AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 8 October 1926, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

“THE SET UP.” FINE WESTERN FARE. The life story of a daring cowpuncher, who fought against overwhelming odds, outwitted the bandits, saved a. fortune, solved a mystery, and roped a ranch girl, is told in “The Set ’Up,” .t hundred per cent, western drama, which opened at ■ the Theatre Royal last evening. J.t is five reels ■of the most interesting action that Art .Acord has appeared in for some'time. A cord is the wistful, self-sacrilicing hero, and plays a role peculiarly fitted tr Ins talents! Alla Allen is the new find..fascinating lady who merits the groat “fight Acord puts up to win her. ■‘Art Stratton, deputy sheriff, falls in love with Thora Barton, owner of a horse trained hy Art. Her father, Cliff Barton, suspicious of the intentions of the local banker, draws his money out. An hour later, two of Seth Tolliver’s hirelings, kill Barton, but not until after 40,000 dollars have been thrown safely in the bushes. When Art returns from capturing a notorious criminal, the Tolliver brothers plan to make him have tho horso-disclo.se tho cache. Two little boys, however, have found it, and are searching for the criminal. Art is given tho job of guarding the Barton ranch for its creditors, during which time the horse leads Art to the empty bag, causing tho youngsters to bclievo him guilty. Bert Tolliver sees Art with tho bag, and believes he has found tho money, and that the horse knows where it is. At an auction sale, one' of the boys offers the money to Flora, so that sho ran buy her horse. Tolliver’s two henchmen plan a “double-cross,” ana follow the two to the cache. Art follows; as also do tho Tollivers, with the sheriff. After a fight, Art tricks the henchmen into'admitting the' murder, and. as the shei’iff comes tip ho orders tho arrest' of the quartet. With tho money restored, tho girls does not have to give up her ranch, and is hnpny with Art as her husband. Two bright comedies, and the “International News” compriso tho supporting pictures, while a first-class programme of the latest and classical music was discoursed bv the Royal Orchestra, under the direction of Mr N. B. Sutcliffe.

“SIBERIA.”-. "... GRIPPING RUSSIAN DRAMA. Rejected by her father, deserted by her'friends, betrayed by her enemies, and finally “railroaded” to Siberia—that unspeakable place of horror and desolation. This, in a. word, was the fate of Sonia Vronsky, beautiful daughter of a Russian overlord, who held with his fellows that freedom of thought was a crime, and that those who differed from the “upper classes” should bo kept down. Alma Ituebcns, called upon nto play the part of Sonia, in “Siberia,” has never essayed a more difficult role, or acquitted herself more creditably. This line Fox picture received a great reception at the Grand Theatre last night, where it was witnessed by a large audience.. The. story opens in Petrograd, where “Andrei Vronsky,” gross father of “Sonia," aifdvher brother, is giving a monster banquet in honour of his daughter’s return. She has been in Moscow, .where university training has improved her mind—but she has also met Tolstoy, the thinker:- Poverty, peering in at tho windows, touches her heart. She wants to feed the people, to speak to those seeking the aid of the mighty , “.Vronskys.” Her father, fat, stupid fliid selfish, will have none of this. Driven from home, “Sonia” accompanies her brother to a distant village. Here she teaches the ignorant children. Her brother, a physician, heals the stricken people. Then danger threatens, the Cossacks appear, and tho sinister face of “Alexis Vetkin,” an emissary of tho Czar, looms near the girl. In\ tho background is “Egor Kaplan,” a near-anarchist, and an admirer Jof . “Sonia.” “Sonia’s” - school is burned, her brother arrested, and the pupils ordered to work in tho fields. Chaos follows, brother and sister aro convicted of revolutionary sympathies, and Siberia beckons. How “Leonid Petroff” quickens to an overpowering love for the girl, liow he fights and defeats her enemies and tormentors, how they win their way back to freedom and happiness—these and other facts make “Siberia” one of the most gripping photoplays ever produced. There is an all-star cast of twelve m support of - Miss Ruobens, headed by Edmund Lowe.. The “Fox News, and a short O r ,Henry story comprise the supports,, ‘‘Plonsing music was played by the Grand Orchestra,

“FLORODORA.”—AT GERALDINE.

■ Tho means of transporting a company of seventy people, with scenery and properties, by road, was the proposition that confronted the Timaru Operatic Socioty, when asked to give a reproduction of “Florodora” at Geraldjnp. Howovpr, all transport is now ’ufranged, and tho entiro company will appear, wet or fine, at the,Geraldine Town Hall, at 8 p.m., on Saturday next. No show over met with more 'success in Timaru than this musical Comedy, and .Geraldine patrons may Test assured that no effort will ho spared to make this forthcoming reproduction eclipso previous performances. All the principals aro of a very high standard, .and well-known South Canterbury* soloists. ’ One of tho outstanding features of “Florodora” is the special ballet, trained by tho producer (Mrs Atari. Shrimpton). Those ladies, headed by such well-known dancers as Miss ,T. Sutherland and Miss lv. Ddvidsoni put plenty of Vim into; the. show. In such numbers as tho opening chorus, “Welcome to Florodora,” and tho military number, with Captain Donegal (Mr Arthur Wheeler), as soloist, patrons will witness stage work equal to any professional performance. Tho stage manager (Mr G. Griffiths) and his staff have had enough experience with amateur productions to adapt tliis last screening to the local conditions. Saturday next should proye a gala day in Geraldine, with "tho visit of tho Governor-General in .tlie afternoon, and “Florodora” in tho livening. -Patrons aro asked ,to book early to avoid disappointment. The btijc plan is now open at the Ideal Tea .Rooms, and popular prices are being charged.