ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 18972, 20 June 1923, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. Gladys Walton in “The Trouper,” Hoot Gibson in “The Loaded Door,” Johnny Hines in “Torchy’s Hold-Up,” and Brownie, assisted by little Johnny Fox, in the Century Comedy “Short Weight,” are the four principal attractions on to-night’s programme at the Civic. The title of “The Loaded Door” has its bearing in the fact that a keg of dynamite is deposited behind the kitchen door of a ranch house, and most of the suspense is secured from the various characters, who, from time to time are about to open the door but are, by some means or other, always prevented. Later cn, the villain is annihilated by the explosion whilst making a getaway through the loaded door. The picture secures a great deal of added interest by the inclusion of two likeable hoboes, whose flowery language is included in the very amusing and intellectual sub-titles, these latter contributing in no mean measure, to much of the success of the story. Gibson, as the hero, is particularly well suited, and his work in this picture will do much towards including him in the list of Western types who know how to act without appearing to do so. There is just sufficient of the sentimental element introduced to satisfy the romantic section cf the audience; this portion of the narrative being entrusted to the star and Miss Olmsted —the latter is a likeable young woman and a pleasing actress. “The Loaded Door” is, to our mind, one of the best pictures that Gibson has ever given us. Gladys Walton is also attractively placed in “The Trouper” a story of the troubles that beset a fifth-rate travelling theatrical show doing the “smalls,” with particular reference to the details as they affect the maid-of-all jobs attached to the show. Jack Perrin and Kathleen O’Connor are included in the supporting cast. Johnny Hines and Brownie are as clever and amusing as ever in their respective contributions. Plans for to-night are at the Bristol. ALBION THEATRE. HEROES OF THE STREET. Wesley Barry, the boy actor whom everybody likes, because he is boy incarnate, the spirit that never dies, was seen last night at the Albion Theatre in his latest picture, “Heroes of the Street.” The story centres around young thirten-year-old Mickey Callahan, Irish up to the eyes, and blessed with a pair of fists, which he finds useful in defending his reputation in the usual street fights of kids. Mickey’s father is a goodhearted policeman who loves his family devotedly. A gang, of clever blackmailers is busy in the city; they are the tools of some mysterious super-criminal, unknown even to the crooks themselves. Mickey’s father is shot dead in the course of his duties; and all clues point to this shadowery sleuth, but the police are baffled. Left an orphan and the home provider—young Mickey is unhappy; the Irish in him wants to see the murderer brought to book, and he starts out on the search. This involves him in some cf the most extraordinary escapades, some laughable and ridiculous, others exciting and adventurous. Mickey, while sleuthing, helps to smooth the course of true love between an actress and a young man who has befriended him. Wesley Barry’s supporting cast includes Marie Prevost, Jack Mulhall and Wilfred Lucas. The first feature of the evening is the Selznick play “Western Hearts.” In order to secure a preper cave to be used as a setting in

“Western Hearts,” Cliff Smith sent five location men into the great woods of the west. This film, which co-stars Art Staton and Josie Sedgwick, is erected upon a story that fits the young and old, for it gripe and thrills. Two weeks were consumed in obtaining the proper background for the picture. The working script called for a cave fifty feet deep, and must have an opening by which the men who were to raid the place could lower themselves into the den of the rustlers. Such a cave that fitted the interior description was found, but no opening. Smith personally went to the location, and after a short observation said the cave would do. He sent for twenty pounds of dynamite, and aided with .a crew of men, soon had the cave just to his liking To enjoy life one must laugh, the philosophers say, and in the Mac Sennett comedy “Gymnasium Jim” we can guarantee twenty minutes of the heartiest laughter possible. Screen snapshots and ether pictures complete a programme well above the average. Seats for to-night may be reserved by telephoning the Albion, and day sale tickets may be obtained at Mrs Dunlop’s (next Bristol). GRAND THEATRE. CAFE CHANTANT OPENS SATURDAY. The great demand for tickets leaves no doubt that the Grand Cafe Chantant, preparations for which have actively been progressing for several weeks, will prove a signal success. Complying with the urgent wishes of a large number of country visitors it has been decided to open the fete at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, his worship the Mayor, presiding. The ladies have been specially busy and the fine display of useful and ornamental articles they have produced will appeal to all. Carpenters are now engaged remodelling the interior, of the Grand Theatre. The thousands of parcels for distribution, in which every patron will participate, include many hundreds of valuable articles kindly donated by supporters of the movement. The “art union’* tickets are practically sold out, only a few books remaining. The star attraction will be Miss Madeline Vyner, in her latest dance creations. This lady who will make her first appearance on Monday will be assisted by many of Invercargill’s leading artists in a grand musical programme each evening. The commercial travellers who gave very valuable assistance in patriotic work during the war period have kindly promised their assistance, and will appear in pierrot costumes. A first class shooting gallery with new and up-to-date rifles will be erected where those who participate in this fine art will have many opportunities of securing valuable prizes. Side shows will include hoop-la, darts, bran tubs, etc. Music will be supplied by a first class orchestra under Mr Ferguson. Watch papers future announcements.