AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19804, 1 June 1926, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE -HEATRE. The authentic atmosphere obtained by filming the exterior scenes in England in the exact spots described by Thomas Hardy, is one feature of Marshall Neilan s MetroGoldwyn production of ‘Teas of the D’Urbervilles,” a Louis B. Maper pre sentation now showing a* the Empire Theatre. Noilan had planned for several years to film Fardy’s famous novel and make it his greatest kinematic effort, witn his wife, Blanche Sweet in the title role. Conflicting contracts nrevented their doing it for several years, and when the opportunity did arrive Neilan determined to spare no pains nor expense to make it tne best production possible. Consequently, he filmed a great many of the exterior scenes in Wessex—Stonehenge, and other places described by Hardy. Infinite care was devoted to detail and accuracy in the interior scenes; technical ex--its aided him m obtaining the correct effect of the English interiors. The result is a picture almost perfect technically. Opposite Miss Sweet in the role of Angel Clare is Conrad Nagel. The supporting < ast includes Stuart Holmes, George Fawcett, Courtenay Foote, v ictory Bateman, and many others. Dorothy Farnum made the adaptation. Mr C. Parnell’s Empire Orchestra renders a splendid programme of incidental music, in addition to which excellent upports are added. OCTAGON THEATRE. “Shore Leave,” now showing at the Octagon Theatre, provides Richard Barthelmess wilh another delightfully amusing characterisation, that of _“Bilge Smith, happy-go-lucky sailor in Uncle b'.am a Atlantic fleet. Barthelmess gives a delightful performance of the “gob,” and the Now York critics pronounced it to be his best work in some time. Although this is the young star’s second medy role in a short time, the other being the distraught husband in “New Toys,” it is not generally known that Barthelmess made his first film successes as a comedian. Some six vears ago Barthelmess was signed by David Wark Griffith to be leading man for Dorothy Gish in a scries of comedies. Griffith had observed the young actor’s work in several “Bab” comedies with Marguerite Clark and was impressed with his a’, ilities. With Miss Gish Barthelmess appeared In "The Hone Chest.” “Boots.’’ “Peppy Polly,” and “I’ll Get You Yet.” That was back in 1918. Shortly after he made his sensational hit in Griffith’s “Broken Blossoms.” After that Barthelmess had no further opportunities to work in the field of comedy until “New Toys.” This is comedy year on the screen, however, and. following his success in “New Toys,” Barthelmess decided to try another comedy. “Shore Leave,” which had been a successful Broadway production as presented bv David Bela'co. was secured, the co-operation of the United States Navy was obtained, and the production was made. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. One the greatest Western pictures that have reached the screen for sc - time is now being presented at Everybody’s Theatre. It is the Paramount production of Harold Bell Wright’s novel “A Son of His Father,” in which Bessie Love. Warner Baxter, and Raymond Hatton are the principal players. In support is the Metro feature “Your Friend and Mine,” in which Mr Mack, Enid Bennett. Huntly Gordon, Aileen Rav, Olio Lederer, Rosemary Theby, and J. Herbert Frank assume the leading roles. QUEEN’S THEATRE. A motion picture version of one of the most popular stage plays of the last 50 years is now being screened at the Queen's Theatre. It is “Sporting Life,” Universal’s picturisaiion of the famous Drury Lane melodrama. The picture is n Maurice Tourneur production wilh a cast including Bert Lytell, Marian Nixon, Paulett Duval. Cyril Chadwick, Charles Delaney, George Seigmann, Ena Gregory, and others. Curtis Benton adapted the picture from the play by Cecil Raleigh and Seymour Hicks. MISS WALLACE'S DANCE. A happy time was spent by those who attended the Early Settlers’ Hall on Saturday evening, when the floor was in firstclass condition and splendid music was supplied by Arthur Gordon’s band. A special race-night attraction is being arranged for Thursday evening, when the musical programme will comprise the latest fox-trot hits, including “Thanks for the Buggy Hide,” “Sleepy Time Girl,” “The Baby Looks Like Me,” and the waltz “After the Dawn.” SCOTTISH CONCERTSThe Scottish concerts which will be held in Burns Hall to-morrow and Thursday bid fair to eclipse all previous ones held under the auspices of the Otago Centre of the Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand. Undoubtedly the big attraction is the welcome reappearance of Mrs Wilfred Andrews, of Wellington. Her repertoire of Scotch songs is well known and extensive, and patrons are assured of a “braw Scotch nicht.” Seats can bo booked at Begg’s, and intending patrons are urged to book early and so ensure seats. A strong programme -upports Mrs Andrews. Moderate charges are being levied.