AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 22 November 1924, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

PERCY MARMONT AND ALICE CALHOUN IN “THE MIDNIGHT ; ' ALARM.’

The greatest heart tugging, human interest story ever written —a story of life a sit is lived in boulevards and in alleys of great cities—such is the Vitagraph '7-feel super-feature “The Midnight Alarm,” scheduled for screening this evening at the Theatre Royal. Those who like to be thrilled will liaVe no cause for regret if they pay a visit to “Tlie Midnight Alarm.” This picture Contains so. many exciting incidents that one cannot help but feel that the lot of a movie actor is not the bed of roses it is often thought to be. The risk, to life and limb they undergo with a view to getting the effect aimed at, is too big a tiling to be tackled by any who do not possess iron nerves. The story concerns one Silas Carringford, whOj after killing his partner, makes love to the latter’s widow* In the circumstances his attentions are hateful to her, and sh,e dashes away from him to meet ah untimely death at a railway crossing.' She is survived by a daughter, who is known as Sparkle,.and who, not knowing that she is an heiress, lives in the slums and is glad to work in a hews stall. ' Scheming to prevent her from getting possession of her money, Carringford sets out to secure her identification, and he locks her in a vault. A cry or “fire” is raised, and panic ensues*; In endeavouring to get freo, Carringford is killed, Sparkle being rescued by ,a fireman,' The scene of the fire is said to be the best yet filmed, and it must be admitted that for realism it would be hard to beat. Alice Cahoun takes the part of Sparkle. The supporting films are such that they must be classed exceptional. ■ Another of the famous' “Our Gang” comedies is entitled, “Dogs, of War,” This : picture features a . bunch of. popular juveniles. Mr Joliffe, the New Zealand censor, Who views pictures for almost eight hours a day, describes “Dogs of War’’ as on© of the most amusing comedies he had ever seen. Another of the smart dance films is “The One. Step,” showing by ordinary and slow motion the correct manner of essaying this ballroom novelty. The Path© Gazette shows m,any interesting items. The Royal Orchestra will offer fresh selections Seats may be booked through ’phone 570, not later than 7 p.m. The same programme will be screened this afternoon.

“BLUEBEARD’S EIGHTH WIFE,” AT THE GRAND.

Supporting Gloria Swanson in her latesv paramount teaturo, commencing tins afternoon at tlie ur,and, is an exceptionally well balanced cast, wiucii includes'- Muntiy Gordon in tne leading man's role,'-Brandon (Huntley Gordon,) sees Moiia (Gloria bwanson) Wilde swimming and is fascinated. He makes inquiries as to her identity pud- then approaches tho Marquis wishing to marry her. The marquis' is delighted at the prospect of a millionaire for a son-in-law, nut not so Mona, who thinks that Brandon takes too much for granted. After the latter leaves, tho marquis pleads with h(s daughter to marry Brandon and save tneiu financially. After, a time she consents, because she has a liking for the man. Alice George, former secretary of Brandon, and in love with him, has determined to marry him, and when she learns of his engagement to Mona she makes an atl tempt to stop the ceremony. She writes Mona a letter and telegraphs the other seven wives to come to the .wedding. Mona is unaware of tho previous marriages of her fiance, but although the letter reaches her she hurriedly leaves to be married and leaves tlie letter unread. The wives are late owing to the train, and the marriage lias taken place when they arrive. Mona is surprised, “Which lady is your previous wife?” she inquires, “All of them” is the stai'tling answer. She then realises that she has married a modern Bluebeard, but determines that she will not be his eighth divorced wife, She decides that his former wives did not know how to handle him and so in the weeks that follow she tantalises bint until he is almost desperate. She decides to give him his divorce that he apparently wants so much. But lie, oil the other hand, is not now so anxious find refuses to believe anything that she may do unless lie has tlie actual proof. So Mona decides on a daring plan to force him to believe. Knowing that she has caused an irreparable breach between Brandon and herself, she cannot leave tho house letting him think that she lias been unfaithful to her husband. Brandon listens to her, and looking into her eyes, sees the same lionost look and more, a look of love. With misunderstandings cleared away they leave on their long-post-poned honeymoon. Supports include a charming Burton Holmes Travelogue, the latest American Gazette, and a Montana comedy entitled “A Punctured Prince.” Patrons are advised to avoid disappointment by ’phoning their reserves early to 480,

“DIXIE” JUBILEE SINGERS

Who are the Famous “Dixie” Jubilee Singers? The “Dixies” are. the most popular troupe of Jubilee Singers m America. The.,' are not only a company of well-trained singers and entertainers, hut they present a prouT-u ime that: is popular, clean ami n«i i i;, numbers of a really high quaiii/. i"t‘ programmes are varied and include everything from flic old plantation songs Ml 3-enes from different operas. Mr (V.

C* Buckner, the leader of tho “Dixies,” who is recognised as the foremost negro jubilee iegder in the world, possesses a wonderful basso voice, while Madam. Buckner (soprano) and Miss Hole Smallwood (deep contralto) are clanne to be the greatest singers of their race Madame Buckner having starred

some of the greatest companies in Aml'ica. Another reason for-the popular;, of the “Dixies” is their individual e. ; forts to please, never refusing ail encore*; while the good taste shown in the selection of the numbers' and the deportment of the company are'worthy of the highest praise. Musical taste in America runs the gamut from the classics to the jazziest of jazz, but there is one type of vocal music that has consistently retained its popularity. That type is the negro Jubilee. Whatever it- is that defies analysis in the music of the negro; there is no denying its charm. An atmosphere of the sunny south, musically speaking, pervades the auditorium. Listening to the “Dixies” one can visualise cotton fields,tho old log cabin' of the slavery days, mammy and the pickannies, the. negro camp meeting; the banjo, and humorous and boisterous darkies. The company will open at the Theatre Royal on Thursday 27th, for two nights.