PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 19785, 8 February 1928, Page 12

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE AND OCTAGON In tho past pictures have been made of the sea and of slavery at the oar aboard the ancient galleys, but MetroGold wyn-Mayer claim that none have I entailed so much care in making, as did tho Roman galley scenes in ‘ Ben Hur, which Fred. Niblo directed for that company, from tho novel by General Lew Wallace. Tho picture is now attracting capacity houses to both the Empire and Octagon Theatres. The making of the sea sequences was perhaps the most ntricato task that Niblo had to face when making this huge production, and the episode of the battle on the Tyrrhenian Sea, between the Romans and the Pirates, was not accomplished without mishap. One ol the galleys, hicli was to be destroyed by fire during the making of this sequence, caught tire before its scheduled time, and those aboard, who should have been rescued by boats from other vessels, were forced to jump overboard, armor and all, and swim for it. Great anxiety was caused when three of these were discovered to bo missing, but they were later found clinging to the keel of nu upturned boaC breathless, but uninjured. The galleys used in the scenes, and there were over a hundred of them, were propelled by three decks of rowers, one above the other, and thousands of men were required to man the oars. Ramon JMovarro rises to great heights of artistry as Ben Hur. No other screen personage could have achieved so great a triumph, for such talent is given to but few. Francis X. Bushman’s portrayal of the proud and insolent Roman. Messala, is a dramatic effort of strength and vividness. May M'Avoy brings to the part of Esther a gentle wistfnlness and charm that find response in the hidden and most sacred emotions. Betty Bronson, as the Madonna, furnishes an ineffable beauty and it spiritual fragrance the world will never forgot. These aro only a few of the many stars in this mighty production. A line prologue introduces the story proper, Mr Les. Dailey at the Empire, and Mr Reg. Richards at the Octagon, singing the ‘ Star of Bethlehem,’ and ilnring the march to Calvary, when the Man of Sorrows performs His last miracles a hidden choir sings ‘ Abide With Me.’ ‘ Bt u Hur ’ will be screened at ah sessions until further notice. QUEEN'S ‘The Unknown,'’ which is attracting largo audiences to the Queen’s Theatre,, is described as a new Lon Chaney cinema triumph. In this stirring tale of circus life, with Norman Kerr and I Joan Crawford, Lon Chancy plays the I role of tho armless side-show wonder I with uncanny skill and - great dramatic \ power. He performs a scries of tricks with his educated feet that are astounding; he throws knives, tires a riHe. cats, drinks, and even shaves himself with them. ‘The the supporting feature, is the story of one man’s frantic attempt to achieve fame am! fortune against overwhelming odds. Two excellent features aro billed for presentation on Friday. They are ’Tho Valley of Hell,’ starring Frances M 'Donald ami Edna. Murphy, and ‘Silence,’ featuring Raymond Hatton and Vera Raymond. | I EVERYBODY'S 'the atmosphere of ‘Convoy,’ the principal picture at Everybody's Theatre this week, has about it a refreshing tang of the sea, and from start to finish embraces drama, romance, humor, and an accurate representation of the work of the United States Navy in the Great War. In this film Dorothy Mackaill gives one of the most inspired performances of her career, and is ably assisted by Lawrence Gray and Buster Collier. A worthy supporting feature is ‘ The Lawful Cheater,’ in which Clara Bow, the queen of vamps., is seen in her most fascinating mood. It is a charming story of the climb upwards, and concerns the romance of a poor country girl who became mistress of a New York mansion. With regard to the programme commencing on Friday there is good news to tell. Corinne Griffiths, featured in ‘lnto Her Kingdom,’ is coming, and, in addition, ‘Bobbed Hair,’ witlyMario Rrovost and Kenneth Harlan in the leading roles, will bo screened. PLAZA AND GRAND It is generally conceded that there are more thrills to the reel in Hoot Gibson’s latest production ‘ Painted Ponies,’ now showing at the Plaza and Grand Theatres, than the sterling Western star has ever offered in one picture before. In addition to a stirring drama that keeps the audience in suspense, lightened with frequent' laughter, there arc shown a group of rodeo shots than which none more exciting have even, been seen. Ethlync Clair heads a feature cast in this production, which was directed by Reaves Eason from the story by John H. Hamlin. 1 Sunshine From Paradise Alley,’ tho other feature, stars Barbara Bedford, one of the most charming actresses on tho screen. The new programme to ho presented on Friday is billed ns a monster one. The major attraction is ‘ Back to God’s Own Country,’ with the fascinating Renee Adore© in the title role. KING EDWARD At the King Edward Theatre this week ‘Damaged Goods,’ adapted from Eugene Bricnx’s famous novel, is being presented. It is a picture which has attracted a, great deal of attention throughout the world, and is distinctly noteworthy for the message it conveys. The New Zealand film censor has decreed that mixed audiences shall ho prohibited, and for this reason it has been decided that ladies only shall occupy the stalls and that men only bo admitted to the circle. The censor has also ordered that nobody under the age of sixteen years is to he admitted. Another attraction is provided by The screening of ‘The Lawful Cheat, Clara Bow as the chief entertainer. ROSLYH The famous “ Black Bottom " dance is presented to movio goers in ‘ Love ’Em and Leave ’Em,’ the comedy drama to bo shown at the Roslyn Theatre to-uight. Love-making and. heartbreaking as practised by the fast-step-ping youth of to-day are tho themes of this”fast-moving entertainment. An excellent cast of featured players, including Evelyn Brent, Lawrence Gray, and Louise Brooks appear in this picture.