ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 20375, 3 January 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

AT THE CIVIC. FINAL SCREENING OF DEMPSEYTUNNEY FIGHT FILM, “ROLLED STOCKINGS” AND “THE SECRET STUDIO.” Record audiences have witnessed the screening of the current programme at the Civic. Much controversial discussion has waged around the happenings during the fateful seventh round of the great fight and argument is rife as to whether Dempsey was morally and actually entitled to the decision, and whether he threw away a golden opportunity of staging a great, and sensational come-back by refusing to go to his corner after he had floored Tunney. The pictures show the happening very clearly, both at natural speed and in slow motion, bo fans can judge for themselves. In "The Secret Studio,” Olive Borden and Clifford Holland have the leading roles. Miss Borden plays the part of Rosemary Merton, the New Jersey village girl who decides to give up a college career and become a wageearner in New York City. It is her experiences, based on the ignorance and selfassurance of youth, that lead her into a maelstrom of exciting episodes. In the course of her activities she becomes the model for an artist who gives an elaborate ball in which he introduces the girl as the most beautiful model of the season. She learns the folly of her way of living and gives up all thought of a career for marriage. The other star picture, “Rolled Stockings,” is not nearly so sophisticated as one might suppose. A dissertation on the doings and misdoings of college students, does not lend itself to orgies and the like, for, though the undergrads, may suppose themselves very bored with life, they are still very young, and their activities are coloured with gay irresponsibility rather than jaded gaiety. The cast is comprised of the Paramount junior stars, Louise Brooks, James Hall, Richard Arlen and the quietly hilarious Ed. Brendel, who provides some delicieus comedy. Seats should be reserved early for this programme. VAUDEVILLE AND PICTURES.

ALBION TO-NIGHT. THE PROBLEM PHOTOPLAY “THE MIRACLE OF LIFE,” BETTV COMPSON IN “THE BELLE OF BROADWAY,” ALSO CLANCY’S MINIATURE CIRCUS. Mae Busch, famous for her quaint girlishness and whimsical smile, as well as for her histrionic ability, essays an entirely new type of role for her in “The Miracle of Life.” Miss Busch has become one of America’s most famous stars within the last few years, and has charmed more hearts in a shorter period than any other known actress of the screen. She has been cast in western pictures, in society dramas, in crook melodramas, in uproarious comedies, and in everj r other type of photoplay and now for the first time appears in what might be termed a problem drama. Percy Marmont, who plays opposite Miss Busch, portrays her young husband, who longs for home and for family, while Nita Naldi is the temptress, the full blown woman who seduces the young wife away from her home, and away from the happiness of motherhood. “The Miracle of Life” is a picturisation of Olga Printzlau’s novel of the same name. A Master Picture, “The Belle of Broadway,” a screen drama with an unusually interesting story to tell and featuring the beloved and popular Betty Compson, was again screened at the Albion Theatre last night. It was one of the beet received pictures for many a week and it will conclude its season to-night. Clancy’s Dog Circus again delighted a tremendous audience. These animals are a treat to witness, showing as they do a great delight in the performance of their many and wonderful tricks. POPULAR PICTURES. A REAL DOG STAR. PETER THE GREAT AND SUPPORTING PLAYERS IN “WILD JUSTICE.” SPEED, ACTION, PEP, IN “LIGHTNING ROMANCE.” For sheer dramatic acting, coupled with many thrills, it is probably safe to assume that no recent picture can be compared with “Wild Justice,” the starring production of the great police dog, Peter the Great. “Wild Justice” opened at the Popular Picture Theatre on Saturday for a three day run. It completely captivated a record first-night audience. Again last night a full house received it with great enthusiasm. Peter the Great ably carries away the honours. In “Wild Justice” he performs brilliant feats of athletic prowess, and frequently displays almost human understanding. It Is essentially a dog story, and as such will delight the many who love dogs, and are the recipients of their friendship. “Lightning Romance,” a new Rayart picture starring that handsome boy Reed Howes, has a thrill in it that’s the real thing. As a matter of fact, there are a number of authenticated thrills in “Lightning Romance,” but the particular one to which we have reference is the one when the hero, who has been bound by thugs and thrown into a deserted house, breaks his bonds, jumps on to a motorcycle standing in the yard, and at white-hot speed pursues the thugs, who are on their way to wreck the engine of his father’s model speed boat. The road lies along the top of a high cliff and when the boy comes to the spot where the boat is anchored, he puts on more steam, and goes over the cliff, motorcycle and all, into the water below'—easily a seventy-foot drop! If you don’t think that’s a thrill, you’re crazy! “Lightning Romance,” will be shown tonight for the last time and you should not fail to see it.