ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

Taranaki Daily News, 5 October 1929, Page 26 (Supplement)

ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

COMING EVENTS. ✓ OPERA HOUSE. • New Plymouth. Finally to-night.—“ The Garden of Allah” October 10 and 1 11— “Tesha” (Maria Corda), Cinema Art Films British special production; and “Love and the Devil” (Milton Sills), I’lrat National. ' ‘ October 12.—Taranaki Boxing Association (Donovan v. Griffiths). October 17 to 19.— “The Ringer” (all star), British Dominion Films — Edgar Wallace production; and ■ “Why be Good" '(Colleen Moore), First National. October 23 and 24.—William Heughan. November 22 and 23.—“ The Desert Song” (J. C. Williamson’s Ltd.). z EVERYBODY’S. New Plymouth. „ ' ' ■ “TALKIE” ATTRACTIONS. To-night, also Monday and Tuesday'.— “In Old Arizona (Edmund LoweWarner Baxter-Dorothy. Burgess), Fox Special All Talking Drama; - -Fox Movietone News; “Belle of Somoa (Fox Movietone tabloid musical comedy with Lois Moran, Clark and McCullough); and Richard Bon- . elli and Ruby Keeler (famous stage stars). . October 9 to IL—“Modern Love” (Jean Hersholt - Charlie Chase - Kathryn Crawford), Universal part dialogue production; Fox Movietone News; “Victoria Girls” (a De Forest Phonofilm singing and dancing number); “The Barrister” (a British De Forest Phonofilm all talking comedy, starring George Robey, the famous-Eng-lish comedian).; and “The British Fleet at Sea” (a British De Forest sound syncronised production). < THE PEOPLE’S. ' New'Plymouth. To-day and to-night.—“ The Far Call” (Charles Morton-Leila Hyams), Fox Films; and “The Mystery Rider” Chapter 5. October 7 to' 9.—“ The Girl Overboard” (Mary Philbin), Universal; and “The • Voice of the Citv” (Willard Mack), • M.G.M. ' October 10 and 11.—“ The Girl Shy Cow- - boy” (Rex Bell); and “Songs of the British Isles” (a musical novelty). October 12. — “Troublesome Wives” • ' (Mabel Poulton), British Dominion ' Films; and “The' Mystery Rider,”Chapter 6. . ■ Octc’ber 14 to 16. —“Points West” (Hoot Gibson), Universal; and “The Flying Fleet” (Ramon Novarro). M.G.M. special production. October ,17 and 18. —‘Toni” (Jack Buchanan), Cinema Art Films, British production. October TO.—“The Veiled Woman” (all star), Fox Films; and “The Mystery Rider,” Chapter 7. October 21 to 23.—“ The Love Trap” (Laura La Plante), Universal; and ■ “China Bound” (Karl Dane-George /K. Arthur), M.G.M. October 24 and 25.—“ The Silent House” (Mabel Poulton), British Dominion Films; and “The Lawless Legion” (Ken Maynard), First National. October 26. —“The Ono Woman Idea”' (Rod La Rocque), Fox Films; and “The Mystery Rider,” Chapter 8. « * # . «■ “THE FAR CALL.” Crackling ■ guns, flying fists and salty spray are yours for the asking at the Peoples to-day and to-night, where “The Far Call,” Allan Dwan’s newest Fox Films feature is showing. One of the

most absorbing sea pictures that has appeared in recent years, “The Far . Call” presents for the first time the activities of fur poachers in the Pribilof Islands of the North Pacific, where millions of fur-seal have their breeding grounds. Charles Morton and Leila Hyams head the cast. # * «< * “IN OLD ARIZONA.” “In Ohl Arizona,” has been acclaimed in New York and elsewhere as the “Covered Wagon of Talking Pictures,” and it is that and more. It is the first feature length all-sound film drama to be made by William Fox. who pioneered in this amazing new angle of motion pictures. The entire cast, numbering more than a score of the leading players in filmland, and headed by Edmund Lowe, Dorothy Burgess and Warner Baxter, is seen and heard in the picture, a romantic and thrilling story of the old southwest in the days before standardisation had erased much of its glamour and colour. The picture was co-dirccted by Raoul Walsh and Irving Cummings, two wide-ly-known Fox Films directors, and the story was written by Tom Barry, famous stage playwright,,who also wrote the dialogue. “In Old Arizona” marks a new milestone in motion picture progress. It is a marvel. « .« * “THE GARDEN OF ALLAH.” In “The Garden of Allah,” finally showing at the Opera House to-night, Rex Ingram again demonstrates his ability to combine gripping drama with exquisite pictorial beauty, lhe combination of a powerful story, flawless direction and beautiful photography all serve to prove that this Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture is the most outstanding screen

