AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 18 December 1925, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

THE GRAND. Shirley Mason’s latest starring picture, “Scandal Proof,” opened last night at the Grand Theatre, , and revealed the little star in one of the iinest performances of her career. Wren an excellent supporting cast, Miss .Mason portrays a role of emotional depth in a splendid setting that gives her a chance to look and act her best. 'Hie story is that of a girl who, though she passes through the burning light of suspicion and accusation, being charged with murder, proves that she is scandal proof. Reduced to the circumstances of a nurse, she tries to accept the guilt of the mother of the child she loves by placing herself in a compromising position with the woman’s lover. But the man who loves her prevents her sacrifice. The picture is replete with tense moments, making one of the most fascinating, and entertaining photoplays that has been seen here. John Roche, well-known screen leading man, plays opposite Miss Mason, and gives an admirable performance, first as the sympathetic friend and then as an adoring lover. Freeman Wood, the villain, acquits himself well, although his part is brief. Hazel Howell, as the adventuress, brings to the screen a new face and a distinctive type. She is a stately, beautiful blond, Who reflects her role in a manner that stands cut. Others in the cast are Frances Raymond, Ruth King, Edward Martindel, Joseph Striker, Billy Fay and Clarissa SelWynne. “Scandal Proof” was directed by Edmund Mortimer. It is based on an original'story by Charles Kenyon. Supports include the latest edition of thb “Fox News,” a pretty scenic entitled “Rockbound Brittany,” and a Sunshine comedy.

THEATRE ROYAL. A FINE WESTERN PRODUCTION. Hoot Gibson, in “Taming the West,” 'starred in the chief picture at the Theatre Royal last evening, and moro than delighted the largo house. In addition to some splendid riding, of the kind always associated with pictures that star iho smiling youth, Gibson demonstrates his versatility in driving a racing car over Montana cattle country at reckless speed, when lie kidnaps—but that comes later. The story deals with the exploits of John Carleton, junr., a jazzing youth of New York, whose father sends him to his Montana ranch, the Peachtree, to become a man. John arrives in plus lours and carrying a golf bag, thus causing j a rapid fall in the temperature of his j association with the Peachtree cowboys. I For a time he sulks, and then grit comes to the surface. He falls in love with Beryl King, daughter of a neighbouring rancher, between whom and Carleton’s father is a l'cud of long standing. Orders are given by King to close his ranch to Peachtree punchers, especially Carleton, so the latter, being in a hurry on a certain occasion, out of pure independence I lidcs to King’s ranch, and there for a brief talk with the girl, but after a turbulent few minutes ho wins dear of the ranch and goes on his wav. Then comes the climax, and Carleton kidnaps—well, the upshot of the story is that the fathers aro reconciled and ■: all ends in harmony. The, supporting subjects include a newsy “Universal News,” while the two bisTgest laugh creations of the year are “Too Much Mofchcr-m-Law,” and . “Sir Walter Raleigh.” The Royal I Orchestra., under the capable direction of Mrs Agnes Scott, A.T.C.L., L.A.8., provided an excellent programme of music, and added considerablv to tlie popularity the programme enjoyed.