AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 13 October 1926, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. “ RECOIL.” .Deauville, Paris, and the French Riviera aro seen in the society drama entitled “Recoil,” which made a great impression on I’m large attendance at tho Theatre Roy-"! last evening, The fact that, it in. an adaptation of a Rex Leach story, gave some idea as to what il-.e picture would be like, and like oilier Leach slories it is an undoubted success. In most pictures showing Continental life, Dio scenes are made in America, but the director of “Recoil,” in the endeavour to get'realism, has had all the scenes taken in (ho actual centres that they present. Dramatic, acting characterises this fine photoplay. Betty Blythe lias the role of Norma, and it is one of the best parts that has fallen to her. She acts the part vhidly. Malilon Ha mi lion as the American mil hi on a ire, play:; with his usual debonair skill and ability. The picture- is .a great story of revenge which turns-to naught, under the power of love. Deauville forms a portion of the rich background of the story of a -millionaire whose wife goes to tho arms of a lover. Possessing a hold over them through knowledge of certain criminal actions by them, ho forces the two, whose love has ,turiicci to hate, to remain together “under a • relentless surveillance'. Tile breakdown of the scheme for the inevitable reason is well told. An .attractive supporting programme consisting of tlie English Gazette, a line scenic, and a clever Felix the Cat comedy, is shown,, while'a programme of incidental and pleasing music' was played by the Royal Orchestra.

THE GRAND. “ THE GREAT DIVIDE.” “ The Great Divide,” presented at tlie Grand Theatre last evening before a large house,, offers an unusual combination of cast,' production and story. How three men gamble for a girl, with one ultimately coming out victorious, how she is then bought for a string of gold nuggets, and liow she struggles to .regain- her freedom by getting possession of the. nuggets, is told in a forceful ..way. The , story starts in a Now. England village, and travels from there to the Painted Desert of ArisJtma. ,It depicts a woman’s pride and a battle between her conscious mind and her subconscious instincts. The cast is full of interesting names and tiie performances are all excellent, . though perhaps the two which stand out the most are those of Alice Terry,i .who . plays Ruth Jordon, and Conway Tearie,. cast as. Stephen Ghent. - Theirs are the most, important parts and tho tremendous mental conflict between them, is unlike anything that has been witnessed oil ithe. screen- before. Wallace Beery as Dutch--.and (George Cooper as Shorty ;ai’e likable heavies, and Za Su Pitts ■as Polly brings a pessimistic part prominently forward, which adds much comedy. William Orlamond as Lou is ludicrously funny, while Huntly Gordon, as Philip Gordon, and Allan Forrest as Dr. Wintlirop Newbury, have roles of importance. A two reel comedy, tlie Patlie Nows, and a New Zealand scenic film comprise the supports, while choice music,was played by the Grand orchestra. , GERALDINE, PICTURES. One of tlio most stirring tales of the West seen on th'e screen for a long time is “Blue Blazes,” which is playing at the Municipal Theatre, Tho star is Pete Morrison, noted delineator of Western roles, who is supported by a wonderful cast, including Barbara Stiwr, Jerome La Basse, Leon do la Mo the, Dick Loreno, jr., Les Bates, James Welch, Peggy Blackwood, Joe Bennett, Joseph Mills, and Milijurn Moraute. “Blue Blazes” was directed by Joseph Franz.