THE PICTURE HOUSES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15774, 15 March 1922, Page 8

THE PICTURE HOUSES.

PALACE THEATRE. Much enthusiasm was displayed ai the matinee at the Palace Theatre tliL afternoon, during the showing of the three-feature programme and splendid supporting films. The principal attractions wore Mary Miles Minter, in the dramatisation of the popular novel ".Tody of Rogue's Harbor;" Ralph Lewis and Vola Vale, in tho sensational romance, "Common Sense;'-' and Tom Mix in the exciting cowboy story, "Tho Flying U Brand." In ad dition to these an exceedingly funny two-reel Mack Sennctt comedy, the Selznick News, and the Paramount Gazette deserve special mention. "Judy of Rogue's Harbor" is a do liglitful story, filled with melodramatic happenings. The good folk are very, very good, and tho bad folk very, very bad. It is somewhat on the lines of "Tcss of the Storm Country." The dramatic complications supply the romance with constant physical action. Mary Miles Minter portrays the character of Judy in a most life-like manner. Herbert Standing, Theodore Roberts, and a long cast are superb in delineation of powerful characters. The production of "Common Sense' is one that will appeal to everyone; the story, while being sensational, is well balanced with humor and pathos, and makes a plea for the use of common sense in many matters on which there is • much darkness and prudery. Tom Mix. in the big cowboy story, "The Flying TJ Brand," makes love, rides wild horses, tames buckjumping'bronchos, and performs all the usual Tom Mix stunts. The action is of the rapid lire order, and keeps the audience in a state'of excitement till tho end of the play. Slack Sennctt can always be relied upon for creating hearty laughter, and in "On a Summer's Day" he, with the aid of a clever combination of funny comedians, make the audience uproariously happy. There will be another matinee at 2 to-morrow. Tonight's performance will begin at 7.30.

* ' EVERYBODY'S. Three features of outstanding merit, "Homespun Folks,'" the Thomas H. Incc special; "The Road Demon," the latest William Fox release, with the redoubtable Western actor, Tom Mix, as tho star; and the big Sunshine comedy, " Verse or Worse," were submitted at; Everybody's matinee to-day, all of which were highly eulogised by patrons. There is something vital in the fibre of "Homespun Folks." It stands for clean romance and wholesome after-tastes. The acting of Lydia Knott as the mother and Charles Mailes as the father is superb, while young Lloyd Hughes exemplifies all that is best in young manhood. The characterisations smack of real life. There is nothing studied about the action. Animals and humans alike play important parts in this rural epic. It is vitally real, and its appeal is as universal as the appeal of motherhood. Every class and creed will enjoy "Homespun Folks." It is the heiirt drama of 10,000 small towns and 60,000,000 plain people. Tom Mix does some more hair-raising stunts in his latest William Fox picture, "The Road Demon." His famous horse Tony has a rival in "The Road Demon," because Tom uses a racing ear for many of the thrills and daredevil escapades. But Tony is there just the same, and will do his usual best to help Mix entertain. The big part of tho story hinges on two big auto races. Claire Anderson is Mix's leading, woman in "The Road Demon." This thrilling, speedy comedy of western life is declared to bo the best. Mix has made. '' Verse or Worse," the Sunshine comedy, is one of the finest laugh-producers screened for some time. Tho Fox ■ News and Australian Gazette are also included in the programme to bo repeated to-night.