AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19270, 6 September 1924, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

PRINCESS THEATRE. The provision of thoroughly competent artists who have the faculty of presenting attractive items to the best advantage has proved a great success at the Princess Theatre, patrons of which can always rely on being provided with a programme that meets with their approval. The bill of fare for the current week is quite up to the usual standard, and the audiences show their appreciation by liberal and enthusiastic applause. As a magician Don G. Merle has proved himself to be remarkably clever, performing a number of amazing feats in a most entertaining manner. Togo, the Japanese juggler, also presents a very clever turn, in the course of which he went through some extraordinary balancing feats. A rare musical treat Is furnished by Ronald Knight and Sheila .Brady, and Jock Mills achieves a large measure of success as a comedian. The Rev. Frank Gorman always meets with a splendid reception, which is thoroughly deserved, and Miss Ellas Burt is equally successful with her contributions. Fiery Jackson and partner, Hartley and Wright, and Vaude and Verne take their full share in entertaining the audience, and their efforts meet with cordial approval. A matinee will be given to-day in addition to the evening performance. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. There has been screened at Everybody’s Theatre an attractive picture in “God’s Country and the Law,” In which there is a character described as “a disciple of the devil," who is the cause of bringing about appalling mischief amongst innocent people. One day, however, his “mocker” fails him, and virtue triumphs and vice is vanquished. The story is full of thrilling adventure, the scene being cast in the North wmods. It is a story of primitive men and beautiful women. “Toilers ot the Sea" Is another picture that will please and satisfy patrons. It is concerned with the disappearance of a sea captain who sails away to seek his fortunes, and is reported as having been lost overboard. A young fisherman ,1s sceptical, and having once seen lava mud on the captain’s boots proceeds to an island on which he knows there is a volcanic cavern, which he searches. After diligent seeking he finds ■Captain Andre, and with him a considerable sum of money. He has a terrific fight with Andre, overcomes him, and secures the money, with which he returns homeward. There is, of course, a lady in the case, and she does not prove cold to him on his return. It is a big bill that is presented at Everybody’s Theatre. QUEEN’S THEATRE. The chief picture In the new programme at the Queen’s Theatre is “The Cheat,” with Jack Holt in the lead, supported by a strong company, which includes Pola Negri. The heroine, who is “assigned” to ’an old gentleman for a wife by her father, elopes with the man she loves, and is cast oft by her father. Poverty comes upon the pair of lovers. A psehdo Indian prince schemes to get Carmelite into his power, and there is a violent scene between the prince and the young husband. Having. lost money at the gaming table the girl obtains monetary assistance from the prince and dines with him. Complications ensue, and finally the girl shoots , the prince. Dudley, hearing of his wife’s escapades with the prince, arms himself and seeks that royal personage. Arriving on the scene of the shooting he’Ts arrested as the perpetrator of the deed. Explanations follow, and the prince, who has recovered, admits his true identity, and the ending is a perfectly happy one. The story is admirably acted. Another picture of interest is “Broadway, or Bust,” with Hoot Gibson in the chief character. Altogether the new programme at the Queen’s Theatre is a good one, and worth seeing. EMPIRE THEATRE. A very interesting tale of the Arabian desert is unfolded in the new programme at the Empire Theatre under the title of “Tho Song of Love.” in which Miss Norma Talmadge makes her bow as a dancing girl. The story is a thrilling one, holding the keen attention of patrons from start to finish. The picture, which is a First National, was adapted for the Joseph M. Schenk productions by Frances Marion from the novel of tho same name. Tho fierce passions and fanatical spirit of the desert dwellers are shown in all their picturesqueness. Norma Talmadge, as a dancing girl in a den in which the plotters for a Holy War meet, takes a different role from those which tho public have been used to seeing her act. Instead of flirting with a society man. she falls in love with a spy of the French Army who has been sent to try and secure the arrest of the leader of the rebels. She plays her part in tho way that only Norma Talmadge can. and is at one© convincing and dramatic. Joseph Schildkraut plays the part of the French spy, and in his role, first disguised as an Arab and later as an officer of tho French Army, he is superb. Miss Talmadge has stolen a march on the makers of sheik photoplays by introducing the Ouled Nail dancing girl "to Hollywood. And those who have seen the fiery scenes between Joseph Schildkraut, in his Arabian role, and Norma Talmadge as the Ouled Nail dancing girl, predict that the sheik will go down to ignominious oblivion when both feminine and masculine theatre patrons ace Norma in the sensuous dances of the mysterious Orient. The supporting cast is an exceptionally strong one, and no effort has been spared to make the picture typical of the Orient. The other pictures are full of interest and the musical programme is most enjoyable. OCTAGON THEATRE. The principal picture in the new programme at the Octagon Theatre is a Para- ■ mount entitled “The Stranger,” which is a film representation of John Galsworthy’s story. “The First and Last.” The story, which is one of tense dramatic action with numerous sensational scenes, is notable for the excellent cast figuring in tho production. And should make a strong appeal to local patrons. Betty Cotnpson. is in the lead, and in support aro such fine players as Richard Dix and Lewis Stone. This is the first appearance of Miss Compson since her return to America from England, where she made two splendid successes. Tho part she portrays in the present, is not far removed from that in which she made her first great success, tho part of Rose in • “The Miracle Man."’ Most of the action takes place in London, and it is here that many reproductions of the slums, as well as society life is shown. Larry Darrant, the ne’er-do-well brother of Keith Darrant, a wealthy Londoner, with aspirations for parliament, meets Peggy Bawlin in a cafe. She collapses and ho takes her homo. He becomes interested, and finally they decide to marry and go abroad. One night a man named Walenn comes to Peggy’s house and attacks her. He fights with I.arry and in the struggle is killed. Larry takes him to a dark place and loaves him in the rain. Unknown to them some one lias witnessed the deed. Tho Stranger follows Larry and moves everything from the dead man. Tho Stranger is arrested, and Larry, after telling his brother all, goes away thinking that the man will be pardoned. But when the couple reach the boat they are surprised to learn that tho man will bo hanged. 'They hurry back. Just as they reach tho man in the gaol he collapses and dies before tho execution, and with him his reasons for taking the blame. One of the most enjoyable features in connection with the presentation is an excellent musical programme bv the Octagon concert orchestra. Last night’s performance was witnessed by the Chinese and Now Zealand Association football teams and members ot the Now Zealand and Otago Football Association executives, who were the guests of tho management.

