EMPIRE’S ROLLICKING FARE

Evening Star, Issue 20138, 1 April 1929, Page 7

EMPIRE’S ROLLICKING FARE

SCREEN AND STAGE ATTRACTIONS After viewing the new programme submitted for the delectation of Umpire Theatre patrons for the time on Saturday evening, one immediately arrives at the conclusion that it is really excellent entertainment. For bright, breezy, _ and well-varied fare, it is doubtful if this theatre has over offered .such a feast to theatre-goers. Besides two pictorial _ attractions bubbling over with sparkling and refreshing humour, there is a vaudeville presentation of a highly diversified nature, which met with the wholehearted approval of the audience. Introducing themselves in a smart ensemble to the tune of ‘My t'utie s Due at Two to Two,’ the Potted Musical Pollies at once created a. good impression, which was quickly substantiated as item followed item in whirlwind fashion. Wyn Lawrence and Eddie Hogan showed daintiness and precision of a rare order in a novelty dance, while in tho playlet that followed, entitled ‘ That’s My Wife,’ Linda Mills, Chas. Lawrence, and Eddie Hogan were responsible for a great deal of spontaneous mirth. The Twinklers, a bevy of ballet girls attired in colourful costumes, certainly “ twinked to the tune of ‘ Sundown,’ and Edcfie Hogan then displayed stepping ability of a high order in a subsequent dance turn, in which eccentricity played a prominent part. ‘ Ships That Never Lome Home,’ sung by Charles Lawrence, scored an instantaneous hit, while that popular waltz tune ‘ Jeamiine ’ revealed the whole company amid colourful settings, with the. pleasing voice of Chas. Lawrence again to the fore. Perhaps the most welcome item of all was ‘ Yn Banks and Braes,’ in which the pretty and delightful voice of Miss Linda Mills was heard to great advantage. The company’s most enjoyable offering was brought to a dose in an attractive dance ensemble, *a which Nola Lawrence, tho youngest dancer in Australasia, was i'ea-

tured. The drawing of the curtain fox; the last time still saw the audience clamouring for more.

A film dealing exclusively with tho fascinating life of circus performers and starring Alary Aster* and Lloyd Hughes, entitled ‘Three Bing Marriage,’ headed tho tine picture bill. In this exceedingly romantic story Alary Aster plays the somewhat unusual role of a girl pursuing her lover, oven to the extent of joining tho same circus as him. In the big circus the}' know her ns “Amur Montana,” beautiful tx-ick rider. With her, and apparently tho only one who knows anything of her past, is Cal Coney, a circus cowboy. Bawl Souvane, also a mystery and comparative newcomer with the circus, manages the show in the absence of tho owner. He has been showering attentions upon Anna, but the latter favours Cal. And for some reason Cal, who secretly adox*es her, will not return her affection openly. Included in the cast is an entire circus, performers, and animals. Afidgets and giants, trained animals and clowns—in fact, all the glitter and romance of tho big top are seen ns the background of this charming romance of the ranch-owner's daughter and tho cowboy, who win out in the face of obstacles. Summed up, ‘Three Bing Alaniagc ’ is a picture that provides ideal entertainment and one which holds tho interest from start to finish.

Comedy of a delightfully farcical nature predominated the story of ‘ Someone to Love,’ tho third big feature on tho bill. The story or this production has to do with the romantic adventures of three smart young men in a music store, where one falls in love with the daughter of a wealthy family, white the other- two, in their angling for rich marriages, involve the former, who is faced with many great difficulties. To prove his innocence he has to make a. success of managing a school for girls. This lie does with conspicuous success, and a happy story is brought to a pleasing end. Charles (Buddy) Rogers, of ‘ Wings ’ fame, is ideally east in the leading characterisation, which is supported by the sweet and charming acting of Alary Brian. William Austin, who has appeared in many uproarious .comedies of late, scores another hit in this picture, white Jack Oaklo, James Kirkwood, Alary Alden, and Frank Reichcr add to the, merriment. A special feature about the production is the clever work of George Marion, jnn., who is responsible for many ludicrously funny subtitles.

Some fine snaps of tho University sports meeting at tho Caledonian Ground and of the operations of the St. Clair Life-saving Club members are included in this week's local news film, white an overseas news reel completes the bill. An outstanding part of the entertainment is the carefnllychoscii list of compositions served up by the orchestra, under Air Arcs.