AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 183, 4 August 1919, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

NATIONAL THEATRE. The place of prominence on the fine programme at the National Theatre is given to a film, "Uough and Ready." which features William Farniim in a dozen of the distinctive touches for which he is famous. Among the score of unusual touches there is one which stands out with extreme vividness. Bill Stratton. the great strong character, is in the "XugKet," the social centre o£ Yellow Gulch, an equally picturesque Tillage In the far north. Bill's suspicious are aroused against the "squareness" of the game of faro there, and his eyes are riveted on the faro box. When he sees the blank look of utter hopelessness which passes over the face of one of the losers— a comparative youngster—he is unable to restrain himself. Fair play Is a cardinal point in liis cropd. Stratton pulls out his knife and pins the sleeve of the crooked dealer to the table with a quick thrust. The supporting list is also a strong one, and the music is everything that could be desired. THE TIVOLI THEATRE. Beautiful and tragic Is the story of "The City of Dim Faces," now showing as the important film at the Tivoll Theatre. It is a photo-play of rare excellence from the standpoints of production and artistry. Sessue Hayakawa is the star featured. He portrays the role of a young half-caste Chinese, the son of a wealthy silk merchant in the Chinese quarter of the town. He is unaware that his mother Is a white woman, and that she is kept a prisoner in an underground den by his own father. At a social gathering he meets a young girl, with whom ho falls in love. When she breaks their engagement he is annoyed, and throws her into a Chinese den, where his own mother is kept a prisoner. The succeeding events are full of interest. A full budget of. supports is also shown. Splendid music contributes to the general satisfaction to be had from the entertainment. THE PRIHCBBS THEATRE. The story of a girl who had been reared to follow a criminal profession is the theme of the new headllner -.it the Princess Theatre. Miss Ethel Clayton plays the part. The production is full of Interest. The young woman enters the home of a man who saved her life from drowning on a former occasion. She does not know it is his home, and as she is about to make off with some valuable jewels she is discovered by her former benefactress. The man talks to her, and she decides to reform after he has refused to lose faith in her, notwithstanding that she has been caught red-handed. The splendid budget of supports gives additional attractiveness to the entertainment, both comedy and drama alike being good. The most Important are a Burton Holmes travelogue, a twoact Jester comedy, and an Australian Gazette. The music is up to the usual high standard that obtains at this theatre. THE LYRIC TIIBATItE. The strong feature of "The Midnight Stage" at the Lyric Theatre is the splendid acting, in a dual capacity, of Frank Keenan, one of Qlmdom's most prominent stars. In this production, which offers a wonderful picture of the old West, Keenan shows his great versatility in a remarkable manner. The picture is full of thrills, the holding up of a coach carrying bullion by armed highwaymen, the killing of the passengers, their capture, and later their trial, and holding at bay of a crowd who are after a murderer, sustaining the Interest throughout. A collection of admirable supports and select music complete the list. THE iSTRAND THEATRE. "Romance and Arabella," at the Strand Theatre, provides a fund of amusement in a clean, wholesome manner. A widow is wooed by four caudidutes for the slippers and dressing-gown of her late husband before ehe sets her eyes opened to the astounding fact that the man she really loves is right at her elbow all the time. The part tits Constance Tulmtidge as neatly as do the modish frocks she provided lor her personal adornment. The production has the air of good breeding. Harrison Ford, who figured prominently in "The Honeymoon" and "The Studio Girl," plays oppositte Miss Talmadge. "Romance and Arabella" is a riot of fun, a production that will bring a laugh every time. It Is supported by other good tllms, and at the evening sessions 'by the music of a splendid orchestra. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Lila Leo is the popular star on Everybody's screen. She is appearing in "The Cruise of the Make Believe," a picture which has been shown with much success before it was introduced on Friday at this house. The entertainment to be had from this production is enhanced by the select accompanying music. Varied supports help to increase the popularity of the entertainment. THE GRAND THEATRE. "Souls Without Windows" is the title of the attractive feature current at the Grand Theatre. It tells a compelling story, which is made additionally absorbing by the acting of Ethel Clayton, who displays her wonderful ability in no mean manner. Added to this feature for the entertainment of patrons is a list of excellent secondary films that diversify the programme and meet the popular taste. THE QUEEN'S THEATRE. Bright and wholesome is "Sylvia on a Spree." at the Queen's Theatre. . It is a comeciy-draraa, depicting gay and brilliant scenes of New York's exclusive 400, the latest craze, the ostrich wait, a famous night-court scene, and many other episodes which give the production an interest that holds the attention of the audience throughout. Emmy Wehlen appears in scenes of dazzling beauty, with considerable charm and grace, giving to the picture quite an exquisite-touch. It never lags in Inceresc. The supporting films are also a tine lot, and together with tasty music move forward to the conclusion of a popular programme. THE GLOBE THEATRE. The story of a young Creole's infatuation for a beautiful vampire, ami the things tion and causes endless confusion, incident unoii incident following In rapid succession until a fine climax is reached. The budget of support?ng films comprise the 'balance of the entertainment. FULLER'S VAUDEVILLE. The change of programme at the Opera House to-night will introduce, in addition to M? Bert La Blanc's Travesty stars lira new revue entitled "What's the Use," Mr. Boroco Gardiner. This artist went to England from this country, and won fame as a Blfflew. His last engagement m the vaudeville" section will also include such reputable artists as Ray and Gray Doreen Dore, rollard and and the Harrington Reynolds Dramatic Company. ■ THB WEST END THEATRE. "Mickey" is to be iustalled as the important Dim at the West End Theatre toni"ht The popularity of this him is well kuWn to the public, and requires no commendation. Mabel Norraand is the star of the production. EMPRESS THEATRE. The orogramme at the Empress Theatre is made up of two feature films and supports. The prominent productions are ••Idle Wives-' and "The Successful Adventure. Clara Kimball Young and May Allison are the respective stars. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Tom Mix is due to come on the Britannia screen to-night. His picture is "Fame and Fortune," a big production, which shows the star in a wealth of daring stunts. ARCADIA THEATRE. "The Danger Mark," adapted from the famous story by Robt. Chambers, is the selected bis film for the chance at the Arcadia Theatre to-night. Elsie Ferguson and Mahlon Hamilton are associated in the lead. VICTORIA THEATRE. The ingenious devices of German spies are depicted in the photo-play entitled "The Belgian," which is to be screened for the first time at the Victoria Theatre.