AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20292, 28 December 1927, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. “Cabaret” heads the bill at the Empire Theatre for the next day or two, and has been the means of attracting large attendances. Much of the success attending the production of “ Cabaret ” depends upon the skill of Gilda Gray, and she sustains her reputation as an actress exceedingly well. Her efforts are very strongly supported by a list of picture artists of wellknown capacity. Gloria Trask has risen in the world through her beauty and talent, and has become transformed from an occupant of a squalid East Side quarter to be the star of a night club. Gloria has two lovers in the persons of Detective Westcott and a man of the very shady order, 'named Sam Roberts. Gloria’s fancy leans towards the limb ot the Law, and she cordially dislikes Roberts, whom she suspects has been concerned in some trouble that befalls her brother Andy. This young man, being threatened by a gang of ' doubtfuls,” has to secure 500dol, and to save him Gloria invites Roberts to visit her. The interview, and what is said at it is overheard by a jealous • woman, and Andy happens to appear on the scene when Roberts becomes amorous, and some exciting exchange of shots takes place, and Roberts is killed. Gloria arranges to get her brother away to South America, but the designing, jealous woman very nearly frustrates the sister’s efforts, and having hidden Roberts’s revolver suggests that ho was murdered. The detective, however as a result of his investigations, proves this to bo incorrect, and everything ends happily. “ Around the Bases,” the. fifth production of the sporting college scries of “ The Collegians,” is also shown. OCTAGON THEATRE. At the Octagon Theatre the holiday attendances have been very large, the special attraction being “Steel Preferred,’ in the production of which the services of Vera Reynolds, William Boyd, Hobart Bqsworth. Charlie Murray and Ben Turpin have been secured. “ Steel Preferred is a comedy-drama of a most enjoyable kind. Wally Gay is a young, ambitious steel worker, tmd meets with a very attractive metal in Amy Creeth. the lovely daughter of tho owner of the mill. Waldron, another worker in a superior position, is also smitten by Amy’s personal charms, and does not 'scruple to take advantage of .11s position, with the result that Wally geU saddled with all the menial and dangerous jobs. This mean kind of persecution con* tinues for some time. An accident happens in the mill, and Amy is endangered. Waldron, being a coward and a. selfish man, leaves the girl to perish. It isWally who plays the hero, and rescues he. from what looks like certain death. Creeth senior is not ungrateful, neither is he ungenerous, and he adopts a plan propounded by Wally for the introduction of new furnaces, which turn out a huge success Waldron, foiled at one point, foments a strike, which is quelled after Wally has had a desperate set-to with the strike leader. There is an engagement of quite n different sort soon after this Bi°®e taking nart in it being Wally and Amy. No blood is spilt in this engagement, and in the end tho loving couple arc united. The story is an interesting one, and is weu presented by all engaged in the production. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Patrons of the Queen’s Theatre will find a thrilling story in The Broncho Twister,” in which Tom Mix inc spirit. Tom is seen at his best in the role he assumes, and performs feats of daring and valour of an unsurpassed order. He has specialised in one special direction most successfully, and ranks amongst the most skilful horsemen seen on the picture screen. In The Broncho Twister,” a marine, who returns from the war, finds his father desperately contending with an outlaw ranchman and it is how this worthy is driven off and got rid of that makes what proves to be an interesting story. Of course tbere is a love story running through The Broncho Twister,” Helen Costello making a very charming heroine. The other picture screened is “ The Imposter. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “ Rolled Stockings ” is still to the fore at Everybody’s Theatre, and has been the means of passing away many pleasant hours to young and old. The backbone of the story concerns two brothers ot different types; the one a serious youth and the other what is termed jazzy. These two turn a mental somersault; the serious one developing a mama for philandering and the other becoming quite grave in his methods. This one determines to change his ways, and much that is amusing and interesting happens. The companion picture to Rolled Stockings” is “The Belle of Broadway, which, though different in complexion, is even more entertaining. In the latter Betty Compson plays the leading part with pronounced success. PLAZA AND GRAND THEATRES. The popular Harold Lloyd is to be seen figuring on the screens of the Plaza and Grand Theatres. His part in.“ Girl Shy ” is one that fits him admirably, and he is irresistibly amusing as the leader in a band of mirth makers. In “Girl Shy” Lloyd is seen at his best, and is very ably assisted by Jobyna Ralton. He portrays a bashful town boy, who is apprenticed to his uncle, and makes a secret study of girls, the result of his study appearing in book form. After many experiences, a girl comes along who dissipates his shyness, and it is at this point that the humour reaches its climax. The other picture screened is “Land Beyond the Law.”