production seen here, for some time, and Alice Terry, Ivan Petrovich, and other members of the cast give excellent : performances. * «■ * * . “CHILDREN OF THE RITZ.” Jack Mulhall, one of filmdom’s foremost “kings of comedy-drama/’ proves in First National’s “Children of the Ritz” that he is a master of pathos too. This highly entertaining .offering finally showing at the Opera House to-night has plenty of fun for its backbone, but there are pathetic moments, in which Mulhall does some of his finest work. Dorot :y Mackaill is co-featurcd with him, and a splendid cast headed by James Ford, Kathrvn McGuire, Lee Moran- suppoits the leading duo. Doris Dawson, Edward Burns and John Francis Dillon directed the picture. . * * # * “LOVE AND THE DEVIL.” Milton Sills is starred with Marla Corda, who has been called “The Hungarian Rhapsody” for her beauty and in the -First National picture, “Love and the Devil,” a story of modern Venice. Bringing the exquisite Old World capital to the screen, this production give Miss Corda. and ;the yiiile Sills .many opportunities for vital portrayals which they accomplish creditably. Naturally the - settings are a feature of .the production, being in many instances indescribably.- beautiful. ##■ # ® . “THE GIRL SHY COWBOY.” When a dozen pretty girls decide to explore the far •'West in search of prehistoric remains, something is bouncl .to happen. Besides discovering the remains they also discover the sage brush country* holds a romantic lure that is hard to dispel. Rex Bell is a hard-riding, ro-mance-loving cowboy, shows the .gills some real chivalry in “The Girl Shy Cowboy,” said to be his best picture to date. Bell is the young chap chosen by Winfield Sheehan to represent American youth‘in age old surroundings, but with modern trimmings. * * * * “THE RINGER.” < “Tho Ringer,” adapted from Edgar, Wallace’s widely-read story, is hero shortly. It is a Wallace thriller, full of sensational and unexpected happenings, with the Ringer an ever-present, but at the .time, unknown figure. He is man of mystery and it is not until the final scene that his identity is revealed. “Tho Ringer” is a British picture, and is presented by a specially selected cast, with Nigel Barrie in the leading role. “TESHA.” Polished aiid tactful in treatment, dramatic and better cast, more handsomely mounted than any picture previously made in England, “Tesha” seems to be the most distingushed British film yet made by British International Pictures. Maria Corda, the beautiful Hungarian actress, makes great use of magnificent opportunities, and Jameson Thomas, as the husband, gives one of tho finest pieces of screen acting seen for many months. Cinema Art Films will release “Tesha.” * * “MODERN LOVE.” ; An excruciatingly funny marr,iage-life comedy is duo on the screen of Eveiybody’s theatre, when “Modern Love,’’ a Universal part dialogue feature with Jean Hersholt in the leading role, supported by Charley Chase and Kathryn Crawford will bo presented. Beatrice Van wrote tho story as a delicious satire on fifty-fifty marriage and the modern trend for separate establishments for husband and wife, with the bride holding on to her job after marriage. The author docs not attempt to preach a sermon or draw any lessons, - but confines herself to the building up of a story showing the funny complications that could happen under such an arrangement. With Charley Chase as the bridegroom, Kathryn Crawford as the bride and Jean Hersholt as a French modist associated with the girl in her dress designing activities, the situations have been worked out to tho limit of their amusing possibilities. This is Charley Chase’s first feature comedy. He is perfect as the harrassed bridegroom. Edward. Martindale also has an important role in the production. # # # # “WHY BE GOOD.” . Colleen Moore’s latest picture. “Why Be Good,” is the story of a beautiful salesgirl who is gay but good, and whose gaiety frequently leads to doubts as to her goodness. After a day in the department store the girl, Pert Kelly, visits a popular hall, where she enjoys the reputation. of being the “hottest” dancer. Here a romance develops .with the son of tho store owner, whose subtle suggestions as to the sales-girl’s character are almost the cause of a quarrel between the young people. In the end Port’s “goodness is proved. Colleen Moore is as attractive as she was in “Flaming Youth.” She makes Pert Kelly a very fast-stepping sophisticated and lovable littlo person. Tho beautiful frbeking is a feature of the film. Seldom has Colleen Moore’appeared in a greater variety of beautiful dance frocks. With her. are seen Neil Hamilton, who makes an admirable leading man, while Edward Martindel is very bland and mischief-mak-ing as tho old-experienced father. The picture was directed by William Seiterand and produced by John McCormick. # # # *= “THE VOICE OF THE CITY.” The entire plot of this M.G.M. production is condensed within twenty-four hours and so rapidly does it unfold that audiences hardly have a chance to get off tho edges of their’ seats! Robert Ames and Sylvia Fields are lovely as the two romantic leads, but Willard Mack gives a character interpretation of Biff, the detective, which will be remembered |as one of the greatest impersonations of the year. “The Voice of the City” !is a production which should not be missed.

