ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 20642, 14 November 1928, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. MUNICIPAL THEATRE TO-NIGHT. LLOYD HUGHES AND MARY ASTOR IN “SAILORS’ WIVES,” ADOPLHE MENJOU AND EVELYN BRENT IN “HIS TIGER LADY.” Warner Fabian, the author of “Flaming Youth,” has given us another story for the screen in “Sailors’ Wives,” which with Lloyd Hughes and Mary Astor in the principal parts is to be screened at the Civic tonight. This is a gay, irresponsible, tragic, amusing piece, superbly acted by Mary Astor and her associate players, forcefully directed and produced on a costly scale. The story switches from wild hilarity to clever wit, from what borders perilously near tragedy to idyllic romance, from sheer drama to the recordings of the frivolous lives of the moderns. The story commences on a note that combines pathos with the love of life. The heroine, Carol Trent, is told by her doctor that, within a few months, she will become totally blind. Instead of turning philanthropist, or seeking the higher life, she goes wildly gay, crams a lifetime of love and laughter into a few brief months. Then there are the sailors’ wives. Warner Fabian is something of a cynic when he turns the searchlight on domesticity a la mode. In this part, Olive Tell and John Mower stand out prominently, an unnecessary mix-up that, however unseemly, seems to be a faithful enough portrait of the world of tQ-day. To be sure, everything ends up as merry as a marriage bell, but not before the audience is treated to a generous measure of comedy and romance and the perverted humour of Fate. An excellent picture, and something different from the usual. The other star feature is “His Tiger Lady,” in which Adolphe Menjou is featured. He has the role of * Henri, a “super” taking the part of a Maharajah in a Hindoo tableau in the Follies Bergere. As he sits enthroned on his elephant, he sketches the duchess, whom he calls “His Tiger Lady” (Evelyn Brent). She sits each night in a box with three admirers. It is evident that he is hopelessly in love with her. The Tiger Lady is so called because she takes no interest in the performance until the tiger act comes on. By chance the members of the cast learn of his infatuation, but in spite of their jests he makes up his mind to win the affections of the duchess. He therefore dons his theatrical costume and visits a restaurant where he knows she is dining and poses as an Indian rajah. The Tiger Lady is attracted. Waiters rush to his service, and, eventually, after creating a very decided impression, he accompanies the duchess to her hotel. She tells him that to win her love he must enter a tiger’s cage and retrieve a glove which she has purposely thrown into it. By a clever ruse he fulfils her requirements, but afterwards he confesses that he is in reality only a super in the stage production. Next day Henri receives his chance to become an actor, but, immediately after he has been given his part he notices a new chorus girl, and she is revealed as the Tiger Lady. As the duchess has lowered herself to this level there is nothing for them to do but to accept each other, and this they do. Excellent supporting items will be screened and all election results will be made known to patrons immediately they are available.

MAJESTIC THEATRE TO-NIGHT. “A DAUGHTER OF INVERCARGILL.” A look at the box plan for to-night’s screening of “A Daughter of Invercargill” speaks well for the popularity of this locallymade film, as practically the whole of the dress circle and stalls seats show the “sign of the cross,” so that the greatest topic of interest in the city this week is not the result of the polling, but “what will ‘A Daughter of Invercargill’ be like.” We wonder. And, come to think of it, why shouldn’t it be on a par with at least some of the imported films? Mr Rudall Hayward, New Zealand’s pioneer film producer, has had a very considerable experience in making pictures and has a most thoroughly up-to-date plant for “shooting” and developing and printing and his past productions have all been of a very high standard. A private screening of “A Daughter of Invercargill” was given last evening, at which the writer was privileged to be present. This film is really a surprise from every angle. The photography, the settings, yes, and the acting of the purely local cast was all that could be desired. Miss Alma Walters, as the heroine, gives a performance that will surprise everyone and one would imagine while looking at the picture that this lady was a movie star with a great deal of experience. Neil Jack plays the part of the hero, and besides being an accomplished actor, he demonstrates very clearly that he is a horseman of no mean ability. His rescue of the heroine from a speeding motorcar is on a par with the stunts given by any American film star. The story is a delightful one and the sub-titles most witty. This film was taken around Invercargill, and there are many “crowd” scenes in which local celebrities are easily distinguished. All in all, “A Daughter of Invercargill” is a triumph of local enterprise and skill, and should be seen by all lovers of this fair city. The supporting programme will be of the very best, and includes the great comedy-drama “The Prince of Pep,” and also “An Angel of Broadway.” The plans for Thursday and Friday nights are on view at the Bristol, or a telephone ring to 738 will ensure your reservations.