ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1926, Page 20

ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

COMING EVENTS. OPERA HOUSE. November 20.—(Fuller's Imperial Midgets and Chefalo-'Palermo Company. November 25 to 27.—“ Wild Horse Mesa” (Zane Grey’s novel), Jack Holt, Paramount Special Attraction, November 29 to December I.—“ Charley’s Aunt” (Syd Chaplin), Paramount Special Attraction. December 3 and 4. —L. DuChateau. December 6.—Notariello Concert. December B.—N.P. Choral Society, “Hiawatha.” December 10 and 11.—“ Forbidden Paradise” (Pola Negri), Paramount Special. December 13 to 15. —“The Man on the Box” (Syd. Chaplin), Australasian Films Ltd. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. November 20.—“Kiki” (Norma Talmadge), First National Special November 22 to 24. —“The Bells” (Lionel Barrymore), Universal, and “The Go-'Getters,” No, 2 (Alberta Vaughan). November 25 to 27.—“E11a Cinders” (Colleen Moore), First National. November 29 to December 1. —“The Yellow Back ’’(Fred Humes), Universal, and “The Go Getters” (Alberta Vaughan), No. 3. December 2 and 4.—“ Just Suppose” (Richard Barthelmess), First National. December 6 to 8. —“The Love Thief” (Norman Kerry), Universal, and “The Go-Getters,” No. 4 (Alberta . Vaughan). December 0 to 11.—“ Sporting Lover” (Conway Tearle), First National. December 13 to 15.—“ The Palm Beach .Girl” (Bebe Daniels), Paramount, and “The Go-Getters,” No. 5. December 16 to 18.—-“ The Johnstown Flood” (George O’Brien), Fox Special,

THE PEOPLE’S THEATRE. November 20-22.—“ A Trip to Chinatown” (Earle. Foxo- ami J. Farrell MacDonald), Fox, and “Radio Detective,” episode 9. November 23-25.—“ The Untamed Lady” (Gloria Swanson), Paramount. November 25-26—“ Below the Line” (Rin-Tin-Tin), Master Pictures. November 27.29. —“Silver Treasure” ('Geo. O’Brien and Lou Tellegen), Fox. THEATRE ROYAL, V. AIIARA, November 20. —“A Sporting Chance” (Dorothy Phillips and Lou Tellegen) A’sian Films. November 23.—“ A Trip to Chinatown,” William Fox production, and “Radio Detective,” No. 9. November 25. —“The Bells” (Lionel Barrymore), Universal, and “The Go-Gettera,” No. 2. November 27. —“Below the Line” (Rii> tin-tin), Australasian Films. KING’S THEATRE STRATFORD. Saturday and Monday (matinee to-day 1.30 p.m.). —“The Runaway.” Tuesday and Wednesday (Matinee Tuesday 3.30 p.m.);—“Arizona Sweep stake.” Thursday and Friday.—“ The Miracle of The Wolves.” (special.) MUNICIPAL PICTURES-ELTHAM. November 20.—“ The Phantom Bullet” (Hoot Gibson). November 23. —“The Miracle of the Wolves,” Allied Artists French Screen Masterpiece. November 25.—'“Madame Sans Gene,” (Gloria Swanson). November 27. —“Watch Your Wife.”

Norma Talmadge continues to sustain her lustrous reputation in “Kiki,” whieh is the first straight comedy role she has yet essayed. It is a charming romance of the opera, in which Miss Talmadge has wide scope for the display of her brilliant talents. Portraying a waif who becomes a musical comedy star, she puts across a lot of excellent comedy, intermingled with . her own inimitable brand of pathos. Ronald Colman, a consistent favourite, plays opposite to her.

In offering Lionel Barrymore, the distinguished actor in “The Bells,” Universal believes that it has provided the greatest role in the annals of the stage for this unusual dramatic artist. “Mathias,” the dominant character in this Erckmann-Chartrian play, has been immortalised by Sir' Henry Irving, who recognised in it his outstanding achievement. No other role in modern drama provides so fine an opportunity for the display of that versatile genius that is vested in Barrymore.

