AMUSEMENTS.

Grey River Argus, 16 February 1927, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE—MATINEE TO-DAY. “THE TOWER OF LIES." The outstanding film of the season, with a popular cast and director. ‘ ‘ The Tower of Lies/’ a Metro-Goldwyn Mayer production, directed by Victor Seastrom, will doubtlessly be ranked as one of the outstanding productions of the year. This picture will be screened to-day at the Opera House at the matinee and again to-night. Without doubt the popularity of Norma Shearer and Lou Chaney, co-stars, add to the attraction of the production, but Seastrom’s directorial genius has given the picture a touch of appeal that cannot go unheeded. The picture is a screen adaptation of Selma Lagerlof’s popular novel, ‘ ‘ The Emperor of Portugallia. ’ ’ The continuity was prepared by Agnes Christine Johnson, who has certainly got everything out of the original story for her screen version. At no time in the careers of Lofi Chaney or Norma Shearer has either of these two stars

been given such a wonderful screen vehicle. Miss Shearer has far outdone any of her former successes, and Chan ey has made a. very radical departure from his usual characterisations with ] highly gratifying results. The two are supported by a remarkable cast, which includes lau Keith, Claire McDowell, William Haine , Edward Connelly, David Torrence, and Anna Schaefer. To-night as an extra attraction Mr. D. McGill, one of Christchurch’s lead mg vocalists will be heard in specially selected numbers. THURSDAY ONLY. “THE SHEPHERD KING." The story of “The Shepherd King", the William Fox version of the celebrat ed stage success by Wright Lorimer and Arnold Reeves, which comes to the Opera House to-morrow night (Thursday) is one of impressive simplicity endowed with a glamorous romance, it Is the story of a persistent love that flourished as well in the days of the pyramid’s desert shadows as it does today on the light-blotched lanes of Broad way. The ardent diminutive David inspired with a love for Princess Michal quenched the forces that stood between them. One of these was the staunch and overpowering giant, Goliath, the other the inimical Saul, King of the Israelities and father of the •girl. When “The Shepherd ’King” was produced on the New York Stage in 1904 critics acclaimed it, one of the most powerful love stories every told. The metropolitan press devoted columns in enulogy ol the author-actor’s performance. When the production went on tour dramatic writers throughout the nation added to trio cumulative praise already contribut ed to the offering. In adapting the stage presentations to the screen, Virginia Tracy, who also translated “Nero” another Fox special, lost none of the potency of the original. J. Gordon Edwards who directed the .’•icture added to the story by filming >1 rn the veiv land in which it is laid.