AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20309, 18 January 1928, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. Laughter predominates at the Empire Theatre this week, where Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton are entertaining Dunedin audiences with “ Fireman, Save My Child,” one of the best comedies staining this excellent pair that has been produced. Those who have seen the new picture are of the opinion that it is eve,, better than anything Beery and Hatton have done in the past, find the reception it is receiving certainly lends colour to that view. The strangely ill-assorted pair first came to the fore as a team in that unforgettable comedy, “ Behind the Front.” They followed their initial success with “ We’re In The Navy Now,” and the trio of outstanding comedies has been completed by the appearance of the last production. “ Fireman, Save My Child," is packed full of laughter-raising incidents of all kinds, and every scene provides clean, wholesome ente tainment for everyone. The two comedians introduce their varying personalities in a way that cannot be resisted, and the supporting players are equally successful. Included on the Empire programme is the latest edition of “ The Collegians,” and Ernest M'Kinlay sings a pleasing selection of songs. OCTAGON THEATRE. One of the many reasons accounting for the success of “ Painting The Town,” the comedy-drama production that is attracting big audiences to the Octagon Theatre, is the appearance of a new and entertaining actor-star in the film firmament. He is Glen Tryon, a young man who is considered by his employers—the Universal Corporation—to be all that a modern light comedian should be. In fact, it is whispered that he will prove a serious rival to Reginald Denny, the popular comedian who is at present at the head of most of the Universal comedydrama productions. In ” Painting The Town,’ Tryon plays the part of a young man in a small American town who becomes convinced that his brains are being wasted in such surroundings. He sets out for New York to “nut the town on a paying basis,” but his efforts lead him in the direction indicated by the title, and afford opportunity for an almost endless comedy work of a most refreshing kind. Tryon is supported by the Zeigfield Follies’ star, Patsv Ruth Miller, who plays the part of a Follies’ j|irl with complete success. The supporting cast is a strong one, and the remaining films on the programme are fully equal to the usual Octagon standard.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. Any story of the Canadian outbacks, based on a novel by James Oliver Curwood, ia bound to find favour with filmlovers, and the latest, which is being shown at the Queen’s Theatre this week, is no exception to the rule. The title is “The Country Beyond,’’ and it is safe to say that no better or more entertaining Curwood romance has been screened. The story tells of a young Prench-Canadian 'girl who captures New Yorks’ smart set after a childhood and girlhood spent in the river and the mountain country. Olive Borden plays the part of the girl, and her work is as delightful as ever. There is a charming love story, much of which is enacted in scenery that is remarkable for its beauty. The second picture on the Queen’s programme is “ Mulhall’s Great Catch,,” a comedy-drama of unusual worth.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Everybody’s Theatre offers this week a programme that is varied and attractive. First on the list is “ Skinner’s Dress Suit,” a comedy-drama that will be admitted to be one of the best that has you appeared under the Universal banner. It stars Reginald Denny and Laura La Plante, and the story tells of a young couple who achieve fame and fortune through the medium of the Charleston dance. A yount? office worker is kept in a humble position because of his lack of initiative, but when his employers discover that he is teaching the society leaders of the town the very latest dance steps, they come to the conclusion that he is worthy of a better chance in business. The second picture is a stirring drama, “ The Gilded Highway.” This .u a simple, yet- powerfully-told story, and the cast is an unusually strong one.

GRAND AND PLAZA THEATRES. “ The Prince of Head Waiters ” is the principal picture on the programme being screened this week at the Plaza and Grand Theatres. It is an unusual story starring popular Lewis Stone, and tells of a voung man of birth and breeding who, by reason of circumstances, becomes a waiter in a high-class New York hotel. How he fascinates all with whom he comes in contact and how he wins the girl he loves form the substance of a most interesting tale. “ After Midnight ”is tne title of the second production, one which stars Norma Shearer, and enables her to take advantage of one of the best screen roles of her career. It is a story of two sisters, one a cigarette seller in a night cabaret and the other a chorus girl. Seifsacrifice is the theme, and the production is both thrilling and dramatic, besides containing an irresistable human note.

KING EDWARD THEATRE. A particularly full programme is being presented at the King Edward Theatre this week. First in the list is “ The Country Beyond,” a James Oliver Curwood story that is followed by “ Mulhall’s Great Catch,” and the latest episode of “ The Collegians.” Each picture is alone worth seeing, and the programme is a whole should not be missed.