AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 19 March 1927, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

TWO STAR PROGRAMME* AT FULLERS’ TO-NIGHT. Two lull length feature photoplays, an Our Oang comedy, and. two complete gazettes, comprise the big programme to be given at the ilieutio JLtoyai by Fullers’ this evening. There is almost as much magnetism m the name Lou Chaney as there is hl the personality of the man,, so the tact that he stars in ‘•'The Tower of Lies. Vi'Ctor tseiibtron, Chaney, and JNorma Shearer —again eoinbitie forces m ‘The Tower of Lies,’’ and that they succeed in creating a liie-lile drama with the emotions and impulses of Life cleaiij and relent.cssly portrayed is beyond dispute. Seascwi has peculiar poweis al. nis own; ne 'an make a picture a, living breathing vehicle, and Hie consequences are that 1 e can toe more readily arouse the emotions of his audience and fire their imagination. .A circ.e of lives has been taken right out of life, ordinary, prosaic rives some of them, others brilliant, exotic, who ly fascinating, and with the light and masterly touch of a true genius, the director has woven a woof of magic about them, has touched them wJtli an austere grimness, and made them, and incidentally the picture, the artistic thing it is. This subtle, sympathetic touen ie nowhere more apparent than in the character drawing of the girl as played by Norma Shearer. ‘ ihe Towcr'of Lies” is a picture to command attention in the mosc noble company. But one ventures to assert that Lon Glianey has no mean share in the success and fascination of the picture. He is at all times compelling, sometimes dynamic, always dramatic and arresting. Hi's characterisation of the whimsical, lovab'e, curiously eccentric Jan will rank with some of the finest roles of his career. Norma Shearer is scarcely less interesting. She te a true artist in her every scene, and she possesses a spontaneous charm that is very refreshing. Other members of the cast include William Haines, Edward Connelly, and Claire McDowell. A -western story with many unusual twists, two lights, and with Art Acord playing an unusually human and likable character. It is “The Scrapping Kid,” a Universal Blue-Streak western production. Art proves himself a capable actor as well as a champion of the range, and does some trifck riding which equals anything ot its kind on the screen. The picture, m addition to its lights and thrills, has many touches of human interest and comedy. Little Jimmy Bowdith, as a member of the orphaned family taken 'm by a big-hearted Art, proves himself a remarkably gifted child actor, and plays many deheious'y funny comedy scenes. Velma Connor, who plays the feminiaie lead opposite Acord, makes a beautiful and appealing heroine and also demonstrates that she isn’t far behind the male western actors in her ability to ride. “The Rathe Gazette,” and “International News” and one of the popular “Our Gang” comedies will also be slioivn. The Royal Orchestral Five will p’ay orchestral gems directed by Mr N. .11. Sutcliffe. For this afternoon’s matinee Art Acord will be shown in “The Scrapping Kid,'’ also ihe serial “Hurricane Hutch.”

“THE SHOW OFF.” AT THE GRAND. Could be tell -the boss lie oould not be done without? Yes, sir, he could. Till it came to the point, and the boss showed him a point or two. Aon know the kind of man, always ready to show-off and go one better. That '.is the kind of man Ford Sterling plays in his latest Paramount picture, “The Show-off,” which comes to the Grand Theatre to-day. Aubrey P.iper is a

“show-off.” While only a clerk in the offices of the Pennsylvania liailiond company, he poses to his .sweetheai and a’l others who are willing to take liiin at his own lace value, as an linportaut official. At the hishers homo, he is about as welcome as ram on a holiday, and Amy, his sweetheart, is a 1 wavs ronunded ot his faults by 'brother" father and family, Iniud v, to .spite them, she inam.es him. Ibis 18 about all there is to it, lor the end of the first year of married Ido nmls him still a thirty dollar a week clerk, and in debt. In desperate need ot a home, they are taken m by Amy s mother. The day that Amy goes to her mother, Aubrey iv.ns a l'oul in a raffle at the firm, only, when ho rings Ins wife he tells her 'hat he has just bought a car. To the b labors comes the sad news that Top lusher has had a stroke, and died. Aubrey has an accident on the way name, and next day, at court, he is fined 100 U dollars for breaches of the peace and for contempt of court. it is paid by Joe, who has had the amount g.ivcn him to help m his invention of a rust-proot paint, by Pop lusher. They tell the lolks that ho was let oif as a, nrst offender, hut Clara spoils the story by showing everyone l the ncwspiper icport. The truth 'hen comes out that Joe has used the money winch on d have cleared the house of debt, ltvcn the boastfulness and natural aggressiveness of Aubrey fails in this instance. He realises to wbab a grievous end his “showing-oil has brought everyone. Wandering into the laboratory, an idea strikes him and lie pockets Joe’s formulae. Ho gains an audience with a railroad company and finally sells the invention ior IUO,UW dollars. He returns to the lusher s [home and his statement is taken as I another of lus had jokes. W hen the truth dawns on them, they all join in Aubrey’s laugh as ibe picture fades to a happy ending. 'I he supporting programme contains the latest lathe News, New Zealand Scenic, and n, screaming two reel comedy. may be reserved as usual, i bone Tab.

