ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19497, 11 March 1925, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. “TARNISH” AND “THE WARRENS OF VIRGINIA.” According to the reports, Samuel Goldwyn, producer of “Tarnish,” which will be one of the attractions at the Civic to-night, outbid six other motion picture magnates for the screen rights for this successful play. Shortly after its opening on Broadway it was generally recognised that not only would “Tarnish” be one of the outstanding stage successes of the year, but that it was admirably suited for the motion pictures. Accordingly, screen producers were all anxious to earn the right to put the strong dramatic story upon the silver sheet. Results have justified Mr Goldwyn’s estimate, for the photoplay is one of the outstanding ones of the year. “Photoplay” gives it place at the head of the six best pictures of the month of issue. The story is a high-claes domestic drama of the problem kind, and one which, in addition to telling a good story, conveys an object lesson to many young women who think that, because they have lived an untarnished existence, every other person should be moulded in the same way. May McAvoy, Marie Prevost, Harry Myers and a comparative newcomer to the screen, Ronald Colman, have the principal roles in this photoplay, which is sure to be widely discussed, both on account of its theme and its masterly presentation. There probably has never been a play of the Civil War which more realistically sets forth the pathos of the lost cause of the south than does “The Warrens of Virginia,” written by William C. De Mille. It is a theme that never fails to strike a responsive note. As a stage play it was a great success. Now, it has been made into a screen production by William Fox. Unlike most war dramas, it touches lightly on actual battle scenes and dwells long on the romance of the war idea. Brother against brother—sweethearts torn apart-—bitterness—hatred—patriotism. All the big emotions that were brought out in those soul-trying days give opportunity for fine acting and for dramatic situations. Under the skilful direction of Elmer Clifton, none of these opportunities has been lost. The plot centres around the love of a young Northern lieutenant for the daughter of General Warren, of the Confederate Army. In the course of events he is made to choose between love and duty and being a solider he, of course, follows orders. The result is a betrayal of his sweetheart and her family

through a ruse. Having secured permission . to visit his beloved across the line he is commanded to carry a misleading message which will be discovered on his person. Th:s ; is brought about as planned in the Northern [ camps and the result is the capture of the Southern army’s supply train, badly needed [ by the troops on the front. Discover} 7 of the trick follows the capture of the supply train and a lynching is in order with the young Northern lieutenant as the intended victim. His sweetheart, however, comes to the rescue with a regiment of Northern cavalry whose aid she solicited. They ari rive in the nick of time and disperse the would-be-lynchers. Reconciliation is brought about shortly after. Martha Mansfield and young Wilfred Lytell have the principal roles, supported by an all-star cast. Flans for to-night are at The Bristol until noon and later at Mrs Gawn’s. ALBION—TO-NIGHT. “COLLEEN OF THE PINES,” “THE BLOT,” AND COMEDIES. Another distinguished and well out of the ordinary evening’s entertainment is offered i patron” of the comfortable Albion to-night. “The Blot” offers realism —not realism of i the gruesome, offensive type—but simply truth in the meat minute things of life. • The characters are remarkably true and the story remarkably human. “The Blot” i deals with a powerful theme. There is a 1 depth of thought behind it, while at the same time it presents a most pleasing entertainment. What is the blot upon our ’ civilisation ? To the author’s mind it is our lack of interest in things of the mind, i as exemplified by the low salaries paid to I school teachers and professors. The cobbler and the mechanic may live in comfort, while ! those who nurture our souls and minds J must scrape and save. Whether you believe or doubt, you will find this picture exceed--1 ingly interesting. This picture, however, ’ does not preach. It is primarily entertain'r ment. It is filled with romance and clever ’ touches of comedy. The cast is an excep- ! ticnal one. Winsome Claire Windsor is seen ' as the leading lady. Louis Windsor plays ' the care-free college boy before whose eyes ' -is suddenly cast a cinema of the serious 1 i side of life. Philip Hubbard, playing the 1 old professor, does a remarkable piece of character acting, and Margaret Me Wade is a true picture of the proud mother. The ’ nobility of self-sacrifice forms the theme of . “Colleen of the Pines,” a highly engrossing ’ screen drama unfolded for the first time at ' 7.30 p.m., with the beauteous Jane Novak , in the leading role. “Colleen of the Pines” ( is a powerful drama from start to finish. ( The locale is the wildernesses of the Cani adian Northwest and the action moves with j the swift and refreshing sweep of strong winds through tall timbers. It is full of the [ keen, tingling atmosphere of the North i Woods that will go far toward counteracti ing the heat and humidity of summer days . and nights. As to the story, it should satisfy . the most exacting cf Miss Novak’s admirers. The delicate, blonde beauty of the star fur- , nishes a striking contrast against the rugged : backgrounds of towering hills and virile peoples. The narrative has to do with the lives of two sisters and their stern and rei ligious father who conducts his household ■ under the most rigid regulations. The i younger daughter has an unfortunate affair and the elder, impersonated by Miss

. Novak, takes the burden of blame on her own slim shoulders. From this situation, the *plot is worked out in a most thrilling ! and plausible manner, with love triumph- : ant in the end. A superb cast supports Miss Novak. Two clever comedies com- [ plete this outstanding programme. Seats ; may be reserved by ’phoning the Albion 738. Day sales tickets obtainable all day at Dunlop’s. DIXIE JUBILEE SINGERS. TO-MORROW NIGHT. The “Dixies,” who open their Invercargill season to-morrow night at the Municipal Theatre, are the most popular troupe of jubilee singers in America. They attract the biggest audiences throughout both Canada and the United States. Not only are they a company of well-trained singers and entertainers, but they present a programme that is popular, clean, and not lacking numbers of a really high quality (says a writer). The Southern melodies are, of course, the most popular. The programmes are varied, and include everything from the old plantation songs to scenes from different operas. Mr W. C. Buckner, the leader of the “Dixies,” who is recognised as the foremost negro jubilee leader in the world, possesses a wonderful basso voice, and to hear him sing “Old Black Joe” is worth the price of admission alone; while Madame Buckner (soprano) and Miss Helen ’Smallwcod (deep contralto) are claimed to be the greatest singers of their race, Madame Buckner having starred in some of the greatest companies in America. Another reason for the popularity of the “Dixies” is their individual efforts to please, never refusing an encore. Whatever it is that defies analysis in the music of the negro, there is no denying its charm. Where all other types of musical programmes find difficulty in maintaining a universal appeal, the foremost “Dixie” Jubiless Company goes on year after year the biggest favourites, never failing to delight and charm every audience. Listening to the “Dixies,” one can visualise cotton fields, the old log-cabin of the slavery days, mammy and the piccaninnies, the negro camp meeting, the banjo, and humorous and boisterous darkies. The box plan is now open at The Bristol. INVERCARGILL AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY. “PINAFORE” NEXT WEEK. In the appearance of the 1.A.0.5. in Gilbert & Sullivan’s ever-popular comic opera, “H.M.S. Pinafore,” to be staged at the Municipal Theater on March 18, 19 and 20, much interest is being evinced. The production is under the direction of Mr J. R. Haigh, and an efficient orchestra of twenty is under the baton of Mrs J. Prentice. Altogether there are over 60 performers. The music is delightful, the choruses especially being particularly bright and haunting, and altogether “Pinafore” promises to be one of the greatest amateur attractions seen in Invercargill for many a long day. The box plans for the three performances opens at 'Hie Bristol on Thursday morning.