AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17987, 19 June 1928, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

MILTON SILLS AND MOLLY O’DAY IN “ HARD-BOILED HAGGERTY.” Nobody who saw Milton Sills in the dramatic and gorgeous production, “The Sea Hawk,” thought that this dignified actor, with the stump and bearing of a Vikin" would; shine in comedy, yet those who see him at the Theatre Royal this evening will vote it one of the best. The very title of his new picture, “Hard-Boiled Haggerty,” seems repugnant to the magnificent dignity or the man who commanded the daring sea-rover, and it speaks volumes for his versatility that he can star it in both essentials of the movies, drama and comedy. “HardBoiled Haggerty” starts off with a thrill, the thrill of war in the air, so realistic that people wonder at men’s courage apd resource. With violent suddenness, after escaping from a blazing aeroplane, Haggerty insnbordinately goes to gay Paris, where he meets adventures that contrast with his exploits in the air. Finding it desirable to avoid the attention of the police, be takes refuge in a room occupied by a girl, and hides under the bed. When the baffled pursuers have departed the girl hauls him out. His. aerial trip back to headquarters is paved with good intentions and mighty resolutions. Prepared for being disciplined, he receives the shock of his life when his major pins a medal on him for distinguished service. His adventure with the fair Parisian does not end there. He takes her to an officers’ ball, where she is identified as Go-Go, a cabaret dancer. On the major advising the flyer that she is no mate for him, he knocks the major down. The real Go-Go, quite a different girl, is discovered after the Armistice, and sweet little Germaine and Haggerty fall into each otheris arms, while the major gives them his blessing. All that need be said of Mr Sills in the lighter side of his profession is thnt he is delightful. Miss Molly O’Day, his charming partner on this occasion, has all the vivacity of a French girl, and nobody can feel surprised that the “hard-boiled” are falls madly in love with her. Avthn. Stone. Mitchell Lewis, and George Fawcett give the two famous principals able support, all helping to make “Hard-Boiled Haggerty” an excellent picture. The “English Topical News” and a comedy complete the film programme. Seats may be reserved through ’phone 570.

JACKIE COOGAN AT THE GRAND ROMANCE OF MERCHANT AIARINE. ,Jackie Coogan is undoubtedly one of the most consistently populnr players on the screen; it is always such an cuusual spectaolo to watch the very performing with all the sangfroid of the old, and Jackie Coogan can certainly d 0 this. His pictures, coming as they do at rare intervals, are among the most extensively patronised, and Buttons” which opened at tho Grand Theatre last evening, was such as delight the most fastidious. Buttons” is a romance of a cadet in the Merchant Marine, /wjith _ Jackie t-cogan playing his first role since his famous bob was cut to conventional length, and his picturesque rags scrapped for the uniform of the senior service. Not less wistful and appealing is the new actor; he always got the worst of it in his strictly juvenile . pictures, but in “Buttons” ho mixes it freely with the captain’s page, and provides meddling in the captain’s Jove affairs. Ihe story told in “Buttons” is a simple romance, but with a few brilliant scenes outstanding to give it some dr a- 1

m atio fillip. The sinking of the big trans-Atlantic liner, with “Buttons” confined in disgrace in .the shipls “brig,” and eventually going down the captain on the bridge. But no tragedy. All are saved. There is a spark or the villain’s element, a dash of deep plotting, a fair lady, and a romantic officerj there is Buttons, soheming and fighting, and Buttons’s youim enemy, a delightful assembly of people in situations that tickle the sense of humour, rtlhrill wfith drama, fascinate with some' romance. Young Coogan is surrounded with' a company of talented players. Lars Hansen, that cold Viking who is delighting the critics, is the captain, Gertrude Olmsfcead. his lady, Roy D’Arcy (still grinning) is an exquisite creature who would woo her from the gallant officer’s side; Jackie Coogan and Coy Watson are two cadets who would thwart Bis fell scheme, and Paul Hurst is the gym. instructor, who claps the exquisite one in a boiling bath for the good of his health, but better to allow the captain an open field. “Buttons” is a gem of a .story, made into a. speedy and amusing picture. Shown in support are a comedy “Putting Pants on Philip,” the latest Metro-Goldwyn News and a fine New Zealand scenic. Music of a pleasing nature was discoursed by tho Grand Orchestra, under Mrs G. Donaldson.

CONCERT AT GOODE ENTENTE.

POPULARISING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC. In response to numerous requests, an orchestra composed of some of the leading instrumentalists in Timaru was organised some weeks ago with the object of giving concerts on alternate Tuesday evenings. The requests emanated from citizens who are lovers of music, and who felt that entertainment of the kind would be welcomed by a large section of the | community. Up to the present several concerts have oeen given, and those who have been privileged to be present have spoken in. the most appreciative terms of the entertainment provided for them. The programmes have been so arranged ns to extend over an hour and a half, and in the choice of numbers, every, endeavour has been made to select pieces which are light and pleasing in character. For the most part the works are those of well-known composers, and in the treatment accorded them they are not only pleasing, but from a musical standpoint, are of great educational value. Interest is added to the concert by tho introduction of at least one instrumental solo and a vocal item. Judging by the attendance at the concerts given up to the present, it is evident that their true worth has not been known to all .music lovers. For to-night’s concert in the Goode Tntente Tea Rooms, a splendid programme has been arranged, and will include “Orpheum,” march; intermezzo, “Demoiselle Chic” (Fletcher); “Grasshopper’s Dance” (Bucalossi) ; valse Jente, “Flenrette” (Bratton) ; and pot pourri, “A Musical Sk|tch” (Alford). Mrs W. I. Tait will he the soloist for the evening, while Miss Mcßride will also give a piano solo. In addition, Mr Brown will play a cornet solo, the selection being entitled “Sunshine of Your Life.”