AMUSEMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19981, 24 December 1926, Page 10

AMUSEMENT.

ORGAN RECITAL. Dr V. E. Galway will give an organ recital in First Church to-morrow night at 7,30. The programme, which will feature Christmas music, has been specially selected for the occasion. OCTAGON THEATRE. The imaginative whims of James M. Barrie, the directorial artistry of Herbert Brenon, the piquant personality of Betty Bronson, the three factors that were responsible for the success of “Peter Pan,” combined, make “A Kiss for Cinderella,” said to be one of the screen’s most notable achievements. Like “Peter Pan,” which was Paramount’s special Christmas offering last year, “A Kiss for Cinderella” will be this year’s special Yuletide attraction at the Octagon Theatre to-night. Unlike “Peter Pan, however, "A Kiss for Cinderella” is not entirely pure fancy. It is, as a matter of fact, a vivid modern day appealing romance, laid against a background of the London slums, with a lovable little heroine in the person of a lonely, half-starved waif and a sympathetic policeman as the hero. The story of this little “slavey,” who dreams of the day when she will be invited to a marvellous ball where a handsome prince will pick her out as his princess, is one that only Barrie could have written —altogether delightful and filled with laughs and tears, and enlivened by all those whimsical touches that are part and parcel of every Barrie story. And only Herbert Brenon, dreamer, realist, and craftsman that he is, could have translated it to the silver sheet in terms of poignant human drama and inimitable comedy without destroying its essential fantasy. Betty Bronson, who showed in “Peter Pan” that she possesses that wistful elusive quality so necessary for the peaceful portrayal of a Barrie heroine, gives a finished performance. EMPIRE THEATRE. Three beautiful girls in search of fame and love —and the romance and adventure that was their lot in life. Such is the theme of “Sally, Irene, and Mary,” the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer screen version of the famous stage success by Edward Goulding, which will have its initial screening at the Empire Theatre to-day. Sally O’Neil, Joan Crawford, and Constance Bennett, although comparative newcomers to the screen, give magnificent portrayals in the three leading feminine roles. They are destined for stardom if they maintain the excellence of their work, and exhibit in future productions the same wonderful talent charm. William Haines is fascinating as the Irish plumber, Mary’s unassuming sweetheart. The production is admirably balanced, blending delightful comedy with gripping drama. Each of the four main parts are individual triumphs, and, collectively, make the picture exceptional in artistic worth and qualities of entertainment. The lives of the four are curiously interwoven. All three girls are members of a theatre ballet, and share the happiness and joys of this glamorous existence. How the tangled skein of their entwined loves and lives is unravelled is depicted with consummate skill. This new picture is a directorial triumph for Goulding, and is made with the great talentso obvious in his recent “Sun Up.” EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The East Coast of Africa, admittedly one of the most romantic spots in the world, is the colourful background for the thrilling action of the major part of “Sea Horses,' Allan Dwan’s spectacular sea melodrama, which will be screened at Everybody’s Theatre to-day. The story, which was adaptcu rom the exciting, novel by Francis Brett Young, details the thrilling adventures of a lovely, cultured English girl, who comes to one of the seldom visited ports on this coast in search of her hansome Italian husband. Matching the story in strength, is the powerful cast of popular players, which features such favourites as Florence Vidor, Jack Holt, George Bancroft, and William Powell. Many of the stirring dramatic scenes, including an extremely realistic hand-to-hand battle, take place on board a freight-carrying ship, captained by Holt, on which the heroine, accompanied by her four-year-old daughter, is the lone woman passenger. _ Hundreds of natives appear in the African jungle scenes, and the life and atmosphere of this little-known corner of the earth were reproduced with amazing fidelity. Prom the purely pictorial standpoint, “Sea Horses” is a production of rare beauty. QUEEN’S THEATRE. It is not very often we are offered a motion picture that affords such variety as does “Just Suppose,” the latest First National release starring Richard Barthelmess, which will be opened to-day at the Queen’s Theatre. The story deals with a young prince, whose chief aim is to avoid the never-ending functions that royalty is called upon to attend. This desire is considerably strengthened on his meeting, quite by accident, a very beautiful girl, who grows upon his imagination to such purpose that he confides in a court friend to the effect that no one else could ever claim his affection. Up to that stage, the eventual outcome is indeed a puzzle to the spectator, and it is not before some varied thrills are experienced that matters are straightened out to the satisfaction of all. Exciting indeed is the big polo contest in which the young prince participates. Barthelmess displays remarkable skill as a horseman in these episodes. Lois Moran is the young star who plays opposite Barthelmess in “Just Suppose.” PLAZA AND GRAND THEATRES. Elaine Ilammerstein plays the leading role in “Paint and Powder,” which will head the programme at the Plaza and Grand Theatres to-day. The story is an absorbing document revealing the tribulations of a young -irl struggling tor a successful theatrical career. Mary Dolan, on her mother’s death, is adopted by the parents of her playmate, who later becomes her lover and protector. In order to be near her Jimmv Evarts secures a job as singing waiter in the same bowery cafe in which Mary is earning a precarious livelihood. In protecting his sweetheart from the attentions of a burly bully Jimmy is badly beaten, and to get even takes from his tormentor a stolen nocketbook He tells Mary he found the money, and persuades her to use it to advance herself. M‘Cardie, the bully, traces a scarf pin which was in the pocketbook (> and discoveis it was Jimmy who pawned it. He takes a detective to the cabaret, and while Jimmy is escaping through a window the place is raided and he is caught in the scuffle thai follows. But if mere were told it might deny patrols ! ,ome of the enjoyment of the picture, an offering which cannot fail to satisfy. KING EDWARD THEATRE South-end residents will opportunity of seeing “Just Supuose,’ the main feature at the Queen’s Theatre, nearer home, for it is to be the headliner at the King Edward Theatre to-night. The film depicts the adventures of a young man (Richard Barthelmess) in excellent fashionand patrons are sure to be satisfied with the fare provided. CONCERT AT BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. A very pleasant evening was spent on Wednesday last, when a party representing the Otago No. 1 of the Buffalo Lodge visited the Benevolent Institution. On arrival at the house the party was met by Mr Macpherson, who introduced the members to the old people.' Presents of tobacco and matches were handed to the old men, and a largo Christmas cake to the women. Cheers and singing of “They are jolly good follows” ended a very pleasant evening. The party consisted of Primo Little, 1 nnio Dodds, Primo Lothaby, and Treasurer U. Maclean.