AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 84, 8 April 1922, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

"SIGN ON THE DOOB." "The Sign on the Door" was reproduced at Ills Majesty's Theatre last night, and it Is no exaggeration to say the audience was ield enthralled eTen to "breathless intervals." The principals were frequently applauded and responded to deraonstratlcps at the fall of each curtain. NATIONAL, THEATRE. I Caring -for and spending eighty million I dollars would he considered hy most anyone as a task incomparably snperior to any mere pleasure ever invented. But when the Caen makes the owner a target for bullets, poison, and spinning knives, the whole thins has a different flavour. The Universal special attraction "The .Millionaire" brought Herbert Rawlitmon to the screen of the National Theatre last night In a stellar performance quite above ordinary standards of acting. The histrionic quality of the entertainment is well seconded 'by a gripping tale of wealth, love and mystery, embodying a whole flock of new twists and unexpected angles. Itawlinson is extremely natural at ail times, and Lilian Rich exhibits a haivette aud sweetness that is captivating, while other good characterisations are given by members of a wellbalanced cast. It is a (rood picture' worth weeing. Then there is another bis picture. "Getting Mary Married." from the story by John Emerson and Anita Loos, with dainty Marion Davlea in the chief role. iA rollicking Century comedy, "The Alnddy Bride," starring Baby Peggy Montsomery, is quite a mirth provoking picture, aud also delightful. A flue Canadian scenic, "From Catch To Can," and a further International News, depicting the current world's happenings, completes a very good bill of fare. Excellent musical Items are rendered by the National Orchestra. THE TIVOLI THEATRE. The large audience which attended the Tivoli Theatre last evening fully testified to the merits of the spectacular plioto-play " The Affairs of Anatol." when It was initially unspooled. The film, which was produced by Cecil de Mille, foremost in his art, has been conceived on broad, luxurious lines, that for splendour of setting, beauty of execution, excellence of cast, and general effect marks a new era in" the realm of films. Besides all this the picture possesses a modern story of modern people, and the moral pointed is decidedly good. The one 1 weak spot is that the ending is rather a tame one. The film runs the gamut in depicting the phases of life, and at one moment shows the superb richness of tbe homes and the pleasure resorts of the wealthy class, and another the homely residence of a half-educated but honest farmer. The interest of the story centres round a young man named Anatol, who has a penchant for helping ladies in distress. Naturally enough his wife resents these attentions paid to other women, and decides to make the shoe pinch by adopting similar methods herself. The situation that arises is not without its humour, and the result is not without its good effect, for after Anatol has carried out his Samaritan principles for a period be is brought to his senses by the tactics of his wife, and the two are reconciled to each other to presumably live happily ever after. The remarkable cast which has been assembled to do the fullest justice to the theme presents Wallace Keld in the skilfully handled role of the flirtatious Anatol. The part of the wife is taken with every success by Gloria Swanson. Bebe Daniels plays with realism the part of the actress who lives in mysterious apartments, while among the other prominent artists are Elliott Dexter. Agnes Ayres, Wanda Hawley, Theodore Roberts, and Monte Blue. THE HIPPODROME. Unemployment is the cause of all the hero's trouble in the refreshing comedydrama "The Jolt," which Is being screened before delighted audiences at the Hippodrome. Johnnie, the hero, is an American soldier, .but before the war was a gangster He marries a French girl, and after peace Is declared takes her home to the States, where he determines to renounce his past occupation, and lead an honest life. Difficulty In obtaining work, however forces him back to the old life. But fate, that ever fickle minion, changes once more in his favour by giving him a moral "jolt" that opens the way to renewed efforts to keep to the straight and narrow path of life. The story is told with plenty of humour, which sets off the pathos of the film. The clever co-stars. Edna Murphy and Johnnie Walker, are the principals, and achieve further popularity in very satisfying impersonations. "Faith." which is included in the programme, is a William Fox production of merity. with sprightly Peggy Hylahd In the leading role. It is a refreshing story of a girl's deep love for another, and an illustration of the manner In which faith will surmount the greatest difficulties. The photo.