AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19530, 13 July 1925, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

OCTAGON AND EMPIRE THEATRES. The new programme at the Octagon and Empire Theatres this week teatures Rudolph Valentino in “Monsieur Beaucaire.” a stirring and romantic tale ot tho days ot Loins NV. The story oomos from the pen cf Booth Tarkington, whoso novels have been read and enjoyed by thousands and have been reproduced on ttie screen with marked success. The screen interpretation ol "Monsieur Beaucaire” is no exception to tho rule, and the pen pictures ol the great novelists aro reproduced m a manner to satisfy the most discriminating. A distinguished oast supports the popular Rudolpn Valontum, duel on tho list being Bobo Daniels and Doris Kenyon. . With these stars. Vaicn tino lives up to liis reputation as a lovoniaker and capturor of hearts. The love scenes in tho production show the attractive actor in the role of fascinating ano irresistiblo courtier which has endeared him to the hearts of so many thousands of film patrons the world over. The story opens with Valentino’s vain attempts to woo tho beautiful Princess (Bobe Daniels) at tho French Court. His failure drives him to England, where, at tho popular holiday resort, Bath, ho moets tho lovely Lady Mary (Doris Kenyon). The romantic young Frenchman soon loses his heart .to the young English noblewoman. However, his efforts to win the lady’s hand end disastrously and blighted affection drives him to his native land once more. There ho is solaced by a revival of his love for his countrywoman, the Princess. Tho grand finale of his ardent courtship is magnificently staged in a scene showing tho beautiful gardens ol tho Tuilerios at Versailles and the impressive Court parade of the French King. Beautiful gardens, multi-coloured birds and tho gay attire of tho monarch’s great retinue make a remarkable display and form a suitable background for tho scene wherein the Duke plights his troth to his beautiful lady. Tho magnetic personality of the principal, wliich grips tho attention of tho audience, dominates tho whole production, and mokes one understand how this star has made for himself such a reputation for lovemaking and romance. The costuming of the piece has been carried out on the most lavish scale, and no efforts have boon spared to make the screen version of tho great novel a success. Lois Wilson and Lowell Sehrman take tho parts of tho Queen and King of Franco respectively, and Oswald York appears as Mirepoix. The part of Mmo. Pompadour is taken by Paulette Du Val, and John Davidson is soon to advantage as Richelieu, With such lavish appointments in every detail it was essential that such a distinguished cast should bo engaged to carry out tho piece. “Monsieur Beaucaire,” with its delightful blending of love, intrigue, and honour appeals to both tho imagination and the sense ot humour and ranks as one of the best stories of tho most romantic period of the history of Franco. Tho Octagon and Empire orchestras render appropriate music each evening. QUEEN’S THEATRE. An attractive double feature programme is being presented at the Queen’s Theatre this woek. The first picture is entitled “Love’s Wilderness” in which Corinne Griffiths plays tho leading part. Tho story centres round Linda Lou Heath, an oldfashioned girl wiiose lover loaves her to go on an exploration trip. In the meantime she meets another man, whom she iharries. Her life immediately becomes eventful, and tho story develops into an interesting climax. The other featured picture is “Tho Hurricane Kid,” in which Hoot Gibson takes the principal role. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “Three Women,” one of the principal pictures at Everybody’s Theatre this week, is a dramatic story of toe love of three women for one man. Included in tho cast are Pauline Frederick, Lew Cody, Marie Prevost and May M'Avoy, all of whom are celebrities in the kinema world. Coupled with this is a rollicking comedy entitled “Up and At ’Em,” with Doris May in too loading role. Tho supports include a number of topical films, comedies, etc. SAVOY CABARET. The weekly supper danco at too Savoy Cabaret is always assured of a large attendance for it is here, in tho beautiful Tudor Hall, that one of the most popular Saturday night entertainments is provided. Last Saturday was no exception to tho rule, and the dancers gained the maximum pleasure from too perfect floor, the rhythmic strains of tho orchestra and the beautiful surroundings mellowed by artistic lighting effects. “ISLAND OF BLUEBIRDS,” Coming to His Majesty’s Theatre on Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18, is llanalol’s operetta, . “Tho Island of Bluebirds,” and rehearsals are now actively proceeding. The principals and chorus are showing groat enthusiasm in their work. A story has been written introducing instrumentation from Ilanalei's Conservatorium and also introducing Miss L M'Donnld’s dancing pupils. It is long since lovers of amateur opera have seen local artists entertaining in this way. Hanalei will introduce a novelty in the way of instrumental items—“kolomuka,” the largest instrument in the world. The Soldiers’ Club has kindly lent its hall free of charge for rehearsals, and by all accounts it will be a packed house on both nights. The interesting libretto round which the piece is composed deals with the masquerade on an island of beautiful girls of a stoker posing as an admiral, and with the coming of the real sailormen romance eaters. ENTERTAINMENT AT SEACLIFF. A largo party under tho direction of Mr I*. M'Carthy, North-East Valley, travelled by motor cars on Saturday afternoon to give an entertainment at Seaclift Mental Hospital, and the efforts of the visitors were much appreciated. Songs were rendered by Miss Macdonald, Mrs Jack Marshall, Messrs R. Waterson, Ashworth, Fyfe, recitations by Misses Dodds and D. M'Carthy, fancy dances by throe little tois —Misses Silver, Ethel and Joyce Todd. The national dances wore given by Misses Molly .M'Ewan and Eileen M'Carthy. The humorous portion was provided by Messrs I*. M'Carthy and J. Gilchrist, capably assisted by Mr Gilchrist’s doll "Jerry.” The piping was in the hands of Mr George Yardley, and the accompanist was Mrs Ashworth (Waitati).