AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19528, 10 July 1925, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

OCTAGON AND EMPIRE THEATRES. RUDOLPH VALENTINO IN “MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE.” A romantic story of the days of Louis XV., “Monsieur Boaucairo” wili bo presented at the Octagon and Empire Theatres this evening and during tho ensuing week. Hie story was written by the well-known novelist, Booth Tarkington, and tho screen interpretation is a remarkably vivid and fine piece of work. Rudolph Valentino has returned to the screen in the title role of this Paramount production, and appears in three big love scenes. Two of them are with Echo Daniels and one is with Doris Kenyon. Valentino proves in his three love scenes that he has not lost any of tho ability to make love, which has made him one of tho most fascinating and compelling screen stars of to-day. His first scene with tho Princess (Bebe Daniels) ends unsuccessfully and send him off to Bath (F,ngland). There he meets tho lovely Lady Mary (Doris Kenyon), and the heart of this young Frenchman flutters momentarily. But his flight of fancy for tho English lady also ends disastrously, and he returns to Franco to find that the love which ho once held for the princess still burns in his breast. Tho final love scene between tho duke and the princess is said to be one of tho most tender and most picturesque ever photographed for a motion picture. While the two lovers, in the Garden of Versailles, are locked in each others arm* King Louis XV. anti his court parade down the famou? steps in the gardens, while sparkling water plunges down tho cascades. It is a scene of great beauty. Given an opportunity to display his real dramatic ability, Valentino presents a moat vivid and impressive performance. His magnetic personality, his fire and energy in his love scenes place him conspicuously in a rank by himself. The story has never been so well told or so grippingly portrayed as in this picture. It has created a now standard for pioturea wherever it hns_ been shown. The production was screened in the Pavilion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. Not. only does this prove its standard, but on the occasion of the birthday of Queen Alexandra, tho picture was selected by her Majesty as the entertainlnent for her guests at Sandringham Palace. The massive costume drama has been handled with rare skill. At no time do the lavish sets and costly costumes overwhelm the natural bearing of the actors. Lois Wilson has the part of Marie, Queen of Louis XV. of Franco. Lowell Sherman appears in the role of louis XV., King of France; Oswald York© has the part of Mirepoix; Paulette Du Val. a French actress, has tho role of Mmo. Pompadour. John Davidson is seen as young Richelieu. “Monsieur Boaucairo” is said to be one of tho greatest romances that has been screened. The many thrilling actions and pulsating love scones will keep the audience enthralled. Bebe Daniels, who is now a full-fledged star, appears at her best in the production. settings and costumes of tho picture are magnificent. The cast was selected with the utmost care, and Sidney Olcolt has brought both humour and imagination into the directing. It is a picture which should not be missed by anybody. It is a story of love, intrigue, and honour woven around the most romantic period of tho history of France. . , . ... The Octagon and Empire Orchestras will provide appropriate musical programmes each evening. Tho circle reserves for the Octagon Theatre are now open at Begg’s, and reserves for tho stalls may be obtained at tho theatre. Tho Empire Theatre reserves can now be obtained at the Bristol. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Those who love horses and horse-racing will find satisfaction in “The Hurricane Kid,” a Universal production, starring Hoot Gibson, which will commence at tho Queen’s Theatre to-day. Hoot Gibson has become eo popular that he is recognised ns the leading Western actor of to-day. and his directors have decided that only those stories suitable for his lively, dashing disposition shall be selected for him. In “The Hurricane Kid” there are many dramatic incidents and plenty of real healthy fun, and the climax is a whirlwind race between the best horses of two rival ranches. Incidentally this race serves to bring Hoot’s new prize mount, “Pal,’’ into prominence. “Pal” is a beautiful golden mare with such intelligence as is rarely seen in an animal. The cast includes a number of well-known favourites. The second attraction, starring Corinne Griffiths, is entitled “Love’s Wilderness,” and all the luxuriance of society background is introduced. It is a gripping drama set off by the tropical charm of the South Seas and the rugged beauty of the Canadian woodlands, ending in the dark jungles of Malay. It. is the change of environment that enables the star of this drama to reveal new channels of ability formerly suppressed. It affords her an opportunity to cast off the languid beauty of wealth and ease and lend drastic action to her work. The supports are excellent. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. At Everybody’s Theatre to-day and tonight will be presented a. photoplay production from the fertile brain of Ernst Lubitsch, who gives further evidence of the remarkable insight into human nature possessed by this genius of Silent art. It is entitled “Throe Women,” and features such well-known stars as Pauline Frederick, Mav M'Avoy, Marie Provost, Low Cody, and Mary Carr. The story is exceptionally good and entirely different, and tells how a middle-aged widow falls jn love with a man übout town. Soon he decides that the daughter would be a better match for him. Complications then arise, which make the climax sensational. Doris May will appear in the second production entitled “Up and At ’Em,” and in this Miss May’s capacity for making audiences laugh becomes more and more impressive. She appears as the daughter of an art collector, a bright young flapper to whom life is all one laugh. Her adventures in tho realm of romance make entertainment of a most hilarious nature. DUNEDIN MALE CHOIR. On Wednesday evening over 50 members attended tho practice of the Dunedin Male Choir, when the items for the forthcoming concert were rehearsed. These comprised “Creation’s Hymn,” by L. Van Beethoven, a part song recently presented by a life member, Mr Alex. Wright; “Song of the Haulers on the Volga,” a traditional Russian folk song with words by Rosa Newmarch already well-known to patrons, “The Little Admiral” from “Songs of the Fleet” by Stanford, which contains a rousing solo for Mr William Gemmcll; and Charles Gounod’s “By Babylon’s Wave” (this latter song is also a gift, another life member, 7drJos. P. Lane, having made a presentation thereof to the choir); R. L. Pearsall’s “When Allen-a-Dale Went a-Hunting” (Mr J. A. Bowden’s gift to the society); Abt’s “Lend An Ear, Lady Fair”; and Chadwick’s “I’m a Viking Bold” were also practised. In the interval the choir soloists of the concert—Messrs G. S. Newton and R. S. M. Sinclair—sang their songs most acceptably, these being respectively “Where’er You Walk,” by Handel, and “Come Now! For Vengeance Haste I” (from “Lucrezla Borgia,” a setting by Donizetti. Patrons of the choir will notice the booking opens on Monday at the Bristol, and as the present concert has a wellbaianced programme they are urged to book early.