ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1927, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE PEOPLE'S. SPECIAL bOUBLE BILL. 7.30 P.M. » For presentation to patrons to-night and to-morrow, the People’s management have arranged a double feature programme that should provide ideal entertainment. Dog pictures have always been popular at this house, but “Flaming Fury,” the First National production which is the first attraction on tonight’s bill, brings “Ranger,” one of, if not the most, remarkable dog stars yet seen in the movies. “Flaming Ray” will be shown on a double bill, with the Universal special attraction, “A Hero on Horseback.” Of this picture the Cinema Review says: “This Western drama should please any patron. The horsemanship is wonderful, and there are many amusing touches and a startling climax.” In “A Hero on Horseback,” Hoot Gibson plays the title role. This picture is taken from “Bread Upon the Waters,” a Peter B. Kyne story. Special attention is drawn to the starting time. The programme will commence at 7.30 p.m. each night. The admission prices are as usual, viz., Stalls 9d, D.C. Is 3d. EVERYBODY'S. •'KID BOOTS.” Last night at Everybody’s Theatre Eddie Cantor, Clara Bow, Billie Dove and Lawrence Gray played a mixed foursome in "Kid Boots,” a Paramount picturisation of the well-known musical comedy of the same name. Eddie Cantor, who created the role on the stage in the original New York stage success, lias made a big hit with his debut in pictures. There is no doubt about him being a comedian. The gags he put’s across and his expressions are something entirely different; To see him have afternoon tea with himself to fool his girl is something worth the price of admission alone. Larry Gray, has, in haste, married a chorus girl. He is getting a divorce and waiting for the final decree when he inherits a fortune. His ex-wife tries to break the divorce by being found in the same house, and through the intervention of Cantor, this is frustrated. Going to a golf club as instructor and caddie, they meet two charming girls, and the mix up that follows is exceptionally funny. However, the scheming wife is beaten and the romances I with the two girls are continued. Clara Bow, Billie Dove and Lawrence Gray give fine performances in support of "Kid Boots.” Other films include the fifth of Universal’s popular short subjects entitled “The Collegians,” a Christie comedy, Paramount News reel and educational subject. A fine musical programme is rendered by Everybody’s orchestra under Mr. Chas. H. Fox’s direction. The “Kid Boots” programme shows again tonight and to-morrow night. OPERA HOUSE. “MICHAEL STROGOFF" TO-NIGHT. ' The colossal Universal Film de France version of Jules Verne’s mighty melo- | drama, “Michael Strogoff,” will open its I three night, season at the Opera House to-night. Nothing has been spared by the management to create an atmosphere worthy of the picture, which will be presented on an elaborate scale. The story concerns itself with the adventures of the hero, Michael Strogoff, on a 5000mile journey from Moscow to Irkutsk, in Siberia, with a message from the Czar to his brother, the Grand Duke, in command of the Russian troops, who is threatened by an uprising of the semibarbaric Tartars under Feodor, the | Grand Khan. Much of the picture is | in natural colour, notably the ball in the palace of the Czar, and a scene of wild and barbaric splendour, that may well be classed as one of the most spectacular ever seen in pictures. The grim note of indominitable courage and rugged heroism of Michael Strogoff is well sustained, while in his love for Nadia, and his forced denial of recognition of his mother, there is a fine spiritual quality that rises to the heights of sublime acting. The film will be preceded by a, gorgeous prologue in which the brilliant premier danseuse, Miss Valina Leich, will display the artistry of her dancing. Miss Leich plays the role of a premiere bayadere. (Tartar Gypsy dancer), and there will be the Grand Khan, Tartar soldiers, and specially selected troupe of dancers. The prologue is exactly as presented at the. New Regent Theatre, Auckland, on. the occasion of the first Australasian showing of the picture. Box plans for the Opera House season are at Collier’s, and intending patrons are advised to make sure of their seats by booking now. ALEXANDER WATSON. At the Empire Theatre, New Plymouth, to-night, Mr. Alexander Watson, the world-famous English entertainer, will commence a two night season of dramatic recitals, under the direction of Mr. E. J. Gravestoek. Mr. Watson is undoubtedly one of the most cultured and popular artists who have visited New Zealand. He has the power of making his listeners visualise the scenes by his very truth to nature. A feature of his performance is that before beginning any recitation he supplies the listener with sufficient general information in regard to it to create the right atmosphere and understanding. A fine programme has been drawn up for Mr. Watson's first recital to-night, commencing with selections from Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet. He will follow' un with Dickens’ “Pickwick Papers” and Kipling’s favourite pieces. The Barrie selection will be "Hunting for Ezra,” from the “Little Minister.” Other items will be selected from- the authors, Masefield, Rice and Milne. Box plans are at Collier's.