AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17947, 4 May 1928, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

“ THE THIRTEENTH JUROR.” A CLEVER DRAMA. Simultaneously with ' his return to tlie screen as Messala in “Ben Hur,” Francis X. Bushman renewed his old standing with his public, as well as contributing one of the finest pieces of acting seen on the screen. Since then be has appeared in one or two indifferent photoplays, only in “The Thirteenth; Juror” appearing as Uie BushmaiC of ago, strong, virile, n little hard. 'With Anna Q. Nilsson in the feminine lead, this picture, 'opening at the Grand' Theatre last evening, proved a great success. “The Thirteenth Juror” is the figurative title for “counsel’s conscience,” a factor of which the facetious may say, non est. But it exists very much in this brilliant and absorbing drania of the courts; being the plot, story and denouement all in one. Tt is a good story' extremely well done, a combination rarely enough met with; the building up of the ingenious plot, with its essential technical applications and intricacies of the profession, is as skilful as the general unravelling of the story; always it intrigues, often thrills, sometimes launches out on the paths of middle-aged romance and slender humour. It is never me’k>dramatic nor maudlin, and the ending is logical, humanly possible, and as far removed from the accustomed theatric climax as the poles are asunder. Which makes the. picture all the more, enjoyable, increases its cleverness, and begets a new respect for the screen. As the counsel for the defence, who knows so much and may speak so little, Francis Bushman shows sparjks of that strength which, he displayed so ably in “Ben Hur”; and at the end, when it appears even, lawyers may indulge in a little emotion, lie is equally effective. Miss Anna Nilsson, who was last seen in “Sorrell ahd-Sdn,’’ is 'leading woman in the drama, acting creditably, while George Siegmann, Marthn Mattox, mid "Walter Pidgeon are also among the players. In addition to the main feature was screened the motion picture record of Bei t Hinkler’s triumphant arrival and' reception at his home town, Bundaberg, on his arrival from England. Also on the programme was a British Empire News, an International News, and a comedy “Rushing .Business.” The Grand Orchestra, under Mrs G. Donaldson, played a pleasing musical programme

“ SINGED.” COMEDY Dll AM A AT THEATRE ROYAL. “Singed,” which opened to a large house at the Theatre Royal last evening, is a dynamic tale of a woman v ho sacrifices everything for the man she loves. He, in turn, vain, selfish, ambitious for what the world terms “success,” leads her through a mental Gethcsemene before he comes to his sensbs and the marriage altar. It is adapted from the story by Adela Rogers St. Johns, and is a powerful drama of primitive passions witn suddenly-acquired wealth derived iroui an oil-well gusher, the “menace.” Dolly Wall is a dance hall girl. When she meets Royce Wingate, a handsome, worthless philanderer, she goes straight. Wingate and trouble walk hand in hand. Dolly' decides he has too much leisure, and, looking about to find a vocation for him, buys an interest in an oil lease in a new field just opening in California. Anxjpus for money, Wingate falls in with the

idea and goes west with Dolly’s business partner, Jim, an o.d-time gambler. They bring in a gusher. Dolly arrives on the scene, and with Wingate goes to San Francisco to sell their holdings. A year passes, during which Wingate lias established himselt as a wealthy man-about-town, giving lavishly to charity in exchange lor an entree into society. Dolly, meanwhile,, is domiciled in an expensive, but overclone apartment. Neither time nor beauty experts, however, can remove the stamp of the dance halls. Her appearance is ever remindful of her unwholesome past. Wingate meets Amy Cardigan, beautitul and impoverished grand-daughter of Itleanoi Cardigan, San Francisco’s social autocrat. He is ambitious to wed her, and the affair goes to the point where lie has proposed and been accepted, although Amy is really in love with David Sears, a young bank clerk oi her own age, but with no financial rating. The grand-mother engineers the affair between Wingate and Amy because she wants his millions in the family. The storv works to a strong climax, Dolly and Wingate finally finding happiness.. In support were a Van Bibber comedy, “A Fool’s Honey,” and a “Fox News.” Under the direction of Mr N. B. Sutcliffe, the Royal Orchestra discoursed a programme of incidental music.

