AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20929, 20 January 1930, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. Three Live Ghosts,” Frederick S. tshams famous comedy of post-war London, again attracted considerable attention to the Regent Theatre on Saturday, fhe story is based on the stage play of the same name by Frederick S. Isham, and the whole of the scene is set in London immediately after the conclusion of hostilities in the Great War. Mrs Guhbins f s visited by an American detective, who tells her that Jimmie is .dead, and he is trying to trace William Foster, who is known to have enlisted with Jimmie, and for whom there is a largo reward being offered in New York. Captivated by the I idea of obtaining the reward, Mrs Gubbms promises to try to trace “ Jones.” there next walks on to the scene a strange trio—one obviously a Cockney, one just as obviously an unbalanced creature, and one rather handsome young man. They are f.'typng lustily the favourite army ditty t him and Apple.” Complications immediately ensue in which the whole ensemble becomes embroiled in a tangle with the law, but the least likely of the principals is found to hold the trump cards. _ In addition to the feature picture there is a long and varied programme of short subjects, including a news reel, a novelty review, a comedy, a picture dealing with the Australian film industry, and a singing number, featuring Craig Campbell, a well-known tenor. EMPIRE THEATRE. . A picture of the highly dramatic order is being screened at the Empire Theatre a t present. Although ‘‘The Virginian,” which is the name of the picture, was placed on _ the screen of the Empire for the first time last Wednesday, it has not failed to draw attendances practically equal to that of the first screening. “ The Virginian” is largely concerned with the cattle country of Western America as it was in the far past. (Sound reproduction takes a somewhat new form when the bellowing of enormous herds of wild cattle plugging madly along is heard. It would be difficult to imagine anything more realistic than what is to be seen °u the silver sheet during the screening of The Virginian,”, and the realism is strongly accentuated by the shouts of the herdsmen and the dialogue that takes place during the production of what is an interesting picture story. “ The Virginian ” is an adaptation of a play which emanated from a novel by Owen Wistcr, and the _cast is very strongly filled. Amongst those participating in the production are Gary Cooper, Richard Arlen, Mary Bnan. Walter Huston, and Chester Tpnkhn, Arlen being a care-free cowboy of_ the up-to-date stamp, and Cooper his friend, the Virginian. Though there is much serious and exciting matter in the story, there are flashes of amusement that are irresistible. Mary Brian is the little school teacher, much disconcerted by the .rough methods of of the Wild West, and plays her part very charmingly. The villain—and he is a real villain—is impersonated by Huston with fidelity and effect. STRAND THEATRE. “ Making, the Grade ” has already made its mark w’ffh theatre goers, and has been seen by a great many frequenters of picture theatres, though it has only been « c^r 6 , n ? d a few times. The story of Making . the Grade ” deals with the efforts of a little girl who operates a tea room to reform an insufferable young snob of great wealth. One situation follows another, plunging the young pair into all sorts of difficulties. An excellent cast has been given the picture, and the interest never flags for a moment. “ Making the Grade ’ is a comedy of rather high-grade quality, and actors and actresses of exceptional ability have been selected to fill the cast, and Edmund Lowe, as the snobbish Herbert, with plenty of money and little brains, makes a great • 11 2? 1 as appears to be, Lettio (Gois Moran) sees something in him to admire, and does far more in a prolonged attempt to knock some common sense into him than most women would do for a much superior man. And her perseverance meets with the reward it deserves. Incidentally there, is . a groat and very amusing tune, fishing scene placed before the spectators in which Herbert performs some marvellous (?) feats. “The Gay Defender a very pretty and rather thrilling story—in parts—is the principal support, the leading characters being filled by Richard Dix and Thelma Todd. OCTAGON THEATRE. The entertainment which is being offered at the Octagon Theatre at present is one or the best which have been seen there tor some time. “Why Leave Home?" « B rr a i ne « v j l ( a of Hie famous stage play. The pradle Snatchers,” which is well known to all theatregoers. The complications begin when three college students, compelled to avoid meeting three chorus girls owing to lack of funds, learn of three women who are willing to pay well tor their services as escorts. They arrive at the apartment of one of the women narrowly escaping detection by the three husbands involved. Th’ women have learned that their husbands are pretending to go on a hunting trip, but are really taking out the three, chorus girls. Determined to teach the men a lesson, they decided to undertake an adventure on their own account. There .is only one song in “Why Leave Home’ ” f'™lV'AVi n v t „ writtGn by the team of Conrad, Mitchell, and Gottlcr. It is Home, Sweet Horae.” and this famous old tune is used to obtain one of the mwy lauchs in the picture. “Look What Boom ” *■% M?’ "J Doin K the Boom Boom Old Soldiers Never Die,” and . -“hhita arc some of the numbers. There is also an excellent supporting programme. KING EDWARD THEATRE. Edmund Lowe and Lois Moran have the leading roles in "Making the Grade” which is the principal attraction on the current programme at the King Edward Theatre, and the other picture is “The Gay Defender,” featuring Richard Dix.