AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20317, 27 January 1928, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. Mystery in its most enthralling form, compounded with tragedy and drama, combine to‘form one of the most startling and compelling dramas ever' filmed in “ The Cat and the Canary,” the Universal production which will be screened for the first time at the Empire Theatre today. Almost from the very first foot of film of this absorbing mystery play, directed by Paul Leni, action commences in ever-increasing tempo; climax caps climax; dramatic sequences pile up one after another; while the suspense is tempered with opportunely injected comicalities, contributed by Flora Finch, Gertrude Astor, and Creighton Hale. Laura La Plante, the vivacious blonde star, deserves the greatest praise for her excellent portrayal of Annabelle West, tha sole legatee of an eccentric old recluse’s estate, who, actuated by strange motives, stipulates that his last will and testament be read, in an abandoned country mansion, in the very room in which ha died, at the midnight hour. Endowed with the faculty of quick perception, beautifully modelled features that register perfectly under the searching scrutiny of the camera lens, and possessed of native charm, and histrionic ability, Miss La Plante interprets her role in this mystifying kiuema drama with the utmost skill and fidelity to characterisation. A featured cast, including Arthur Edmund Carew,, Forrest Stanley, George Siegmann, Tully Marshall, Martha Mattox, and Lucian east, including Arthur Edmund Carew, Forrest Stanley, George Siegmann, Tully Marshall. Martha Mattox, and Lucian Littlefield, give exceptionally fine support in their respective roles. A special musical programme will be played by th# Empire Orchestra, Under Mr Charles Parnell.

OCTAGON THEATRE. The attractive comedy-drama, " Becky,” with Sally O’Neill in the leading role, was screened for the last time at the Octagon Theatre last night. There will be a complete change of programme tonight.

QUEEN’S In.tSA.TEE. The picture version of Eugene Brieai’s notable play “ Damaged Goods,” produced by the American Film Company, will ba leased by Quality Pictures, will ba screened at the Queen’s Theatre to-day. Its appeal is largely to the young—to yuong men especially—and it conveys a graphic warning of the grim toll that is exacted as the result of looseness and giving way to temptation. The subject is handled with the glove s off, so to speak, and through it all runs a story—the story of a man’s downfall through debauchery and licentiousness. And yet it shows that for the stricken there is some hope, if the trouble is combated in time, and if life subsequently is well regulated according to medical advice. But there is no evading the tragedy that arises through neglect, as “ amaDged Goods. ” eloquently shows. It i* an example of the ancient truth that “ the gin* of the father* are visited upon the Children, even unto the third and fourth generation.” EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The final screening of “ Over the Hill.”’ with Mary Carr and William Welsh in the leading roles, was given at Everybody’* Theatre last night. To-night there will ba a complete change of programme. PLAZA AND GRAND THEATRES. A new programme will be presented ati the Grand and Plaza Theatres to-day. •• Outlaws of Red River,” is the title of one of the main pictures, with Tom Mix in the leading role, and there is also a fine adventure story of the high seas, feature ing Dick Talmadge.