ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19966, 4 September 1926, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES.

BUCK JONES IN “THE MAIL RIDER,” JACK HOLT IN “THE ANCIENT HIGHWAY."

In the Municipal Theatre to-night the management of the Civic Pictures will present a specially selected programme —a programme that will be remarkably full of real entertainment. Intending patrons are asked to note the fact that this programme will be shown for two nights only James Oliver Curwood is one of the most popular writers of fiction in America to-day. He speaks to a large audience, an audience that is a lover of the great outdoors, of strong men and brave women, and Curwood never fails to satisfy. A typical book of his is “The Ancient Highway,” a story that is a song from the Canadian backwoods, a drama of the survival of the fittest. A picture of thrilling adventure and with a great dramatic impulse behind it, “The Ancient Highway” has embodied in it all the allurement of old Quebec, all the fascination that the spectacle of a man living to square an outstanding account with another has for all classes of picture patrons. The story is a romance of high hearts and open roads, but the vivid realism and stirring adventure that go. hand in hand with life in the Canadian timber industry are all faithfully portrayed. There is admirable cohesion in the plot, despite the whirling pace of the story, and all the players handle their roles with consummate skill. Jack Holt, Montagu Love and Billie Dove play the leading roles, and as the young Lochinvar of the wooded north Holt gives a splendid impersonation. What’s in a thrill? Buck Jones, in “The Trail Rider,” provides the best answer in the world to the quetaion. This William Fox production is an adaptation of George Washington Ogden’s novel about the old cattle days in Kansas, when men rode the border to keep diseased herds from crossing the line into the “Cyclone State.” There are battles galore, acres of cattle, more picturesque landscape than can be rolled up in a circus tent and a well strung story that holds interest all the way. Buck Jones must do that wild riding because he likes it, for it needs heaps of enthusiasm. Never in this great terrestial sphere could a director get a man to do those stunts against his will. It wouldn’t pay either, to get Buck into a fighting mood, judging from his speed when he’s only acting. “The Trail Rider” is full of interest and exciting incident and will appeal strongly to all fans. The new serial, “The Fighting Ranger” features an exciting drop by rope ladder from an aeroplane to a speeding motor cycle. Exceptionally interesting supports are also included. Seats may be reserved at the Bristol or by ringing No. 380.

ALBION THEATRE.

“BLUE BLAZES,” STARRING PETE MORRISON AND ‘THE BUSHWHACKERS.”

Written by one of the most popular authors of the red-blooded stories of the West, “Blue Blazes,” starring Pete Morrison will open at the Albion Theatre - The Story ’ which is unusually thrilling, is admirably adapted to the wide talents of Morrison in his Western characterisations. Frank C. Fobinson, whose name is known to all those interested in the literature of the west, wrote this story f F° m an adventure he underwent in the West several years ago when he was seeking atmosphere for a novel which was recently published. “Blue Blazes” was published under the title “The Hidden Cabin” and was tremendously popular in the written form. It has been adapted for the screen m a way that makes it even more thrilling. The wider scope of the screen made if possible to accentuate the suspense and make the love story even more charming. Morrison has one of the best supporting casts in this picture that his pictures have ever contained. Most of them were chosen for their dramatic ability and the others were taken because of their charming personalities. Barbara Starr, the dainty little leading woman, makes a perfect contrast to Morrison’s rugged manly handsomeness. In the cast are Jerome La Gasse, Leon de la Mothe, Dick Loreno, Jr Les Bates, James Welch, Peggy Blackwood, Joe Bennett, Joseph Mills, and Milburn Morante. The second feature of this programme is a Master picture, entitled “The Bushwhackers,” an Australian production, and said to be the best Australian picture yet produced. It is the story of an Australian’s self-sacrifice for those whom he loved, set amid scenes of majestic splendour in the great out-back. For many months the Bushwhackers had one among them whom they called “Mad Joe.” This poor old chap has never spoken, and exchanges furs for his “tucker.” Through an accident to his leg he is removed to a hospital. The doctor decides to operate on his brain, to see if his memory can be regained. The operation is successful, and “Mad Joe” discloses his identity as Bill Lawson. He return to the city to find his wife married to his best pal. This occurs in ‘The Bushwhackers,” starring Eddie O’Reilly, Rawdon Blandford, and Stella Southern. There will also be shown some excellent supports, including a comedy, gazette, etc.