AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20643, 15 February 1929, Page 15

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. The chief feature of the new programme at the Regent Theatre to-day will be the appearance of the Zambesi Baboons. These almost human animals—funny old men in appearance—have been acclaimed as the most astounding example of animal training, coupled with natural humour, ever seen oo the stage. Although savage, they are almost human in their love and affection, and once one has gained their they will do almost anything. Their quaint faces, surrounded by a kind of hairy cowl, in themselves attract one’s attention, whilst their humorous antics, even in their natural state, invariably keep _ one roaring with laughter. Paid Pedrini, the famous big game hunter, who has captured quite a number of baboons himself in Belgian Congo, has with great patience trained five of these anthropoid comedians, and presents them iu an act that has been acclaimed one of the most astounding animal acts ever seen in vaudeville. A strong picture programme accompanies •, this offering. “ The Skyscraper ” is a particularly fine drama of an unusual type. It is a man’s story of real men, with its heroes those daredevils who balance perilously on moving iron girders 20 and 30 storeys above the ground, rivetting red-hot bolts. It was' from such a height in a New York sky-« scraper that Blandy (William Boyd) and Swede (Alan Hole) make friends with two stage girls who are rehearsing on a 10 -n sudden romance has a still more sudden ending. In endeavouring to save his friend Swede, with whom he is always quarrelling, he falls on a girder and becomes a cripple. Too manly and too proud, he lets Sally (Sue Carrol) think he is finished with her. Swede, in his endeavour to force Blandy’s nerves back and thus restore to him the use of his legs, derides him, sneew at him, and finally endeavours to make him jealous, even to scheming that Blandy should see him* kissing his S ll ’!., I" .1® a wonderful story of a man s sacrifice for his friend. From the very opening it holds one with its dramatic thrills, and throughout, even in the midst of tears, the clean, fresh comedv brings roars of laughter. Marie Prevost lias never been seen in such a fast-moving, peppy comedy as “The Girl in the Pullman, the second feature pn the programme. The story is based on a delightth lv ien a honeymoon coitple board

OCTAGON THEATRE. To-night, at the Octagon Theatre, an excellent comedy programme will be presented, the main feature being “Is Zat bo? from the well-known stage farce, and the second onc,_ “ Summer Bachelors,” from Warner Fabian’s “modern” story u ame title. George O’Brien, as the comical prize-fighter, and Edmund Rowe, as the equally funny manager, are the main players in “Is Zat So? ” When the picture opens the pair are shown in a down-at-tlie-heel condition, wondering where Ihe next fight, which means the next meal, too, is coming from. There drifts along, very drunk, and very happy, C. Clifton Blackburn, profligate brother of Sue Parker, who lives with her husband in a Fifth avenue mansion. Young Blackburn has reason to feel that Parker is double-crossing Sue and spending the family fortune, and he is brooding about revenge when he meets “Hap” and Chick/’ _ The possibilities of this pair to administer the lesson to his brother-in-law immediately appeals to Blackburn, and “ Hap ” and “ Chick ” find themselves transported into high society as butler and second man respectively iu the Fifth avenue residence. Thereafter the adventures that befall the pair are best lef’ to the imagination. “ Summer Bachelors ” is the hilarious story of the mischief the husbands get into while their wives are away. It has a cast of stare in the principal roles, including Madge Bellamy, Allan Forrest,, Charles Winuinger, and Matt Moore, This is one picture that is calculated to please every taste. The musical programme will include the interlude “Indian Love Call,” from “ Rose Marie ” (by request); “.Ballet Egypticn ” (Luigini); ballet music from “King Manfred” (Reinecko); and “Torch Dance” (Meyerbeer).

