AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 19 June 1924, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

FULLERS’. For the scenic effects alone, “Venus of the South Seas,” which was screened, to a iarge audience at the 'theatre Royal, last evening, is well worth seeing. Apart from the beautitui scenery of the Nelson district, amidst wmch the picture was filmed, the story, winch is splendidly enacted, provides Annette Kellerman, with excellent opportunities to indulge in thdj marvellous exhibitions ol swimming, {living, and under-water acrobatics that have achieved for her World-wide fame. The story deals with the island of Manea, where resides John Royal, owner of the island and its pearl fisheries, and Sliona, his motherless daughter. They are visited regularly ,by Captain Drake, captain ox a schooner, who obtains smuggled pearls from the natives, while he also endeavours to win the hand of Shona, thereby hoping to become the owner of the island at her fathers death. A pleasure yacht visits the island, and iSliona falls in love with a young Englishman, who, before ho leaves, promises to return to her. Shona's father falls ill and dies, and she prepares to leave the island. Meanwhile Quane, the Englishman, disinherited ny ins father, owing to his intention to return to the island, works his way back on Captain Drake's ship. Approaching the island, they come across Sliona, who with a collection of valuable pearls has left the island. Drake and his mate attempt to steal tlio pearls, but fchena throws them overboard. Ordered to dive for them she does so, but ci ce obtaining the pearls she joins Quane, who has been set adrift in the boat. Before leaving the schooner Shona cuts the cable, disabling the vessel, and they both sail away, leaving the captain and the mate stranded. Norma French, Abel Rowe, Roland Purdie, and Robert Ramsay, also appear in supporting roles. A golf exhibition by Gene Sarazen, a Patbe Gazette, and an interesting industrial, completed a well varied programme. ~ THE GRAND. A splendid picture of western life, carrying laughter nr nearly every foot of him, is me universal prouuction, “Ride ror lour Life,” now showing at the Grand. Featuring the ever popular Hoot Gibson, in the leading role, tho picture, needless to ,-&tatc, proved a popular- ottering. Gibson has the role of a youthful cowboy, romantic but indolent. His sweetheart, does not respond to-,' his attentions as a Romeo. Sue ‘is thrilled with the thoughts of a gallant young bandit, who robbed her of a ring for a keepsake. The cowboy is “among those present” when said bandit breathes . his last, gives the lad ■ a decent burial, and accepts in return for his act of courtesy, tho bandit’s picturesque regalia. Gibson, as the cowboy, then plays bandit to win tho love of his girl. Laura La Plante as the winsome heroine is exceedingly charming, and makes a capital leading lady to the star. A strong supporting cast also includes Harry Todd, Robert McKim and Howard Truesdell. The supporting pictures included an International News, containing recent happenings of interest, and a laughter provoking comedy entitled “That’s Rich.”

STARS OF THE MUSICAL WORLD. Great artists are known and prefer to be known by their surnames only. - The one professional name, be it long or short, becomes a household word to bo bandied about, Paderewski or ivreisler, Nikisch, Gaili-Curci or Zach arewitsch, says one to another. Who 'bothers whether they are called Mat thew, Mark, Luke or John? That they all have Christian names is no douDt undeniable. To his admirers everywhere Michael ZacharewitscKj is Zacharowitsch only. The press Mias . been lavish in its praise of the genius of Zacharewitsch, an artist rather possessed of an art which he has cultivati ed, developed, added to and refined ! during the years he lias been playing, j until now he is acclaimed as a great | master and a superlatively ‘ beautiful j violinist. The appreciation of Mr j Ernest Newman, “London Times” 1 more valued perhaps than any other, , alluding to the -Elgar Concerto, said i Zacharewitsch’s playing must have surj prised even those who already knew his capacity for emotional expression on the violin. Even the smallest passages of what almost might be regarded as ordinary violinistic embellishment become flame and torrent in Zacliarewitsch’s hands. With this great artist come Lenghi-Cellini (tenor) and Pfetro Cimara (solo pianist) and accompanist. Direction, Mr Fred McCrea. The trio will appear in Timaru on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 24, and 25, and the box plans opens to-morrow morning at the Bristol.