KING’S THEATRE, STRATFORD. Matinee to-day, 1.30 p.m. —“Tillie s Punctured Romance” (Louise Fazenda-Chester-Conklin); and “Haunted Island,” serial. . . . To-night only.—“ Tillie’s Punctured Romance”;’and “Somehow Good” (Fay Compton). . Monday only. — “Blindfold” (Lois Moran). Tuesday and Wednesday-—“ Guardians of ‘ The Wilds" (Rex); and Col- ■ legians. • Thursday and Friday.—“Blonde foi Choice” (Mario Prevost). # * * * “THE HAUNTED ISLAND,” SERIAL. The first lucky break that. Jack Daughterly has had at the end of any chapter of “The Haunted Island” so far, came the finish of last week’s episode. The henchmen of the scoundrelly uncle of tho heroine thought he was Lad when he was not. Therefore they took no pains to kill him again. lor this rea-

son we may be sure that Jack still lives to fi"ht through the next chapter which is titled “Fires of Fury.” But what for? To thake up for Jack’s good fortune the beautiful Helen Foster was left sti ig"lin*7- alone in the rushing waters of a great flood. If the laws of nature have any thing to do with movie serials, she has been drowned in the angry torrent and Jack will have nothing left to fight for. The girl, as you know, is (or was) heiress to a great buried treasure. « * * * “TILLIE’S PUNCTURED ROMANCE.” What small boy has not had the thrill of seeing the “big top” of the circus rise like magic early in the morning when the big show comes around? The boy who missed that sight, which is becom-

in" less and less frequent, has missed a tot, but ho will see it—and the whole ba" of tricks—in “Tillie’s Punctured Romance,” which will be at the King s theatre this afternoon and to-night. The bi" cast is headed by such artists as W. C.° Fields, Chester Conklin and Louise Fazenda., « * * * “BLINDFOLD.” Love, hate, tragedy, joy, law’s Nemesis and evil shadow's flit across the screen at the King’s theatre this week in the Fox production of “Blindfold,” by Charles Francis Coe. On . a dark background of intrigue, interwoven with the machinations of a gang of high class jewelry thieves, the invincibility of law and love stand out. George O’Brien and Lois Moran, Fox’ players, are the chief interpreters of Coe’s latest story. As Kelly the policeman who will not be intimidated by the odds against him, O’Brien plays sympathetically and gives a new picture of law protectors. . w * w “SOMEHOW GOOD.” Having lost his memory as the result of an accident a man, after being sep-

