ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19519, 19 May 1922, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. ‘They’re Off!” The shout gbes up from thousands of throats and then—a hush, almost a painful silence. As the all-absorbing moving picture rounds the first turn, field glasses and binoculars are adjusted arid mental notes taken of the respective positions of the fliers. Down the back stretch they fly. Into the back turn they go, each rider and home seemingly with the understanding that the supreme effort awaits them just ahead. Around the back turn they come, heading into the home stretch for the final spurt. Every eye is glued to that fast approaching group of horse flesh and gay colour. Every heart pulsates with the rapidity of a trip-hammer. Like a flash from the sun through a rift in the clouds, they are past the judge and then, only then, does the vast throng give vent to its pentup feelings. With a mighty roar the crowd cuts loose, bedlam continuing as the prancing winnar returns to the stand to weigh in. Then, a rush to the tote and—another race. But the big race, the handicap, takes place in ‘Thunderclap,” the remarkable William Fox special now running at the Civic Pictures. It is one of those gripping, stirring, incidents which has all the thrills of a genuine Cup Day—all but one—the expense. And yet, even in addition to this remarkable story of the sport of kings there is a pleasing stoiy replete with excitement and thrills. There is a battle between youth and intrigue, a thrilling scene depicting the blowing up of a bridge and a love story certain to “get beneath the skin.” This picture opens to-night at the Civic, and will be shown in conjunction with the Goldwyn special “Jes ’Call Me Jim,” one of those amusing comedy dramas which have made Will Rogers famous. The supporting programme will also include the first of the Clyde Cook comedies to be seen locally. This clever Australian who was an eccentric dancer with J. C. Williamson companies, has made good in America and ranks as one of the cleverest of screen comedians. Plans for to-night and Saturday are now open at The Bristol. THE CIVIC p MATINEE. Mary Carr, the actress who. became famous in the great Fox picture “Over the Hill,” is seen in the role of a paralysed mother in the big special “Thunderclap” which will be screened at the matinee on Saturday afternoon. In addition to this big exciting picture a Clyde Cook comedy “All Wrong” will be shown. This Australian comedian is said to be the funniest thing yet seen on two legs. ALBION THEATRE. In times such as the present when music and song of the ephemeral kind predominate in public entertainments, it is indeed refreshings to listen to compositions that were universally popular in days gone by. That such melodies still hold a distinct fascination, was amply demonstrated when Madame Hayward again treated a large audience to a delectable feast. Her singing is of a nature that appeals to all. Her voice, a mezzo-soprano, is remarkable for it’s richness, purity and range. So enthusiastic were the audience last night that the singer had to respond to a number of recalls. All who love vocal music in it’s best form should not miss hearing Madame Hayward, who will sing to-night “Better Bide a Wee,” “Annie Laurie” and by special request “Sweet Spirit Hear My Prayer.” Romance, thrills, adventure and human interes—plus an additional plot combine to make “Pilgrims of the Night,” to-night’s offering at the Albion Theatre one of the most absorbing dramas of the season. It was produced by Associated Producers, from the famous novel, “Passers By” by E. Phillips Oppenheim. The main romance of the story centres about Christine who

believes herself to be the daughter of Marcel, a noted Parisian gambler and a famous international crook. She arouses the love of Ambrose, a hunchback, satelite of Maroel, and also Dick Hennaway, an amateur English criminologist. Lewis S. Stone, Rubye de Remer, Willian V. Mong and Kathleen Kirkham are among the players who portray the important roles. A thrilling outdoor tale is “Bring Him In” starring Earle Williams apearing at 9 p.m. The story is a stirring drama of the Royal Mounted Police and is regarded as one of the bestEarle William’s production to date. A member of this organisation is. on the trail of Dr John Hood, a role assumed by Williams, determined. to bring him in. By a queer twist-the pursuer and pursued become pals without either realising the identity of the other. Complications arise which result in Dr Hood returning to headquarters bringing the sergeant in. A mermaid comedy “Moonshine” and other pictures comprise a splendid programme of music, sone, and drama. Seats may be reserved by telephoning the Albion. SPECIAL PICTURE BENEFIT. On Thursday of next week a special programme will be submitted for the benefit of the Southend Sports Carnival. The management of the Albion Theatre have met the Carnival Executive in a most liberal manner, and it behoves the sports to recognise this fact extending their patronage on that night. Arrangements have ben made to vary the programme with one or two vocal items and a uniform charge of one shilling to all parts has been decided on with the idea of making the performance a popular one. Tickets are now on sale, and it is safe to assume that next Thursday evening will be set aside by many citizens to avail themselves of a fine programme and incidentally to swell the funds of the Southend Sports Carnival.