AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 21 March 1927, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

LAUGHTER AT THE GRAND. Together with a great deal of hearty laughter, there is rather a telling little moral in. the excellent fare at the Grand Theatre at present. It is contained ill '“The Show Off,” and proves, that sooner or later, success knocks at the door of oven the most egotistical. In creating a part that is certainly the greatest success'in the whole of his long and varied screen career, Lord Stirling has made himself a really horrible man in “The Show Off.” lie is immersed in the character of one Piper, an underpaid railway clerk who breaks all records lor sheer, i ivadulterated conceit. He is a liar, an unutterable bore, and an objectionable boor — yet Lois Wilson, the charming little heroine, succeeds in loving him to distraction. He insults her family, deceives her with absurd promises of great wealth, marries her, and takes her to a tiny, cramped apartment. Yet she loves him all the moro, and the artistry of Eord Stirling is such that after all this one cannot help confessing a sneaking sympathy for the stupid, bumptious personality lie creates. The feet of the audience last evening longed to kick this self-satisfied person many times, and heartily ; hut when at last he made good, and made use of his wonderful capacity for bluff in the interests of iris wife’s family, everyone was ready and eager to rejoice with Him. The picture is delightfully humorous and thoroughly human. It is made by the wonderful performance given by Ford Stirling, and though at times there were traces of slapstick Ke.stone days, there were moments when his acting was faultless. In one outstanding scene Le described in detail a complicated and shriekingly iunny adventure, using only two very opressive hands. There were no subtitles, and none were necessary. It was lemark&ble work. A pleasant comedy, a- New • Zealand ••iconic and the Patha News comprise the supporting pictures while an attractive lull is rounded oil with the music by the Grand musicians.

- HAROLD LLOYD.. COMING TUESDAY. For the first .line in In’s ten years •1 cutting comic capers oil the screen, Harold Lloyd plays the role of a college boy He has played it any parts, but ‘College Days” is the first time lie’s donned a turtle-neck sweater and a pill cap. Harold thinks that being a. college kid is about the most strenuous role lie’s .played. Tuesday secs the first showing of “College Days” at the Grand Theatre, where it remains until Friday. It shows the efforts of a freshman named Lamb to become popular and succeeding in being only the goat! The action covers his arrival and reception at Tate College; liis love for pretty Peggy, the only one in town who isn’t laughing up her sleeves at the little Lamb! His predicament at a ball which lie wears a basted dress suit; his efforts to make the football team, and the big game in which uie school’s reputation bangs perilious'v in the balance are features of College Days.’’ Patrons are advised to book their seats at the Bristol to-day, as reserves are better than regrets.

. FULLERS’ “THE TOWER OF LIES.” A picture with an unusual name, and of an unusual kind, was screened at Fullers’ - on Saturday night - before a large and thoroughly appreciative audience. It was called “The Tower of Lies.” Bill Bradley knew that a desperate gang of mail thieves were hiding near his lonely ranch. One

Sunday, as he was preparing to visit i his girl throe hard looking strangers 1 appeared in his door. They kept him ) prisoner, making him cook and wait on them. Bill got an idea. He gave Iks dog a message to carry to the sheriff. They caught him at it and knocked him cold, but not before the dog was off. The girl was worried about Bill. She rode out to his ranch. The bandits threw Bill into the cellar, eiezed the girl and earned her away to a cave in the mountains. Bill saw her dissapear over the ridge. One wounded man against three powerful desperadoes! Unarmed, Bill went after the gang, determined to save the girl he loved from a fate wore than death. AYithout doubt the popularity of Norma Shearer and Lou Chaney, costars, add to the attraction of the production, , but Seastrom’s directorial genius has given the picture a touch of appeal that cannot go unheeded. The picture is a screen adaptation of Selma Lagerlof’s popular novel, “The Emperor of Portugallia.” At no lime in the careers of Lon Chancy or Norma Shearer has either of these stars been given such a wonderful screen vehicle. Alias Shearer has far outdone anv of her former successes and 1 Chane ylias made a very radical departure from his usual characterisations with highly gratifying results. The ' two are supported uy a remarkable ■ cast, which includes lan Keith, Claire ' McDowell, William Haines, Edward ' Connelly, David Torrence and Anna 1 Schaefer. There was a first class ' supporting programme, including a ! Pa the Gazette, the latest edition of tlie 1 j nternationa] Nows, a fast-moving and ' highly interesting western story, and a 1 delightful come*y.

Humphrey bishop musical comedy co. Great interest is being aroused in the forthcoming visit ol this famous English company, who will play a two nigJit season at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The “West Australian,” of 9/3/25, says:— “It would be difficult to overpraise the work of the Company, liimself an artist as well as an entrepreneur of long and world wide expcrince, Mr Bishop has chosen his associates with judgment, and the re'sult is a combination which may bo truthfully described as one of the most versatile and brilliant organisations of artistic talent seen in theatres on this side of the work!,- • and wc can recall no 'ombimition than lias shown itself capable of excelling in diversity of range and all-round merit the programme with which these welcome players inaugurated their season. From the very outset, when Air Bishop started liis orchestra on the sparklingoverture, in which Frank Egan figured brilliantly as an acrobatic violinist right through the unique finale, the -whole performance was artistically presented, and was marked by a spirit of buoyancy and breezy inspirational uplift that made itself - 'clt all over the house.” Plans aro now open and fil- 1 ling fast at the Bristo'. There will be an entire change of programme on the second night.