ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19924, 17 July 1926, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. RAYMOND GRIFFITH IN “A REGULAR FELLOW” AND MADGE BELLAMY IN “SANDY.” Raymond Griffith “the funny fellow in the silk hat” is coming to the Civic again to-day (matinee and night) in his latest comedy scream, “A Regular Fellow.” It is somewhat difficult to visualise a ruling

prince as being a regular fellow, and all that that very comprehensive term implies, yet Raymond Griffith, as a democratic sovereign, expounds the art of how to be the freest, and most chatty king in Europe. But he is free only in a restricted sense, for what with an endless array of viewing parades, laying foundation stones, launching warships, christening liners and a series of other equally tiring things, this prince has no time he can call his own, and he strikes for shorter hours and more fun, and the suave comedian supplies enough comedy in this picture to satisfy the most insatiate theatre-goer. Griffith is the one actor in screendom about whose work there is no slapstick whatever. His work is eminently subtle, and, therefore, always clever and delightful, and in this film he has been given a story that has a strong vein of satire running through it, affording the star a wider scope for the display of his particularly ingratiating talents. His winning manner, inherent charm and complete mastery of technique are not by any means his chief claim to fame, for these attributes, without ,a good story 7, would prove valueless, and his directors have, therefore, always cast him in exceptionally strong productions. Such a picture is “A Regular Fellow,” which in spite of its almost farcical nature is magnificently produced and mounted, and should really merit the recognition it so justly deserves. Mary Brian is featured opposite the star, and a distinguished cast supports the principals. “Sandy,” the other star picture, promises to create quite a box office sensation. Its theme is one of widespread appeal. It records, in an unforgettable manner, the search of a typical modern girl for happiness. The sensational success that greeted it instantaneously upon publication was due to the fact that the character of “Sandy” has been treated with a candour that is sometimes daring but always true to life. “Sandy” is the daughter of a jazz age who holds all the advanced ideas commonly credited to the present-day girl. She firmly believes that the older generation can teach her nothing but that she can give them a few lessons in throwing over antiquated conventions in favour of a behaviour code that gets the maximum fun out of life. In a highly dramatic story the author proves that rules of conduct developed through centuries of civilisation cannot be altered or dismissed—even by a beautiful nineteen-year-old girl. The record of Sandy’s disillusionments in life and love is both an absorbing and worthwhile chronicle. Harry Beaumont, director of countless screen success, has brought “Sandy” to celluloid. The name role is played by charming Madge Bellamy who has transformed her demure personality into that of a fiery flapper with realism and conviction. The supporting cast includes Leslie Fenton, Harrison Ford, Bardson Bard, Gloria Hope, David Torrence and several other prime film favourites. “Samson of the Circus” is also on this bill, and at the matinee this afternoon two good comedies will be screened. Seats for to-night may be reserved at The Bristol, or by ringing No. 380. ALBION THEATRE. “UNDER WESTERN SKIES,” FEATURING NORMAN KERRY; ALSO “WHAT A WIFE LEARNED.” The exclusive motion picture rights to the great Pendleton (Oregon) Round-up of 1925 were purchased by Universal Pictures Corporation so that this greatest, of all Western events might be incorporated exclusively in “Under Western Skies,” an Edward Sedgwick-Universal-Jewel production that is to be the attraction at the Al-

bion Theatre commencing to-day. The Pendleton Round-up is the peer of all American cowboy sporting events, for it brings into the arena the best bronco-busters, lariat-throwers and horsemen to be found on the cattle ranges of the West and Southwest. It is the most spectacular event of its kind in the country and makes a thrilling and entertaining picture in itself. Sedgwick, who wrote and directed “Under Western Skies,” has brought the round-up into the picture story in smooth and easy fashion. Movie fans will be surprised to see Norman Kerry in a role entirely different from anything in which he has yet appeared, for Kerry rides in a thrilling steeplechase that is one of the features of the round-up. “Under Western Skies” also presents several picturesque scenes of the gathering in of the crops, with hundreds of farm hands-and reapers at work. The supporting cast includes Anne Cornwall, George Fawcett, Kathleen Key, Eddie Gribbon, Ward Crane and others. The ageold antagonism between the city and the open—between cultivation and primitive force, brings about a stirring conflict in “What a Wife Learned,” the Thomas H. Ince drama of American life, also at the Albion Theatre to-night. There is the modern woman, passionately devoted to her husband, but athrill with desire for the career that the publication, of a successful novel brings. Her husband, a virile Westerner, doesn’t understand why all her selfexpression should not centre in him. There is another man, a playwright of the East. Not until the lives of the two men are imperilled in rushing flood waters does Sheila Russell solve her problem. Plans are at The Bristol, or telephone Albion Theatre (No. 738).