AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17756, 17 September 1927, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL,

TWO STAR PROGRAMME.

Variety and quantity of file best is to be the order at Pullers’ to-night, when a double-star programme of extra length and importance will be screened. “Across- the Pacific,” adapted by Darryl Zanuek man the Caiares in Blimey story, tells of tile romance and adventure of a young Southern boy who volunteers and is sent with bis regiment to the Philippines to quell the insurrection of Agumatdo, which billowed the Spanisli-Aiiierican war. Whau are said to be some of the finest battle sequences ever filmed show the troops in their heroic advance through jungle and swamp against enemies whom they cannot see, annoyed by tropical insects and sick with heat and lever. This could not he portrayed on the stage; nor does it have greah dramatic significance to the eyewitness, but through the magic eye of the camera, which carries one from the advancing line to the enemy s irei.cnes, to an individual native sniper, to a hn'lid-to-hand combat, one sees the battle from every angle, gels a more comprehensive view of the battle than even tlio generals. It is all these tilings, artfully presented in their proper order, which give a panoramic splendour impossible on the stage “Across tlio Pacific,” is a Master Picture for this evening, which carries the Censor’s certificate for adult audiences only. A story that rushes irresistibly to a big dramatic climax that has in it all tlio comedy and stunts for which Richard laon-dgc is I anions and tic'-l m vividly gripping from start to finish. 'file name of Dick Talniadge is familiar to all who love action-comedy, liberally interspersed with daring tricks and brilliant aerobatics: hut it is rare indeed that the K. 8.0. star lias enjoyed such - M‘hie.o S the pr«-<ent. Prank lyowerd Clarke, who has done some stories for Air Talmadge in the past., lias turned out a rattling tale of the underworld with a two-handed punch for the Dim v. '|l ue" ■ -di |i" k honed" as Patrolman Tom Collins, whose evidence puts the brother of the girl lie loves in jeopardy of the electric chair, and vie- ewlltli ll ' tbr en 1 Iroin that highly uncomfortable, not to say dangerous, seat. An exceptional east lias been assembled behind the star. Marv Carr, in the part of Mrs Hollister, gives one of her delightful intorpretaiions, mid Gladys Hulette proves a charming heroine. Grace Darmoud. Victor Dillingham. Arthur Conrad and j Charles Clarv are others who do exI eellent work'. Supporting films will | include, the “Pathe Gazette” and ! I-; >i' ...” AI St. .7 oli n Mer--1 maid comcdv, entitled, “Rain and I Shine.” Air N. B. Sutcliffe lias I arranged a tasteful programme for the i Royal" Orchestra, and seats may he booked through phone 570 or at the theatre office. The entertainment will commence at 7.45. 4 lie regular matinee, will take place this afternoon.

“THE LADY OF THE HAREAL’

AT THE GRAND

As a stage play, “Hassail” meu with muon 1 success iff London,: and .'.was tse- ■ claimed one of the most colourful p ays of Persia that. have! been seen.' Now ! the people ol I’iniuru will he privileged to see the great play produced in .a most lavish and spectacular manner, i 1 ‘Tlio Lady ol 'lhe Harem,” which comes to the Grand Theatre to-day. Tin picture tells ot Korusan. ru’ed over by a profligate, cruel oppressor. Hi* taxes, to satisly his greed for gold, are almost inhuman, and the people are only kept from open rebellion by the cruelty ot the soldiers. Happy in a nearby district are Pervanali, the beautiful girl, and Rati, her betrothed. To the farm, came the Caliph’s so’diers, seizing everything because her father is unable to meet the unjust, taxes. She too is torn lfom the arms of Rati and carried off to the city. In the city, one, Hussan, a confectioner, is downcast because the lady of his dreams, Yasmin, docs not return his affection. To the city, lias followed Rati, who finds His betrothed with other slaves in the market place Again the Caliph’s men intervene, and she is carried off to the harem of the Caliph . Ritter at the injustice of it, all, Rafi becomes a lender of the beggars and oiliors who p’an the revolution In the palace meanwhile rumours of the brewing revolution have been heard. At last the Caliph and a secretary decide to find out for themselves, and he leaves Porvanah under the care of Ids henchmen. Out in the city they stumble on the inn where the beggars are holding Council. At this tune, Raff’s knife, blood-stained, is brought to Hie meeting. Raff had given it to Pervanah to protect' herself and he conc'udes that she has killed herself. Grief-stricken, he boldly denounces the Caliph. Soon, they find themselves prisoners, nhile Rafi and the beggars depart. Tn the morning, the Caliph, IJassan, and secretary, are prisoners. Hassaii suggests a means of effecting, an escape which proves successful. .After many ups and downs, the city swarms to the attack of the. palace and arrives to rescue Rafi in the nick of time. In the peaceful times that follow, Hassnn is the new Caliph, and Rafi and Pcrvaunh are happy. Snjoports include two Gazettes, a Comedy) and an Australian scenic. Patrons are advised to ’phone their reserves early to 48G.

GERALDINE PICTURES TO-NIGHT

Mr Stone lias the role of soldier and nd venturer, and most of the action is in Africa, where, seeking to forget, “The Notorious Lady,” his wifo (Barbara Bedford'), lie locates a diamond mine in the river. Intrigue among his partners, discovery that one of his partners is in love wiPii “The Notorious Lady,” whom lie knows by another name, an attack by savages incited h.v an unscrupulous partner —these" are some of tlio high lights in the production.