‘‘ ARCHIE,” “ SUNNY; ” AND “ MERCENARY MARY.” BOX PLANS OPEN TO-DAY.

The box plans for the great musical comedy events of 1928, to be presented at the Theatre Royal next .Monday evening by Sir Benjamin and John Eullefs’ London Musical Comedy Company, will open at. the Bristol Piano Company to-day. Timaru .theatregoers, are ; looking forward to the return ol this brilliant company that made “No, No, Nanette” and “Lady Be Good” famous here last year, for the same company', headed b.y Elsie Prince, Jimmy' Goddcn and Charlton Morton, will be seen in three of the latest New -York ifnd London musical comedy successes during the coming season. “Archie” will be the opening production, to. be followed by “Sunny'' and “Mercenary Mary.”. “Archie" reflects the mood of the moment in its gay, catchy' music, in its rich, fascinating frocking that features ! fashion’s latest whims, in its spark- ’ ling, witty comedy and laughab’e \ situations, in its novel dancing of in- I finite variety. Its delightful song numbers are those with a lilting ' charm, and its bright carnival spirit is expressed b.v the clever, talented musical comedy company now play'ing j to packed houses throughout the Dominion. Already a large quantity of the “Archie” and “Sunny” effects have arrived from Christchurch, and big preparations arc now in hand for the staging of tliis stupendous production. The policy of Sir Benjamin and John Fuller in absolutely' eliminating preferential hooking will no doubt meet with popular approval, as this will assure everyone an equal chance, of getting the best seats at a reason-' able price. There will be a matinee performance of “Sunny,” on Tuesday afternoon. “THE KING OF KINGS.” Fuller-Hayward’s announce, in conjunction with the First National Pictures Corporation, the coining to the ’Theatre Royal the mighty picture. “The King of Kings,” the season of which will open at the Theatre Royal on Monday, May 14. “The King of Kings”' is a Western world Passion Play patterned along much the vino line's as the Oberaminergan Play. Whereas the Ravarian actors oily ■stage the actual Passion, “Die King of Kings” presents many miracles and

sermons from the last two years of Our Lord’s public ministry, going on to his High Trial and Death on the Cross and culminating in the Resurrection and Ascension. The story is presented with such knowledge of human nature that it is emotionally exhausting. The presentation of the V'ia Crucis 73 particularly moving, the stumbliftg lio'ure of the Saviour under His doss amidst the hooting Jerusalem crown standing out as a beam of light tins masterpiece. “The King of Kings is, after all, the most familiar story m the world, a series of miracles, paiab es and events from the Bible, but it is the manner in which they ate told oil the screen, the placidity of the Divine demeanour, the general reverence and dignity or an inspired theme that elevate! a motion picture into the realms of high art. The picture is, in one or two brilliant scenes, n«st handsomely produced, but as Our Lord s life was spent among the people, tne poor and lowly, there are lew opportunities to launch out on a career ot extravagance whenever tie is on the screen. Notable ainnog these beautiful scenes arc the palace ol Alaiy Mag dalene, the house of Pontius I date, and the mystical vision ot Christ nneu the Evil One tempts Him and shows Him “all the kingdoms ot tl0 " 01 and the 'dory thereof. Pei haps inc finest actmg in the play occurs in the House ot tne Roman Lovernoi. Til ate’s indecision, his fear ot the news, iiis wish to acquit tlic Pnsonci, am all brought out by the actor phayinb the f'overnor in varying shams fiuerv- “What is truth f ’ stnkcs the necessary cvnicat note, while the plea of his wife, Claudia to lmi e thc th onc peran time and of all peoples. .fh«; gK? tSt-, fiure, the Friend and Teacher making a triumphant metamorphosis i, ilate) S&- Kor or, and is a clt 1 , the honours thC oT ., 1 Statol. U.C two SEiii rotc"».«l b«* haps tiic most interesting.