PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 19801, 27 February 1928, Page 5

PICTURE THEATRES

EVERYBODY'S

OCTAGON

Something entirely new in the way of thrills is provided by Richard Dix in his latest production, ‘Man Power,’ which is now being screened at the Octagon Theatre. He appears in a smashing story of a man who saved a town by driving a caterpillar tractor into the breach of a crumbling dam. Dix lias hit a pace that few stars in the history of pictures have been able to approach, making fourteen big successes in a row. In his latest effort he makes the audience laugh, , cry, and cheer. It is a film for boys and girls of all ages who like action. ‘ Man Power ’ is no parlor picture; it opens with Dix unshaven and untidy in a railway truck, but he gets on to his feet in the first reel. The action hits a fast pace when he begins showing up the machinations of a crooked manager of a tractor factory; it keeps on going when it is apparent ho intends to win the daughter of the company's president, and it hits the heights of melodramatic thrills when he drives a huge tractor through driving rain up a mountain to save a dam which is in danger of being washed out. Every man who ever felt a feeling of triumph when ho finally traced out and corrected the trouble with the family bus will enjoy Dix’s work. And every man who likes to see an exceptionally pretty girl pursued by a man who is crazy about her will think Mary Brian a winner. Although Mary demonstrated a new versatility in ‘ Knockout Reilly,’ she is said to show more of it in this production. The Octagon Orchestra, under the direction of M. Do Rose, plays the overture ‘Zampa.’ with on organ accompaniment by Mr C. A. Martin.

EMPIRE

Reginald Denny, the star'of ‘Out All Night,’ the current attraction at the Empire Theatre, is said to have accomplished one of the most notable comedy characterisations of his career in this picture. This is another of the hilarious farces that have made the inimitable star so popular with moving picture audiences. Denny, as the man about town, who marries a dainty little ballet dancer, is delightful alwajs, and the story injects him into all manner of strange and embarrassing situations. The complications that involve Denny provide more side-splitting mirth than lias been screened for some time. Masquerading as a ship's physician, he embarks with his newly-wed wife, who is a show trouper, and their trip _ to London is a series of embarrassing manoeuvres so that lie may see her. The wedding must be kept a secret, because of a clause in Molly O’ Day’.s contract which calls for a forfeit of £20,000 if she should marry, it all ends in a mad farce in mid-ocean, chock full of laughs and entertainment. Marian Nixon plays the leading feminine role opposite the favorite Denny, and Ben Hendricks, jun., Wheeler Oakraan, Dorothy Earle, and Dan Mason come in for their share of the fine acting displayed in this picture. The Empire Orchestra, under Mr C. Darnell, will be hoard in an excellent musical programme.

QUEEN'S AND KING HOWARD

Rod La Rocquo plays the 'loading role in ‘Red Dice,’ the chief attraction at the Queen’s and King Edward Theatres this week.. The story deals with the underworld and also with “ bootleggers,” and provides entertainment of the most popular kind. The leading feminine role is played by Marguerite La Motto, who gives a splendid performance opposite the star. The story centres about Alan Bocwith, who, anxious to settle a debt, futilcly attempts to pawn his Croiy do Qucrrc. Andrew North, a “bootleg” chief, has ordered ’is gunmen to “ Get ” Johnny Vane and Conroy, who have “hi-jacked” a cargo of his whisky-, and the latter is shot after being ordered from the Vanes’s apartment by Beverly, Johnny’s sister, after sho has discovered the source of their ill-gotten gains. In the meantime . ! visits the “chief,” and for .'3OO dollars proposes to insure his life for 10,000 dollars in the " bootlegger’s ” favor, and then commit suicide. North gives Alan a year to live, and orders him to marry a woman of his choosing to divert suspicion. In the meantime ocverly calls on North and successfully pleads for her brother’s life. In return she consents to marry Alan, _ The second attraction is ‘ Dance Magic,’ a whirlwind of thrills and laughter. Ben Lyon and Pauline Starke are cast in ideal settings in this entertaining production. ‘ Tho Man They Could Not Hang,’ which deals with the life story of John Lee, should prove a big attraction next week.

‘ The Ten Commandments ’ provides a notable attraction at Everybody’s Theatre. This is not the first time that this wonderful film has been shown in Dunedin, for it will be remembered that it attracted record crowds when it was shown in 1924 and also in 1925. All those who have seen this michty feature declare it to be the next best to ‘Ben Hur,’ which has recently competed a most phenomenal

‘Dancing Mad’ is on the same bill, and stars Maria Corda a-.d Harry Liodtke. Maria Corda, famed star of tho European stage and screen, first attracted the attention of American producers by her work in this feature. This is a Fox Film production, made in their new Berlin studios, and was directed by Alexandra Cordra, husband of tho star. It is a joyous comedydrama of modern maimers, and while not a problem play, it carries a forceful and interest-compelling lesson. The outstanding critics of Europe have pronounced it tho most jhquant, hilarious, and mirth-provoking film of many Beacons.

PLAZA AND GRAND

Jackie Coogan lias appeared before his admirers in many guises, but never 4 in a military role, as ho does in his newest starring vehicle, ‘ The Bugle Call,’ now being screened at the Grand and Plaza Theatres. In this gripping outdoor drama the juvenile genius plays the part of a bugle boy stationed under his father’s command at a cavalry post on the frontier in the days of the early West. At that period it was common for very small boys to be used as buglers, and they often accompanied their regiments into action. Consequently the present generation is accorded a wonderful, fascinating opportunity of studying one of these juvenile heroes as portrayed with astonishing sincerity and re. lism by Jackie Coogan. Claire Windsor heads a particularly strong mustei ot supporting players, including Herbert Rawhnson, who. takes the part of Jackie’s father, and Tom O’Brien, who is responsible for much of the comedy, as Sergeant Doolan. College life and all it implies, interestingly told, with a tremendous amount of suspense, is embodied in 1 College Days,’ the second attraction. The picture, which was splendidly directed by Richard Thorpe, under the personal supervision of -the author, includes such well-known players as Marcolino Day', Charles Delaney, James Harrison, Duane Thompson, Brooks Benedict, Kathleen Key, Edna Murphy, Robert Homans, Craufurd Kent, Gibson Gowland, Lawford Davidson, Pat Harmon,