AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, 11 February 1927, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

HUMPHREY BISHOP COMPANY. Apropos of George Ross, “ Scratchcr,” the well-known London comedian, of the Humphrey Bishop Company, who commence a two nights’ season at the Opera House on Monday, February 14, the London li Stage” says: 1 ‘lt is interesting to note that Mr. Ross assumed the character make-up as a joke originally, and hired himself out as a stage hand to a well-known London manager. During the action of a certain revue there occurred a painful stage wait, with the manager frantically rushing about behind the scenes for someone to fill the hiatus. Mr. Ross saw his opportunity, and volunteered to amuse the audience. In sheer desperation the manager pushed him before the footlights, and from that moment the stage character of ‘ Scratcher, ” the stage hand, was born, and as nothing more humorous or novel was to be found in the revue, ‘Scratcher’ was promoted from scene shifter to star. A fortunate joke both for Mr. Ross and the public.” His interpretation of what the cowboys did to his concert party in the wild and woolly west of North America, has made the name of “Seatcher,” a household word wherever he has appeared. He is one of the three comedians in the Humphrey Bishop Company. Plans are now open at the Arts and Crafts, where the slogan, “Book before you sleep” may well be applied. There will be ail entire change of programme on the second night. COSY THEATRE. Pola Negri, enchantress of the screen. This superb actress, world renowned for her dramatic genius, fire and glorious artistry, has a role in “The Crown of Lies,” which adds new lustre to her prestige. “The Crown of Lies” is rhe story of an immigrant girl who bears an extraordinary resemblance to the missing queen of a small European country. Taken to Sylvania by a group of patriots, she poses as the lost queen. In a short, exciting reign, happiness and prosperity are restored. Then, she returns to her lover and a tiny cottage in the States. It is a good human interest drama which gives Pola ample scope for displaying her histrionic ability. The final screening wid be given to-night. OPERA HOUSE. A lavishly produced sequel to the screen story which brought Rudolph Valentino his greatest fame is now being screened at the Opera House. It is “The Son of the Sheik,” a fiery, lovemad opus of the desert, with Vihna Banky, Montague Love, Karl Dane, George Fawcett, Bull Montana, Agnes Ayres and other noted players supporting Valentino. Valentino does many things other than make love and ride Arabian steeds in “The Son of the Sheik. ” He rescues girls from the backs of runaway horses, leaps from balconies onto swinging chandeliers, battles desert brigands with sword, pistol and fists —in short, the sheik, or. rather, “The Son of the Sheik,” is mixing athletics with his amours. Photoplay-goers who witness the return of Valentino to the desert lover role will see him in a story which has been widely praised as authentic by world travellers familiar with picturesque Algiers. Portraying the impulsive son of “The Sheik,” a powerful desert rider, Rudolph falls in love with a dancer (Vilma Banky), daughter of a ror.t.gi.le Frenchman. She is the chief attract.cn of a travelling band of mountebank/;, who resent the attentions paid the girl by the rich young sheik and lure the youth to torture one night when he goes to keep a tryst. Finally rescue ! by his own henchmen, he believes the dancer has tricked him, and he burns for revenge. The disappointed lover’s first step is to kidnap the girl. From then on the story unfolds to the sensational denouement. The picture will be shown for the last time to-night. Reserves at Henderson’s.