Colleen Moore’s latest offering, “Ella Cinders,” once more demonstrates Miss Moore’s ability as a comedienne. It is the story of a country girl who insists on entering the movies, and, finding that .a beauty competition is to be run in her home town she immediately has her photograph taken; but, unfortunately, just as she is being snapped, a fly settles on her nose, and in her endeavours to watch the fly and the camera the finished photograph shows her crosseyed. Miss Moore as ably supported by Lloyd Hughes as the iee-man with whom she fails in love.

Never were two screen players more wisely matched than Richard Barthelmess and Lois Moran, the charming stars of “Just Suppose.” It is a story that recalls vividly the brave days of old, a gallant, heroic romance, that glitters with beauty at every turn, a wistful tale that is well told and finely acted, and Barthelmess and his leading lady are an ideal pair for the characterisations. “Just Suppose” is far away from “Tollable David,” but it is a twin picture in heart interest, drama and romance. # * • #

A new cowboy star has arisen! Advance reports say that this new man can outride Tom Mix, outsmile Hoot Gibson, outfight Buck Jones,and in fact can outdo any cowboy yet seen in any Western. However, the new man’s name is Fred Humes, and we are to have a taste of his quality very soon in “The Yellowback,” a new Universal release. • * * * • “Wild Horse Mesa,” the great action picture, is from the story of that wonderful writer of Western American romances, Zane Grey, who is without

doubt a master when dealing witli the West, its thrills, its daring and its people. Filmed in the actual Western locations of the canyons, mesas and deserts, the scenery is very beautiful, while thrills crowd one another off the screen. Jack Holt is the hero, a Jiardridiiig horse dealer who is friendly with the Indians; Billie Dove is as beautiful and charming as ever as the heroine, while Noah Beery is the bad man.

A comedy which can hold the stage and play continuously for thirty-three years can logically claim to be a comedy of entertainment value. Such is the record of “Charley’s Aunt,” which has built several fortunes and has amused folk of all nations. Its newest and latest presentation is on the screen, and the aunt from Brazil (where the nuts come from) is played by the screen’s cleverest exponent of “straight” comedy, Syd. Chaplin.

Truly, it is a very short step from the sublime to the ridiculous. But there is a lino midway between these extremes which brings one —however thin is the ice upon which he skates — ito a point very close to the sublime; yet never reaching it. This is the line of real comedy. By striking—and clinging to—this line, Douglas MacLcan, who is 'starred in an uproariously funny picture, “Introduce Me,” gains the pinnacle of healthy comic acting.

Pola Negri in a picture produced by Ernst Lubitsch! From a story based on the life of Catherine the Great with Pola In a role of regal magnificence, “Forbidden ' Paradise,” is a gloriously dramatic romance of high degree. Rod la Rocque and Adolphe Menjou are also featured players in a great cast. # * « *

Syd Chaplin again, and again he masquerades as a lady, on this occasion to win the heart of a fair maid. The story is by Harold McGrath and in it Syd appears as “The Man on the Box.”

“The Silver Treasure,” adapted from Joseph Conrad’s “Nostromo,” isdynamic story of adventure and romance. The true spirit of recklessness bo typical of the celebrated author’s works has been incorporated in the photoplay version of his most widely read book. The wealth of characterisation and rapid action is forcefully brought to life by George O’Brien, Lou Tellegen, Helena O’Algy, Stewart Rome, Harvey Clark, Otto Matieson, and Hedda Hopper. Rowland V. Lee, director of “As No Man Has Loved,” and “Havoc,” staged the picture version of “Nostromo.”

“A Trip to Chinatown” is Fox Films’ wonderfully successful transfer to the screen of Hoyt’s stage farce of the same name, and is undoubtedly t’he greatest five-reel farce ever screened, and the cast includes some of the best artists in America. The list includes beautiful Margaret Livingston, billed as “Alicia Guyer,” the audacious widow, and Earle Foxe, cast as “Welland Strong,” the unhappy young man who Is sure he has an explosive lung. The part of the gay old San Francisco uncle was assigned J. Farrell MacDonald, who immortalised the role of Corporal Casey in “The Iron Horse.”

