AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20318, 28 January 1928, Page 17

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. Mystery, tragedy, and a sprinkling of comedy are the main factors in the composition of “ The Cat and the Canary,” the Universal production which is to entertain this week’s audiences at the Empire Theatre. The picture, which, in the opinions of those in a position to know, is considered to hi one of the best ever filmed, was directed by Paul Leni, and throughout it compels an all-absorbing interest. The cast is headed by Laura La Plante, who is supported by a cast the ability of which is fully demonstrated by the resulting scenes in the picture. From the very beginning action is the keynote of the production, and, as episode follows episode, the onlooker cannot help being astonished at the sheer ingenuity of the director. As Annabelle West, the sole' legatee of the estate of an eccentric old recluse, Miss La Plante gives what is probably the best characterisation of her career. The story tells how the old man stipulates that his last will and testament must be read in an abandoned country mansion in the very room in which he died, at the hour of midnight. Six persons gather in the house. As goon as the will has been read mysterious things begin to occur. It is the old story of greed for money leading from crime of a mild sort up to murder. A love story of a particularly appealing nature runs throughout the picture, and, in addition, the element of comedy is artistically blended into the story. A notable feature of the production is the sequence which depicts the action in the form of a shadow play on the walls of the “ set. ’ Anything more startling or thrilling would, indeed, be hard to devise. The players supporting Miss La Plante are Creighton Hale, who has the leading male role, Arthur Edmund Carew, Forrest Stanley, Tully Marshall, Martha Mattox, Lucien Littlefield, George Siegmann, Flora Finch, Gertrude Astor, all of whom interpret their parts with finished dramatic artistry. Special musical effects are played by the Empire Orchestra, under Mr C. Parnell. “ Sunshine and Showers ” (Flath) and “The Sneak” (Brown) are included in the musical numbers. OCTAGON THEATRE. Judging by its merits alone, the new programme at the Octagon Theatre should prove a strong attraction. “ Wolf s Clothing ” is the title of the principal picture, in which Monte Blue plays the leading role. The story, by Arthur Somers Roche, tells of a subway guard who has come to New York from the country in order to enjoy the life of the Great White Way. But his job is a night job, and the train upon which he works, while it runs along Broadway, runs under the big street, and the guard never gets a chance to see what the White Lights are like. That is, not until one New Year's Eve, and then he sees sights that open up his great big blue eyes. Looking on at the same time is a society girl, who had never Ventured to the White Way before without being heavily chaperoned. She cuts loose from convention on New Year’s Eve and goes “ slumming” alone away from Park avenue in a wild night club. She meets the subway guard and thinks Ue is a great gentleman. And she fairly knocks him oh his feet with lovehke emotion. They are having a bright time when they run into a "crook” mystery that carries them through a whirlwind of melodramatic excitement. This excitement is intensified through the excellent production that the Warner Bros, have given to the story. Monte Blue is a star who is steadily increasing in popularity. As the subway guard he has a chance to show melodramtic force, comedy, pathos, tenderness, and that quality known as " joie do vivre.” Playing opposite him is Patsy Ruth Miller, as the society girl, who has her Arabian Night. Vivid performances are also given by John Miljan and Douglas Gerrard. The Octagon Orchestra, under Mr L. D. Austin, contributes a selection from “ Carmen ” (Bizet), with a grand organ accompaniment by Mr C. A. Martin. