Round the Shows

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 412, 21 July 1928, Page 16

Round the Shows

PRINCE EDWARD “OLD SAN FRANCISCO” The first attraction showing at the Prince Edward Theatre this evening | is a drama of the underworld entitled “Dressed to Kill,” with Edmund Lowe | in the leading role. Though the titl eof the picture might lead to wrong impressions on the part of some it is quite the best title that could be chosen, for it is the story of a present-day master crook, a brainy individual, immaculately dressed, patent leather shoes, manicured nails, a patron of the opera, a connoisseur of art, but, after all—a crook and a killer. „ _ ! This role is played by Edmund Lowe, of “What Price Glory” fame, and is quite the best starring part this handsome actor has had in some time. Mary Astor plays the role of a girl who joins the band for a purpose, and Ben Bard is the chief assistant of the master mind, with Oharles Morton in the male romantic role. ! “Old San Francisco,” starring Dolores Costello, the second attraction, is a film of life in California’s capital in the early days. * “LOVES OF CARMEN” AT STRAND NEXT FRIDAY Careful selection is apparent in the long list of brilliant screen luminaries portraying the principal roles in “Loves of Carmen,” the screen adaptation of jtho widely known opera, “Carmen,” produced under the direction of Raoul Walsh, maker of “What Price Glory.” Heading the cast is Victor McLaglen, whose recent characterisation of Captain Flagg firmly established him as one of the most talented players appearing before the camera. In this picture the stalwart actor takes the role of a toreador. In the pivotal feminine role is Dolores Del Rio, who likewise won millions of admirers because of her portrayal of Charmaine in “What Price Glory.” Miss Del Rio is seen as Carmen, a role which fits her fiery temperament as naturally as old lace fits lavender. Don Jose is characterised by Don Alvarado, a young screen player who has risen to the front ranks with amazing rapidity. Alvarado’s Spanish ancestry admirably coincides with the screen role. Nancy Nash, who plays Michaela, has been featured in Fox features and is recognised as one of filmdom’s shining lights. “Loves of Carmen” will open at the Strand Theatre next Friday, and will be preceded by a gorgeous prologue. GRAND ' “SADIE THOMPSON” “Sadie Thompson,” the picture of the much-discussed novel by Somerset Maugham, will be shown at the Grand Theatre this evening.

“Sadie Thompson is the narrative of an intolerant individual’s insistent projection of his dominant personality into the pitifully weak and feminine existence of an outcast girl who is trying to “live and let live.” Maugham’s classic is a drama of toler- Uloria Swanson ance, a colourful, romantic, throbbing story of human souls in conflict. Greatest of all Maugham’s literary creations is “Miss Thompson,” the gaudily-dressed lady, who flaunts a parasol and tilts a high-hat feather at a marine as readily as she flares into resentment at self-appointed intruders into the lives of others. Gloria Swanson has said that she likes “Sadie Thompson” better than any other one of her screen characterisations, that she was happiest in acting the part.

LYRIC “THE DESERT WOMAN” “The Desert Woman,” starring: Jrene Rich in a dramatic story of a woman torn between love and the care of her children, will be shown again this evening at the Lyric Theatre. “The Desert Woman” is a story of the sensational havoc wrought by a beautiful woman among the soldiers of a British army outpost in India. The wife of the commanding officer, finding refuge from her loneliness in the love of a young lieutenant. The husband’s bitter vengeance makes her position intolerable, and she plans to run away. In support of Miss Rich is William Russell as the husband, and William Collyer as the j r oung lieutenant. “Reckless Speed,” the second feature, is a story of the son of a wealthy oil operator who paid no attention to his father’s business, but devoted himself entirely to sport. One day he realises his father needs him, but not before passing through a series of thrilling and exciting incidents. Frank Merrill, a famous athlete, is the leading player.

“THE SMART SET”

COMING TO MAJESTIC The latest picture made by William Haines, star of “Brown of Harvard,” “Spring Fever” and “West Point” is a gay romance based on the game of polo and has been appropriately called “The Smart Set.” It will be shown at the Majestic shortly. As Tommy Van Buren, a gilded and audacious male flower of modern aristocracy, William Haines introduces polo to movie-goers in “The Smart Set.” Of course, he also introduces an exceptionally pretty girl, who hates his conceit and cheek, but who is overjoyed to promise to be his only—always—at the end of a stirring actionpacked story in which a strong dash of drama adds to the unflagging interest. Abundant thrills, colourful scenes, and many laughable glimpses into the ways of the sportng set as inimitably portrayed by Haines, make “The Smart Set” one of the best pictures of this year. In addition to Alice Day, who plays the leading feminine role with skill, chic and girlish charm. Jack Holt and Hobart Bosworth, two famous stars, give fine interpretations of their important featured roles. The rest of the cast have been excellently chosen.