AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20781, 29 July 1929, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. Tho new programme ;it the Empire Theatre delighted yet another crowded house on Saturday night. Commencing with a iiuo olforiug of music liy Mr Leslie Y. Harvey and the Empire orchestra, under Md de Rose, the entertainment contains a cosmopolitan variety which should commend itself to critics of every type. The "■talkie” short features began with a series of brilliant piano duets by Oilman and Arden. They were “Rustle of Spring,” “Mighty Lak’ a Rose,” and “Try and Play it.” Rob Macgregor, a Scottish comedian, was heard in .a eomedv monologue, which revealed him to bo the possessor of a rich baritone voice. The theme song of a medley of airs which he sang was “The Girl o' Glcsea Tonn.” ihc third short feature was one which for brilliancy must take a high place among the number already heard by Dunedin audiences. It was a representation bv the Moscow Art Ensemble of a typical Russian wedding feast. It contained an abundance of music, song, and dancing, the latter particularly being of a very high standard. Mr Harvey was at the console of the Christie organ, and played a generous selection of items, commencing with Rubcnstein's “Melody in F.” Following this with “ Sally of My Dreams,” he was constrained to give an encore number. He obliged with a novel interpretation of the popular air “All by Myself in the Moonlight.” The tumultuous' applause which this item evoked left no doubt as to the favour in which it was held. The final number was " Somewhere a Voice is Calling.” The overture by the orchestra was “ The Pirates of Penzance,” and this was very ably conducted by M. de Rose. The main picture, “ The Midnight Taxi,” was an engrossing story which held the interest from start to finish. It dealt with the reformation of a young man who was known as one of the “ big men ” in the “ bootlegging ” business, Antonio Moreno played the part of “ Taxi,” the here of the story, and was ably supported by Helene Costello. To expound much of the plot would destroy the interest of the picture for those who have not yet seen it. The voices are reproduced with the utmost clarity, and no difficulty was experienced in catching every word.

