AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19904, 25 September 1926, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

OCTAGON THEATRE. One of the most attractive films which has been seen here was screened at the Octagon Theatre yesterday for the first time. This is a British War Office film, •‘Ypres.' There is probably no theatre of the Great War which lends itself _so readily to reproduction as does the immortal Ypres salient, so gloriously held by soldiers of the British Empire, and the British Instructional Films (Ltd.), who had the assistance of the British War Office m obtaining official records of the innumerable deeds of heroism performed on that salient, have brought these episodes to the screen in a faithful and meticulous manner and in vivid detail. From the opening of the first Battle of Ypres, in October, 1914, with the loss and recapture of Gheluyelt, to the capture of Belleveue Spur, the key to Passchendaele, in 1916, it was transparently impossible to depict in detail the story of Ypres. The method of treatment, therefore, decided upon by the producers was to follow the outstanding episodes on the issue of which the salient from time to time depended. In addition, lighter moments behind the lines—the film record of the Royal visit to the front in November, 1914 —the mobilisation in England of Britain’s army, the embarkation of colonial troops for the seat of war, and many other genuine pictures taken during that period are shown. In this connection it should not be forgotten that during the war there were attached to the War Office official kinematographers, many of whom obtained pictures, impossible to release at the time, taken close to the front lines. The story, on account of the number of years the salient was occupied, could not possibly he told in detail, and therefore the producers decided to follow the outstanding episodes on the issue of which the holding of the salient from time to time critically depended. The episodes chosen according to this plan are:—The opening of the first battle of Ypres, with the loss and recapture of Gheluvelt; the capture of Hill 60; the second battle, in which the Germans introduced poison gas to the western front, and in which the Geddes “details” achieved immortality; the launching of the trench raids, which were of vital importance in sapping German morale; the grand assault on the Messines Ridge, with the exploding of 19 mines which had been 13 months in construction; and the attack on Passchendaele. In the capture of Gheluvelt one sees Brigadier-general Fitz-Clarence organising the vital counterattack. In the defence of Hill 60 it is seen how Captain Woolley took command at a desperate moment, and so earned the first Territorial V.C. In the gas attack we see the rallying of his men by Lieuten-ant-colonel Birched, V.C., and the covering of the Canadian retreat by Lancecorporal Fisher, V.C. The deeds of Sergeant John Moyney, V.C., and Captain Clement Robertson, V.C., are also realistically depicted. There are also the lighter moments behind the lines, such as the glimpses of T’oc. H., the concert party, and the men in what was dignified by the name of baths. There is also the heroism af the Royal Army Medical Corps, and an exceptionally dramatic incident is a reconstruction of the “dropping” of a Zeppelin by Lieutenant R. A. J. Warneford, V.C. There are many things told on the screen that are untelligible in words, and patrons find themselves pleased at being able to view a wonderfully thrilling performance from comfortabe seats The story carries a vast lessson in patriotism, and the makers

of “Ypres” have produced a picture which is designed as a dignified and dramatic memorial to all the gallant keepers of the Capo of Death. The film was witnessed last night with the reverence apparent in its making. Whatever unpleasant truth there may have been in all that has been said of the motion picture industry to its detriment, “Ypres’’ makes complete atonement, for it is indeed a cenotaph in pictures and the medium by which such hallowed memories is bo beautifully presented is deserving of national consideration. 'lhe picture was preceded by a prologue depicting a “Diggers ” impromptu concert, EMPIRE THEATRE. A Universal-Jewel production, entitled “ Skinner’s Dress Suit,” is the big attraction now being shown at the Empire Theatre. Denny, in the role of Skinner, gives one of the best performances of his long and varied career. His mobile countenance and woe begone smile, coupled with his inimitable lugubrity of manner, make him ideally suited for the difficult part. Laura La Plante, as “ Honey,” the golden-haired wife of the under-paid bookkeeper, finds her way into the hearts of an audience. The story is well known, being a picturisation of the famous book of the same name by Henry Irving Dodge. It has run into many editions, and is the favourite work of the distinguished author. William A Seiter directed the picture with bis usual skill and mastery of screen technique. Skinner, an under-paid clerk, is idealised by “ Honey,” his wife, who is obsessed with the belief that he is a wonderful business man. She compels him to ask for an increase in salary. Instead, he is discharged by his employer, but in order not to disappoint his wife, Skinner tells her that he has received a rise. “ Honey ” immediately plans to spend it

