AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20287, 21 December 1927, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. “ The Night of Love,” which is screening- at the Empire Theatre this week is a romantic tale of Spain in its most stirring period of history. The leading parts are taken by Ronald Colman and Vilma Banky, whose popularity as screen players is well established. The settings of the picture are very picturesque, and the interest of the spectators increases as' the story unfolds. Colman is seen as a gipsy prince whose marriage is being celebrated when the ceremony is interrupted by the arrival of a villainous duke, who kidnaps th e bride. She, faced with the alternative o c death or , dishonour, commits suicide, and over her dead body her gipsy lover swears eternal vengeance. In pursuit of this he becomes a bandit, and shortly after is given an oportunity of revenge when he is informed that the duke has arranged a marriage with a neighbouring princess. A banquet is Held to celebrate the approaching event, and at this [east the duke reveals his true character. The robber chief storms the stronghold in the midst of the revels, and takes the pair prisoners. The princess, fearing the vengeance of her throws herself from the . battlements into the sea, from which she is rescued by the timely efforts of the robber chief. The duke is banished to his home, and the bandit proceeds to lay siege to the heart of the princess. In his wooing he is eventually successful, and the love scenes thus provided culminate an entirely pleasing romance. Included in the cast are Natalie Kingston, Montague Love, and a good supporting cast of players. The Empire orchestra plays a first-class selection of musical numbers which greatly enhance the pleasure of the programme.

OCTAGON THEATRE. When a production bears the name of Cecil B. de Mille it is equivalent to a hall-mark of perfection, and in “ The Road to Yesterday,” ,de Mille has produced a picture that maintains the high standard he has always set. Patrons of the Octagon Theatre at (he commencement of the film are shown two young people spending a honeymoon at the Grand Canyon Hotel The wife loves her husband, yet has an unreasoning fear of him which makes her reject his advances, and naturally deeply pains him. He believes her attitude is the result of an unnatural prejudice against his disabled arm. He discussed the position with a clergyman friend who advises him to trust in prayer. At the game hotel there is staying a young flapper and her wealthy fiance chaperoned by an aunt who is a believer in the doctrine of reincarnation. The girl transfers her affections to the clergyman, not realising his calling, but when the does, his subsequent offer of marriage is refused, and once again she becomes attached to her wealthy admirer. A doctor informs tha man of the honeymoon pair that an operation is the only thing that can save hi s arm. Ho loses faith in the minister, his wife, and everything, but determines to go to Chicago and undergo the operation. By a strange coincidence all the actors in this drama, except the cleric, travel by the same train, which ’s partially wrecked in a collision. The sequel is very interesting and the tangled web is straightened to the satisfaction of all. Tho Octagon orchestra plays an attractive programme of music.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. In “ The Frontiersman,” now screening at the Queen’s Theatre, the usual western drama is vivified with an historical interest. Tim M Coy takes the role of a cavalry officer attached to the staff of General Andrew Jackson, and takes part in an expedition against Indians who have massacred the garrison at Port Minima Alabama. Throughout the expedition he conducts himself with conspicuous gallantry, and later, in the role of lover of the heroine (Claire Windsor), he displays his versatile qualities as an actor. The majority of people as boys and girls have been thrilled by the tales of cowboys and Indians, and this production, with its excellent photography and locales, and its historical interest, cannot fail to revive some of the pleasing memories of youth. “The Sap,” featuring Kenneth Harlen, is a good supporting picture.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “My Lady of Whims,” with Clara Bow in the principal part, is one of the two attractions at Everybody’s Theatre this week. Miss Bow, as Prudence Severn, is not 'true to her Christian name, and she is, as the title of the picture suggests, the subject of whims. Two men named Greer and Flynn are given the hard task of subduing the girl, and in the process come into contact with Rolf, who has won her interest through studied artifices planned for his worldly gain. Greer, at a dance, unwittingly encounters a man whom he mistakes for Rolf, but who is really a professional pugilist, so that Greer has an unpleasant time. Further adventures transpire but the two men finally achieve their original object. Raymond Griffith, in “ Wedding Bills,” a Paramount picture, is responsible for a continual state of mirth. Ann Sheridan is pleasing and humorous in the leading feminine role.

PLAZA AND GRAND THEATRES. “ Flame of the Argentine ” is a vivid picture of life in that country, and Evelyn Brent is seen in the leading role of Inez Remirez. To visitors at the Plaza and Grand Theatres a tale is unfolded which deals with the efforts of Tovar, the unprincipled foreman of a huge Argentine ranch, to obtain part of the estate by substituting Inez, a young lady of dubious antecedents, for the long-lost daughter of Donna Aguila, owner of the property. Inez, a pianist in a cheap cabaret is accepted by the Donna, but the latter's kindness and affection wins the girl over, and w'hen Tovar shows his hand Inez takes the old lady’s side. The subsequent battle for possession of a priceless emerald necklace, part of the Donna’s treasure, and Inez’s desperate ride for assistance, provide a thrilling climax to the picture. Pete Morrison and his horse “ Lighting ” are the leaders of action in “ Chasing Trouble,” the exciting supporting picture.

PUPILS’ RECITAL. On Saturday evening last the junior pupils of Mis s Irma Pierce gave their first recital in the Musselburgh Presbyterian Sunday School hall when a number of parents of the pupils, together with their friends, attended, and listened with the keenest interest to the many young per formers, the majority of whom were making their first appearance before an audience. Pianoforte selections from th e works of Bach, Beethoven. Schumann, Handel, Ruby Holland, Crawford, Swinshead, and others were rendered The following pupils took part:—Misses Kathleen Hodgson, Kola Johnson, Mary M’Ewan, Nancy Ferguson, Violet Wingfield, and Beryl Cooper; Masters Lyle Cullinger, Victor Lennon, Ivan Styles, and Prank Parted; while Master Bruce Jones contributed a couple of recitations.