AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20310, 19 January 1928, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. Wallace Beery and Raymond Hattc. are proving a great attraction at the Empire Theatre this week, their latest picture being an uproarious comedy, entitled “ Firemen, Save My Child.” A packed house has been the rule all ti.w week, and last night another enthusiastic aidionce derived great amusement from the antics of this pair. Those who have seen this picture are of the opinion that it is even better than anything Beery and Hatton have done in the past, and the reeception it is receiving cetrainiy lends colour to that view. The strangely ill-assorted pair first came to the fore is a team in that unforgettable comedy, “ Behind the Front.” They followed then initial sucess with “ We’re In The Navy Now,” and the trio of outstanding comedies has been completed by the appearance of the last production. ‘‘ Firemen, Save My Child,” is packed full of laughter-raising incidents of all kinds, and every scene provides clean, wholesome entertainment 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. ” Painting tin Town,” a comedy production of exceptional merit "is drawing good houses at the Octagon Theatre this week. The picture is a notable one in that it introduces to Dunedin audiences •• new actor-star of great promise. This is Glen Try on. a young man who is considered by his employers—the Universal Corporation—to bo 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 cemedian who is at present at the head of most of the Universal comedy-drama 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 Yoric to “ put the town on a proper 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 ,s supported by the Zeigfield Follies’ star, Patsy Ruth Miller, who plays the part of a Follies’ girl 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. “The Country Beyond is a film version'of one of James Oliver Curwood’s widely-read novels. This novelist's books have been found to be very popular with motion picture enthusiasts, and in this respect the latest adaptation is no exception to the rule. Many who have seen this picture declare it to be one of the best Curwood stories ever screened. The story tells of a young French-Canadian girl who captures New York’s smart sat after a 5 childhood and girlhood spent in the river and the mountain country. Olive Borden plays the nart 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 comedydrama of unusual worth. The main feature on the new bill, which will be presented to-morrow, will be “ Alias the Deacon,” with Jean Hersholt, June Marlowe, and an all-star cast. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. A return season of one of Universal’s most popular productions, “ Skinner’s Dress Suit,” is the attraction at Everybody’s Theatre this week. The stars are irresistible Reginald Denny and fascinating Laura La Plante. The story is full of that delightful humour and whirlwind actidn which picture theatre patrons have come to associate with all Reginald Denny’s productions. The story tells of a young couple who achieve fame and for tune through the medium of the Charleston dance. A young 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 stirrin 0 drama, “ The Gilded Highway.” This is a simple, yet powerfully-told story, and the cast is an unusually strong one. GRAND AND PLAZA THEATRES. There is a very interesting double feature programme at present showing at the Plaza and Graqd Theatres. The chief feature is “ The Prince of Head waiters, in which the popular Lewis Stone is starred. The story tells of tne adventures of a young man of society who becomes a waiter in a fashionable New York hotel. “ After Midnight,” featuring Norma Shearer is the second picture, and is the story of self-sacrifice and sisterly relationship.