in advance from their savings, and tells all her neighbours of her husband's supposed prosperity. They receive invitations to various community affairs, and “ Honey ” makes Skinner buy a new dress suit. That requires accessories which are duly purchased. She must have a new gown. They must entertain in turn, and new furniture is necessary. Before they are aware of it they are plunged heavily into debt. Then complications follow thick and fast. Just when things look blackest to the guilty Skinner and his unsuspecting wife matters take an entirely different turn. A novel and unexpected twist in the situation remedies their black-looking future. The production is one of the most amusing comedies ever screened. It is a riot of laughter depicted in eight parts, and Reginald Denny is seen in a class of his own. Denny and charming Laura La Plante have been given a wonderful supporting cast in this modern comedy of the adventures and mishaps of a young married couple. Other important members of the cast of “ Skinner’s Dress Suit” are Ben Hendricks, jun., E. J. Ratcliffe, Arthur Lake, Hedda Hopper, Lionel Brahm, Betty Morrissey, Henry A. Barrow, William A. Barrow, Lila Leslie, Lucille Ward, and Broderick O’Farrell, Several good supporting pictures are also shown, and choice musical selections are played by the Empire orchestra. QUEEN’S THEATRE. The feature picture now being shown at the Qeen’s Theatre is “Mike,” which features Sally O'Neil, who is recognised as the screen’s wonder girl. It is the latest Marshall Neilan screen creation from the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. Sally O'Neill is ably supported by William Haines. Ford Sterling and Charles Murray. The comedv is of the most -ilarious kind, mingled with plenty of thrills and excitement. Miss O'Neil is the most recent and sensational screen discovery for a decade. The humour is fresh and free, and runs the gamut from subtle wit to broad comedy. The story tells how an Irish girl made life a riot for herself and her family, finally helping to foil a band of notorious robbers who had looted a mail train. The adventures and romance that invaded her life in the meantime make a delightfully humorous story plentifully supplied with thrills. It is a brilliant debut for Miss O'Neil, and the public will want to see more of her. The story was written and the picture produced solely for the amusement of patrons. “Mike” teaches no lesson: it presents no new problem; it probes no deep sociological question; its sole mission is to entertain, and this it accomplishes in a thoroughly delightful manner. This is the result of the interweaving of three essentials —fast comedy, strong love interest, and intense excitement. The new programme also includes several excellent supporting pictures.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The programme at Everybody's Theatre this week includes an excellent double feature bill. The first picture is an attractive comedy entitled “Hands Up,” in which the amusing Raymond Griffiths is the leadins player. The supporting cast has been well chosen, and are all players of Stella value. Marion Nixon and Virginia Loo Corbin, featured players of note, share the honours of leading lady between them. Mack Swain, as their father, is good, and Montague Love, as the rival officer, swaggers enough to make him laughable. The second feature is “Stephen Steps Out,” a comedy packed with dramatic situations in which the star is Douglas Fairbanks, jnnr. Joseph Hcnaberv directed the picture. which is an adaption of “The Grand Cros« of the Crescent.” a story by Richard Ifardiug Davis. Theodore Roberts is featured in (he principal supporting role, and •Noah Beery. Harry Myers and Frank Currier are cast in important parts. “Stephen Steps Out” is an enjoyable entertainment.

PLAZA AND GRAND THEATRES. The new programme at the Plaza ana Grand Theatres contains two outstanding features. The first is a Johnny Hines picture entitled “Rainbow Riley.” in is little comedian is probably one of the most popular figures on the screen, because he faithfully portrays the lighter side of life in a way that is irresistible. Because “Rainbow” is in love with Alice Ripper, the village belle, and sweetheart of Tilden Mac Fields, .known as the “killer” of the Ripper clan, he antagonises the Rippers. Conversely, because he cannot fall in love with Becky White, who loves him, he incurs the enmity of the White faction. So, generally speaking, he gets a pretty hot time. Both sides are willing, nay, eager, to exterminate him, and because he is after a “story" for his paper he needs must invite trouble. However he wins through in the end. and returns to his paper with the biggest scoop of the feud that the paper has ever had, and with the adorable Alice at his heels (metaphorically speaking, of course). The other picture is “A SixShooting Romance,” a “wild wester,” featuring Jack Hoxie. KING EDWARD THEATRE. An entertaining programme of miscellaneous pictures is offered at the King Edward Theatre for the coming week. The main picture is “Mike.” a thrilling comedy drama featuring Sallv O'Neil, described as “the screen’s wonder girl.” She is supported by a well-known cast. KAIKORAI BAND CONCERT. The programme arranged for the Kaikorai Band concert to-morrow night at His Majesty’s Theatre is a particularly vavied and ".ttractive one. The band itself will render five items, includin ' Suppe’s fine overture “Light Cavalry,” selection ‘Bohemian Girl,” a stirring march, “Distant Greetings,” and two hymns —“Lead, Kindly Light,” and Tt is Well,” Vocal items will be rendered by Miss Sybil Inglis (“Morning”) and Mr W. Newbury (“The Spirit Flower”), while Miss Anita Winkel will recite “The Pool,” and Bandsman E. Andr-vs will, bv request, again play the xylophone solo “Swanee River.” A silver coin collection will be taken up to assist to defray expenses. FRENCH CLUB. The French Club of Dunedin, under the direction of Monsieur Paul Saldaigne, will present to the public on October 7 Labiche’s masterpiece/‘Le Voyage de Mons. sieur Pericbon” (Mr Perichon’s Trip). As there are many people in Dunedin who are conversant with the French language, generous support should be given to the play. COSY CABARET. A special attraction for dancers tonight will be the programme arranged at the Cosy Cabaret, where a number of the visiting footballers will participate.