ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19479, 31 March 1922, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE. Love laughs at locksmiths, philosophers, beloved parents, and in fact anything that stands in its way. In the first special picture to be presented to-night “Love” is the dynamic force that moves the whole drama. “Serenade” is an R. A. Walsh production featuring Miriam Cooper and George Walsh. It is a romance of old Spain—the land of dark-eyed senoritas, bold fighting cavaliers—daring deeds and thrilling adventures. The action is laid in the town of Magdalena, a Spanish possession, and depicts in an interesting manner the love affairs of Maria Del Carmen, prettiest girl for miles around, and Pancho, the son of the governor. The arrival in town of Ramon results in complications, duels and misunderstandings, which threaten the peace of the town, and the love of Pancho for Maria, but affairs are untangled in a novel manner. Miss Billie Rhodes, who is starred in “The Girl of my Dreams,” finds herself more satisfactorily placed in this clever story of love in the hills than in any previous role. The story was written by Wilbur Nesbit, author of “Your Flag and My Flag,” a classic of war-time verse. Cast 'as “The Weed,” a beautiful little mountain girl, innocent of conventions and contemptuous of “the rags of civilisation,” Miss Rhodes is afforded the opportunity to display her really amazing versatility, and the characterisation is one that is certain to add vastly to her fame. A rollicking Christie comedy, “Nothing Like It,” with other pictures, coupled with specially arranged music by the talented Albion Orchestra, who will play among other numbers “The Mikado,” make up a programme of ideal amusement. Seating may be reserved by telephoning the Albion. CIVIC PICTURES. Another programme that promises to uphold the Civic’s reputation for providing the best week-end entertainment is listed for screening at this popular house tonight. The array of artists includes Viola Dana and Gaston Glass (the violinist of “Humoresque”), who are associated in Metro's Secret .Service drama “There are No Villains,” and Eileen Percy, William Scott and Rosemary Thehy, who are the principals in the Fox comedy-drama “Hickville to Broadway.” Viola Dana is seen in the unusual role of a secret service agent who has been ..set to investigate and bring to book a band of smugglers—a role that gives her plenty of scope to display the versatility which has made her so firm a favourite with picture fans. As the female secret service agent Miss Dana gives a portrayal that is full of dramatic thrills and exciting 'incidents. Gaston Glass is excellent as a crippled smuggler and strong support is accorded by Edward Cecil, de Witt Jennings and others. The story is one that will be universally enjoyed. Eileen Percy is always a strong attraction. Her rare beauty and talent as a screen comedienne have given her world-wide popularity since she became a Fox star. The

title “Hickville to Broadway” does not do more than hint at all the good things contained in this picture which tells of the adventures of a country girl who disguises herself and enters the gay life of Broadway in order to keep an eye on her errant young man. This is a cleverly arranged story in which humour and sentiment are so welded as to supply entertainment of the highest class. The clever company of Singer Midgets will be seen in another screaming Sunshine comedy, “The Singer Midgets’ Side-show.” Seats may be reserved at The Bristol, where Saturday’s plans are on view. CIVIC PICTURES MATINEE. A special writing competition, open to all children irrespective ot age, will be inaugurated to-morrow. All particulars will be supplied at to-morrow’s matinee, when the principal pictorial attractions will be Viola Dana’s latest “There are No Villains,” and a screaming Sunshine comedy, “The Singer Midgets’ Side-show.” Good prizes are being offered for the winners of the competition.