AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20337, 20 February 1928, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

OCT.UiON Ti 11'ATKK, AlUimiKh tin 1928 is yft j-ttntiy. many outstanding pictures have visited Dunedin during its first weeks. The general standard of screen entertainment would seem to have taken a decided turn of improvement, and recently picture after picture, of unusual worth has appeared in the principal theatres. Cue of the foremost of these “ better ’’ productions is now being shown at the Octagon Theatre, where, on Friday and Saturday evenings, it created a marked impression. That great and romantic institution —the British Navy—is seldom utilised as a theme for a film drama, partly because of the immense difficulties associated with such an enterprise. The Flag Lieutenant ” is, however, an example of what is to bo expected when the navy enters whole-heartedly into the task of assisting a film company to provide entertainmerit for the world. The picture breathes the spirit of the senior service, and full advantage has been taken of the opportunities given for spectacular effect, and the movements of great battleships in the open sea form a background to the action of a play that is at once novel and thrilling. It is obvious that, in the making of the picture, the company has enjoyed the complete support of naval officers and men, for many of the scenes include those which have been taken on British battleships and in surroundings that arc unmistakably genuine. The story of “ The Flag Lieutenant” tells of the friendship between two officers in the twin branches of the service. One is a ship’s officer, decorated and successful despite his short service with the fleet; the other is an officer of marines, faced with retirement after a term that contains little worthy of mention. At last there comes a great chance for the lyan of the marines—a chance that is dependent upon the silence and confidence of”his friend. An excellent cast has been assembled to meate “ The Flag Lieutenant,” and at its head arc Henry Edwards and Dorothy Seacombe. The picture is well mounted by the Octagon Theatre management, and a suitable and enjoyable programme of musical numbers is played by the Octagon Orchestra. One of the most enjoyable items of the evening was a number of sailors’ hornspipes attractively danced by Miss Babs Saul and Iris Gordon. The supporting films include the story of the Prince of Wales from boyhood to manhood. EMPIRE THEATRE. Pictures of college life are becoming popular, and as die film industry invariably caters to the most modern demands of its public, it is natural that a great percentage of the light dramas at present being screened should be those which deal with the lives and loves of young people who arc enjoying the last stages of their educational careers. Not that education enters greatly into the theme of “ Naughty But Nice,” the excellent comedy drama at present being shown at the Empire Theatre. In fact, there is nothing really serious about the production except the earnestness of producers and east to provide entertainment that is bright and happy from first to last. The most important feature of “ Naughty But Nice ” is that its principal player delights in the name of Golleon Moore. This winsome and clever little actress is at her fascinating best in the picture, and it. is safe to say that her popularity will advance by leaps and bounds at every screening of her latest film effort. The production is from the studios of First National, and the story tolls of a lively little country girl and her adventures in the environs of a smart American college. Laughter predominates throughout, and one is never tired of following the wideeyed and altogether irresponsible heroine through an amazing series of incidents, each calculated to banish every kind of gloom. Some of the best comedy situations of the year have been introduced, atfd in each Colleen is at her very best, treating the part with a lightness of touch and a vivacity that is quite irresistible. The second attraction on the Empire programme is “ Stereoscopiks ” a weird demonstration of the third dimension in filmland. By placing special glasses in front of their eyes the members of the audience enjoy an optical sensation that is better loft to the actual experience of patrons. It is perhaps sufficient to say that the demonstration is a most unusual one, and provides a delightful interlude. QUEEN’S THEATRE. A rugged and stirring drama of hackblocks life in America is “ Hills of Kentucky,” at present being screened at the Queen’s Theatre. Jason Roberts plays a magnificent part in the role of Steve Harley, and he is well supported by a cast of unusual strength, but the outstanding “ player ” is famous Rin Tin Tin, the wonder dog of filmland, who is the ‘‘ grey ghost ” of th© story. “ Hills of Kentucky ” tells of two brothers, Ben and Steve, of totally different temperaments. To teacli at the school conies Janet, with her crippled brother, and the two young men quickly have feelings towards her of a widely different description. A wolf pack is abroad, and during one of its raids “ the grey ghost ” is injured, and Davey, the cripple, bathes its wounds. Ben begins to show his true nature, and a l so gives a great deal of trouble, and, after many exciting incidents there is a great encounter between him and “ the grey ghost,” which ends in Ben’s death by drowning. Then Steve and Janet come together, and they with little Davey and “ the grey ghost,” live happily together. There are also shown Three Miles Up,” and the sixtli Episode of ” The Silent Flyer.” EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The Canadian star, Norma Shearer, is outstanding among several film artists who, at the present time, are bordering on world-wide fame. Her work and popularity are improving with each of her productions, and her chances are steadily becoming more prominent. Her latest, role is lb,at of Briquette in “ The DemiBrir’ l ,” at present being screened at Everybody’s Theatre. Opposite her is Lew Cody and a particularly strong cast supports both principals. The story is a French romance of the boulevards, and has its humorous interludes and incidents. 'Briefly, the story is that Briquette is expelled from a Pnris’ian girls’ college for fallino- in love with a handsome boulevardicr named Philippe. She completely outdistances all her rivals to .win his affections, and then a. bevy of beauty leaps out of bis past, and to separate them. But Philippe is equal 'to the occasion, and dispels Briquette's jealous suspicions. She is satisfied ns to his love for her, and accepts him. The second picture is “ Brave Heart,” which is a love story of an interesting kind. It is an epic of the American Indian in all his glory, and a vital presentation of primitive passions and of a great sacrifice made. Rod La Rocque and Lilian Rich arc the principal players. PLAZA AND GRAND THEATRES. There seems to be no limit to the ability of Buck Jones as a romantic hero of Western screen dramas. He has appeared in dozens of films, yet his work does not lose interest, nor do his pictures lack quality. The latest is “ Hills of Peril,” at present being screened at the Grand and Plaza Theatres. “ Hills of Peril ” is all that a good Western picture should be. It contains action aplenty, a strong love theme, a little humour, and a blending of romance in an excellent setting. The hero of the piece finds that lie has to leave Pinon City at the instigation of the sheriff, as he has made the place ton hot to hold him with his wild ways. He travels to Lode City. On the way the sheriff sends him to file abode of Ellen Wade, a recent arrival, who lias started to develop a mine which she has inherited. Ellen takes a violent fancy to tlie big cowboy and his horse, but probably the

big cowboy is the main attraction. In spite of the sheriff's warning that there is certain to be trouble, Ellen announces her intention of going to a dance, and complications of a thrilling character rapidly develop as a consequence of her going. Th© supporting picture, “ What Happened to Jones,” in which Reginald Denny is the leading spirit, is extremely amusing. KING EDWARD THEATRE. Tlie principal film at present showing at the King Edward Theatre is “ Hills of Kentucky,” in which the wonder dog “ Rin Tin Tin ” is starred. An excellent supporting programme includes “ Three Miles Up,” in which A 1 Wilson is featured. There is also the sixth episode of “ Th© Silent Flyer.”