PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 20135, 27 March 1929, Page 7

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE A film which fully demonstrates the progress of British pictures is ‘ Tommy Atkins,’ now being screened at the Empire Theatre. The production, which was made with the co-operation of the British Army Council, gives a pietnrisation of military activities, the services of the 2nd Battalion of the Somerset Regiment, the Ist Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment, and the Ist Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders having been provided by the Army Council for the fighting scenes. In the role of Tommy Atkins, Walter Butler gives a convincing portrayal, while Lilian Hall-Davis is charming as the heroine of the story. Excellent characterisations are also given by Henry Victor and Shaylo Gardner, who complete the list of principals. 1 Red Hot Speed,’ a Reginald Denny comedy, with no lack of this star’s breezy humour, fills second place on the bill. Vivid pictures of the ravages caused by the recent Hood arc contained in this week’s local news film, which is also responsible for the presentation of many other items of interest. Delightful musical accompaniments arc played by the Empire Orchestra, tinder the direction of Mr Charles Arcs. REGENT War, its glamours and its realities, lias been brought to the screen in many forms; the surge and thunder of battle have been depicted in great and gripping spectacles, but never has the story of the other war that is waged on the home front been so vividly presented as in ‘ The Enemy,’ which is now being shown at the Regent Theatre. The picture is based on Chaiiiiing Pollock’s famous stage play, and is a vivid romance of Central Europe, laid during and after the world war. Lillian Gish plays the starring role of Paula, tho tragic heroine whose family was scattered and friends disrupted by tho poison of war p: opaganda. Fred Niblo directed and Ralph Forbes, Ralph Emerson, Frank Currier, and George Faweclt are included in the cast.

Pleasant variety is Introduced with the presentation of ‘ The Alain I l ’,vent,’ an exciting melodrama of the roped arena, in which Vera Reynolds and Charles Delaney have the featured roles. The action is brisk and thrilling, culminating in a stirring bout that keeps interest at fever pitch. Another popular attraction is the appearance of Aiec Begun m a number of i-aicby songs, while, the orchestral music is also an additional entertainment. COMING ATTRACTIONS. The new bill to bo presented at this theatre next Friday is to he comprised of two powerful dramas, ‘ Bonn Broadway ’ is hilled as the chief attraction and as a riot of fun that sets another mark in sophisl iealed enmedydrainn. Lew Cody and Ailocn Pringle, arc the stars. In ’ Stand and Deliver,’ which is claimed to he a gripping drama of love and banditry. Bud La Rocqno is featured in the loading characterisation. STRAND Buster Keaton, aided and abetted by Ernest Torrence. Director Charles Beisiier, a girl by the name of Alarion Byron, and seemingly thousands of other actors and actresses, has made one of the year's funniest pictures. It is ‘Steamboat Bill, Jim.,’ ami it is now being shown at the Strand Theatre to capacity audiences, which nil lint fall out of their scats at the antics of the frozen-faced star and his assisting mirth-provokers. The comedy is a laugh riot from the opening scene till the finish, ‘Steamboat Bill, Jnn..’ is different, for it has a real story, with a logical development of plot, has recognised screen favourites in the supporting cast, and does not undertake the intelligence of the audience. ‘The Sea prelim,’ a British production, is the chief .support, while the remainder of tho programme is good. GRAND AND PLAZA ‘ Flaming Waters,’ the feature film, is a story by E. Lloyd Sheldon, and is replete with sensationalism, and not the least spectacular of the ‘‘ punches ” in the picture is the river of (ire, which descends on tho flood from the reservoir in the last reel, demolishing as it goes and threatening to engulf the principal characters in the picture. Fred My ton did the adaptation, and F. Harmon Weight, who made a name for himself with ‘ Drn.silla With a Alillion,’ directed. The cast, which includes Alaleolm ARGrogor. Paulino Garon, Alary Can'. John Aliljan. Johnny Gough, and Mayme Kelso, is well balanced and particularly able. Estele. Brody in ‘ This Alarriaga Business ’ is also showing. COADIENCING SATEB DAY. A film classic, by Sir A. Pinero entitled ‘ His House in Order,’ featuring the great British stage actress Tallulah Bankhead, will be the British film for Saturday’s new programme. EVERYBODY’S ‘ The Farmer's Daughter.’ which has been playing to capacity audiences at Everybody’s Theatre, will have a final showing to-morrow night. This is n wholesome, clean comedy, crammed with laughter and with a good story. Afarjorie Beebe. Warren Burke, and Arthur Stone have featured roles in the production, which was taken from an original story hv Harry Brand and Henry Johnson. The second attraction is a, story of a rich man’s son and an orphan who fall in love, and is entitled ‘The-Sea Urchin.’ KING EDWARD Now showing at the King Edward Theatre is ‘The Farmer's Daughter,’ a comedy featuring Alarjorie Beebe, and ‘ Tho Good-bye Kiss,’ a hue war story with three new players who are sure to become popular,