ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 October 1927, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EVERYBODY’S. FAMILY NIGHT SCREENING. Paramount's six reel film version of Ihe well-known musical comedy "Kid Boots” will have its final screening at Everybody’s to-night. Eddie Cantor, who played the title role in the original stage production, is starred in the picture, and is capably assisted by Clara Bow, Billie Dove and Lawrence Gray. Other films include the fifth of "The Collegian” series, a Century comedy entitled “Jane Missed Out,” and International News reels. Children will be admitted for sixpence this evening. Commencing to-morrow, Everybody’s management are screening a double feature programme. Marie Prevost is starred in a comedy-drama which has the very interesting title “For Wives Only.” According to reports this picture provides just as much entertainment for husbands as for wives. The second picture is “The Sea Tiger,” a First National drama of the sea, which has as its star the sterling actor Milton Sills. The locale of the story is in a tiny Spanish fishing village in the Canary Islands. Sills plays the role of a slow but powerful Spanish fisherman, of great strength of character, who is torn between his love for his younger and weaker brother and a fisherman’s daughter, whom both the brothers love. Mary Astor plays opposite Sills. Plans for the season are now open at Collier's.

THE PEOPLE’S. HOOT GIBSON AND “RANGER.” Last night’s programme at the People’s Theatre commenced at half-past seven and in addition to short subjects, included two features. “Ranger,” a clever dog, has the principal part in “Flaming Fury,” a First National production which is the first picture on the programme. Amusing touches of clever comedy, daring horsemanship and startling stunts are the features of “A Hero on Horseback,” the Hoot Gibson special attraction which completes the programme. 'This double feature entertainment will be screening again to-night for the last time, commencing at 7.30 p.m. Admission prices are as usual. To-morrow's change of programme at the People’s is headed by "Lost at Sea,” a Master picture, with Huntley Gordon, Lowell Sherman and Jane Novak heading the cast. “Lost at Sea” will be shown for two nights with the usual concession on Friday for children. “MICHAEL STROGOFF.’’ A -NOTABLE FILM. The eagerly awaited "Michael Strogoff” was screened before a large and appreciative audience at the Opera House last night. There is little doubt that this great Continental picture sets a new standard for European movie production. "Michael Strogoff,” which is the screen version of one of Jules Verne’s melodramatic romances of the days of Alexander 11. and his court, is mounted o:i a scale hitherto unknown by Continental producers. The Lettish Republic sanctioned the use of what apparently was the whole of its army to augment the action in “Michael Strogoff.” There is a lot in the film that has not been seen here before. The colour photography is something entirely pew to the screen. “Michael Strogoff” is a story of the Tartar rising. Agitated by the report of the invasion of Serbia by Mongol and Tartar troops, the Czar sends Strogoff with a message of warning to Irkutsk. The invasion is inspired by Ivan Ogereff, who has been dismissed as a traitor by the Grand Duke. At the border Strogoff, disguised, meets Nadia Fedor, who is going to Serbia to meet her father. Strogoff and Nadia start en the perilous journey together. Later the courier is caught by the Tartars,’ and the Grand Khan decrees that Strogoff’s eyes shall jbe put out. All through the terrible I ordeal his mother, who has been captured as a prisoner, watches. Nadia leads Strogoff and the two continue their journey. They arrive at the palace of the Grand Duke in time to upset the fiendish plan of the Tartars. Ivan Moskine, as Michael Strogoff, gave a wonderful performance, and made the gallant adventurer a very real person. He is supported by a remarkable east of several thousand players. Prior to the screening of the picture a prologue was presented which, unlike many prologues, deserved its term “atmospheric,” for it realistic ally suggested the correct atmosphere for the picture which was to follow. In the picturesque setting of a Tartar chief’s tent a ballet gave a clever dance, and then Miss Valina Leich appeared as the chief bayadere. Miss Leich danced with grace and abandon and introduced some clever movements. Others taking part included the Grand Khan and Tartar soldiers. Michael Strogoff was artistically supported by a splendid musical programme rendered by the Opera House orchestra. The picture screens again tonight and to-morrow night. Seats’ may be reserved at Collier’s.

WEIRD MYSTERY PLAY. "THE GHOST TRAIN.” The remarkable comedy-drama, "The Ghost Train,” which was a great success in London, and which has just concluded big seasons in Australia, will be presented at the Opera House for one night only on Tuesday next by J. C. Williamson by arrangement with E. J. Carroll. When Arnold Ridley wrote this comedy-drama he proved himself a skilful playwright, and so cleverly has he interwoven humour with sensation that his product is admitted to be one of the most engrossing stage stories ever produced. Several lonely passengers, who have missed connection with the fast express (through a “silly ass” stopping the train to recover his hat) are compelled to stay the night at a dismal, deserted railway station, and in the waiting-room strange things happen. One of the most startling incidents in the play is the passing of the ghost train. There are many surprises in this interesting comedy-drama, and the final developments add to the intriguing attractiveness of the piece. A specially selected cast, headed by the noted stage and screen star, Miss Betty Ross-Clarke, of London and New York, has been chosen. This includes Mr. Hugh Wright, noted London actor (who is responsible for the production of the play-), Mr. Basil Radford, Miss Laura Smithson, Mr. Mayne Lynton, Miss Mary Rigby, Miss Joan Bailey, Mr. Roger Barry, Leslie Palmer, Edgar Warwick, Reginald Roberts, and Robert .Steele. The box plans open at Collier's on Friday,