AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16622, 14 April 1928, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE What better bill of fare can be fished for than that to be presented tonight at the Majestic Theatre? "The Prince of Pilsen," with a big cast, headed by George Sidney and Anita Stewart; and "Fifth Avenue," starring Marguerite He La. Motte, aro the attractions. Seldom have, there been screened such scenes of royal splendor as some of those seen in the, film version of "The Prince of Pilsen." The sequences laid in the throne room of Thorwald Castle, picturing a royal marriage, between Myrtle Stedman, as the Princess Bertha," and George Sidney, as the pse.udo Prince of Pilsen, are. especially lavish, even in these clays of elaborate motion pictures. The gigantic setting was filled with court dignitaries, palace guards in their striking military costumes, and guests from neighboring principalities. There was also a display of strikingly fantastic, gowns, and then an ecclesiastical pro. cession headed bv an archbishop of the church, immediately preceding the entrance of the bride, flanked by bridesmaids -with flowing trains of pearls. Anita Stewart and George SicUiey have excellent roles. The supporting cast includes not. only Myrtle Stedman, but also Allan Forrest,' Rose Tapley and Otis Harlan. Beautiful, delightful, dramatic and appealing is "Fifth Avenue,-/' a. most unusual picture of one of the most fashionable highways in the world, Marguerite De La Motte and Allan Forrest, are the principal stars. Gorgeous dresses and scenic splendor are a feature of this production. In addition there will be a number of capital supports and a choice musical programme by Mrs. Dyer's Majestic orchestra.

THE PALACE Two outstanding productions will be screened to-night at the Palace. Botli pictures, "After Midnight" and "The Woman on Trial," arc .the crowning achievements of the featured stars. Few motion pictures have over gotten under the crust of life far enough to show picturegoors what life itself is really like. "After Midnight,'' Norma Shearer's new starring vehicle for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, lias not only penetrated the crust but has delved deep into the core of life. Monta Bell, who directed "After Midnight," and who wrote the original story, has fold a simple story in a simple manner. He has given to Norma Shearer the character of a young girl whose one great enemy is life. Miss Shearer is a young girl whose path is beset by circumstances --not physical heavies. There is no mail waiting an opportunity to make her, his victim. She conducts herself with dignity and poise, in the midst, of glitter and .tinsel, and she never ■waivers until she gets to the point where, everything in life, seemingly, has failed her. Even then she learns that with the assistance of love, she can yet conquer all. Norma Shearer goes from one end to the other of her wide range of acting without faltering. Lawrence Gray and Kwen Lee also are in the cast. It is held by some that a woman on trial has twice as much chance for acquittal as a man, and a woman-with a child has twice as much chance for acquittal as a childless woman. Why? Is it chivalry on the part of juries—the realisation of a greater suffering—or are women less often guilty of crimes charged than men? This question is an interesting sidelight, of "The Woman on Trial," starring Pola Negri. The role of a poor artist is portrayed by Einar Hanson. Another important part is taken by Arnold Kent. OPERA HOUSE The "Court of Miracles," which flourished during the reign of Louis XI; in the Fifteenth Century, is one of tinmost colorful settings in "The Beloved Rogue," John Barrymore's presentation of the life of Francois Villon and his first United Aritists Picture, which is coming.to the Opera House next Monday. The blind see and the maimea walk in the "Court of Miracles." In keeping with the name, such miracles arc nightly happening there, for ' the "Court of Miracles" is the. rendezvous of the beggars of the Paris streets, where the "blind" beggars remove their spectacles, the maimed unstrap their distorted arms and legs and hearing is restored to the "deaf," so that all may enjov, each other's company when the day's activity is finished. Villon, a poet, was a "man of greatly diversified pursuits, not the. least of his accomplishments being thieving. Paradoxically enough, this poet whoso verses thrilled royalty, .was* so much the vagabond that'his closest, friends were found in the strange "Court of Miracles.." William Cameron Menzies, art director, in designing the setting for his gathering place of street crooks, imparted to it a quality of mysticism that proves intriguing to nil who view it. "The Boloved Rogue" reveals John Rnrrymore in a characterisation different to anything he has attempted previously.