Have the Marian Nixon sketch, but cannot give definite date of publication

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18149, 7 May 1927, Page 24

Have the Marian Nixon sketch, but cannot give definite date of publication

Thomas Meighan in “The Canadian Pioneer,” will be the chief attraction at Everybody’s Theatre next week, and is a pleasant change from the semi-drawing room dramas Meighan has been given lately, going back to the virile, masculine roles that made him famous. Cast as a Canadian wheat grower more or less up against it. the star has ample opportunities to act in an interesting manner, and he has, | also, a story which is uncommonly intelligent and arresting. Although “The Canadian Pioneer” is interesting in its great-open-spaces aspects, it is cveii more so in its domestic arena. Seldom has a more psychologically and temperamentally engrossing story been seen on the screen. Tt is original, it may be uniqu-e, and it grips the attention from the outset. One never knows what the climax will be, and it may be mentioned that this climax is the acme of surprises. Mona Palma plays the leading lady, and Wyndham Standing is another well-known actor in the cast. “Oh Baby” is a light and airy romance centred round some blonde and ; peach-like young women, and, at the same time, is a discreetly and deftlyexecuted comedy of conjugal life, nicely balanced with boxing without any innuendo attached to the avocation, and full of thrills anti laughs by the hundred from start to finish. Madge Kennedy and Creighton Hale play the leading roles, supported by Little Billy and Flora Finch. “Oh Baby” is one ol' the pictures to be shown at Everybody’s next week. The latest Harold Lloyd comedy, en:itled “For Heaven's Sake,” which will be presented at the Crystal Palace Theatre next week, is quite tip to this popular player’s usual high standard of entertainment. In this picture Lloyd plays a millionaire who has nothing to do, and deals with his efforts to occupy his time in sundry ways, which, of course, are of hilarious and delighted interest to the spectators. “For Heaven’s Sake” is vastly thrilling and amusingly romantic, besides being fraught with many clever and bright quips and original gags. Jobyna Ralston is the star’s leading lady, and acts with her customary girlish charm. “Beau Geste” is to be shown a third week at the Grand Theatre. This was unexpected, but the public have responded so well to the merits of the picture that this long season is warranted. Adapted from P. C. Wren’s book of the same name, “Beau Geste” tells a gripping, wonderful story of the French Foreign Legion, wherein honour and dishonour, tragedy and comedy, romance and drama all walk hand in hand. Nothing is surprising in the Legion, and some thrilling and mysterious' events occur during the course of the story of “Beau Geste.” The cast is an unusually brilliant one, being headed by Ronald Colman in the title role, and the other two brothers are played by Neil Hamilton and Ralph Forbes. Alice Joyce, Mary Brian and Noah Beery are other famous stars appearing in the picture. Conway Tearle, Wallace Beery, Huntley Gordon and Alice Terrv are the stars of “The Great Divide,” at the Liberty Theatre next week. It is a sophisticated, primitive play adapted from a famous American stage play. ‘The Great Divide” is a picture which will very naturally arouse considerable controversy, but before that it will prove to be of exceptional entertainment interest. Thrillingly dramatic, daring and primitive, there is nothing of pink tea romance about it, and the locale, which is Arizona, and the acting which is at all times admirable, go f ui in making it as realistic as it is.

“Fighting the Flames,” which will be screened at the Queen’s Theatre next week, is a spectacular drama of courage, pathos and love, presented by a high-class cast, which includes Dorothy Devore, William Haines, David Torrence, Sheldon Lewis, Charles Murray and Frankie Darro, whom critics term the “baby Barrymore of the screen.” The story is that of a young man who found his manhood as a fire-fighter. The thrills are three fires and sensational rescues, and a romantic love story is woven through the whole picture. The second attraction “On the Go,” in which the leading role is filled by Buffalo Bill, Jun., has thrills, novelty and suspense, mingled with a plentiful supply of comedy.

TLe current programme at the Strand Theatre has as its first picture “The Snob,” an adaptation of Helen R. Martin's novel of the same name. The story is full of human interest and centres around the love of a woman for an upstart, not worthy of the affections bestowed upon him. There are several exciting incidents during the unfolding of the plot, notably a murder, which takes place in a notorious road-house. This leads tip to a thrilling climax. A fine cast interprets the various roles, those appearing being John Gilbert, Norma Shearer. Conrad Nagel. Phyllis Haver and Iledda Hopper. sc

Syd. Chaplin, who made such hits in “Charley’s Ahnt” and “The Man On the Box,” has eclipsed his previous successes in “The Better 'Ole,” which is soon to be offered at the Liberty Theatre. Based on one of Captain Bruce Bairnsfather’s well-known stories of the Great War, in its humorous aspects. “The Better ’Ole” is credited with being one of the most uproariously funny films ever made. Chaplin is outrageously realistic as the British Tommy, complete with walrus moustache and a total absence of aspirates. He has good support by clever comedy players, but his work is outstanding even in such brilliant company.

