AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 18 March 1927, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

“HARD BOILED.” POPULAR TOM MIX. It would probably bo impossible to crowd more thrills 'into a single picture than Tom Mix lias incorporated in liis latest production “Hard Boiled,” which experienced a very successful opening at the Grand Theatre last evening. Ho leaves Chicago for the .West to help Abigail Gregg manage a ranch which belongs to his rich uncle. On the way ho is forced to exchange clothes with a physician and when he arrives at the ranch lie has to masquerade as the doctor. Tom knowsva lot about fast riding and sure shooting, but absolutely nothing .about mecneine/ But his masquerading nas won the love of Abigail’s beautify! .nieeo and. Tom decides to keep .up the deception. Tilings go pretty well until some new guests arrive at. the ranch —“Diamond Sadie” of New York and three men whom she introduces as her brothers. The new guests are in reality a gang of notorious crooks who have heard of the fortune in diamonds that the ranch management keeps for the tenderfeet in the hotel safe, and hope to make a big haul.. They escape not only with the jewels but also with Abigail’s niece, after having put Tom out ot the way. But with the help of Tony, Tom overtakes the train on which the thieves aro making their escape. The scene where Tom and the crooks have a hand to hand grapple on the roof of the fast moving train is one of the most thrilling climaxes staged in a Mix picture. Mix was never seen < o better advantage than in this picture and he is capably supported by a wellknown cast. Helen Chadwick has the leading feminine role and she brings both charm and beauty to the part. Phyllis Haver is very realistic as the hard-boiled “Diamond Sadie,” and in his comedy situations, able assistance is given bv Charles Conklin and “Spec” O’Donnell. The bright supporting pictures include the - Fox Mews, a spocial interest film, and an amusing comedy. Music of ail attractive nature was discoursed by the Grand Orchestra.

FULLERS TO-NIGHT. “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE.” For this evening only, Fullers’ will offer to Theatre Royal patrons a complete change of programme headed by a Master picture feature, “The Age of innocence.” This clever story was awarded the Pulitzer prize of one thousand pounds for the best novel published during the year in America. For generations the aristocratic Archer family had cherished an enviable reputation. Then, as if to add to past glpries, Ncwland Archer is to marry into a family of unquestionable distinction, the Mmgotts. The engagement of Newland to Mrs Mingott’s grand-daughter, May Welland, has been a succession of stupid conventional restrictions. His visits to her are simply visits to her family. Their Sundays have been spent in family reunions .boring to both of them. Suddenly New York society finds a new subject for gossip, and to the chagrin of the Archers and Mingotts, the cause of it is the Countess Ellen Olenska, May’s cousin. She has left her husband) and is on her way to New York from Poland. It is not long before Newland discovers that he ik> falling in love with the Countess Ellen, and to avoid any such possibility, lie urges May to marry him. Newland’s marriage has not changed, his feelings. Hus unhappiness is even intensified by his wife’s complete adoration of him. May senses a change an Newland, and although suspecting the cause of it, she says nothing to him. Ellen, too, finds that she is in love with Newland. Tlioy have tried to be fair to May, but finding it is impossible to go on living a lie, they plan their future together in some distant country. The day he is to come for her, May goes to see Ellen, almost heart-broken' in her now unquestionable belief that her husband does not love her, but May is still playing her game. Ellen thinks she suspects nothing. When Newland arrives at Ellon’s house, he learns that she is sailing for Europe that day. He rushes to the dock in time to see her and ask for an explanation. All the tells him is that they will make him understand. May, having heard of her sudden plans to go back to her husband, arrives in time to say goodbye. Wheu Ncwland and May aro loft alone, he Iritis to tell her about Ellen, but she will not listen. She whispers something in his oar, and he understands now why Ellen has 'eft alone. With a. pang of regret at his unwortlijness. ho takes her in his aims and realises that he really loves her. Other pictures will include the “International News” and a sip art comedy. Seats may be booked through ’phone 570.

HUMPHREY BISHOP MUSICAL COMEDY CO. Apropos of George Ross, “Scratcher,” the well-known London comedian, of the Humphrey Bishop Company, who commence a two nights’ season at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday, March 22 next, the London “Stage” says: “It is interesting to note that Mr Ross assumed the character make up as a. joke originally, and hired himself out as a stago hand to a well-known London manager. During the action of a certain revue there occurred a painful stage wait, with the manager frantically rushing about behind the scenes for someone to fill the hiatus. Mr Ross saw his opportunity, and volunteered to amuse the audience. In him before the footlights, and from that moment ilie stago character of ‘Scratcher,’ the stago hand’ was born, and as nothing more humorous or novel was to be found in the revue, ‘Scratcher’ was promoted from scene shifter to star. A fortunate joke both for Mr Ross and the public.” His interpretation of what the cowboys did to his concert party in the wild and woolly west of North America, 'has made the name of “Scratcher,” a household work wherever he has appeared. H e is one of the lliree comedians in tljo Humphrey Bishop Company. Plans ure now open at the Bristol where the slogan “Book before you sleep” may well bo applied. There will bo an extra change on the Wednesday.