AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19269, 5 September 1924, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

PRINCESS THEATRE. Yesterday afternoon a special benefit matinee was given by the staff of the Princess Theatre in aid of the Children’s Rest Home. The theatre was crowded, and the programme was the same as that given in the evening, with the addition of Mr Bert Rawlinson. who contributed two very fine solos. Don G. Merle, the clever magician, was a decidedly popular performer, and other entertaining selections were given by Togo, Lilas Burt, Fiery Jackson and partner, Hartly and Wright, Vaude and Verne, James Stewart, Knight and Brady, and the Rev. Frank Gorman. OCTAGON THEATRE. The headline picture to be screened at the Octagon Theatre to-day is a Paramount entitled “The Stranger,” which is described as a masterpiece of mystery and romance. Advance notices state that seldom has a picture appeared with such appeal as “The Stranger.” Not since “The Miracle Man” has auch a role of dramatic power been allotted to Betty Compson. The appeal of the picture is irresistible. The absorbing romance, the baffling mystery is only portion of the array of factors that will make this picture a winner. “ The Stranger” is the tacturisation of one of the greatest stories that John Galsworthy has written. It is from the “First and the Last,” a powerful drama by this modern Dickens. And for such a work it is fitting that Paramount should have chosen the best that the motion picture world has to offer. Betty Compson, fresh from her triumphs in England, was selected for the little London slum girl, a role similar to that of Rose in “The Miracle Man.” Richard Dix was chosen as the ne’er do well, I.ewis Stone as his successful wealthy brother, and Tully Marshall the Stranger. The direction was placed in the hands of Joseph Henabery, whose enthusiasm and conviction that “The Stranger” would bo masterpiece of screen photo-dramas was in-parted to the players. With these elements counting for success, “The Stranger" will doubtless prove that this picture is one of the sensations of the year. The length of the production is 6660 ft, and consists of seven reels. In addition to the usual supporting programme, special music will be rendered by the Octagon Concert Orchestra. EMPIRE THEATRE. In her latest picture, “'Hie Song of Love,” which is to be screened in the Empire Theatre to-day, Norma Talmadge makes her bow to, the world as a dancing girl. Her dancing dehut, however, marks the finish as well as the start of her terpsichorean career, as Norma has no ambition to vie with Castles for screen dancing honours. “The Song of Love” is a drama of a dancing girl of Africa who falls in love with a young French officer, and later is called upon to fight all the powers that be for his life. The settings are superb and the acting all that can be desired with such a wonderful cast. The supporting subjects are excellent, while the Empire orchestra renders suitable music, the overture being particularly fine. GRAND* AND PLAZA THEATRES. The popular Tom Mix in “North of the Yukon” will take pride of place in the new programme at the Grand and Plaza Theatres to-day. The story is of the usual type in which Tom Mix is featured, -and the exciting action holds the audience enthralled. The picture is an unusual one, and Mix makes the most of his capability as a “dare-devil” horseman. The second film is an adaptation of Kathleen Norris’s power-fully-written novel of loveless marriages, "Lucretia Lombard,” and the actors are true to the characters of the book. Monte /Blue appears in a distinctly now role as Stephen Winsbip, the young district attorney, who is the hero of the novel. Good supports are also included in the programme. OTAGO SCHOOL OF DANCING. Preparations for “The Clock,” a gorgeous dance revue, to be performed to-morrow afternoon and evening at His Majesty s Theate, are now almost complete, and lovers of the art of dancing are promised a rare treat. “The Clock,” artistic in every detail, beautifully dressed and mounted, will be outstanding in merit and delightful originality. The kiddies will revel in it, because Father Christmas will be there with many surprises for them, and adults will delight in the simplicity and charm of the dainty performers. Special music has been arranged bv Mrs John Leech, whilst, Miss Lilv Stevens will direct the performance. A feature of the matinee will be the lucky seat, gift scheme. “THE COVERED WAGGON.” A magnificent epic of the early West is said to be James Cruze’s latest Paramount production, “The Covered Waggon,” which will be the feature at the Octagon and Empire Theatres, commencing on Friday, 12th inst. This is a picturisation, of Emerson Hough’s new novel of the same name, and it is said to be one of the greatest photo-plays ever seen on the screen. The features embraced in this story are many and varied, and include among others the dart of 350 covered wagons from Westpost Landing (now Kansas City) m 1848. The terrors of fording freshet rivers, escaping prairie fires, and the like, are with" great realism. A buffalo hunt is , ono of the most exciting scenes. The various roles are in the hands of well-known screen plavers. Patrons of both theatres are as*ed by the management to take special note ef the booking arrangements.