AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 4 May 1926, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

“DADDY'S GONE A-HUNTING.” AT THE GRAND. Alice Joyce and Percy Alannont. at the head of a big east which includes Helena D’Algv, Ford Sterling, Holmes Herbert, and Edythc Chapman, are a feature of the new Frank Borzage production, “Daddy’s Gone A-Hunting,” which comes to the Grand Theatre tonight. This Alotro-Goldwyn picture is an adaptation of Zoe Akins’ famous stage success. It tells of an artist who finds matrimony is stilling his career. Ho goes to-Paris for inspiration, but only succeeds in widening the breach between himself and Jiis wife and child. Eventually lie regains the love be threw away, though ho is forced to pay a terrible price for it. It is a very human theme, such as the creator of “Humoresque’’ revels in analysing for tho screen. The detail in the lives of the temperamental husband, the distraught wife, and the child who suffers through the lack ot sympathy between the parents is carefully, painstakingly and logically worked out and portrayed, resulting in a picture of unusual and suspenseful interest. The settings, which fall into three broad divisions —the New York home of the artist, the residence, of the wealthy Airs Greenougli, and Bohemian Paris—provide excellent background for the story. “Daddy’s Gone A-Hunt-ing” is a picture for anyone who wants moc|l, solid entertainment. It is drama, with many touches of humour to relieve its tense ..situations. Supports include the latest Pathc News, a charming New Zealand scenic, Screen Snapshots, and the latest novelty “Crossword Puzzle.” Seats may be reserved as usual. ’Phone 486.

A NEW STAR. VILA! A BANRY. * A new star, lias arisen in the film world. This is the beautiful Hungarian actress Vilma Hanky, and her first picture is “The Dark Angel,” tor presentation at the Royal by Fullers this evening. The latest screen sensation is supported by the handsome English artist, Ronald Colman. “The Dark Angel” is an adaptation under the same title irom the famous stage, success by H. B. Trevelyan, and the wonderful scenario came from the pen of Francis Marion. As a. stage play it was a thrilling success; but as a picture, lavishly produced, it is ever more. “The Dark Angel” shows society luxuries; big, magnificent pageants, exciting fox hunts, chasing and racing ii. England, and horse race spills. It is a love revelation that plumbs the depths of a young woman’s soul; a pageant of splendour and style against a background of war and gallantry. Unfolded the tale reveals how Hilary Trent, a British Army officer, was lnirridly called to the front, and how he secured the hasty consent of his sweetheart, lvitty Vane, an aristocratic English maid, to wed him.. But in the. hustle, and bustle they were unable to obtain a marriage license because of the lateness of the hour. And then the wind howled and on came a thunderstorm. Drenched and driven by inevitable circumstances they enter a. wayside tavern and remain there lor the night, all through the storm. Alutual friends, having repaired themselves to the same mn, espy Hilary, but the identity of his lovely companion remains unknown. Next morning Hilary left for his command, while an old gipsy talked with his beloved, and warned her that above her gallant lover a dark angel hovered that something evil would befall him. And not long afterwards the Romany’s warning came tine, for Hilary and his lieutenant, young Gerald Shannon, and also ■ his rival for tho hand of. Kitty Vane, wero wounded in action. Hilary was blinded for life, and Gerald believed him dead. So when ho was well again ne went, back to England and began honourably to press his love upon her, telling her the awful news of the death of the scldier hero, Captain Trent. Then came into an English port none other than the “old Hilary Trent himself.” Hut none knew, for lie returned sad, blinded, yet determined not to disclose his identity to anyone; not even to Gerald or Kitty; for lie surmised that his lieutenant, would be striving to unite two young souls. AVhat follows need not be told just now. As the I,'ind veteran. Roland Column does scum of the finest work in his career, and Vilma Bnnkv hpg";.s her climb to. screen popularity in Timaru. Other pictures on the programme will include the “English Gazette.’.’ a most, excellent scenic novelty, “City of Foothills am! another clever comedy series, “Felix on the Job ” eligbtful music will be provided by the Royal Orchestra. Seats may he hooked through ’phone. 570.

THE FAVOURITES RETURN. “PRIMROSE ” The J. C. Will iamson. new English musical comedy company, recently here with “Leave It To Jane,” will play a return season at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday next with “Primrose,” a delightful musical play, which will introduce Miss Margery Hieklin, a hig London musical comedy favourite, as “Joan,” a part which this clever artist played for two years in the. original production in that city. Of “Primrose,” the critic of the Sydney “Sun” writes: —“Primrose doesn’t bloom in lowly earth until plucked to a higher station by the hand of love. Oontrawise, she is, at the outset, a prominent table decoration, so to speak, and early captivates the novelist who forthwith ‘shapes his unfinished serial as Ire would have events. In its welcome discard of the Cinderalja fheme, the comedy breaks new ice m an old place. Margery Hicklin is splendidly at homo as Joan as actress and singer. She is a most refreshing exponent of the heroine of musical comcdv —and a consummate artist, into the bargain. (ieorge Gee is finely east as Tobv Meopli'am, who flounders in his own love affairs, and helps to extricate the heroine from one wished on her bv her irascible guardian. An entanglement with Mme. Erazolino. the beauty specialist, is very capably handled. Leyland Hodgson is also well placed as Hilary Vane Harrv Wotton, as Sir Benjamin Falls, Joan s ward and Jack Cannot, in the smaller role of Michael, the chauffeur and onFtime boxer, who occasionally forgets to “mnddom” his sister-employer,. Mme. Frnzelino, equally divide the character honours. Reita Nugent, dainty end clean of movement as ever. has another. The box plans epen tomorrow (V ednesdav) at the Biistol.