REGENT THEATRE. “West of Zanzibar” was shown to another enthusiastic house at the Regent Theatre on Saturday evening. It is a grim story into which the MetroGoldwyn studios have put the very best in the way of histrionic talent and superb photography. The inclusion of Lon Chaney in the cast is a recommendation in itself. Lou Chaney breaks all records in this vivid and compelling drama of the great pulsing jungle of Central Africa. Its cruelty and relentless and eerie stealth are one with his unchanging purpose in the role of “ Dead Legs ” —the avenging of the betrayal of his beautiful girl-wife. The manner in which he tracks down the betrayer and works silently and patiently for the day when he will take his enemy and break him is a moving story of perseverance and tenacity of purpose that cannot fail to appeal to all who see it. It is a tremendous story, in which the great impersonator finds himself on this occasion, but he is equal to all the demands of the producers, and he provides a running display of splendid delineation that takes away the breath and compels in the mind of the most critical judge the keenest admiration for one so gifted in the presentation of the greatest passions to which the human frame is heir—love and hate. In the supporting roles Lon Chancy has the assistance of such well-known and popular players as Lionel Barrymore and Mary Nolan. There was the usual eries of splendid short sound films which found ready acceptance with the largo bouse. There is Joseph Regan, an American tenor of great ability, who renders such favourites as “ Mary Ann ’’ and “Beloved” in a manner that proves greatly to the taste of his audience. Then there is Miss Frances White, a popular star performer in the worldfamous- Ziegfeld Follies, who appears in some striking numbers, such as “There ■ Wi'l Never be a Sweeter Story Ever j Told,’’ “ Mississippi,” and “ Heart-break- , ing Creole Rose.” Her characterisations , are exceptionally good, and her pleasing ; voice is especially suited to the numbers ; she is responsib’e for. Miss Ruth Etting, another of the famous Ziegfeld Beauties, appears in two very delightful numbers, “ Because My Baby Don’t Mean Maybe Now" and “Roses of Yesterday.’ Ella Shields, the celebrated male impersonator, who enjovs the distinction of being_ the Prince of Wales’s favourite entertainer, presents two very acceptable song hits, “ Just One Kiss ” and _ “If You Knew Susie,” in a manner which earns for ner the generous appreciation of her hearers. OCTAGON THEATRE. Lovers of comedy will find little to fall short of their tastes in Clear Decks’ a Reginald Denny comedy, which is now showing at the Octagon Theatre. It is a screen version of E. J. Hath 6 well-known novel, “ When the Devil Was Sick,”' and the extraordinary chain ot diverting incidents which follow quickly on one another throughout the picture, gives Denny ample scope to display n:s wonderful versatility, and undoubted abilities as a comedian. Hia role in the picture is that of a young mining engineer, whose heart, at times, is apt to rule his head, and this characteristic leads him into amusing adventures which form the theme of the story. Falling in love at first sight with a beautiful young girl leads-him to attempt to further the acquaintance, by taking a trip on the same ship on which she is travelling, but to do so he has first to find a berth, and here his troubles begin, for to get a berth he has to take • the place of a friend, who, believed by bin relatives to be slightly unbalanced, is being compelled to take a sea trip for his health. The picture reaches a conclusion after further exciting episodes. The supporting programme k an unusually good one, and inclu rs, besides an interesting news gazette, a highly humorous Christie comedy entitled “ Nifty Nags,” and an instalment of the British sporting series, in which there is much of interest to the amateur boxers. In addition, a Bray Magazine Industrial series is also featured. STRAND THEATRE. Dolores Del Rio appears in a new role in “ Revenge,” the chief picture on the new programme .at the Strand Theatre. “ Revenge ” was prepared for the film screen from Konrad Bercovici’s story “The Bear Tamer’s Daughter,” with fascinating Dolores del Rio in tiie role of a gipsy maiden. The story is ns fascinating as the .star performer. In the Carpathian Mountains Rascha, a S'P 3 y girl, lives with her father, a bear tamer. The girl loves to tame men as she tames bears. She succeeds very well iu both acomplishmente. as her companionship with Stefan, a young gipsy, proves, but soon she tires of him, and sends him back to his nomadic people, Jorga. soli/of a bandit, comes on the scone, and at once falls a victim to the girl’s charms. There are some wild scenes among the bandits, and at last Jorga steals the girl and carries her oil' to his mountain homo. It is then his task to tame the tamer, but he finds it easier than he had expected, and how he manages it is capitally told ip the picture. The flaming feuds and the fierce hatreds of a passionate people are splcndidly portrayed, and the comedy and drama of the primitive are brought out 111 such a way that the onlooker is •strongly impressed and pleased with them, Thorn arc good supports.

EVERYBODY'S THE A THE. I wo pictures, one of adventure ami intrigue', ami the other a sparkling couicclv, arc offered at Everybody’s Theatre this evening. The lirst is “True Heaven," the two leading artists being Lois Moran and George O’Brien. Briefly, the story is about a lieutenant in the British Army who carries an important despatch. Who ho meets, and what happens in the course of the delivery of that despatch. make a \ciy good story. Thrilling incidents a bound, and there is a charming romance very well brought to a climax. 1„ a supporting direction is another picture, scarcely less interesting. This is ; Sparkling Youth,” the title of which is amply .sufficient to indicate what mav be anticipated.

GRAND AND PLAZA THEATRES. The programme at the Grand and JJaza theatres tin’s evening is headed by “ Shonlin’ Irons.” in which Jack Ludoil has the principal part. “ Mademoiselle

Parloy-Voo ” is the second picture, featuring Estelle Brody. The story of the former concerns young “ Pan ” Smith, a rancher, who is bringing a mob of wild horses lo the water hole at his ranch. He is informed by his foreman, Dick Hardman, that a squatter is at the water hole, so he hurries on to give warning of the approach of the herd of horses. At the hole he finds a gild, Lucy Blake, and her father. As he is explaining to them it is not safe to stay there, the mob of horses stampedes. From here the plot moves vapidly to a satisfactory conclusion. In “ Mademoiselle Parley-Voo ” there is a good mystery story of a stolen jewel belonging to an Indian rajah, and this is complicated by ttie murder of the detective who is on the job. KING EDWARD THEATRE. “True Heaven,” starring Lois Moran and George O’Brien, is the chief picture at the King Edward Theatre. It is a thrilling and romantic story. The second picture is “Partners in Crime,” a comedy featuring Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton.