ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19462, 29 January 1925, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION TO-NIGHT, 7.15 p.m. A MERITORIOUS PROGRAMME: THREE SPECIALS. The comfortable Albion was packed last night, the merit of the current programme having been made known from Dunedin, where it was received by crowded houses. “The Danger Point” is a story of fretful post-honeymoon days in a home beautiful beyond the power of words to describe. A drama of human traits—the noble and the sinister. A gem of characterization by W. P. Carleton, as a husband of many interests; by Carmel Myers, as a wife who could not make over her husband even though she had made over h ishome; by Vernon Steel, as the “friend” who watched for the first moment of unhappiness; and by dear old Joseph Dowling, as a blind musician who, guided by a sixth sense, mounted guard over the happiness of his benefactors. That is “The Danger Point.” But hold! That is not all; only that which plays upon the heart-strings. Emotional relief is provided by a delightful comedy sequence played by Harry Todd and Margaret Joslin to tickle the funnybone and make this “a picture that has everything.” An exact replica of St. Quentin Penitentiary, California’s state prison, was constructed at the Film Booking Office studios in Hollywood for the production of “Desert Driven,” starring Harry Carey, which is being shown at 8.45 p.m. A big force of workmen worked day and night shifts at the studios getting the big walls, the guards towers, the gigantic prison gate and the cells constructed for the production. The prison walls of the exact height as the originals.

“Desert Driven” was adapted from Wyndham Martyn’s colourful story of the same name appearing in “Action” stories. It was adapted by Wyndham Gittens and directed by Vai Paul. A Ford Sterling comedy kept the audience in roars all the time it was on. A fine English Gazette completes this programme that has everything to recommend it. Seats may be reserved by ’phoning the Albion 738.

CIVIC PICTURES. FIRST-RATE DRAMA AND COMEDY. “A Self-Made Failure,” the First National picture now showing at the Civic is an excellent cemedy-drama which will appeal to all sections of the community. It tells of the adventures of “Breezy,” a lovable tramp and his little pal “Sonny,’ and their dog “Cameo” and how they are the means of bringing happiness to the charming little heroine of the story. The plot is well defined and the sequences of the drama have been so closely connected that there is very little break in the story except the bathing girl sequence, which was apparently injected purely for the beauty of the scenes and the ludicrous situations which were brought about by the bringing of a bevy of beautiful young women into what had previously been an atmosphere of age and rheumatism. The picture may be summed up as Director Beaudine at his best, and an excellent cast performing in perfect harmony. Speaking of casts it may not be out of the way to mention that it includes Ben Alexander, Lloyd Hamilton, Matt Moore, Patsy Ruth Miller, Mary Carr, Sam De Grasse, Chuck Reisner, Dan Mason, Alta Allen, Priscilla Moran, Joe McCray and “Cameo,” the dog of “Penrod and Sam” fame. That crime is largely the product of environment is powerfully demonstrated in “Environment,” the Fox picture on the bill. “Chicago Sal” was a product of her environment. She only knew crooks and the life of the cabarets. It wasn’t 'a clean environment. On the other hand Steve MacLaren knew only the good, honest environment of the country. He had been reared in the pathway of virtue. So the two met one day in the country, and Sally found redemption. She had found the real environment. Alice Lake gives one of the most compelling performances of her career, and Milton Sills in the opposite role demonstrates again why he has a sure place in the esteem of the picture-going public. These players are supported by a popular cast, which includes jßalph Lewis, Gertrude Claire, and Richard Headrick. Harvey Gates’s story palpitates with human touches and tugs at the emotions. Billy Sullivan’s latest “The Fast Steppers” and a Topical Budget full of items of interest, complete the programme.

NELLIE BRAMLEY SEASON. “IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE.” TO-NIGHT. After their tremendous hit on Monday night i FT" “Fair and Warmer,” and their splendid presentation of “Peg O’ my Heart” on Tuesday, the Nellie Bramley Co. which last night showed to a crowded house at Gore, may well expect to find the Municipal Theatre packed to the doors to-night, when “It Pays to Advertise” will be presented. This side-splitting American farce has proved a big success wherever it has been played, and is undoubtedly one of the most amusing comedies brought to New Zealand for many years. Some of the situations are exceedingly amusing, while the dialogue is very witty, and the cast of players is most suitable. It is confidently hoped that the succ&s achieved by the Company on Monday and Tuesday will be repeated this evening, and again to-morrow, when “The Third Degree” will be presented as a farewell offering. Seats may be reserved at Beggs. ‘THE O’BRIEN GIRL.” COMMENCING THURSDAY NEXT. The box plan for Hugh J. Ward’s big attraction, “The O’Brien Girl,” opens at the Bristol on Monday morning. “The O’Brien Girl,” which commences on Thursday next at the Municipal Theatre is a musical comedy of the best type. Of the members of the company, many are English, and a few are American, and all that were responsible for “The O’Brien Gi,rl’s” phenomenally successful seasons in Melbourne and Sydney are included for the New Zealand tour. The plot of the play is of the always popular Cinderella type. Alice O’Brien (Mamie Watson) stenographer, has received a small legacy. She resolves to have one crowded week of luxurious life, and in the play she is found at a fashionable summer hotel. Dancing is a strong feature of the show—in fact, it might be said that there is dancing all the time. There is specialty dancing in full force, some of the dancers singing and acting as well. Among these are Hazel Harris, June and Dorothy Roberts, Westley Pierce, and Maudie Vera. May Beatty, the brilliant New Zealander, returns to her native land, and is sure of a warm welcme. Mark Daly, the accomplished English cemedian, and Ireland Cutter, also from England, along with May Beatty is responsible for most of the excellent comedy in the show. To a certain extent the fame of “The O’Brien Girl” has preceded it, but, like all good things, it must be seen to be properly appreciated. It is safe to say that never before in the history of the Australasian stage has such an array of foremost artists been brought together in one company. By no means the least attractive part of the production is its magnificent dressing, which was designed by Miss Mo ar, a Wellington girl, especially the wardrobe of the ballet, which is reported to be exquisite. “Little Nellie Kelly” will follow “The O’Brien Girl” on Friday, February 6, for only one night.