AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20725, 24 May 1929, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

OCTAGON THEATRE. The main feature of the new Fox Movietone programme, which will be screened at the Octagon Theatre for the first time this afternoon, is “The River,” said to be a new departure in movietone production. A special musical prologue will precede this attraction in the singing of the theme song, " I Find Happiness When I Find You," Ry Viola Philo and Harold Van Duzee. The Roxy Theatre Orchestra of 110 players, under the direction of Erno Rapee, will render a special musical programme, the 'items played during the stormy winter'scenes being considered very effective. In “ The River ” the featured players are Mary Duncan, Charles Farrell, and Ivan Linn, while the locale is a construction camp on the bank of a turbulant river in the American backwoods. The story tells of a young engineer (Charles Farrell) brought up in the bush country, who builds a raft to go down the river to the cities. The winter season coming on, he is prevented, on account of the river freezing over, from passing the construction camp. There he meets Rosalee (Mary Duncan), who is the only remaining occupant of the camp. Through the long winter she must wait —alone—listening only to the maddening singing of the pines, for “ her man,” Jorgensen, the chief of the construction camp, who is serving a sentence for murder, Day follows day through the long winter, their companionship bringing mutual love, and when the two are about to leave for the city Jorgensen returns, having broken prison. From here the story works out to a pleasing conclusion. A« specially-selected supporting programme of talking, singing, and sopnd items are also presented, and should prove a bigger attraction than -any previous supporting programme. “ Chic ” Sale is featured in an all-talking comedy, “ The Ladies’ Man,” said to be a laugh from beginning to end; Other musical items are presented by the Kentucky Jubilee Singers, who feature the songs "My Old Kentucky Home” and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Nina Taravos, a Russian singer, .will also be seen and heard. Fox Movietone runs with all the latest in sight and.sound will complete the bill. The programme will be screened every afternonn and pvi*mncr fnr oha nnlv.

REGENT THEATRE. The new programme, which will be shown for the first time at the Regent Theatre to-day, embraces a wide variety of subjects,, and should appeal to most tastes. The main picture has also a certain added interest for local audiences, in that it presents in a leading role Miss Dale Austen (“ Miss New Zealand,,” 1927). Those who are attracted by the history of the early days of Australia will welcome “The Bdshranger,” a tale of 70 years ago. The bushranger was the sombre figure that,dominated certain phases of backwoods life, and the picture is said to present an unusually realistic account by reason-of the care with which the sittings were chosen. Tim M‘Coy has given in former pictures many specialised examples to cover the colourful range of colonial history that he has chosen to produce. However, it is claimed that nothing he has hitherto done has quite the .same attraction for New Zealand audiences “ The Bushranger.” Set amid Australian scenes, the plot is packed with conflict between bushrangers and mounted police, while drama is unleashed by a cowardly brother. The story opens in England, hut Van Dieman's Land rapidly becomes the locale, followed by Ballarat and the adjacent epuntry in the sequence where the hero, having escaped from the convict settlement, becomes a notorious bushranger/ to find high adventure and romance in the Australian bush. An interesting love' story runs through the picture, and is said to add to the ultimata effect of all these deeds of lawless (Taring find, adventure. Especially notable in the cast are ‘Miss Dale Austen and Miss Marion Douglas, of_ Manly, New South Wales, Australia. Miss Dale Austen will also appear in person at the theatre in the special prologue. “Let 'Er Go, Gallagher," is the title of the second production, and it will have in the most prominent role “ Junior” Goughian, one of the best-known juvenile players of the screen. He takes the part of a freckle-faced Irish lad, employed as an office boy on a metropolitan newspaper. Harrison Ford interprets the. part of Callaghan, an Irishman and star reporter on the paper. The story has been considered dramatic to a degree, and should prove an excellent foil to the more, intense production, “The Bushranger.” A full supporting progranime, including a comedy, “The Two Tars,” will also-be screened. A specially selected programme of atmospheric music will be rendered by the New Regent Orchestra, under the baton of Mr Maurice Guttridge. EMPIRE THEATRE. “ Waterfront,” which will be shown for the first time to-morrow, will head the programme at the Empire Theatre this week. The story is a romantic comedy, said to be in the best style for the lighthearted humour of its