ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 21846, 25 October 1932, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC. GEORGEOUS SETTINGS OF FAR EAST. REPRODUCED IN “KISMET.” Bagdad lives again in its olden splendour, thanks to the movies. It is the scene of the story of “Kismet,” to be screened at the Majestic to-night, with Otis Skinner as the star. Strangely enough, Oriental architecture of this period is thoroughly known and understood—much better than the architecture of many contemporary or later periods in Europe. This is due to the large number of archeological expeditions which have gone into this region at a tremendous expense unearthed lost cities and delved into the mysteries of fallen dynasties in this cradle of modern civilization. The ancient cities of Mesopotamia, or Irak, as it is now called, have yielded tremendous archeological treasures. Babylon, which declined before the Christian era, and is now a scene of grass-grown ruins, has been largely excavated. Bagdad, of course, is a modem city, with approximately a quarter of a million population. But it was founded in 762 by the Caliph Almansur, and attained its chief splendour in the ninth century under the fabled Haroun-Al-Raschid. It is the scene of many of the Arabian Nights. In the thirteenth century it was stormed by Hulaku, grandson of Genghis-Khan. He’ killed the reigning Caliph and destroyed the power and prestige of the city. It was the scene of fighting between the Turks and English in the World War, and was captured by the English. Germany at one time held a concession to build a Berlin-to-Bagdad railway. Most of the city is tremendously old in origin, but many of the buildings have, been changed at different periods in history, and much new construction has been superimposed on the old. Yet archeological expeditions have succeeded in restoring the original architecture in many instances. The period of “Kismet” is laid at the time of Bagdad’s greatest splendour. Tremendous sets nave been constructed from actual architectual designs obtained through years of careful work by various expeditions. The First National Studios’ research department spent six months in studying every detail of ancient Bagdad before the filming of the picture started. Some highly rmusual scenes have resulted—ar/d they are all true to the period. A Thatinee will be held on Wednesday.

THE REGENT. FINAL SCREENING OF “THE MIRACLE MAN.”' A DRAMA OF POWER AND STRENGTH. If you are one doubting Thomas who has not, as yet, been to the Regent Theatre to see “The Miracle Man,” this will remind you that the pleasure is still ahead of you, and that the final opportunity of seeing and enjoying this picture will be afforded to you to-night. During its run, it has been interesting to see the ‘ various reasons why this Paramount picture has appealed to everyone who has seen it. Some people like Sylvia Sidney so well that they see only her lovely face—and that’sreason enough for liking any picture. Other film fans swear by Chester Morris, and certainly “The Miracle Man” presents Mr Morris at his best. In between these two groups there are, of course, the folks who like Sylvia and Chester Morris together—that it, are thrilled by the love interest that runs throughout the picture. On the other hand, there are staunch admirers of Jackie Coogan's little brother Robert —and Robert Coogan is better, by far, in “The Miracle Man” than he was in the “Sooky”. pictures. There are those who appreciate good character acting—who liked Irving Pichel in his several performances, or Boris Karloff in “Frankenstein,” and -wouldn’t miss these important members of the allstar cast. And there are people who love the story of this picture—a story of love and faith and redemption that is, perhaps the best ever brought to the screen. If you don’t know the plot and counterplot of “The Miracle Man” by heart, you’ve missed something. Finally, there are those who saw the silent picture years ago, and go eagerly now, to be thrilled again as they were before that unforgettable climax when real and fake miracles come together. These faithful theatre-goers are able to compare the two productions, and needless to say, the “talkies” win. Every vote is for “The Miracle Man,” assisted by. the new miracle of the talking screen. Whatever your reason, you must see “The Miracle Man” —and if you haven’t yet seen it, you must see it to-day.

NIGHT OF NOVELTY. SPECTACULAR DEMONSTRATION. TALENTED DANCERS. During the last twenty-nine years, the Southland School of Highland and Classic Dancing has produced many excellent entertainments, and this year’s which takes place in the Civic Theatre promises to eclipse its predecessors. The producers, Mr Alex Sutherland and Miss Madge Flaus, have spared no pains to achieve this object, and when the curtain goes up to-morrow night the public can rest assured of something out of the ordinary. As in past years novelty will be the keynote of the entertainment which will include national and fancy dancing, sparkling ballets, duos, and contortionist and acrobatic numbers. The mounting of this year’s demonstration will be on a lavish scale. Seven scenes will be presented which will take no less than twenty sets of lines. This year Mr Sutherland is fortunate in securing the services of Miss Daphne Pearce and Mr W. Reddington. Their vocal numbers will include “Hail Caledonia,” and Break o’ Day,” “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes,” and Schubert’s “Serenade.” The Ambassadors’ Orchestra will supply the incidental music which will ..include “Sing a New Song,” “Crazy People,” “Lawd You Made the Night too Long,” “When the Rest of the Crowd Goes Home,” and “Mary Brown.” Intending patrons are reminded that at last year’s performance so great was the demand for seats that the Fire Police stopped the sale of tickets at twenty minutes to eight. In other words, to ensure a seat booking is essential. The Plan is at the Bristol.