AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20315, 25 January 1928, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. This week’s attraction at the Empire Theatre is “Lost at the Front,” _ wi.,o George Sydney and Charlie Murray in the leading roles. It is a comedy of an unusually high standard as is indicated by the enthusiasm of the audiences that ha'e attended the screenings to date. Ihe story is based on a friendship between an Irish New York policeman and a German saloon keeper. They are true comrades, and occasionally they becomr friendly enemies. One of these occasions arises when they both become interested in Olga, a sculptress who has her studio not far from the saloon. Then the war begins, and a short time after the German has invested in a discarded wireless et, sold to him by a wily commercial traveller, he is called up as a reservist to fignt for the Fatherland. The policeman and Olga know of the wireless set, and become convinced that it is some deadly contraption to further the power of Germany in America., so Patrick decides that it is his duty to enlist on the off chance of finding" his erstwhile friend and destroying the apparatus before it hurls destruction on the American army. Complications of the most diverting kind ensue, and a satisfactory climax is finally reached. OCTAGON THEATRE. A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, entitled “Becky.”'is the chief feature of the Octagon Theatre programme this week. Sally O’Neill plays the title role, and in the opening scenes is seen as a shopgirl in the bargain department of a big New York store. She is dismissed from her position, and is faced with poverty Finally, however, she obtains a theatrical engagement through the agency of Dan Scarlett, a man about towm, and in this way she meets a wealthy aristocrat, John Eastabrook, who proposes to her and is accepted. Dan Scarlett is really in love with her, but to further his own interests he deliberately flatters Eastabrook’s sister, and plans to elope with her. taking the proceeds of her famous jewels with them. Becky prevents the elopement, but her fiance arrives on the scene, and a general mix-up ensues, Eastabrook being shown up in his true colours. Scarlett and Becky determine to make a fresh start together, and the picture ends on a happy note. QUEEN’S THEATRE. The headliner on the current bill at the Queen’s Theatre is ‘ Alias the Deacon,” an absorbing romance which will appeal to all who see it. Jean Hersholt, in the part from which the name of the picture is taken, gives a performance which will live long in our memories. So human, and handled with such delicacy and restraint, he establishes himself, if he has not already done so before, as one of the very finest actors the screen has ever seen. The cast which plays in support of this brilliant character star is no less capable. Chief among the supporting pictures is a film of the famoa-Tunney-Dempsey fight. This picture is of more than ordinary interest to all interested in the sport. EYERYBODY’S THEATRE. Over the Hill ” has won great popu larity wherever it has been screened, and, as the feaure of this week’s programme at Everybody’s Theatre it is keeping well up to its reputation. The picture is wholesome, clean, and inspiring. It is not .. great spectacular extravaganza, calling for massive settings, gilded scenes, or an expensive cast; yet, with its homely story, a little old-fashioned mother, an affectionate but weak-willed husband, six children, a dog, and a humble home, it has an appeal which sets the other and more pretentious showings in the shade. The supporting production is “ Lady Robin Hood,” starring Evelyn Brent. Miss Brent is fast becoming one of the most popular actresses on the screen, and her latest vehicle, a thrilling and interesting romance, adds to her laurels. GRAND AND PLAZA THEATRES. Ken Maynard, the newest “ Western star, is attaining popularity with picture theatre patrons at a. rate which, it is safe to say, has never been exceeded, and perhaps not even equalled by any other actor. In a very short time he has built up a reputation which he will have to work hard to keep, and in his latest vehicle, “ Fighting Courage,” which is the chief attraction at the Plaza and Grano Theatres at present, ho betters all Ins previous efforts. His companion, Tarzan, who is also his steed, aids him considerably in making the picture the success which it is. The supporting production is “ The Wreck,” featuring Shirley Mason and Malcolm M’Gregor. It is a melodrama of crooks and romance that speeds along at a breathless pace. A strong cast includes such well-known players as Francis MacDonald, James Bradbur,, jun., and Frances Raymond.