presentation. The new bill will contain a further edition of musical selections by Mr Harvey at- the origan, a stage presentation by Sam Stern and Sadie Pepper (two artists who amused local audiences some time ago), two attractive pictures, and, still furthera fresh selection of music by the orchestra. “Waterfront,” the First National farce cortedy of life, around the docks, with Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall in the stellar roles, is an adaptation ofo a story by Will Chappell and Gertrude Orr, both of whom gained first-hand information of harbours and ships as newspaper reporters. Mulhall himself was in the United States Navy, as wa’B Ben Hendricks, who plays a prominent supporting role. Knute Ericson, who portrays a tugboat captain, was cabin boy on an ocean liner before deserting for a life on the stage. James Bradbury, sen.; another member of the cast, claims his only knowledge of water was learned as a member of a show boat troupe on the Mississippi River long ago. The popular Adolphe Menjou appears .in the leading role in Marquis Preferred,” the other picture. Chester heads the 1 supporting cast, which also includes Nora Lane and Lucille Powers. In this story of a bankrupt nobleman, Menjou finds himself entangled with two girls, one through his heart and the other through his pocketbook. The musical items to be played by Mr Leslie Harvey will be'“ln a Persian Market, “Jeanine,” and “Nebraska.” The vaudeville will include songs and sketches. •

STRAND THEATRE. a rm° r thrills and drama the new picture, the any, which commences at the otraud Theatre to-day, is said to have few equals. It is full of action from start to finish, and' works up to an exciting climax. When the Great War came to a finish it left chaos behind—not only in the countries and nations, but also in the soul of mankind.. However, there was one that derived profit from the chaos existing in those leaderless souls of men. Nobody knew the exact whereabouts of his headquarters, whence he sent out his emissaries into tha frightened world. But he was there, nnd the crimes committed in his name increased incessantly. Murder, robbery, extortion c . n ! e< f the evil triad of the shrill melody ot high treason and terror. Such was the state of the world ruled by "The Spy” until a greater and more potent force prevailed. Nobody guessed that the leader of the conspiracy was a lame Russian hanker. "Haighi,” the leading character . Th® Spy,” is played fay Rudolph ivlom-Rogge, remembered as the principal player in "Metropolis." In that picture he played the rtfte "of the modern .wizard of electricity, driven mad by a burning desire for revenge. The latest production once more offers him a wonderful field for his specific art, the impenetrable mystery of. the make-up. Long ago Klcin-Roggo is claimed to have 'surprised the world’s audiences by Ids chameleon-like facilities. Quick as lightning he changes from the dark character of the tyrant who walks over human lives as if they were dust on the road' from the ingenious plotter with nerves of steel, to the successful benevolent business man, thence to a “ faithful ” secret service agent, and finally to an utterly ridiculous clown oh the vaudeville stage. So clever in his make-up, so wonderful is the flexibility of his style of acting, that it is stated that the audience does not, before the very last scene of the picture, become aware of the fact that behind the funny, and at times ugly, make-up of the clown, hides the most daring of criminals. On the same programme is an excellent short film entitled “ The Cabarets of London.” which shows many scenes from the leading night clubs and depicts the gay life of London. The usual supporting programme i* sfapwn*

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. , "Red Wine,” which will be acreeaei at Everybody’s Theatre for the first time to-day, while primarily a whimsical story of the vicissitudes of life, has its solemnity relieved, it is said, by the thread of farcical humour which runs through the story. The plot tells of a man of middle age, Charlie Cook, and a pillar of the community, who is sad because he realises the limitations which his gravity impose upon him. Irritated by the gibes of bis club-mates, he decides to throw off the yoke of conventionality and enjoy life, just as if he were young again. His first step is to dress himself like an exaggerated fashion plate and go in the quest of what he cedis “ wine, women, and song.” He finds all three in spite of the fact that he has a charming wife (June Colyer) at home. However, the tinselled life soon loses its appeal, and remorse saves him pust in time to avert a dreadful tragedy and save the hero for his wife. Sharon Lynn, as Cook’s secretary, and Arthur Stone, as the man who contributed most to the husband’s delinquencies, both hare roles which bring them before the eyes of the audience. Others in supporting parts are A, AUyn Warren, Ernest Hilliard, Ernest Wood, and Marshall Ruth. The supporting picture is also a comedy, entitled “The