arated from his wife for a number of years following an incident in her life, meets her and proposes marriage when further acquaintanceship re-awakes his dormant love. The wife, knowing who he is and anxious to recapture-the happiness so suddenly terminated years before, accepts him and later they are on their second honeymoon. It was while they were on this honeymoon a second accident happened to the husband which causes him to regain his memory, and with tho returning recollections conies the understanding of tho cruel circumstances that made his wife their victim, •‘.'somehow Good” is tho name of the picture and the leading stars are Fay Compton and Stewart Rome. * * * * “GUARDIAN OF THE WILDS.” “Guardian of the Wilds,” starring Rex, the king of wild horses, is even more interesting than any of this marvellous equine’s pictures to date. Fans should not miss this real movie treat. “The Collegians,” starring Geo. Lewis and Dorothy Gulliver, will also be screened.

HAWERA OPERA HOUSE. To-night.—-“ Zero,” First National; and “Protection,” Fox; and Pathe News. October 7 and 8— “Modern Love”; also Music Master series, “Songs of the British Isles.” October 9 and Single Man.” Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle. October IL—“The Far Cry,” Fox Films; also “Tarzan the Mighty.” October 12—“ The Far Cry,” Fox Films: also “Tho Crash,” First National (Milton Sills); and Pathe News. GRAND THEATRE, HAWERA. To-night. —“Protection,” Fox Films; also episode 6 of “Tarzan the Mighty.”

October 12.—“ The Crash,” First National; also episode 7 of “Tarzan the Mighty.” COMING ATTRACTIONS. October 17. —Victor Prince Company, “The Midnight Mystery.” October 25. —William Heughan (return visit). ■October 31.—Boxing tournament. * * “THE BLACK. WATCH.” There is an age-old and trite saying to the effect “that there is a man for every emergency, whether it be to stop a runaway horse or save a nation from disaster.” During the progress of the all-talking Fox- Movietone production, “The Black Watch,” based on Talbot Mundy’s story, “Kind of the Khyber Rifles,” John Ford, who directed the picture, was confronted with many problems; due almost wholly to sound,, all of which he surmounted. . His most difficult problem, however, which was a . scientific rather • than a dircctoral problem, came whe i he was filming scenes in the caves of Kinjan Hills, and in the mountain passes, close to Khyber, where it was ’absolutely essential to reproduce echoes. Ford knew

that, were lie not successful in reproducing an echo, with the picture released, his attention would surely be called the omission by those qualified - to know. The echo was something new to the sound experts and no solution offered in a series of conferences was found to be practical. Ford, however, experimented for two weeks and arrived at a solution, in a practical rather than a scientific way, with what success those who see the picture will readily testify. “The Black Watch,” starring. Victor McLaglen as “Captain Donald King,” the all-talk-in'* Fox Movietone production, comes to the screen as a super-production in every sense of the word. « « * * “BLACKMAIL. “Blackmail,” tho first British alltalkie production is tho best dialogue picture ever produced. It contains a complete cast of English speaking voices, and was directed by Alfred Hitchcock, producer of “The Ring” and “The Manxman,” who has undoubtedly made the outstanding effort of his career as a director. Anny Ondra, who 7 plays the

leading female role, is also very successful in this picture. The supporting roles are played by John Loagden, Donald Calthrop, Cyril Ritchard, Charles Paton, Harvey Braban, Sara Allgood, Hannah Jones and Phyllis Monkman. “Blackmail” is scheduled for release by Cinema Art Films. < # * * “THE WHITE -DEVIL.” With tho mercury column ascending 30 degrees centigrade, visitors to the Ufa studios at Neubabelberg were astonished to find, while walking through tho area, an unusually pretty snowdrifted winter landscape, which had been constructed for the Ufatone super production “The ’White Devil,” which Alexander Wolkoff is directing with Ivan Mosjukinc in the stellar role. The dainty country palace of the Tzar formed the centre of this charming landscape, where for three nights in succession a most vehement snow storm raged, in a manner different but little from the severe storm sometimes reported from the Siberian plains. “The White Devil will be released by Cinema Art Films.