A very beautifully-conceived picture is “Three Bad Men,” a Fox production, which is to be the next feature of the Grand Theatre. It is a drama of the old days, that were so full of life and the joy of living, days that were magnificently thrilling and dangerous. It is a story which is inherently fraught with pathos, showing an unusual grip of human nature and the frailties thereof. Appealing in its purely human aspects, dramatic and absorbing in its every scene, snatching a hurried romance out of the rush and tumble of the old days, “Three Bad Men’’ will be a picture that will live a long time iia the memory of those who see it, for it tells its brave and pathetic tale in a gentle manner, with more than a dash of lilting comedy, and with no touch of cynicism to mar its simple greatness. Olive Borden plays the feminine lead, and is throughout a veritable picture of beauty and grace, besides being an attractive actress. Fred 1 homson, F.8.0.’s well-known Western star, has signed up with Fatuous Players. Universal Company proposes to produce “ Romeo and Juliet,” with Norman Kerry as Romeo and Mary Philbin as Juliet. It is reported that Mae Murray will go to England under engagement to

the British National Films, the company with which Dorothy Gish is associated. Charlie Chaplin, who has been in New York since Mrs Chaplin commenced divorce proceedings, will complete his latest picture, "The Circus,” , in that city. Famous Players have instituted an Author’s Council whose principal duties are to develop original stories and encourage authors to write directly for the screen. James Cruze, who has been a Famous Players director for several years, will, it is said, shortly be producing for United Artists, and Mrs Cruze (Betty ('ompsonl has signed up with Universal. “ Photoplay ” reports the following recent marriages:—Jobyna Ralston and Richard Arden. Yola Vale and J. \Y. Gorman, Virginia Brown Faire and Jack Dougherty, and Shirley Mason and Sidney Landfield. Some. delightful intimate touches into animal life are shown in the Universal release, “Then Came The Woman.” Different scenes during the sequence of the forest fire show various kinds of animals, including bears, cougars, coyotes, opossums, and also birds, forsaking their native haunts in fear oi the fire scourge. Billy Kent Schaeffer, the child who I caused such a sensation with his performance in the Universal production. “The Ilcme Maker,” has the best role of his short career in the Universal Jewel attraction, “The Ice Flood.” Bill}*, now just eight years old. plays the role of the crippled little brother of Viola Dana, who shares stellar roles with Kenneth Ilarlan. Gertrude Astor, whose real name is Gertrude Eyster, and who told a judge in Los Angeles that she was born at Lima, Ohio, just twenty-one years ago. was granted the boon she craved—that of being known at all times and places as Gertrude Astor. “ I have a lot of real estate.” she told the judge, “and it’s all in the name of Gertrude Astor. The name of Astor made me.” A favourite with screen players was Leah Baird, who has been out of pictures for some considerable time. Miss Baird has been engaged to appear in a series of two-reel domestic comedies by Gaiety Pictures, and will take parts similar to those played by Mrs Sydney Drew in the famous and never-to-be-forgotten Drew comedies, as a foil for the ready wit and natural humour of the star, Taylor Holmes. On one of the dresses that Colleen Moore wears in “ Twinlcletoes ” there are 3901 pearl buttons. The dress is a part of the coster outfits that were *. prepared for her in her role as a deni- j zen of the Limehouse district of Lon- j don. Two women spent a week making the profusely buttoned attire. “ I’m thankful l don’t have to fit the buttons all into buttonholes every time I put the dress on,” said Colleen. Harry Carey, famous Western star, makes his debut under the Metro-Gold-wvn-Mayer banner in “A Little Journey,” which is releasing throughout New Zealand. Carey is featured in a cast that includes William Haines, Claire Windsor, and Claire M’Dowel!, and his part of Alex. Smith is the first white-collar role he has played on the screen for ten years. The story is from the famous stage play by Rachel Crothers. Public attention has again turned to Hollwood, where three more brilliant careers in the movies have been ended (says a Plollywood message, dated April 22). Paul Kelly, a leading juvenile, who loved the petite Dorothy Mackayc, star in “The Dove,” and other successes, is charged with killing her husband, Ray Raymond. After beating him with his bare knuckles, Iselh, it is alleged, threw him out of a window, fracturing his skull. Carmelita Geraghty appears with Tom Mix as his leading lady in “The Last Trail.’” the latest Western which this actor has finished at the Fox Studios. The story is from the novel by Zane Grey, and provides the star with an ideal vehicle for his talents. Daring riding and much action arc the j features of this film, with Carmelita Geraghty proving herself a splendid horsewoman and a most attractive opposite to Mix's rugged manhood. One of the most beautiful scenic spots in the world appears in the Universal Western attraction, “The Wild Ilorse Stampede,” starring Jack Iloxie. Exteriors for the picture were made near Lone Pine, California, in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and the camera has recorded some exceptionally beautiful shots. Lone Pine is a little mining and ranching town, huddled in a broad valley, with towering mountains fringing it oil all sides.