Gee, but she was wild. In fact, her father had given over counting her engagement dinners and when a new young man came along he offered some advice. Treat her filmly was what he recommended and this young high tempered society miss found in her newly acquired beau a man of different calibre to the others. But she was determined to show him that she was master of the situation, and the battle, of will is shown in the latest Gloria Swanson feature, “The Untamed Lady.” * » * •

Here is the story of Rin-Tin-Tin at a glance: Born in 1918 in the advance zone of the A.E.F. in France of a pair of captured German shepherd dogs, Rin-Tin-Tin was adopted by Lieut. Lee Duncan, and named after one of the “lucky dolls” popular in the war. After the armistice, the dog was trained for motion pictures, because of a precocious mimetie instinct ho had shown. His first starring picture, “Tracked in the Snow Country,” made a sensational success, and Warner Brothers, the producers, followed it with “Find Your Man.” The latest Rin-.Tin-Tin picture is “Below the Line.”

KING’S THEATRE, STRATFORD. To dispel whatever doubts may lie in the minds of the King’s patrons, Manager L. B. Wilson wishes it known that “The Runaway,” William de Mille’s Paramount production, whieh screens today, refers to a girl—and not a horse. “The Runaway” is the tale of a young actress who runs away because she is afraid she will bo suspected of another s crime. Clara Bow,' Warner Baxter, William Powell, and George Bancroft are the featured players.

An old screen favourite re-appears in “The Arizona Sweepstakes,” UniversalJewel production, in the person of Kate Price, whose character work won her thousands of admirers. In support of Hoot Gibson, the star of “The Arizona Sweepstakes,” Kate Price scores another triumph. The picture is one _ that allows Hoot a wide range for a display of his talents, whether it is in handling a horse, or a gun or making love. Clifford Smith, who knows as much of cowboy life as the cowboys themselves, directed the picture.

Special interest attaches to the screening of “The Miracle of the Wolves,” a United Artists’ special, owing to the circumstances under which it was produced. The French Government, recognising it as a record of national importance, lent every possible assistance. Two Army Corps and three Divisions of Cavalry were placed at the disposal of the producers. Over 6,000 men were utilised. Jhe museums were also thrown open, and all tapestries, armour and other properties used are not copies but the actual originals belonging to persons represented in the play.

MUNICIPAL PICTURES, ELTHAM.

An unqualified treat is in store for patrons of the Eliham Town Hall this evening, when “The Phantom Bullet,” a Universal-Jewel, starts its featured run. This is a story of the great West. Its men and women live as lived the real men and women of that wonder-' fill country. “The Phantom Bullet” concerns the search of Tom Farlane for Hie slayer of his father. To allay suspicion, he adopts the disguise of a city

fop. In _ this disguise ho is successful in deceiving the villain and his men, but unfortunately Jaue Terrill, the girl on whom he has set his heart, is deceived as to hie trite character. His experience in trying to outwit the villains, and at the same time endeavouring to justify himself with his beloved Jane, make the perfect screen story admirably suited to the talents of one of the best casts ever selected for an outdoors production. The famous Hoot Gibson, “ace” of Western stars, is the likable Tom Farlane. As a hard-riding, scrapping buckaroo, he makes a great hero, and in his self-appointed masquerade, he uncovers a hitherto unsuspected line of comedy that will plant him solidly in tlie affections of every fan in the country. On Tuesday evening next the feature attraction will be the French screen masterpiece, “Miracle of the Wolves.” Special interest attaches to this production owing to the circumstances under which it was produced. The French Government, recognising it as a record of national importance, lent every possible assistance. Two Army Corps and three divisions of cavalry were placed at the disposal of the producers. The museums were thrown open and all tapestries, armour, and other properties used aro not copies but the actual originals belonging to the persons represented m the play. Apart from its artistic claims as a screen achievement, it has a special appeal from an educational standpoint because of its accurate reconstruction of the 15th century French scenes during the struggle between Louis XI and the House of Burgundy. The French Government also lent its co-operation to the fullest extent with the Paramount Company when making the great romance Madame Sans Gene,” which is the starring attraction on Thursday evening next. ’’Madame Sans Gene” is a dram-

atic story of the days of Napoleon, and the delightful romance of a laundress who became a duchess. In order that the story might be correct in every possible detail and in order that the true spirit of the romance could be brought to the screen the Paramount officials decided that the picture would lie made in France with entirely French actors arid staff. Gloria Swanson was chosen to go to France U> play the title role but she was the only one whe could not lay claim to a French birthright in ths , [deture