PRINCESS AND TIVOLI

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 375, 8 June 1928, Page 15

PRINCESS AND TIVOLI

A GREAT PROGRAMME At last we have inside information about the life of the Follies girls. Those who go to see Billie Dove in “The Heart of a Follies Girl,” now being shown at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres, will be delighted. Larry Kent, a husky and handsome young leading man among the newcomers to the screen, is very effective in a double role, opposite Miss Dove. Lowell Sherman is at his suave, polished, and slightly villainous begt. And what, an assembly of beauty, in addition to that of the star! Heading the chorus seen in the picture is Mildred Harris, and we are privileged to go with the camera right into their dressing rooms. As to story high lights, Miss Dove as “Teddy of the Follies” goes millionaire hunting, bags her prey, and dis- j covers that he is only the private secretary of a wealthy man who is pursuing her. In trying to cope with his moneyed rival, the hero goes beyond the law, and gets a prison sentence. Real love and a truly sporting loyalty causes Teddy to give up the millionaire, remain faithful to her lover, and not only wait for him, but save his honour in an exciting climax. “The Heart of a Follies Girl” is packed with colour, and comedy enhances the effects of the occasional touches of pathos. Speed, action, thrills, and romance are all in “The Canyon of Adventure,” the Ken Maynard picture, which was the second feature last night. Maynard seems to increase his daring and break-neck riding stunts with each picture, and in this, his latest, he out-rides, ropes, and shoots anything done previously. The whole picture is entertainment plus. The scenery and scenic effects are marvellous. Several of the old Californian missions and points of historical interest are used in background for the story plot of “The Canyon of Adventure.” The main theme deals with the land grants held by the pioneers from Spain, and the efforts of the Government to have these grants registered in the land office before a certain date. This was just about the time the State joined the Union.

Others in the cast are Virginia Browne Faire, who plays the leading feminine role, Eric Mayne, Theo. Lorch, and Bill Franey. Especially noted is the work of Tarzan, Ken’s white wonder horse, whose new tricks show almost human intelligence.

Janet Gaynor, Fox Films star, after taking some exterior scenes in her new picture at Catalina Island, suddenly remembered an appointment with her hairdresser at the Fox Studios in Hollywood, 40 miles distant. Whether the date was really important or not is immaterial; it did serve as the reason of Miss Gaynor’s first airplane ride. Together with Frank Borzage, director, Charles Farrell, her co-star, and several technicians, the party made the studio from the island in less than two hours.