EMPIRE THEATRE. Two film productions which .promise to provide good screen entertainment arc to open at the Empire Theatre to-day. “The Yellow Lily” is the chief feature, and stars Billie Dove in the leading role. Clive Brook, the English actor, who has been forging ahead rapidly of late, plays opposite Miss' Dove, while Jane Winton and Gustav von Seyffertitz are in the minor roles. It tells the old but always intriguing story of a royal personage who wishes to wed the poor, beautiful, but lowly-born girl. But “ The Yellow Lily,” while based ou the Cinderella theme, lias an that is immensely Cleveland entertaining. Bits and pieces of humour, one or two bits of character acting, splendid sets, superior acting, and the ’general brilliant handling of an idea that could become average describe “The Yellow . Lily.” Billie Dove is lovely as Judith, the modern “beggar maid,” to Olivo Brook’s romantic Cophefja, equally modern. June Winton is, good as the ‘friend ”of the hero. “ Phyllis of the Follies,” the second picture on the programme, is, strange to say, more concerned with Mrs Decker, a married ex-member of fhe Follies, than with Phyllis, and when one learns that the luxurious lady, Lilyan Tashman, plays the part of the former, the reason will be understood. Phyllis is played by Alice Day, a sweet young thing who is buffeted about a bit by fate and lawyers and Mrs Decker. The story is a light and frivolous one, always amusing ni a quiet, deep way, and is an example ot that excellent art, how to handle men. Apart from the troubled course run by Mrs Decker and her husband (Matt r>i ’ lerc i R a romantic part run by> 1 hylhs and a young man called Clvde.' the first days races at Wingatui will also be screened.

STRAND THEATRE. D. W. Griffith’s flew picture, which ;*t the Strand Theatre to-day, is entitled “The Battle of the Sexes,” and tells a story as universal in its appeal and application as a page from Dickens, nu r T°r' Shakespeare. Jeau Hersbolt, i hylhs Haver, Belle Bennett, Don Alvarado, and Sally O’Neill play the leading characters. Hours were devoted bv Griffith to research and reading til] 'ho fell upon the story of “ The Battle of the b , ex ? E - ; The.play is primarily c character study of the typical American home, with its moments of supreme happiness and depression, all of which are reflected in the character development of the leading players. Jean Hersholt is made to gS through a complete stage of building up until he.appears ate the ideal family man, then there is a neriod of degeneration when he meets the home-wrecker (Phyllis Haver) and relinquishes his home and family ties for her sake. The end of the picture finds him regenerated and once more the family ifian—but a wiser one. The plot, Griffith claims, deals with situations that might happen to anyone, and of which everyone has seen either a counterpart in his life or that of someone he has met. Overnight a happv benedict finds himself unbelievably rich. He and his family look forward to peace and plenty for the years to come, but 1 they do not figure on what chance may throw in their way. Lured by his gold, an adventuress contrives to burst in upon his tranquil life, and instantly there is chaos. Home, happiness, fortune, honour all are risked for the love of this female fortune hunter. When father and daughter find one another iu compromising situations in the home of the goldseeker things reach the breaking point. Right on up to the end of the picture the suspense is maintained, while through the entire film runs a human nbte that makes the story sink deep into the inner consciousness of the spectator. The cast which appears in this production is composed of players whose work during the past year has been of outstanding excellence. The actors are Jean Hersholt, considered by Mr Griffith and many other film authorities to be screendom’s finest character actor, and remembered for his work in “ Don Q,” “ Stella Dallas," and “Abies Irish Rose"; Phyllis Haver, the come-on girl in “Chicago” and Shanghai Mabel in ‘What Price Glory?”; Belle Bennett, the immortal mother of “ Stella Dallas” and “Mother Machree Don Alvarado, the dashing hero of “ Drums of Love”; and Sally OJNeill, the famous Marshall Ncilan find, who became a star with her first picture, “ Mike.” A supporting feature will be screened, entitled “ My Lady of Victories,” which is an interesting historical study taken in technicolour and dealing with the lives of Napoleon and Josephine. A prologue to