"THE FOLLIES OF 1927 P

What promises to be one ot the brightest and most spectacular revues ever produced and performed m Timaru, will be seen at the theatre Royal on Monday and J.uesday, -Bill and 29th March. The fact that Mrs Alan Shrimpton has been entrusted with the production is a guarantee that it will be superior to the usual stereotyped revue. “No expense has been .spared in order to ensure the complete success of the entertainment. The cast is claimed to be the finest; the drosses unexcelled in design add beauty; the bal.'et of the Tiny lots once seen never forgotten; the Egyptian ballet with its bevy of beauties in said to bo a remarkable achievement and sure to prove outstanding, in its character; the grand opera quartette is something .special, and Avi'tli the iMuist ballet supporting, it should at once appeal to all opera'lovers. ihe appearance of Mr. Henri Le Gal the cole- j brated French violinist, hnd his acooin- j paniste, Miss Irene Sumner, should ■ create a furore. Mr Geo. Griffiths n ill be seen in a novel conjuring turn, ihe comedy .sketches have been caielul y arranged to produce side splitting laughter. The orchestra and its orchestrations will be unusual. Ihe ; chorus is the most powerful ever heard here.” This slight description of the show would not be complete without j special mention of the scenery. Ihe | prices . popular. The net profits ol the production -acme to- the Timaru Mumc.!- ] pal Band in aid of its new instrument , fund These instruments are re- j quired in order that the present ones ; may be handed over to the junior band, which is how anxiously awaiting them. It must be borne in mind also that i these instruments,, Ayheh . paid for, be- | come the property mf ; the Timaru Borough Council as trustes for the people. It is hoped that the band s venture in presenting this revue for such a purpose will prove lnighly suecessful.

HUMPHREY BISHOP 00. Box plans are now open and filling fast at the Bristol for the forthcoming visit of’the famous -English Humphicj Bishop Musical Comedy Company, at the Theatre Royal, on Tuesday, March 22nd. Comedy is the keynote am. with such comedians as Geoige “Serateher” lloss, Charles Albert, Mark Leslie and Han Flood, there is not a dull moment all through the show. Though low comedy and laughter predominate on the vocal side, the company are especially strong, and to hoar one ol thoir operatic finales, accompanied by the Humphrey Bishop Orchestra, it would seem impossible to believe that was not a real Grand Opera Chorus behind them. This extraordinary production of voices has been a source of wonderment throughout the long seasons they have played in the various cities of Australia. Hie original Ragtime Quartette has for years now never been allowed to leavethe stage without at least lour encores. This Quartette appeals to everyone, both from a comedy point of view, as well as a vocal one, tft.nl their reception everywhere can only be described as a riot. In each of their programmes there is something to please everybody, no matter whether their tastes lie in the direction of singing, dancing, music or grand opera—each and every one of the artists being a well-known London performer. Intending patrons arc requested to book early, as there is every indication of a. packed house greeting them here. There will he a complete, change of programme on the second night.

GERALDINE PICT URES. “The Son of the Sheik,” which opened its run yesterday at the Municipal Theatre, is a block of the old chip. Rudolph Valentino's much heralded sequel to the picture which brought the name “sheik” into repute all over the world proves that while a son may be like his father, ho oftentimes its much wilder. The original sheik was content to sweep a lady fair off her feet with passionate embraces, then talk her -into leaving the logs of o.'d London for the sandstorms and romantic nights of the desert. The son, however, is a faster worker; lie falls in love on sight, gets tangled up with his sweetheart’s henchmen, then, in revenge, kidnaps the girl and drags her away to hits tent.