AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19800, 27 May 1926, Page 15

AMUSEMENTS.

OCTAGON THEATRE. A programme of all-round merit is at present being screened at the Octagon Theatre, and is meeting with the approval of all followers of the silent stage. Ur W. Griffiths is a name to be conjured with in the film world, and the presence of_his signature on the introduction of “That Royle Girl” is an absolute guarantee of excellence. The man who produced ‘ Intolerance” and set the lead in spectacular productions is even further advanced in his art. and although “That Royle Girl is a film far removed from the spectacular type, it is distinctive' in every way and holds an appeal that cannot be resisted, b.y all who watch the screen. The star is Gann Dempster, and such favourites as .1. Kirkwood and Harrison Ford are in the cast. The story deals with tip-top society in Chicago, and the love of a beautiful girl for the leader of a jazz band. There is a murder, and the subsequent mystery which blends with the plot making the story as a whole one that will not easily be forgotten. There are excellent supports, and the musical programme is a treat in itself. EMPIRE THEATRE. Everyone flocks to see Colleen Moore s pictures. She is one of the most P°P u 1 ‘ ar of the young screen comediennes, and has thoroughly earned the high place she has won in the hearts of picturegoers. After an absence that has been much too long she is back again in “Through the Dark, a favourite type of film drama combining suspense with mystery, thrills, and lots of laughter. Colleen plays the part of a young San Francisco girl who falls deeply in love with a romantic underworld figure, Boston Blackie, who is known to all followers of modern detective novels as the “crook” hero of many a thrilling mystery story. The trirl risks her life and good name by entering the underworld and influencing the man she loves to give up the gang with which he is associated. Empire patrons are assured of a thrilling evening, and the picture includes scenes of the famous ’Frisco Chinatown, the forbidding San Quentin Prison, and many other novel and interesting settinss, all true of real life. Excellent supporting films are shown. TESS OF THE D’UBERVILLES. One of the greatest of English classical romances has been adapted to the screen, and the Empire has been fortunate enough to secure it. It is “Tess of the Dbbervillas,” that immortal story by Thomas Hardy, and authorises say that the film adaptation does full justice to the delightful tale.- The producing company is Metro Goldwyn, a fact that is in itself a guarantee of realty first-class entertainment, and the audience in Friday, when the picture will b© shown for the first time, is sure to be a large one. The dominating note in the story of the tragedy and its unfolding will play on the heartstrings of all.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. The story unfolded in “Revelation” at the Queen's Theatre is a beautiful one, which makes a strong appeal to the audience. The adventures of Jolme Hofer, • a dancer in a Parisian cabaret, who falls in love with a penniless artist, but whose marriage is impossible until a miracle paves the way, are graphically outlined in the film, the leading characters in which are taken by A 1 iola Dana and Monte Blue. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Two attractive pictures are included in the programme at Everybody s Theatre. “The Man Who Found Himself,” in which the leading parts are in the hands of Thomas Meighan and \ irginia Valli, illustrates the life of an innocent man who suffers imprisonment for a crime committed by another, and who, after his release, has a hard struggle to regain his honour and his sweetheart.. In “The Exciters,” a thrilling story of romance and excitement is unfolded by Bebo Daniels and Antonio Moreno, assisted by a strong company. BISHAW’S HAWAIIAN SERENADERS. Special arrangements have been made for Bisfaaw’s Hawaiian Serenaders to appear at His Majesty’s Theatre during Show Week. The company, under the leadership of Mr H. Bishaw, Hawaii s foremost musician, will render selections from the “Bird of Paradise,” the Hawaiian - love drama which has won a world reputation. The personnel of the company consists of special versatile artists, vocalists, instrumentalists, comedians, conjurors, and contortionists. BAND FOR LOGAN PARK. The new management under which the Amusement Park will reopen on Saturday for a final season in Dunedin of seven days has engaged the St. Kilda Band to play on Saturday night. Always a popular band in Dunedin, St. Kilda can now claim the proud title of New Zealand s premier band, since it won both the championship shields for the highest aggregate points in all the major events at the Exhibition Band Contest. It is therefore a fortunate engagement that has been made for the first night of the People’s Carnival at Logan Park. There will be no charge for admission, either to the Amusement Park, which will-open at 2 p.m.> or to the band concert at night. The carnival spirit will be abroad again foi*s a brief season, and as it will be absolutely the last time that the now famous amusement devices will be seen in Dunedin there are sure to be merry scenes at Logan Park on Saturday and during the Winter Show next week. NEW SAVOY JAZZ BAND. The organisation of a new, snappy jazz band for Savoy dances has been completed. It is intended to utilise the band mainly in connection with popular dances and the series will begin on Saturday afternoon, and it will be followed by a supper dance in the evening. In the meantime the points that have to be emphasised are that the band consists of six imported star artists, that the result is likely to induce Dunedin patrons into dancing activity akin to that prevailing in big cities, and that the citizens will be able to enjoy themselves in comfort and at reasonable cost. The band will make its first appearance in the Tudor Hall on Friday evening. “SHORE LEAVE.” A First National picture, starring that popular young actor Richard Barthelmess, has been selected by the Octagon Theatre for screening on Friday.' The picture is based upon the Broadway stage hit by Hubert Osborne, and portrays the romance of a harum-scarum young sailor, “Bilge” Smith, and a little dressmaker, Connie Martin, of a small New England soacoast town. Connie loses her heart at a chance meeting, but “Bilge,” being a gob on one of the United States battleships, moves on with the battle fleet. Connie is unable to forget the young sailor and she starts out to find him. Connie’s quest provides the story of “Shore Leave.” Aside from being a distinct film novelty, “Shore Leave” provides a remarkable comedy characterisation for the leading man. It has been pronounced one of hie heat performances. This is saying a lot, when his fine range of characterisations are considered. Here Barthelmess proves that he is a romantic comedian of striking attainments. The supports will be of equal standard.