ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 20495, 25 May 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

POPULAR PICTURES, i The current programme has been attracting appreciative audiences, and patrons are reminded that the final screening takes place to-night. Syd. Chaplin fully justifies the claims that are made for him as one of the leading screen comedians, and “The Man on the Box” provides endless opportunities for this prince of comedians Beautiful Anita Stewart is again to the fore in “Baree, Son of Karzan,” a magnificent presentation of the Canadian backwoods. Scenes of dazzling beauty, delightful romance and extremely fine acting, make this picture a “never-to-be-forgotten” feature, whilst the almost human actions of “Baree” the wolf dog, beggar description. COMING—TO-MORROW—SATURDAY. NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST WAR CLASSIC. “ARMAGEDDON”—“ARMAGEDDON.” Invercargill patrons are indeed fortunate, to be the first, outside of Wellington, to have an opportunity of witnessing the great educational film: “Armageddon” or “With Allenby in Palestine”. The picture serves as a mighty and lasting'monument to the New Zealand troops and those silent heroes of Anzac and Palestine. “Armageddon” is the companion picture to “Mons,” and was filmed during the campaign, showing for the first time, the New Zealanders in action. The picture will be featured at the matinee at 2 o’clock and every child should be inspired by this wonderful object lesson of heroism displayed by New Zealand’s sons. The Box Plan is now open at the Bristol where reservations may be made, or phone Theatre 931. CIVIC PICTURES. LAST NIGHT OF “BARBED WIRE” (HALL CAINE’S “THE WOMAN OF KNOCKALOE”), AND “ROSE OF THE GOLDEN WEST.” Mary Astor and Gilbert Roland are the leading players in “Rose of the Golden West,” one of the star attractions at the Civic to-night. This George hitzmaurice production is a gorgeously produced story of California under lhe Dons, a glorious and adventurous romance, with plots, intrigues, and bold love affairs all woven into a convincing and fluent whole. It is the type of colourful romance that is the most popular type of picture, with thrilling incidents to heighten suspense. Mary Astor and the young Roland make a fine pair of lovers, while Montague Love, Mora I’inch, and Gustav von Seyffertitz do excellent work in other parts. When Sir Hall-Caine wrote “The Woman of Knockaloe,” he wrote a vivid, dramatic story—a great appeal for world peace. At least that is what this story, when transformed to the screen, becomes. With the title “Barbed Wire” and Pola Negri and Clive Brook heading a cast which also includes that amusing Australian Clyde Cook, this picture contains all the action—all the drama —the thrills; the humour, pathos and heartaches of the tour years of the war. Yet it is not a war picture in the sense that there are battles and bloodshed, it is a plea for eternal peace, a drama enacted far from the bitter hostile lines of the opposing armies, enacted in a prison camp far away from the thunder of the guns. This is the last night of screening.

“THE KING OF KINGS.” SIX NIGHTS SEASON COMMENCES AT THE CIVIC TO-MORROW NIGHT. Already there is keen interest being taken in the forthcoming screening of Cecil B. de Miile’s most ambitious production, “The King of Kings.” The demand for seats gives every indication of continued interest throughout the six nights season. Box plans are now open at the Bristol. In “The King of Kings” the producer has been careful not to allow any controversial matters to arise through the medium of the film; he has taken the simple and compelling story of Christ’s actions and words, and woven into the story only those episodes which have seemed to him to be of the widest interpretation. Neither has he sought to interpret Christ’s message along narrow lines. That has been left to those who so desire. The story of Christ’s great fight against worldly pride, bigotry and ignorance has been transferred to the screen in all its simplicity and beauty.. The message of the Saviour has been made the theme which like a silken thread runs through the whole story of man’s prejudice and faith in worldly power. The aid of film technique has been employed only for the purpose of accentuating the message, and this purpose has been achieved to the fullest possible extent. The film-makers evidently realising that the story of the birth of Christianity belonged to the whole world and to all mankind, decided very rightly to invite the co-operation of religious bodies in the production of the film. The result was that certain lines of treatment were discarded on the advice of religious forces, which, upon the completion of the story, apparently gave it their entire endorsement. The Invercargill season will open at the Civic to-morrow night and continue for six nights. MAJESTIC TO-NIGHT. LAST NIGHT OF DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS IN ‘‘THE GAUCHO,” ALSO “THE THIRTEENTH HOUR” FEATURING LIONEL BARRYMORE. In Douglas Fairbanks’ new picture, Douglas Fairbanks as “The Gaucho,” which screens for the last time to-night at the Majestic Theatre, he has the most dashing part he ever played. A gaucho is a pictures que nineteenth century character little' known to the States, and apparently destined to attract more than ordinary attention there as well as in South America. Douglas Fairbanks as “The Gaucho” is a tale of treasure, combat, intrigue and love, concerning the adventures of a bandit who crosses the Cordilleras with his riders to seize a city grown rich from the offerings of pilgrims to its sacred shrine. For the first time the star has two leading women, one a wild madcap, the other a saintly character. The production has a conflict of love interests, said to be much stronger than in any previous Fairbanks picture. The tremendously successful mystery drama “The Thirteenth Hour,” also closes to-night. Here is a thrilling drama of mystery, stark adventure and troubled love—with “Napoleon, the Emperor of Movie Dogs,” making his marvellous screen debut. You will gasp at the four-footed hero’s phenomenal intelligence, at his devotion to his master, and his almost human protection of the girl in hourly peril of being snatched from her lover for ever. Lionel Barrymore heads a remarkable cast.

t MAJESTIC TO-MORROW. “MILLIONAIRES,” ALSO “FIGHTING LOVE.” “Millionaires,” the Warner Bros.. production released by Master Pictures, which comes to the Majestic Theatre to-morrow is a picture that goes out frankly to get laughs and, according to all reports, it gets them in hearty measure. With George Sidney, Louise Fazenda and Vera Gordon heading the cast, it has a trio of rib-tickling funmakers who have long since demonstrated that real laughs are pretty close to real tears; a trio of comedians who are above all things always “human.” In “Fighting Love,” which also opens to-mor-row at this theatre, Walthall plays the part of an Italian Colonel, who marries a beautiful young woman to save her from a forced marriage with a princely rake. Jetta Goudal is the star of the production, and is supported by Walthall, Victor Varconl and Louis Nahteaux. This is a programme to appeal to the most fastidious picture lover. Plans are to be seen at the Bristol.

“GOURLAY” ’MUSICAL RECITAL. The “Gourlay” Musical Recital arranged for Tuesday, May 29, in the Victoria Hall, is already an assured success. Those who wish to be present are urged to reserve their seats immediately at Begg’s. The artists who are performing are undoubted leaders, and are musically well known throughout New Zealand. Mr Les Dailey will be heard in tenor solos, Miss Winnie McPeak contralto solos, Mr H. Le Gal violin solos. All accompaniments will be played on the “Gourlay” foot expression piano, which will also provide several pianoforte solos. Ten years ago the Player was laughed at by music lovers and musicians. To-day it is looked on as one of the great assets to musical education. Player pianos are used in many of the musical colleges and schools of thb world. The modern Player has been so improved that it is no longer a musical box, but a true musical instrument, capable of giving expression to the interpretation of the performer. This will be conclusively demonstrated at the “Gourlay” recital, and prove the rich tone and wonderful sensitiveness of the new 1928 model “Gourlay” Foot Expression Piano. Admission is entirely free, and an enthusiastic audience seems assured.