ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19691, 26 October 1925, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE. FOUR EXCELLENT FEATURES: “ROBBERY UNDER ARMS,” “DARING YOUTH,” CHARLIE CHAPLIN. To say that the crowds that attend the Albion Theatre on Saturday enjoyed the programme is to put it very mildly, for at times the very walls seemed to rock with the applause and laughter as the several features showing were thrown on the screen. “I’ll bet you £5O that if they ‘hold up’ the coach on the Aralean Mountain, with that team of horses, they’ll bolt, and the chances are, fall over the precipice.” This, comforting remark was overheard by Kenneth Brampton, the producer of “Robbery Under Arms,” immediately he had made arrangements to take the hold up scenes at the actual spot where Clark, the bushranger, robbed the Aralean Mail, on the hair-pin bend of the Mountain road. The driver and owner of the team, one of the finest whips in Australia, admitted that they were “a bit fresh for the job,” but added. “If you want the finest horses in the district, and you’re game, well, I’ll drive them for you.” And drive them he did with wonderful skill, and although there were many anxious moments, especially when the firing started, happily no accidents occurred. “Robbery Under Arms” is certainly a picture well worth seeing. The first half of the programme comprises a very interesting study entitled “Hints on Horsemanship” and depicts a crack Italian corps in various stunts and thrills. The second big feature “Daring Youth” is a delightful comedy drama introducing Bebe Daniels and Norman Kerry. A society play it tells of a wife whose creed was to only obey four days of the week. The other three—well we would like to tell you but you would not thank us for doing so. Seats for this fine programme may be reserved at, Rice's all day or by ’phoning the Albion 738. CIVIC PICTURES. VAUDEVILLE AND PICTURE PROGRAMME TO-NIGHT. Excellent holiday fare is being provided in the Municipal Theatre to-night by the Civic Pictures management. The bill contains a judicious mixture of pictures and vaudeville which is sure to prove popular—it undoubtedly caught on with Saturday’s big house. • Vaudeville is represented by Frank A. Dennie, a versatile performer and musician, who sings a number of catchy and popular songs at intervals playing selections on the saxophone and Spanish harp guitar. Mr Dennie was very warmly received on Saturday night, and had to respond to several encores.

William J. Locke’s story, “The Tale of Triona,” is to be seen in this programme under the title of “The Fool’s Awakening.” The plot is a most enthralling one. It is simple in its main theme yet rich in incident and detail. The story describes the doings of John Briggs, a young Englishman of plebian descent, who has been employed as a chauffeur to a Russian noble. During the revolution the Englishman is imprisoned as the result jf his association with the nobility, but escapes and makes his way into Poland. In a forest he discovers the dead body of an officer, and on the body he finds a diary telling of the man’s thrilling adventures in the revolution. When in England once more he becomes a chauffeur again and devotes his spare time to writing, but without success, until he draws upon the dead man’s diary for material. At once he becomes famous and poses as Alexis Triona, the dead officer whose name he had discovered in the diary. Then he meets a girl whom he desires to make his wife, but his conscience pricks him and he leaves the town, leading people to believe that he has gone home. However, fate brings him back to the woman of his heart in a remarkable manner, which leads to a happy ending. Harrison Ford and Enid Bennett are in the principal roles. The other feature is William de Mille’s latest success, “Locked Doors,” in which Betty Compson has the role of Mary Carter, who has respect, but no real love for her husband, who is much older than herself. On a fishing expedition Mary meets her husband’s friend and employee, John Talbot, neither knows the identity of the other, and this is the beginning of a romance. Back in the city, Carter invites Talbot to his home, and the meeting of Talbot and Mrs Carter reawakens love in the young people. That night a fire breaks out and Talbot is trapped in Mrs Carter’s room. Seeing Mary and his friend as they struggle at the door, Carter attempts to strangle Talbot. Realising that Talbot offers no resistance, Carter aids him to regain his room unseen. When the excitement has subsided, Mary confesses to her husband her love for the younger man. Carter calls Talbot and tells him that he will send him abroad, and on his return he will find Mary free. They suspect a tragic ending at first, but Carter reassures them. A comedy and news reel complete an excellent programme.