Wife’s Relations," and is said to be an amusing comedy of the complication of married life. The plot revolves around a young inventor and his marriage to a beautiful heiress, who has run away from home and become an- elevator operator in order to. avoid marriage with a man who is distasteful to her. The strong cast includes Shirley Mason, Gaston Glass, and Ben Turpin. GRAND AND PLAZA. \ Two new productions will be screened at the. Grand and Plaza Theatres for the first time this afternoon. The first one is “ The Flame of the Yukon.” It is claimed to be a remarkabe photo-play of gold rush days in the Canadian North- -i West, and it is said by critics to' be tremendously gripping and appealing. It is said to.oe thrilling to a degree, and has a convincing thread of tragic adventure .running through it. There is plenty of action, holding the interest to the end. The second attraction is an interesting story of the British Secret Service in a foreign country. It is entitled “A Woman Redeemed.” It tells of a lot to steal valuable plans for a new aeroplane. The young inventor marries a girl whom he meets in Paris, but he eventually becomes convinced that she is a spy. When she. is congratulated by the head of the British Secret Service he realises at last that she has saved her country. ’ - KING EDWARD THEATRE. The double-feature programme opening at the King Edward Theatre tq-night if headed by “Forgotten-Faces,” which-is supported by a comedy-romance, “The Wife's Relations.” ■ Clive Brook, Marv Brian, Ballanova, William Powell. Fred Kohler, and Jack Luden head the cast of “ Forgotten Faces.” , The story is said to be full of interest, unusual sets, vivid contrasts, and dramatic value. The production begins with a night hold-up in a fashionable gambling house, goes on to the grim interior of a peu'tentiary, and shows .an attempted prison break. It gives intimate glimpses of social life in a home of wealth' and culture, and then depicts the terrified reactions of a woman being slowly driven mad by fear. The supporting feature is “The Wife’s Relations. The plot revolves around an odd quartet consisting of an inventor, actor, author, and artist, ■ none of whom can make a living. A cast of well-known players ha* been assembled, including Shirley Mason in the stellar role. Gaston Glass, Ben Turpin. Arthur Rankin, Flora Finchj Lionel Relmore, Armand Ksliz, Maurice Ryan, and James Harrison. BENEFIT CONCERT. . There was a large attendance at the concert which was held last night in Cameron Hall, Anderson’s Bay, in aid of the district orchestra, the building being taxed to its utmost capacity. An excellent programme, consisting of musical, elocutionary, and, dancing items, was presented by the orchestra, and many wellknown local performers. The programme was opened with the overture, “Light Cavalry” (Suppe), "much was well handled by the orchestra of 14 pieces. Mr T. Pitts, chairman and stage manager, then briefly addressed the audience and extended a welcome to those who had come to support the disorchestra. He went on to refer to the history. of the orchestra which haft originated from the Young'Men’s Club of St. Michael and All Angels Church. It was the intention of the orchestra to visit the various orphanages of the city and bring cheer to the inmates. In conclusion Mr Pitts referred to the cost of musical presentation, and made an appeal for help in this direction. The following programme was then presented every item meeting with a cordial p Ce^l lo A'~ S r oloß r M l l s?i ß Rawlinson. R. Stubbs, L. de Clifford, A. Hendrv! Messrs J. Morns, L. Stubbs, R. Mitchell; violin solos, Miss Eva Judd and Mr R. Watson; recitations. Miss Mollie Baker and Master D. Todd; quartets, Returned ‘ boldiers Association Choir; fancy dances, Miss D. Judd; piano solo, Mr J. Aldridge; “Sections, “Echoes From the South’ 5 (Klohr), and ’Pythian" (Morrison), the orchestra. The accompaniments were played by Miss A. Young. - ~ RETURNED SOLDIERS' CHOIR, His Majesty's Theatre to-morrow night the Returned Soldiers’ Choir will present the programme for its first concert of. the season. The choir numbers mil include Chorus of Spirits and Hours," by Dudley Buck. This unusual work carries conviction in its atmosphere. Dramatically graphic and vivid, it rearss Will be taken by Mr W. N. Satterthwaite, who will make a welcome ra-appearance after mi absence of a year. Am excerpt wf"** Jfe* Standford’s "Songs of the Fleet, The Little Admiral," will be sung. Swinburne’s works. " Nelson’s Hand. Bear Witness, Come the World Against ?? er : England Yet Shall Stand,” are fit tingly re-echoed in Henry Newbold’s poem, P ‘ 8- Anderson will be the soloist. Other numbers are the "Viking « o 3 ?’ • „ Memory," “ The Frog,* Sylvia, Boot and Saddfe,” and the & ra Jns r r TT- . Mos « > Egypt. Misses . and J. Hinchey, of Gore, mil be heard in duets. These, ladies come with good credentials. Mr W. Le Qal, a firm favourite with Dunedin audiences, will play two violin solos. The choir soloists rad Hector advertised rt,CU arß °* tts box pl<m aTe