ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 20147, 6 April 1927, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION TO-NIGHT. SYD. CHAPLIN IN “THE MAN ON THE BOX,” ALSO “PARIS.” The main picture at the Albion to-night “The Man On The Box,” is really a succession of laughs in itself. Sydney Chaplin appearing in the successive roles of cabman, butler and maid, displays a new type of humour, widely removed from the usual burlesque. While being to a certain extent dignified his antics are full of fun. He is able to introduce several small conjuring feats which add to the entertainment. He is irresistibly funny in the position of maid when he is called upon to attend to the dressing of the daughter of the house. In this position, he has to perform several duties, while his mock seriousness makes the natural humour of the situation all the more ludicrous. He is repaid, however, by the fact that he hears a conversation which finally enables him to defeat the efforts of a gang of criminals and win the girl he loves. The story is good, wholesome humour and the picture provides a splendid evening’s entertainment. Edmund Goulding’s new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production is a tense drama of the Parisian underworld, “Paris,” from an original story by himself, and it will be screened at the Albion Theatre also to-night. The featured players are Joan Crawford and Charles Ray. Apache love is a feature, and when it is crossed by a young foreigner, who is both wealthy and presentable, many sensational happenings occur before the girl at last finds her heart. It features Joan Crawford and Charles Ray, and is the story* of a girl who loves an Apache leader of underworld Paris. A- young millionaire falls in love with her, and the brutality of the apache is apparently helping his suit when the two men clash for the second time, and a terrific battle is staged. This fight reveals the girl’s heart and she goes to her man. Those responsible for the settings of the picture must be congratulated on the way they have duplicated Paris, and this realism aids the picture in entertaining in no uncertain fashion. There is plenty of humour, provided mainly by the whimsical millionaire, but drama predominates. But it is a satisfying, romantic kind of drama, and will be thorough!}' enjoyed by all. The plans for this remarkable programme are on view at the Bristol till noon to-day, then at Rice’s (next to Albion) or ring 738 for reservations.

CIVIC PICTURES. LLOYD HUGHES IN “PALS FIRST” AND GREAT FRENCH MASTERPIECE “THE MIRACLE OF THE WOLVES.” A delightful picture of the comedydramatic variety, dealing with the adventures of three tramps who suddenly found themselves ensconced in the luxurious home of a wealthy cotton planter is deftly unfolded in "Pals First,” the new First National picture which heads the new bill at the Civic to-night. Edwin Carew e used perfect screen judgment when he cast Lloyd Hughes and Dolores Del Rio in the leading roles of this production. It would be impossible to find two other players as exactly suited for the parts they play in this excellent motion picture. Lloyd Hughes as “Danny” Rowland, a “hobo” forger, gives one of the finest portrayals he has yet offered to the screen. Alec Francis as Dominie Blair, an outcast and a thief, who finally discovers the straight and narrow, is first rate, and George Cooper, third of the pals, as a pseudo Italian count, carries off all the comedy honours. Dolores Del Rio, latest screen find, enacts her part with marvellous restraint. This beautiful girl is destined to great success on the screen. She gives a sincere portrayal of the heroine. Lloyd Hughes is seen opposite her. Edward Earle, as Cousin Harry, essays the role of the villain, and displays a keen desire to secure not only the Castelman plantation, but Dolores as well. Earle is a finished actor, and gives a perfect performance. Imagine the excitement of a great battle in the days of the Wars of the Roses—the surge and re-surge of battle of 6000 armoured men on horse and foot fighting for mastery. This episode forms one of many great scenes in “The Miracle of the Wolves.” A change from the surfeit of society drama. See the. tremendous spectacle—the siege of a walled city, with its thrilling incidents—boiling lead, scaling ladders, ancient cannon, fire, smoke—the hand to hand combat between determined women and armed men on the towering embattlements—and the glorious “raising” of the siege of Beauvais. See the greatest of super-thrills—-how Joan of the Axe, surrounded by a pack of ravenous wolves, is left unharmed—as by a miracle—and how the famished beasts turn fiercely upon her enemies—in a duel to the death. The astounding romance of two lovers —whose loyalty to their respective masters tears them asunder, and how, through divers perils, their great love conquered death. The story of how the worldfamed Joan of the Axe faced death to save her King and country. “The Epic of Everest” concludes with the section showing tonight. Seats may be reserved at the Bristol until noon later at Mrs Gawn’s or by ringing No. 380.