The 'Union-Master picture epic, “For the Term of his Natural Life.” starring Eva Novak, is clue for early* release. This long anticipated photoplay deals with the life and romance of Rufus Dawes, one of the hundreds of convicts doomed to a wretched existence at the Port Arthur penal settlement of IS4O. Realising the importance of this film, those concerned in its production invested the greatest energies into the perfection of a picture, the story and cinematic value of which they' could well appreciate.

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel. “The Scarlet Letter,” has been made into screen form by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This picture, in which Miss Lillian Gish has the leading role, is now releasing throughout New Zealand, and it is said that in it the star, who is recognised as being the “supreme dramatic actress of the screen,” surpasses anything that she has previously done in the way of dramatic acting. Earl Dane, who enacted the rcle of “Slim” in the “Big Parade,” lias a prominent part in this production. Lars Hansen, a notable Swedish actor, plays the role of the Rev Dinsdalc. k “ Venus of Venice ” is the title of Constance Talmadge’s new somedvrlrama, lor release by First National. Miss Talmadge appears as a gay young \ enetian crook with a penchant for stealing hearts as well as jewels—the latter from gondola parties. Antonio Mcrero supports the star in the leading role, and others in the line cast include Edward Martindel, Julanne Tohnston, and others. Constance Talmadge is an expert swimmer, and this stands her ill good stend in this picture. Among recently filmed scenes was one wherein she had to make a high dive from a bridge into a Venetian canal, swimming under water for a considerable distance. Mary Astor plays the heroine with many other lovely stars portraying the various roles ot the gorgeous Master Picture, “Don Juan.” Estelle Tavlor Heien CosteHo. Jane Winton. Myrna Lov, I hj’llis ' later. June Marlowe, Helen Lee Worthing. Helena D’Mrv Hedda Hopper, are but a few cf the many beautiful women who crate this

super production with their charms. The noted actors who so vividly delineate the leading male, characters are John Barrymore, Willard Louis, Warner Oland. Montague Love, Nigel de Brulier. John Roche and Joseph Swickard, while hundreds of others are to he seen in the many spectacular scenes of the picture. ITenrik Sartov. formerly of the University of Rotterdam, was responsible for the wonderful photographv in Lillian Gish's new Metro-Goldwyn-May'cr starring vehicle, “ The Scarlet Letter.” This famous expert has been Miss Gish's photographer fur several years, and has been successful in obtaining many remarkable camera effects. The photography in "The Scarlet Letter” is said to be beautiful in the extreme, especially in the effective close-ups of Lillian Gish, who plays the part «.f Ilester Prynne, the Puritan maid who loved and defier! an intolerant world. Lars Ilanfen, Karl Dane, Henry B. Walthall, and other well-known players, are included in the cast. “Josselyn’s Wife.” a Tiffany production, suggested by the story of the

, same name, by Kathleen Norris, and I featuring Pauline Frederick, will shortly be released by Master Pictures. ! Pauline Frederick has the unique disj tinction of being the only actress who : has a large fnd enthusiastic following ! in both the legitimate stage and the , screen. For many years this gifted dramatic star has appeared on the screen. Her productions have been some of the foremost hits of the day, and her work has met with the approval of fans wherever motion pictures are shown. “Josselyn’s Wife” gives Miss Frederick every opportunity to display her remarkable talents to the full. “New York."’ a Paramount production. is the kind of film that critics refer as a “gorgeous melodrama.” A splendid cast headed by Ricardo Cortez. Lois Wilson, Estelle Taylor (Mrs Jack Dempsey), William Powell and Norman Trevor, enacts the thrilling story. It is one of the "Roughs” and get-rich-folk, of the Bowery and Park Avenue, of a jazz band drummer and a society miss, and of despair and happiness. It’s the story of a man who

climbs out of the environment where birth has placed him, raises himself to a pinnacle at which the pleasure-loving world throws praise, gives him the girl of his heart, and then—Fate, that well-known spectre * i the screen —steps in and deals a tu.prising blow. #.* 55 Do you remember tliat wondenul dog in Richard Barthelmcss’* 1 best picture. “ Tol-able David’? Her name was Lassie, and she is still acting m pictures and earning 15000 dollars a year for her master. Emery Bronte. She is working just now with Richard Dix in a picture to be released under the title of “ Knockout Reilly.” and she is under contract to make thirteen one-act comedies as their star. Lassie has played with many of the picture stars. She made her debut with \ iola, Dansuin a picture called ” Her Brother’s Champion,” acting five nights at liv • dollars a night. One of her most su - cessful characters was the poor little dog in “The Street of Forgotten Men. in which she was killed cruelly by members of the underworld. At the time that picture was released women's clubs protested the dog was badly treated, but as a matter of fact she enjoyed acting in the film. This accomplished doggie is a great traveller, going about the country from Hollywood to New York, to Florida, to Canada, to anvwhere eNe her professional engagements call her for location work.