ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10457, 25 July 1925, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. " CAPTAIN BLOOD." There was a largo attendance at His Majesty's Theatre last evening to witness the first screening of Vitagraph'.s masterpiece, "Captain Blood,''; from the novel by Rafael Sabatini, whose historical romances are so popular at present. "Captain Blood" is a thrilling, gripping, entrancing love- story, constructed along lines altogether peculiar to itself; it gives to audiences a touch of realism that fulfils the dreams and ambitions of the average person. Captain Peter Blood does those things that every red-blooded boy and man would like to do. Arabella is the type of womanhood to which girls aspire and men admire. Jeremy Pitt is the bold, dashing youth with the courage of his convictions, who does, dares, and keeps silent. Mary Traill is the type of womanhood that men fight for and love. These are but a few of the strong characters in " Captain Blood," which is claimed to be the greatest picture ever made by Vitagwiph in its 27 years of production.

.The action in the picture is rapid, and one thrill follows another in quick succession. The climax, where Blood, with two ships, attacks the whole French fleet, is one of the. finest film scenes presented. The ships lie alongside each other, and boarding parties, armed with cutlasses, attack the invaders. The ensuing scenes show a naval battle as it was a couple of centuries ago, when no quarter was given ■or asked. Captain Blood 'is the dominating influence in the picture, and this part is taken by J. Warren Kerrigan, who plays his role in an accomplished manner. At all times ho is the debonair pirate, afraid of no man, and willing to run risks for the sake of adventure. Jean Page, as Arabella. Bishop, sets a new standard for herself as an actress. It is the most important role that she has yet attempted, and she carries it through perfectly. There are a number of prominent actors and actresses in the subsidiary roles, and all play their parts with great success. The scenes for the picture are specially prepared, and are most spectacular.

Supported by a Pathe Gazette, " Captain Blood" will be shown finally to-night. "WOMAN TO WOMAN." "Woman to Woman," starring Betty Compson, will be shown at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The plot centres around the love which suddenly flames into the life of the child-like little French dancer, Louise Boucher. It turns her into a woman—beautiful, trusting, self-sacri-ficing. Her own happiness never counts for one instant with her when the welfare of her loved ones is at stake. Unlike most stories and plays, "Woman to Woman" can boast of no villain. The nearest approach to it is Vesta AnsonPond, and when the test comes, she, too, has a change of heart. Betty Compson is said to bo superb as Lonise Boucher. She pictures the vivacious and generous French danseuse so vividly that one instinctively throbs in sympathy with the emotions which are portrayed in her expressive face. Photography and direction are described as beyond criticism. Nothing is over emphasised or unsuitable. Credit should be given for the selection of the cast, every member of which is peculiarly fitted for the role he or she portrays. Lady Forbes-Robertson, one of the most renowned aifd most gifted players who ever graced the Australian stage, recently introduced "Woman to Woman" as her greatest offering to thea-tre-goers in all the capital cities of Australasia, playing to phenomenal business everywhere. A good' comedy, "Elite of HollyAvood," and. a scenic and topical will comprise the supports.