ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1926, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD.” Melodrama with excitement and suspense crammed into every scene, with romance running high and culminating in a momentous climax—that is “The Pohnstown Flod,” an epic drama based on the great disaster of 1889. Aside from being most spectacular, a sharming and appealing human interest story unfolds as the film progresses. This has been cast with popular and capable personalities such as George O’Brien, Florence Gilbert, Janet Gaynor and Paul Panzer. But the outstanding feature of the production is, of course, the breathlessly exciting effect which has been achieved in reproducing the details of the terrible devastation that resulted when the uncoptrolled currents of water swept through Johnstown and its environs. The audience is shown houses and buildings for miles around torn from their foundations, their inhabitants drowning in the whirling floods or clinging desperately to. some floating debris. A big list of supporting films including the third “Polar Flight” reel completes a noteworthy special programme. THE PEOPLE’S THEATRE. FRED THOMSON AND SILVER KING. A fine change of programme is announced for The People’s theatre tonight, of which the star item is “All Around Frying Pan,” which features the Western actor and athlete, Fred Thomson. Both Thomson and Silver Kang made a great hit with the eow punchers gathered at the Alturas round-up, where some of the action of “All Around Frying Pan” was taken. The world’s best ridel's, champions of the saddle and rope, were astonished at Silver’s versatility, and several of them were given an opportunity to ride the famous horse after Fred had entered and ridden him in the bucking events. How a horse can rescue his master from being lynched is one of the big spots of the picture.- An exceptionally fine list of supporting films are also shown comprising Gazette, Interest, Nature Study and a new comedy of the “Walter” series. THE OPERA HOUSE. BEAUTY CONTEST. Contrary to all the rules of the game as laid down by the International Council of Beauty Specialists, the promoters of the present New Plymouth competition have decided on the finalists before opening the competition to the general public. It is argued that there is not sufficient time between now and next Monday to canvass the whole world in search of the perfect woman, so five proxies have been nominated to represent the actual winners—if there are any. These proxies—“allegories” has been suggested—have been chosen principally for personal beauty and charm, and will parade in search of votes next Monday afternoon. Each vote costs one penny, and there is to be no limit to the votes purchasable by any one voter. The funds thus raised will be devoted to making Christmas happier for those in unfortunate circumstances. The New Plymouth Savage Club is providing a cheerful programme at the Opera House at 8 p.m., and at 9 p.m. the winning beauty will be crowned. There is a threat of a torch-light procession from the post office to the Opera House at 7.55 p.m. when the finalists will drive in state from the New Zealand Insurance building to the dress circle, but full details of this event will be published later.