AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 12 June 1924, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

FULLERS’. Only for the fact that Gunter's celebrated novel was wiitten some thirty years ago, many people would be justified in immediately jumping to the conclusion that “Mr Barnes of .New York.” the master production now showing at Fullers’, was written expressly for Tom Moore. As the genial Mr Barnes, who, through no fault of his own, becomes plunged into the strife ol a Corsican vendetta, the popular star with the cheerful goodnatured countenance and ready smile, fulfils all the requirements of the author. While sojourning in Corsica that romantic land ot vendetta and feud—Mr Barnes, a typical New Yorker, unexpectedly finds himself a witness of a duel between one of ~he inhabitants and an English naval ulficer, in which the former is killed. Marina, sister to the dead man, sweats to avenge his death, and thus anothei vendetta commences —a vendetta m which the unfortunate Mr Barnes is very much involved, but which he accepts with the philosophical fortitude of his race. Marina employs ail axtist to paint a picture of the duel, and the picture, which is hung in an art gallery in Paris, is watched by attectives in an eliort to discover the identity of the murderer. The pictures attracts the attention ol Emu Austruther. an English girl who falls in love with one of the figures m tno picture. With Mr Barnes it is a case of love at first sight, and he is naturally delighted to overhear that the portrait which excited the girl’s interest is his own. An acquaintance is formed, which develops rapidly, and he learns that it is her brother, Gerard Austruther, who is implicated in the duel. The brother is deeply in love with Marina, the Corsican girl, but the vendetta forms an impassable barrier to any marriage. Mr Barnes, however, comes to light, and through him it finally comes out that is was a brother officer, to whom Gerard had loaned his pistols, who shot Marina's brother. The matter being cleared up to everybody’s satisfaction, a double wedding eventuates. The story, al- . though at times approaching tragedy, is nevertheless rich in ft uni our and provides the popular star with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Iris emotional expression and sense of comedy. The scenery is quite an attractive feature of the production. A “Pathe Gazette,” “Cockatoo Island” (an interesting scenic), and a Christie comedy entitled “Green as Grass,” completed a capital programme.

“STOLEN SECRETS.” The old adage, “set a thief to catch a thief,” is the very interesting theme of the- Universal feature, “Stolen Secrets,” which was screened at the Grand last night. Herbert Rawlinson i.s never so pleasing as he is when he is portraying- 1 the role of a “gentleman crook,” and his new role, that of the “Eel,” in this picture affords him a 1 splendid opportunity to portray his ; favourite character. His is the role ; of a criminal expert who set out to j clean up a certain political ring which i has been furnishing protection for a : gang of crooks. Incidentally a novel ! element of romance, least expected, ! crosses his path, almost leading him 1 to ruin. The police chief declared that the underworld was protected by a powerful political ring and handed ; over the responsibility to the Mayor. | That night the Eel carried off two more sensational jobs. The Mayor's daughter, pretty and adventuresome, | decided to help her father, and an interview was arranged with the Eel through the personal columns of a paper. The crook and the girl meet in the home of the head of the political group, and after many sensational in- | cidents, the graft is revealed and the gang cleaned up. Kathleen Myers makes an attractive accomplice to tho Eel in his various adventures, and a strong supporting cast, also including Edward Davis, Edwin ,J. Brady, and George Siegmann. A Bert Roach comedy entitled “Feather Pushers,") which proved to bo a verv clever burlesque, an “International News,” and mi entertaining Buddy Messenger , comedy, “Young Tenderfoot,” com- ! pletod an exceptionally well varied programme. ‘ j