AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19258, 23 August 1924, Page 19

AMUSEMENTS.

PRINCESS THEATRE. The attendances at the Princess Theatre have been unusually large this week—a fact which can bo easily explained by the excellent and diversified nature of the programme. Vaudo and Verne submit an attractive turn which cannot fail to provoke hearty laughter, and Jock Mills is equally successful in his Scottish comedy items. Other favourites are James Stewart. Lyons and O'Moore. Marcus and D’Arma. Dinks and Trixie, Phil Bransby, Walter Vernon, Frank Wilson, and Howard and Wyndham. EMPIRE THEATRE. Tlie new picture screened at the Empire Theatre for the first time last night, “West of the Water Tower,” provides a sharp contrast to its predecessor, the story being of a totally different type. It is a remarkably tine production, however, and the tale has a strong ‘‘human interest” touch running right through it. It is a well-known fact that when a scandal, or an imaginary scandal, is brought to light in a small town in which everybody knows everybody, no newspaper is required to delve into all the details and hold them up to the public gaze. There is always at least one gossip or scandal-monger. and this objectionable creature invariably has a vivid imagination, so that when the “facts” are wirelessed by word of mouth through the whole community they usually present themselves in a more or loss distorted form. How a father and a son faced such a clatter of tongues is told in this Paramount picture, which may bo summarised in a few words. Guy Plummer, son of a minister of Junction City, displeases his father by his associations with Beatrice Chew, daughter of one of the wealthy men of the town. He persists, and later a secret marriage is arranged for the two by Cod Dugan, an innkeeper in a neighbouring town. But the papers for the marriage do not come to hand, and later Bee returns to Junction City from a holiday with a child. _ The scandal drives Adrian Plummer and his son from the church, and Beo and her father, unable to stand the gossip, leave town. Years after Bee comes bock, and tongues wag afresh. Then Junction City forgets when they are looking for a man to represent the town at a conference. Guy ' s selected, and is successful in his • mission. Subsequently the marriage certificate comes to hand, and everything is straightened out. Glen Hunter plays the part of Guy Plummer. and Ernest Torrence achieves a notable success as Guy’s father. The role of Beo Chow is taken by May M'Avoy, and George Fawcett, as Charles Chow, her father, is another striking personality. The supporting programme is well selected, and contains a good variety, while the popular Empire Orchestra provides an excellent musical entertainment.

OOTAGON THEATRE. The change of programme at the Octagon Theatre brings with it, as the chief picture. a fine Jewel production entitled “Drifting,” a film which made a striking success in New York. The picture is an adaptation of John Colton’s well-known nlay of that name, and the principal roles are enacted by Priscilla Dean and Wallace Beery. There are some remarkable character contrasts in the story, and Miss Doan, as the highly impulsive and daring Oassie, and Matt Moore, the suave and self-pos-sessed. are obviously the exact antithesis of each other. With such actors as these the picture is essentially an emotional one, and the climax is fascinating and stirring. The supporting pictures also are of a very high standard, and include several gazettes, comedies, etc., and another popular feature is the musical programme by the Octagon Concert Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Arthur Neato.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. A romantic story of adventure on the high seas is told in a vivid fashion onthe screen at Everybody’s Theatre. This picture, unlike many others, is absolutely genuinein that none of the scenes and incidents are faked, and yet it is claimed to be one of the most realistic sea pictures yet filmed. The principal parts are played by J. P. M'Gowan (who was also the director) and Helen Holmes. The other big picture is a screen version of William Raine’s novel, “Ridgway of Montana,” and Jack Hoxie plays the principal role. The supports are also good and consist of gazettes and comedies-

QUEEN’S THEATRE. It cannot bo denied that Joseph Hocking, as a novelist, is one of the most widelyread authors of the day, and his fearless style is known to almost everybody. In screening his book, “Prodigal Daughters,’ the producers have made a good choice, for the story centres mainly around the modern flapper, on whom the author makes a powerful attack with his virile pen. And then, having thus exposed her superficialities,' ho proceeds to show that after all she’ is all that is expected of a woman. The picture, which is now being screened at the Queen's Theatre, depicts Gloria Swanson in tno leading role, and there is a strong supporting cast. “April Showers” is another picture of a different type, but it is equally interesting, and shows with admirable realism an aspect of life in the lower east side of Now York.

ANDERSON’S BAY GLEB CLUE. The members of the Anderson’s Bay Glee Club have prepared an excellent programme for the annual concert which is to be held on September 2. The favourite “Rhapsodic on Welsh Airs” will be performed. Among the other 10 pieces to he given by the club are three to he sung for the first time at these concerts—viz.. Lloyd’s “Battle of the Baltic.” Bantock’s “Ca’ the Yowes,” and Maefarren’s “Break, Break.” Another novelty will he a trio for ladies’ voices—West’s “Stars of the Sommer Night." The solista’ names are a guarantee of enjoyable numbers—Miss Alice Wilkinson (soprano), Mr L. A. North (bass), and Mr Trevor do Clive Lowe (violincello). The hall has recently been enlarged and improved, and patrons will please note that only one performance will be given instead of two, as has been customary.

PIANOFORTE RECITAL. The pianoforte recital to be given by Mr Frank Bennett In Burns Hall on Saturday next promises to be both a comprehensive and an interesting one. The programme to be submitted comprises works of Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Liszt, and modern composers. The assisting artists will bo Miss Beatrice Sproston, a young Dunedin soprano, Mr L. Webber, the possessor of a powerful baritone voice who received his musical education in London, and Mr C. A. Martin. The box plan will be opened at the Bristol on Wednesday next, and special concessions may be arranged for parties of students of not less than 10 in number, on or after Monday. JERQUES. The. programme for the production of Jerques which Mr J. V. Hanna is to present for the first time at the matinee this afternoon gives every indication of an excellent show, which, from the point of view of variety alone should bo most diverting. The booking to date and the phenomenal sale of tickets fully ensures packed houses for all three performances. Mr J. Wallace, L.T.C.L., leads the orchestra of 15, under the musical direction of Mrs W. Haggitt, for which a special programme of high-class music has been arranged. The presentation of the individual items is calculated to l>c striking, novel lighting, seenery, and other effects combining to aid the general appearance of separate scenes. Vocal turns are to be supplied by a number of local artists, while amusing items arc interspersed consisting of “Comedy Tumbling,” “Stunt Drill,” “Hurricane History,” and others. Mr Norman Tate, described as the New Zealand Cinqnevalli, has churgo of the tumbling, an item incomparable with the best of circus work. Miss Nctta Keatcs has assiduously rehearsed the ballot dancing, which is to lie a big feature, elegantly costumed, and most acceptably presented with special orchestration. “Winter Time” Is a scene by the little tots, who show in a pretty manner liow attractive an exercise skipping can be. “Human Pyramids" on the parallel bars by the senior members of the Y.M.C.A. gymnastic classes give evidence of agility and skill, ami the same performers are seen later to great advantage in horizontal bar work similar to that given by hong Tack Sam’s troupe recently. A special turn. “Magic Wands.” in which the ladies appear, is similar in effect and presentation to another item, “Electric Clubs.” on more enterprising end original lines than that so much admired at the Pageant. There are many other turns of equal merit, so that the public are assured of an excellent entertainment, and one which, being in aid of the Y.M.C.A.. is worthy of every support. Children are afforded a special matinee to-day.