ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 20526, 30 June 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. “BLAKE OF SCOTLAND YARD” (HAYDEN STEVENSON). “SURRENDER” (MAY PHILBIN AND IVAN MOSJOKINE). AND WOLF FANGS” (THUNDER, WONDER DOG).

Hayden Stevenson, of “Leather Pushers” fame comes back to the screen at the Civic to-night in a picture that will be the treat of treats for those who love mystery-detec-tive stories. “Blake of Scotland Yard” is the title of the picture. It is the story of a to the bitter finish between the underworld and the nobility for possession of the famous process for transmuting base metals into gold! with “Blake,” famed criminologist, weaving his way through the mystic and sinister mesh of “The Spider’s” web to thrill you with super-human exploits. The Universal production “Surrender” is notable firstly, for the acting of Mary Philbin; secondly, for the coherency and fidelity of the story, and thirdly for the genuiness of the types and the setting of this Russian drama. Miss Philbin is one of the few real actresses on the screen to-day. As that tragic but inherently romantic figure, Lea Lyon, she reveals a great command of emotion, she bestows upon, her role fine artistry, and is fortunate in receiving from her Constantin, Ivan Moskine, ideal support. Also outstanding in the drama is Nigel de Brulier, as her father, the Rabbi Lyon, whose emotional acting, as he sees his daughter sacrificing her honour on the altar of amorpatria, is magnificent. The climax is satisfying, embodying that spirit of romance which is personified so well by Lea and her recreant prince. The Fox picture, “Wolf Fangs” is the story of the regeneration of a dog primarily, but along with that it tells a thrilling and beautiful romance of a handsome forest ranger and a little mountain girl. The background is the gorgeous beauty of Mt. Baker National Park in Oregon. In the beginning of the picture Thunder is seen as a trusting little puppy who adores his young mistress, Ellen. She in turn lavishes all of her affection on the little dog, the only playmate she has ever had. Her Uncle, a brutal man, is jealous and in an angry raga throws the animal from the cart as the little family is leaving the forest range where their sheep have been grazing during the summer. The puppy cast on his own resources blunders into a wolf den where a mother wolf is nursing her young. She adopts the little beast and he is raised with her litter. As he grows older he becomes the leader of the pack because of his superior intelligence, and when the sheep men come next year they hear tales of the new menace. From then on the story moves swiftly from one thrilling moment to the next. Then in the end Thunder goes back to the pack long enough to get his beautiful mate “White Fawn” and rejoins the ranger and EHen as they leave for the outside world. From every standpoint—acting, scenery, story and photography, the picture is one that will grasp and hold the attention and interest of all who see it. Plans are at the Bristol. MAJESTIC THEATRE. “THE WOMAN TEMPTED,” FEATURING JULIETTE COMPTON AND WARWICK WARD; ALSO BETTY BALFOUR IN “MONTE CARLO” AND THE KINGSFORD SMITH TRANSPACIFIC FLIGHT FILM.

“The Woman Tempted,” a Cinema Art masterpiece, opens to-night at the Majestic Theatre. Direct from the pen of that widely-discussed authoress, Vera, Countess of Cathcart, comes this mighty film masterpiece. Backed as it is by a fifth edition best seller, this film cannot but attract a huge following. It has astounded and delighted the populace in every city it has yet played, and it is with delight that we find it is scheduled for release at the Majestic Theatre to-night. It deals with the eternal quest of post-war youth, who, moth-like, are attracted by tfie candle-flare of romance and excitement. Juliette Compton and Warwick Ward render a sterling perofrmance, in which they are ably assisted by Malcolm Tod, Joan Morgan and Nina Vanna. Everyone remembers Betty Balfour in her “Squibbs” successes—love, life and laughter; and later in “Satan’s Sister,” all of which came from the home of Master Pictures, and now they are offering a bigger and better Betty Balfour production, “Monte Carlo,” x written by E. Phillips Oppenheim; Carlyle Blackwell supports the little English favourite. “Monte Carlo,” a Master Picture, will also open at this theatre today. Plans are on view at the Bristol, or reservations can readily be obtained by ringing the Majestic Theatre direct, No. 738. POPULAR PICTURES. BEBE DANIELS IN “THE PALM BEACH GIRL,” FLORENCE VIDOR AND CLIVE BROOK IN “AFRAID TO LOVE.” Another bright and lengthy programme has been secured for to-night, and with the reduction of prices, patrons should be assured of three hours’ solid enjoyment at a minimum cost. The comedy drama “Afraid to Love” is the screen version of “The Marriage of Kitty,” which was played with tremendous success throughout Australia and New Zealand by Marie Tempest and Grahame Browne. Florence Vidor, who is known as “The Orchid Girl,” shows her' versatility in this picture by stepping from drama into light comedy, in which, it is declared, she is a sensation. Clive Brook is the leading man, and together they give a bright performance in this marriage of inconvenience. In “The Palm Beach Girl” the favourite comedienne, Bebe Daniels, is seen at her speediest and best. There are some capital supporting features, including a Christie comedy “Wireless Lizzie.” The box plan is at the Bristol and early application is necessary. MALE CHOIR CONCERT. TUESDAY NIGHT. A particularly fine evening of music is promised for next Tuesday, when the Invercargill Male Choir will give its first concert for 1928 in the Municipal Theatre. The choir itself is in excellent form and its numbers should be very popular with the large audience that is expected. The choir for this .concert will be assisted by two leading northern soloists, Miss Meda Paine (dramatic soprano) and Mr Arthur Lungley (baritone) as well as a local violinist and flautist. The choir is not out to make big profits as is evident from the modest admission charges, but is right out to give the people of Invercargill a concert which they will remember as one of the most outstanding of the year. An attractive souvenir programme and book of words is in the hands of the printers and will be obtainable on Tuesday evening. Seats can be reserved at Charles Begg and Co., Esk street, and remember- the prices are only 3/-, 2/- and 1/-.