PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 19789, 13 February 1928, Page 4

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE AND OCTAGON 'Among many remarkable scenes in the mammoth motion picture ‘ Ben Hur,’ which, is still attracting capacity houses to the Empire and Octagon Theatres, is one that claims screen immortality. Though a few _ mere feet in length, it etches itself ineffaceably into the minds of all who see the picture. This is the glance that one receives of Betty Bronson as the Madonna —little more than the uncovering of a passing face, the gentle movement of gentle , hands, the veiling of downcast eyes ashine with the pure light of motherhood, but its memory lingers unfading. Miss Bronson has given to a role that it is an honor to portray a reverent grace and delicacy, and a rare spiritual quality. In the moments that her shadow flits across the screen she achieves something for which a thousand others might strive a life-time in vain. And just as her inspired portrayal is far above the common order of screen acting, so the whole picture, ‘ Ben Hur' is far above comparison. In all sincerity it is claimed that there has never been anything to which it might be compared,, and perhaps never will bo be again. In conception it is so stupendous, in achievement it is so incredible, in dramatic strength so overpowering, that one finds it difficult to absorb it at the moment. ‘ Ben Hur ’ must be seen again and again ; a work of rare power and beauty to linger over and wonder at, to find fresh beauty and inspiration in each time. Of Ramon Novarro as ‘ Ben Hur ’ nothing too fine can bo said. He makes this passionate, heart-broken man of so many centuries ago a. living creature of flesh and blood. His bitterness, his blighted love and hope, his misery, and final glorious happiness.^ A fine prologue introduces the story proper, Mr Les Dailey at the Empire and Mr Beg. Richards at the Octagon singing ‘ The Star of Bethlehem,’ and during the march to Calvary, when the Man of Sorrows performs His latest miracles, a hidden choir sings ‘ Abide With Me.’ QUEEN’S In ‘The Valley of Hell,’ which is the attraction at the Queen’s Theatre, Francis M'Donald sustains his well-won reputation as a manly, romantic, outdoor hero with his splendid acting, remarkable feats of horsemanship, daring athletic stunts, and impassioned lovemaking in this superbly thrilling, ac-tion-filled story of love beneath desert skiees. A plot of surprising twists, a brilliant supporting cast headed by Edna Murphy, and a climax of dynamic power makes ‘ The Valley of Hell ’ a remarkable picture in many ways. The story tells of the efforts of a young rancher to protect a young girl from falling into the hands of a gang of outlaws. The second picture is ‘ Silence,’ with H. B. Warner in the leading role. The story centres about a gentleman crook who shoulders the reseponsibility of a murder that was committed by his daughter. In order to shield her, he allows himself to he condemned to death, and despite every effort madeto force him to toll the truth, he remains silent. Then follows a sensational and thrilling climax which holds the spectator spellbound. Also on the programme is the fifth episode of ‘ The Silent Flyer.’ EVERYBODY’S A photo play that is off the beaten path of picture stories is a refreshing change to picture goers, and ‘ Into Her Kingdom,’ which is being screened at Everybody’s Theatre, belongs to that category. Corinne Griffith is the featured player, and critics assert that it is the star’s best picture. Laid in Russia during the last days of the rule of the Romanoffs, 1 Into Her Kingdom ’ brings home to us some of the thrilling moments of Russia’s darkest hour, and lifts its characters from an oblivion of misunderstanding. The second picture is ‘Bobbed Hair,’ which is a thoroughly entertaining picture, excellently directed by Alan CrosInnd from the scenario written by Lewis Milestone. In addition to being perfectly cast, it is perfectly acted, by a cast which includes, besides those previouslv mentioned, Louise Fazenda, Francis J. M‘Donald, Pat Hartigan, Emily Fitzrov, Tom Ricketts, Walter Long, Otto Hoffman, Kate Toncray, and ‘ Pal,’ the dog., PLAZA AND GRAND Varied colorful roles have fallen to the lot of Renee Adores since she became a. star. Her role in ‘ God’s Own Country.’ one of the features at the Plaza, and Grand Theatres, is on© of her outstanding characterisations. The supporting cast includes Robert Fraser, Walter Long, Mitchell Lewis, Adolph Milan, and James Mason. ‘Slaves of Beauty ’ is the second feature, which is Fox Films version of the gripping story written by Nina Wilcox Putman. Many of the gripping scenes are laid in New York beauty parlors and in the night clubs of the metropolis. Holmes Herbert and live Tell are the featured players. KING EDWARD Something new in the way of Western stories is shown at the King Edward Theatre, where ‘The Valley of Hell is being screened. The story deals with life in the West during the 1860-70 period, and is full of thrilling episodes. Also showing is ‘Bobbed Hair, featuring Marie Prevost and Kenneth Harlan.