AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19584, 14 September 1925, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

OCTAGON THEATRE. “THE LOST WORLD.” The management at the Octagon Theatre just now has the good fortune to be offering to patrons a picture with notable and unuusual claims on public attention. This is a film version of Conan Doyle’s dramatic and ' highly imaginative story of “The Lost World,” which he locates in the fastnesses of the vast unknown forests of the Upper Amazon basin. A characteristic of this lost world is that it is inhabited by hordes of the antediluvian monsters hitherto known only by their ancient fossil remains. Such a theme gives great scope for the Ingenuity and enterprise of the picture producer, and the manner in which the First National has overcome the obvious difficulties of the subject makes the picture a memorable one. All sorts of huge unshapely creatures are depicted both at a distance and close up, and many are the fierce encounters shown among “the dragons of primeval time that tear each other in their slime.” One of the most striking scenes of all occurs when a volcanic outburst sets the forest on fire, and hordes of these monsters are seen fleeing from the flames and smoko. To all this there is added a lively human interest, for into the midst of this lost world conies an adventurous scientific expedition in whicli a brave and handsome young man and a most charming young woman have a place. And as if this were not enough for any single picture there is also a strong vein of comedy running through it, particularly in the closing scenes when a huge “allosaurus” 110 ft long plays havoc in the streets of London. The music of the Octagon Orchestra is always a part of the entertainment that' patrons keenly enjoy. EMPIRE THEATRE. The conspicuous merits of the big Goldwyn picture now being shown at the Empire Theatre are of very special interest to Dunedin because it was here' that the original of the story was written. “The Mystery of a Hansom Cab” is generally acknowledged to be the best work that Fergus Hume ever did, and in the picture of the same name the thrilling story has been most effectively and judiciously translated for the purposes of the screen. Photography and acting both reach a very high standard. The main picture is well supported with a choice variety of films all well worth seeing. ’ QUEEN’S THEATRE. The Queen’s Theatre is offering just now as the principal attraction on its programme a Master picture programme, entitled “The Breath of Scandal.” As the title suggests it is a society drama of tangled love affairs, which gives scope for some intense emotional acting on the part of several noted screen favourites. “Ono Year to Live” is another drama of scarcely less importance, in which Antonio Moreno has a prominent role. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “Head Winds,” which is the main attraction in a good programme at Everybody’s Theatre, is a Universal-Jewel production. House Peters and Patsy Ruth Miller are the two chief artists engaged in the pro T duction. A novel situation is produced in “Head Winds” by the heroine threatening to marry a man she does not love, and beng tiicked by her two brothers into marrying the man she really docs love. “Cold Nerve,” a second picture, provides a bright entertainment. Other pictures, including comedies and gazettes, go to make up a very attractive and interesting programme. PLAZA AND GRAND THEATRES. At the Plaza and Grand Theatres there is to be seen during the current week “The Top of the World,” which is concerned with the struggles of a woman to save the man she loves. “The Top of the World” is an adaptation of Ethel M. Dell’s novel of the same name. There are also screened “The Scarlet Honeymoon” and several other pictures. “MEXICANO.” The carnival that has been running at His Majesty’s Theatre for the last week or two, and has proved such an unqualified success, was brought to a conclusion on Saturday evening. “Mexicano” was again presented by Mr Wauchop and Miss Wilding, and thoroughly enjoyed, and other attractions found favour with those present.