ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14585, 7 February 1921, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

I "THE SHADOW OF LIGHTNING RIDQE." In "The shadow of .Lightning Ridge," the latest E. J. Carroll Australian super-feature, which is to be screened at the popular Strand for a season of two nights only—to-night ai.-d to-morrow night—" Snowy" Baker is given opportunities for the display of daring horsemanship and hair-rais-ing stools. "Snowy" performs feats as "The Shadow" that have never been seen in any photo-play before. An incident that will live long in the memory is his jump on horseback from a cliff sheer through the roof of'a hut 40ft below. There are other thrillers of equal calibre throughout this fast-moving story of a good man's fall from grace and his ultimate regeneration. "The Shadow of Lightning Ridge" is rich in romance and native humour. Enacted, as it is, in the great open spaces of Australia, it is brimful of action, atmosphere and character. Mr Wilfred Lucas directed, ana Miss Brownie Vernon and Miss Bernicc Vere, the young Australian, who has so suddenly stepped into the ranks of the Mm stars, are in the cast. Supporting films of the highest standard arc included in the big bill for to-night. They include the big "First National" special, starring Connie Talmadge in "The Love Expert." The plans, which opened at the Novelty Depot on Saturday, are reported to be filling rapidly. THEATRE ROYAL. Large numbers were unable to gain admittance on Saturday. The quality of the pictures and the generous quantity screened .lustilled the overflowing support accorded. Charles Ray may always be depended upon for something natural, wholesome and good, and on Saturday evening he brought al.mg "Paris Green," an entertaining picture indeed. Koscoe Arbucklc's latest funniosity, "Hayseed," drew forth laughter loud and long. The theatre rang with merriment, while it held the screen. Robert Hichens-widely-read novel, "Barbary Sheep," makes a splendid motion picture. Done by Paramounl-Arteraft, and acted in Africa, mostly in the desert regions, by beautiful Elsie Ferguson and a strong cast, it is a most Impressive production of the highest grade. Tonight's final screening is sure to attract another big attendance. Seats should be reserved over 'phone 1580. "POSSUM PADDOCK." Kate Howarde, the clever Wanganui native, who has achieved success in Australia with her pen, and on the stage and screen, will present one screening only on to-morrow evening at the Theatre Royal of her Australian picture success, "Possum Paddock," in seven reels. Big seasons were played at Auckland and Wellington. Concerning the iilm the Evening Post, Wellington, wrote: "Possum Paddock" stands as a glowing heart-thrilling epitome of life in-the great outback. It has been adapted for the screen with a great wealth of incidents, magnificent and spectacular, and withal a wholesome story of real human interest. Life in llic great never-never is full and realistically portrayed by a great cast of characters —all Australians—specially selected for their adaptability to the screen. 11 is a drama thai grips and holds Ihe audience from the first to the last reel. The photography is particularly tine, and Mr Charles Villiers, the director, has achieved an undoubted triumph in Australian picture production. Box plans are at Paul's. There will be no advance in prices, save a small booking fee. KING'S THEATRE. Faces abeam with pleasure shone from every corner of the denselypacked theatre on Saturday night. George Walsh is an immense favourite, and the maker of that fine feature, "The Winning Stroke," met with a royal reception in his latest thrilling and very excellent picture, "The Dead Line." Peggy llyland, acting with rare skill and refinement, presents a really meritorious photo-play in "Black Shadows." Loud applause greeted "The Great Gamble," a vastly popular serial. A smart cartoon also found favour. The incidental music, supplied by Mr 11. Spencer-Salt and Miss Lockwood, was a much-appreciated added attraction. The good programme will show to-night and to-morrow evening.