“The Battle of the Sexes” will be staged aud will consist of a dance duo entitled A Flirtation,” by pupils of the Otago bchool of Dancing. An excellent programme has been selected for the Strand Orchestra by Mr L. D. Austin.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Comedy and intrigue are the chief feature of the programme to be screened at Everybody’s Theatre to-day. The first picture is “ None But the Brave.” It is the story of a college hero, played by Charles Morton, who finds that the athletic trophies won in college are of no earthly use in the business world. But r ,? tp eat, and so he dons the raiment of a life guard which carries him through many tight situations to the feet of Sally Phipps, who portrays a young business woman in search of her man. 11l advised, Sally enters a bathing beauty contest, and loses by a small margin. The winner, a stunning brunette, thanks Charlie lor helping her win the contest. Alary is broken-hearted, and no explaining on Charlie’s part will suffice. In losing the contest Mary has financially embarrassed herself. Charlie helps out by winning an obstacle race and bringing harmony once more into troubled lives. The picture is “ Woman’s Way which is a vivid, colourful portrayal of the French city as it is known * O, tTavellers and natives. The story deals with the awakening of love iu the heart of a dancer in a Paris night club. She has been so indifferent to the attentions, of men that she is known as the “Frozen Flame. Jean, an apache, has tried to win the girl, but is unsuccessful in his Attempts. He regards her as his property, an d keeps all _ would-be suitors away. A dashing American' youth, however, knows no fear of _Jean, and succeeds in making f? impression on the girl. She returns his affection, although fear of Jean makes her cautions in displaying it. Plot and intrigue follow, which hold the attention and provide thrills.

GRAND AND PLAZA THEATRES. Another splendid double-feature programme of thrills and laughter will be shown at the Grand and Plaza' Theatres to-day, the attractions being Tim M‘Coy in “ The Adventurer ” and the, popular comedian Glen Tryon in “ Painting the Town.” “The Adventurer” rivals with a rebellion in Costa Ora, which has disastrous results for the lovely girl to. whom Jtm M Clellan (Tim M’Coy) has given his heart, and to her father, the deposed President. The rally of avenging forces, thrilling handrto-hand encounters, and the rescue of the girl from the clutches of the usurper are gripping incidents in a virile, dramatic production. The story of Painting the Town ” has to do with one ilector v> hitmore, a country town inventn e genius and <{ sinarty v who goes to , gw York to astonish the town with his inventions, principal among them being a front-wheel brake auto that will stop in its own length at any speed. He also wants to renew a chance acquaintance <c eau, a Follies beauty. A mirthful story is the result.

KING EDWARD THEATRE,

Bcbe Daniels is seen in another picture of college sports, " Swim, Girl, Swim ” which opens at the King Edward Theatre to-nignt. Here she is shown as an expert and | ler training comes from Geitrnde Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel, who has an important role in support of the star. w«», upp P? i ? 1 «. Picture is “A Woman’s Way, which takes you for a trip to Bans, and shows you life in the French city is it practically exists. Into the atmosphere of the cafes, Latin Quarter, ana the opera is introduced in intriguing plot and strong love interest. “A M Oman s Way tells a strange tale of the adventures of a dancing girl, 'an Ameiican youth and an apache. Love jealousy, intrigue, revenge, and daring arc invoked to heighten the dramatic eitoct as the plot develops.

BUFFALOES’ CARNIVAL. Last night the carnival which is being held in Burns'Hall by the Jocal branch of the Order of Buffaloes was continued, and there was a very fair - attendance, good .business being done on all the stalls and at the various games The effort had the assistance of the Albany Street School Boys’ Brass Baud last evening, and the selections rendered were greatly appreciated by all. The feature of the evening was a long and bobbed hair competition, which resulted as follows:—Long hair—Mrs Small 1, Miss N. Blair —, Mrs MTvay 3, Mrs Standen v.li.c.; bobbed hair—Miss P. Hutton 1, Miss Henry 2, Miss Clark The carnival wil be continued to-night, when further attractions will be offered.

DANCING SEASON OPENS

T.he cver-popular Merrymakers’ Dance, which has been held in the Tudor Hall every Thursday evening for several seasons past, was selected as the opening event in the 1929 dancing season, and the wisdom of those responsible for the choice of the initial dancing event was apparent from the commencement last evening, all available tables being booked within a very short time of tnc opening number. The music was supplied by a band of five versatile musicians, led bv Ross Floyd, whose masterly presentation of _ the numerous rhythmic selections required for the occasion .won them unstinted commendation. Installed as a permanent adjunct to the Savoy Tea Rooms, these musicians will be at their places every night of the week, and, as the five members are masters of no fewer than 17 instruments, ranging from sousaphones oboes, and trombones, to steel guitars, saxophones, and violins, it can safelv be stated that variety will he one of thenstrong poipts. As a musical combination alone these talented musicians arc well worth hearing, and should prove a great attraction to dancers and non-dancors alike.