ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19898, 17 June 1926, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. “THE IRON HORSE” AND MILTON SILLS IN “THE KNOCKOUT.” Seating accommodation was at a premium at the Civic at a very early hour last night. “Standing room only” was on display quite early in the evening, a fact which should serve as a warning to those who wish to see this fine programme on either of the remaining nights of the season. “Lo, the iron horse has come,” said an amazed band of Indians as they watched the progress of the first locomotive across their hunting grounds. But the amazement of the aborigines is nothing when compared with the excitement created by the screening of Fox’s “The Iron Horse.” It was an amazed audience which left the theatre after the showing of this picture, for they had witnessed one of the greatest screen productions of this or any other year. Mere words are inadequate to describe this colossal masterpiece. It is the highest point ever attained by a motion picture production. It is astounding in its mighty proportions. “The Iron Horse,” which Mr Fox completed at a tremendous cost in money and time, is a national epic of one of the stirring periods in American history which will live through the ages. The theme of “The Iron Horse” is the race between the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways for mileage in the building of the first trans-continental railway, during and after the Civil War. It pictures the linking of the two great oceans which guard the coasts of the United States by those parallel bars of steel which always precedes the march of progress and civilisation. It shows two great armies of men, collected from every corner of the earth, working like fiends incarnate, overcoming seemingly unsurmountable obstacles, in a terrific race for mileage, land grants and bonuses. All the vision, work, love, sorrow, joy, sin, life and death that go with every big undertaking are shown in this wonderful picture with amazing detail and truth. To George O’Brien, new William Fox “find,” goes the honour of playing the leading male role in this epochal achievement of screenland. Madge Bellamy was honoured with the leading feminine role. J. Farrell MacDonald and Francis Powers, who play the roles of humorous Irishmen, just discharged from the G. A. R., and they give the picture a touch of rare humour. No better role could have been found for Milton Sills, the famous portrayer of screen virility, than his part in ‘The Knockout”—that of a “Gentleman Jim” type of prize fighter who goes into the Canadian woods to recuperate from injuries received in the ring and becomes the victim of the intrigue and machinations of a wealthy New Yorker who seeks to ruin the father of the girl with whom he falls in love. The rugged scenery of the north woods country forms a majestic setting for most of the action of the picture. The most dramatic rough and tumble fight that has been seen on the screen here for a long time occurs when Sills meets the terror of the woods, a part played by John Philip Kolb, an actor whom one can readily believe stands six feet seven. These pictures, with a Felix Cartoon, make a programme no one will willingly miss. Seats may be reserved at The Bristol or by ringing No. 380. ALBION THEATRE. VALENTINO DARING IN ‘THE EAGLE” FILM. This magnificent picture of Russia before the revolution was screened for the first time last night at the Albion to an audience that was packed to overflowing, and such was its reception that intending patrons had best secure their seats beforehand and so avoid disappointment. ‘The Eagle” is a Clarence Brown production and the star’s first, picture under his new United Artists Corporation contract. Vilma Banky, beautiful Hungarian actress, found by Samuel Goldwyn and loaned for this picture, plays opposite the star. The picture was produced on a lavish scale, and if ‘The Eagle” is not a classic, then we do not know one. So much under the spell of our favourite movie hero were we that our judgment may not be accurate, but even so, every one will see it, and we hope every man, and especially every woman, will enjoy the picture as much as we did. Mr Valentino was modest, sincere, whimsical and wistful, a most devastating combination. The picture is colourful, full of action, and has a real love story. Not since the feminine world went on its knees and called him a hero has he had such an engaging role. It would be difficult to say where the charm begins and ends. Mr Valentino gives a fine, intelligent performance. Vilma Banky is exquisite. Do not miss this picture, which will be on your list of the ten best films,

that is if you like artistic and dramatic pictures. A picture you will like is “The Denial,” a Hobart Henley production for Metro-Goldwyn, which was screened also for the first time last night. It is laid both in the present day and in the last years of the nineteenth century, a period which some of us can still remember, and it is a story of the danger of parents interfering in the love affairs of their children. In the cast are Claire Windsor, William Haines, Bert Roach, Lucille Ricksen, Edward Connelly and Robert Agnew. There are excellent supports, including a Pathe Gazette, Screen Snapshots, and the Albion “Select” Orchestra, combining to make a night of perfect entertainment. WINTER ENTERTAINMENT. NEW CABARET TO COMMENCE. A long-felt want in the social life of Invercargill, the lack of cabaret similar to those held in northern centres, is to be filled during the dancing season this winter. Commencing next Saturday evening, Mr Alexander Sutherland proposes to hold a series of cabarete and dances throughout the winter months in the Progressive Club rooms in Esk street. Later in the season, provided sufficient support is forthcoming to warrant the function being continued, an attractive programme of novelty cabarets will be held. Mr Sutherland intends to run the cabarets on Saturday evenings and assembly dances on Wednesdavs. It is claimed that the hall in which the Alhambra Cabaret is to be held, at the rear of the Progressive Stores, presents easily the finest dancing floor in Invercargill and one on which it is possible to dance for long periods without fatigue. The floor is unique in Southland in that it is constructed on the spiral spring system, which entirely eliminates the jarring sensation experienced on floors constructed on the usual principle. The hall is of generous size, with an area of 5472 square feet, while the actual dancing surface is 2640 square feet, or 80 feet by 33 feet. The cloakrooms, vestibule and other portions of the hall are equally attractive, spacious and well-fumish-ed. The hall itself is panelled all round with red pine and oak, and the ceilings are plastered. The lighting and heating arrangements leave little to be desired. A refreshment buffet is to be run in conjunction with both dances and cabarets and music will be supplied by Harvey’s orchestra.