AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume LV, Issue 92, 17 June 1925, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

THE KING'S Ti: LATHE. TO-NIGHT ONLY. “On Time!” is an exceptionally vivid melodrama ol startling motives and decidedly wierd action which verges at times into uproarious farce. It deals with the uncertain and muchcrossed road to success of Harry Willis, a woung man of pluck and ambition, as played by Richard Talmadge. Naturally there is a girl, the same one, at the beginning and at the end of the young man’s adventures. Because the young mair has thrown away a jinx, a strange Chinese idol which the young lady had given him as a good luck token when lie started out to find success, the art dealer set s the boss of Chinatown against him by accusing him of wilfully losing the idol which they look upon as sacred. A GREAT PICTURE. “THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.’’ The most extravagant praise of the film producer’s art in a really staggering production has not overstated its magnificoncb. Artistically, the Biblical prologue is the outstanding feature of the film. The producers have in a superb visualisation ol the exodus of the Children of Isreal and the great drama of Sinai given an impressive demonstration both of possiblities of the screen for the powerful presentlatifm of truth, and the striking suitability of the outstanding historical incidents of the Bible for reverent presentation on the screen. The sacred narrative is followed almost literally. But where the producer has found it necessary to use his imagination, such as in building up the detailed-pictorial presentation of tiie great struggle between M'oses and Pharoah for the liberty of an enslaved nation, the result is superb. 1 he exodus itself lias been conceived and reconstructed on a scale that weaves the critic speechless, and the pursuit of Pnaroath’s chariots, the passage of the Red Sea, the piling up or the waters and the overwhelming of the charioteers make a succession of dramatic incidents overpowering in their cumulative effect. The prologue is brought to a fitting termination amid the thunders of Sinai, Moses ui • the burning mount and the idolatry of the golden calf, with its attendant debauchery and retribution. Then the story swings into its modern setting. Of this section the criticism has been made that it is too melodramatic. The natural answer, of course, , is that 'any “film which sets out to depict the story of a man’s attempt, to break all of the Ten Commandments must of necessity he melodramatic. It is a powerful drama working up in infelicity to a terrific climax. , ;:! ■ • ANNUAL SCOTTISH CONCERT. The Taranaki Scottish Society’s grand annual concert will he held in, the Town Hall on Wednesday, June filth, and from the list of artists engaged, patrons can be assured of a first-glass evening’s entertainment. Misses Aileen Noble and Eileen Kimball, of Wellington, have a great reputation in that city. Mr Waters will be remembered from a previous occasion on the Stratford stage. Air Fred Baird is always welcome with his auld Scottish sottgs, while Mrs Twaddle and Mr Simpson guarantee to keep the audience in the best, of good humour,. TOKO TO-MORROW. A pleasant time is promised at the Hockey Club dance at Toko tomorrow evening. KUCHRE PARTY TO-MORROW. A Catholic euchre party and dance nil! ho held in the Foresters’ Hall to mor row evening.