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Such was the popularity of “ Damaged Goods,” which made its first appearance at the Queen’s Theatre last night, that large numbers of people were unable to secure admission, the tneatre having been booked up. This picture version of Eugene Brieux’s notable play was produced by the American Film Company. Its appeal i* largely to the young—to young men speci ally—and it conveys a graphic warning of the grim toll that is exacted as the result of loose living and falling to temptation. The subject is handled with the gloves oli, so to speak, and through it 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 “ Damaged Goods ” eloquently shows. It is an example of the ancient truth that “ the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children, even unto the third and fourth generation.” EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Tim M’Coy’s ability in virile, adventurous, outdoor roles is hnelv demonstrated in his latest production for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, “Foreign Devils.” now being screened at Everybody’s Theatre. M Coy takes the part ot Captain .Kelly, attached to one of the Pekin Legations, and falls m love with Lady Patricia Rutledge, played by Claire Windsor. Shortly after tney meet however, the Boxer rebels start the first rumblings of the 19G0 upheaval. Riots break out in Peking, and M’Coy dashes to the rescue of Lady Patricia. Thus starts their romance. A dramatic high-light of the picture is the concentration of the European colony in the Legation quarter under siege by the Boxers, where soldiers, civilians, and their women folk fight shoulder to shoulder in the forlorn hope of keeping the invaders outside their tUnisy barricades. Then the Boxers deliver a concerted blow and Captain Kelly decides to take the life of the woman he loves rather than leave her to the victors. Iho entry of the relieving forces into 1 eking is a unique page of screen pageantry, showing the British, American, French, Russian, and German contingents hastening to the rescue of their countrymen.. Frank Currier Cyril Chadwick, Emily JMtzroy, and Sojin are among the supporting players. " Framed ” is the title of tho other picture. The featured player is Milton Sills, who is well supported by Natalie Kingston in the principal feminine role. “ Framed ”is the story ot a man who sought tho glitter of dia-monds to forget the glitter of Paris night life and a woman whose beauty dimmed both, PLAZA AND GRAiND THEATRES Cathedral Canyon’s peace and quiet were badly shattered when Tom Mix and his I 1 ox Films outfit made scenes for " The Out law s of Red River,” the latest drama starring Mix, now being shown at the Plaza and Grand Theatres. Tho clattei of gal loping hoofs and horses crashing through the underbrush was followed by the report of rifles and revolvers in one of the most thrilling screen chases that Mix has ever staged. “ Outlaws of Red River is the screen version of Gerald Beaumonts magazine story, and is a colourful tale of tho Texas Rangers and their most daring member, known as " tho Falcon, played by Tom Mix. The Falcon has made it the object of hia life to search for hi s fostersister, who had been abducted by bandits in childhood when her parents were killed in a raid upon an emigrant tram. I his scene is realistically pictured in the prologue of tho picture. The Falcon s successful termination of the hunt and a- love s ory unfolded amid surroundings of natmal beauty form a picture of unusiwii woith. Appearing in support of Mix are Marjorie Daw who has the leading feminine role, Arthur Clayton, William Conklin hiaucis M’Donakl, Virginia Marshall and other?, and of course. Tony, the wonder horse, is cast in an important role The Isle of Hope ” starring tho inimitable Richard i<Umadg’e, is on! of the most adventurous productions in which this star has appeal eel. Cast in the role of a young man with a desire to cruise the South Seas in search of a somewhat nebulous treasure, young Robert Mackay starts out under circumstances which are not of a very auspicious nature’. Ho has nothing to guide him but an old map left by a piratical ancestor Ho departs in an old lugger with a skipper and crew who soon mutiny and make Plemy of trouble. Tho action on the island, alter a fire on board the ship has sent the mutinous crow ashore, is filled with drama, as well as many touches of excellent oometlyKING EDWARD THEATRE. “ Foreign Devils.” one of feature pictures being shown at the King Edward Theatre, graphically re-creates the_ desperate days of the Boxer upheaya). Tim M’Coy play s the part of Captain Kelly, a young marine officer, who risks his life to save Lady Patricia Rutledge. One exciting incident follows another until the arrival

of tho Allied troops at tho besoiged Lcga tion brings safety to the hard-pressed garrison. Claire \Vir 10-’’ - takes the part of the English hero: / “Framed” is a drama of a man ■ . -enght the glitter of diamonds to forger- L he glitter of Paris night, life. In addition the third chapter of tho serial, “ The Silent Flyer,” ; s screened.