MUSIC AND DANCE REVUE. To-morrow afternoon and evening at Ilia Majesty’s Theatre “The Clock.” a charming dance revue, will be staged by the puoils of tbo Otago School of Dancing. This promises to bo a most unique and interesting performance and should appeal both to old and young. Miss Nanne Nowey as the “Spirit of the Clock,” is expected to provide a very clover performance, and Miss Miriam Boswick at “Grandma,” the dainty little ladv of long ago, will bo heard and seen in charging Old World songs and dances. The revue is quite novel and should provide a very striking performance, which is expected to be quito up to tire usual standard of the Otago School of Dancing. The box plan is open at the Bristol and day sales aje obtainable at the Geyser.

DUNEDIN PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. The Dunedin Philharmonic Society’s third concert, to bo held in His Majesty’s Theatre on Wednesday, promises to bo a most successful one and a very interesting programme has been arranged on this occasion. The following' numbers will lx; performed for the first time—namely, Symphony No. 3 “Eroiea,” by Beethoven, Capricho Espanol “Mornima,’’ by Espinosa, and tbo Overture to the opera “Le Cid.” by Massenet. The programme will open with the stirring "Spanish March “Juarez,” by Schottino, and also includes Dance “Bohemienne.” bv Gounod, Rhapsodie Hongroise “No. 13,” by Liszt; and Serenade Duo for Flute and Horn, which, waa

Tory much appreciated when pervionsly performed by the society. The vocalists, on this occasion will be Miss Elsie Bryant and Mr Alfred Wnlrnsley. The box plan will bo opened at the Bristol on Monday morning and a limited number of 2a tickets will bo on sale at the door.

"THE COVERED WAGGON” PLAYERS. When James Cruzc set out to produce “The Covered Waggon” he selected a cast absolutely from type. At his request James Warren Kerrigan returned to the screen to become the hero whose sterling qualities win through in the face of impending disgrace. Ernest Torrence as one of the scouts does a remarkably good bit of acting, and Lois Wilson, the heroine, is a typical girl of the period. There are many others in the cast, including Tully Marshall, Charles Ogle, and Alan Hall, the cowardly villain of the piece. Emerson Hough’s story of the waggon trains of 1848 has been wonderfully picturised. Even James Cruze admitted that it was one of the greatest photo plays ever produced, and some critics have said that in many respects it is the best. The picture will be screened at the Octagon and Empire Theatres, commencing Friday, September 12.

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT. Tho third concert of the thirty-seventh season will bo given in His Majesty’s Theatre on Thursday next. Tho orchestral numbers will appeal to all lovers of music. The principal item is Haydn’s Fifth Symphony, and this delightful work is to bo presented in its entirety. Its melodic charm, combined with tho wonderful variety of the different movements, keeps this symphony in the top niche of popularity. Suite “Mascarada,” by Edmond Laurens, is new to Dunedin audiences. It comprises three numbers, the first and third being treated by the full orchestra, while the second number is given by the, strings and wood wind. The composer is little known to orchestra players, and is quite refreshing as regards both melody and orchestration. Two overtures, “Precosia” (Weber) and “Italiana in Algieri” (Rossini), a splendid operatic selection from “Les Hugenots” (Meyerbeer), and a march complete a varied programme. The assisting soloists are Mrs Astley Black and Mr Peter Sutherland. Both are singers whose appearance will give pleasure to the patrons of this concert. The box plan will be 6pened at- the Bristol on Tuesday for subscribers, and Wednesday for non-subscribers.