURES, PEOPLE

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1926, Page 9

PLAYS, PICTURES, PEOPLE

(By Alphonse.)

“It’s a. smart girl who can toll whether a fellow wants to marry her oilier million dollars” —thus spake “Joanna” the heroine of H. L. Gates’ newspaper serial story, which has beecn made into a snappy picture by First National. Joanna was given an anonymous million on cb n ciiti cxi sho asked and answered no questions. Joanns immediately luxuriated —‘ ‘ lived ’’ — “saw life” —“hit the high spots” — and you’ll laugh while she’s having all the fun sho can capture. But there’s always “next morning” —even with a million dollars —and that's where the entertaining tingle of the story starts. Dorothy Mac-Kail is n charmingly bright and peppy Joanna, and Jack Mnlhall a manly and likeable young architect who loves her.

The iron foundry scones in Univer sol’s “Man of Iron,” featuring Lionel Barrymore, were taken at the large plant of Obis Elevator Company. The realism of those scenes could not be duplicated inside a studio, so the principal players had to spend several days mid smoke and grime and the eternal clang of the huge hammers. “A Man of Iron” is the story of the clash between a man’s iron will and a woman’s “won’t,” and though the woman bends the man’s will, the real victory remains with him. It is an intensely interesting story, and it has been lavishly produced, the scenes in Prince Novakian’s Italian Palace being particularly beautiful in contrast with the rugged grandeur of the huge foundry scenes. Mildred Harris is the heroine. Josic Melville’s meteoric rise to stardom is one of Australia’s happiest memories, for the part of “Sally” seemed to have been written for her. First National have made a very fine picture of this musical comedy success, wlith Colleen Moore in the title role, aided and abetted by Leon Errol, who will bo recalled with joy for his brilliant comedy work in “Clothes Make the Pirate.” The story of the little orphan dish-washer, whose twinkling feet won her fame and fortune is particularly human and appealing and is full of the brightest and most sparkling comedy business. Ziegfeld’s Follies Show, in which “Sally” appears, is one of the high lights of this remarkable picture. Leon Errol plays the comedy part he originated in the Ziegfeld musical comedy success. Poodles Hannaford, altho’ knowing the camera man was on the job, commenced playing the fool on horseback, and attempting impossibilities in the way of comedy stunts. Some of these unrehearsed incidents actually came off, and the result is that some of the stunts in “The Bonehead” are almost beyond believing. Buck Jones in his latest Western thriller is cast as “Durand of the Bad Lands,” who through a chain of unfortunate circumstances, has been given the name of the most brutal bandiit of all times. Exploits of an extremely vicious nature are unjustly laid at his door, despite Durand’s endeavour to clear his name. Marian Nixon is delightful as the waif of the desert who wins Buck’s heart , and gives him the opportunity to show up his accusers in their true light. Buck Jones’ Westerners are always clean. “The Sky Tribe” is a Fox “variety” film of rare beauty arid interest, and pictures the unique cliff dwellings and fantastic villages of the Pubelo Indians perched high up on the mesas that rim the vast plains and painted deserts of the South-west. These eagle men herd their cattle while their women work at basket weaving and pottery, and civilisation has not yet encroached upon their ancient customs and weird religious rites. Is circumstantial evidence to bo relied upon? This is the foundation of the photoplay “Innocence.” in which Anna Q. Nilsson plays the role of a revue actress who marries a man in a superior social station. The result is the antagonism of his relatives, who make things very difficult for the young wife, even to the extent of poisoning the husband’s mind and trying to arrange a divorce. How she turns strong circumstantial evidence against her into a strong defence is a thrilling story which is told amongst lavishly beautiful settings. Stereoscopiks have proved so popular in Whagarei that it is with regret that the management announces the last of the series. However, this last lot is really the most startling, and they will be shown at Saturday’s matinee as well. By the way ‘ 1 Innocence ’ ’ is hardly suitable for a children’s matinee so that it has been decided to show “Go Straight” at the Saturday matinee as well as at night. “Go Straight” is the story of a beautiful little thief whose brains combined with fascination made her particularly successful in her adopted profession. When she tried to break away from the game, the gang made it very difficult for her, but in the end her efforts to “Go Straight” won their just reward. Very amusing Hollywood scenes were filmed when the little thief’s aunt attempts to act for the movies, and Larry Semon, Anita Stewart, Donald Keith and many other artists are seen at work in the studio. Popular Owen Moore is .the hero of “Go Straight,” and Mary Carr and Gladys Hulettc are among the many stars in the cast. Lillian Leighton has a great comedy part as Auntv Bobbin, and she certainly makes the most of her opportunities. Strong melodrama combined with shrieking comedy makes for -.good entertainment, and that is what' the producer has achieved in ‘‘ Go Straight. ’ ’ Away back in 1910 Berlin was startled by a wonderful “Staircase Dance” in a production called ‘ Graf von Luxembourg.” Waltzing up and down a staircase to the strains of a fascinating melody, a couple _ risked their limbs every night, but their fame reached London, and shortly Tu° Count of Luxembourg” and the famous “Staircase Dance” arrived at Daly’s Theatre, where they reigned for many, many months. Now a picture has been made of this beautiful and thrilling production and the picture is lavishly dressed and mounted, with exciting incidents portrayed, that could not be shown in the stage presentation. This feature will be shown at the Town Hall on Friday, June 25, when the score of the musical production will be played by an augmented orchestra. , James Oliver Curwood can always be relied on for a story full of thrills and exciting moments, and “When the Door Opened” contains a terrific flood, a spine-tingling race in canoes through turbulent rapids, clean and effective comedy, a beautiful backI around of rugged mountains and towering forests, and a cast that includes I Jacqueline Logan, Frank Ivfeenan, 1 Walter MeGrail, Margaret LiymgI stone, Diana Miller and other clever peoplb.