-play Is unfolded with a force and charm that is not without a strong appeal. Miss Hyland Is at home in a role which she handles with consummate art. The supporting films of the programme provide topical and comedy films of interest. ■ STRAND TITEATRE. A typical Curwood story, "The Golden Snare," which Is being shown in film version at the Strand Theatre, should find ■plenty of support from picture followers this week. The setting is the snowcovered tracks of North America and the film opens with the commencement of the search for Bram Johnson. the "Loup Garou" man of the Arctic Barrens, who Is wanted for murder. This mission is in the hands of Sergeant Rnine, of the mounted police, who penetrates the solitary regions and discovers a golden-haired beauty who has Been rescued by Bram from a burning ship many years before. Added to the mystery of Bram's pa«t is the mystery of this girl's presence In the frozen wastes and It Is the solution or these perplexities which forms the dramatic climax The excellent photography of the Him is a feature in itself, and the camera unfolds wonderful panoramic views uf the Arrtio regions, with its dog teams anil fur-coated men. Of the interpreting cast. Lewis Stone is outstanding for his portrayal of Sergeant Ralne, while /Ruth Eenick Is equally pleasing as the protege of Bram. and round whom is woven the absorbing mystery and romance. Wallace Berry, of "Dinty" 'fame plays with convincing force the role of ißram. Among the supporting films are a Tony Sarg enrtoon and a diverting Mack Bennett comedy, NEW LYRir THEATRE. The D. W. Griffith production "Way Down East" entered Into its fourth week at the New Lyric Theatre with every sign of sustained popularity. The photo-play is a simple story, which nevertheless inculcates an arresting moral. The story is told in a poignant strain relieved here'anii tbere by flashes of scintillating hnmour. The photography is of outstanding merit, while the setting Is one In perfect keeping with the theme. The film has an effective climax, which forms a fitting conclusion. At tbe head of the cast is Lilian Gish. who is seen in one of ber most successful impersonations as the zir\ from the country who so early in life has a tragical experience, rtleh.ml Rnrthelmess sustains the role of the hero with credit. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The double feature programme at Everybody's Theatre, comprising "Beautiful Britain" and "The Amazing Partner." continues hi session at Everybody's Theatre with the same success that it has met clurin" the week. The former picture, full of beautiful English scenery. Is very popular with patrons, and to give those who havp not seen it nn opportunity of doing so It will be shown for another -week along with another feature . film. "Love. Honour and Obey," which will be Introduced on Monday. GRAND THEATRE. Marguerite Marsb. thp r-harmlne little actress who will be happily remembered fur her excellent work in ihe Hallmark production "A Phantom Honeymoon." is the star of a brand new Hallmark picture "Wi's v. Wits," which is the chief attraction on the new programme submitted at the Grand Theatre at nil sessions yesterday. "Wits v Wits," as the title implies, is a story wherein brains are matched against brains. (Marguerite Marsh, .is Helan Marsley, daringly enters the employ nf a gangster who I had murdered her father, and in her effor-s i to bring him and his ganc to justice many ten«e situations and much thrilling notion ' deveiops. The second drama Is one In ' which the star is Norma Talmadge in "Woman Gives." while there is a eoori programme of supports including the third chapter of the thrlllinc serial "-The Artven- I tures of T.irzan." As usunl the Grand j Orchestra pleases with a high class musical j j programme. j OPERA nOUSE. The programme of vaudeville at Fuller's j Opera House is proving a strong attraction j with patrons. The range is varied and j entertaining, and is execute/I by ponnlur! and talented artists. The items include j vocjil and instrumental numbers, trapeze ! "stunts," n cartoon turn and a burlesque, ' besides other original acts. ! MUNICIPAL, CHOIR TO-NIGHT. j A varied programme has been arranged for the recital in the Town Hall to-night. | Choral works by British composers will be i snug by the Municipal Choir, aud organ (-..mnositions hy Wlddr and Wolstenholme wiu'be played hy the city organist, illss Lois Evaas will be the vocalist.

" MERRIE ENGLAND." Thursday, April 13th, will be the opening night in the Dominion of the exquisite comic opera "Merrie England." Musical and theatrical patrons are already well acquainted with the music of Edward German' and the librettist Basil Hood has been responsible for some of the most successful musicnl comedies and comic operas on the Australian stage. The "Ase,' Melbourne. November 21 1921 says: "In producing 'Merrie England" "the J. C. Williamson firm has done a definite service to the musical theatregoers of this country. In the opera there is music of wonderfully fine quality—judged not only by the varying standards of comic opera." bur oy all the best standards of jrenninely .artistic music written in lighter vein. Apart from many charming songs the score is rich in ensemble music, while the finale of the first act is not only ma enlficently constructed bnt is irresistibly effective from both dramatic and musical points of view." The J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company Include* Cnas. H. Workman, wbo will appear in the original rolp he created at the Savoy Theatre. London: Miss Ethel Morrison, who is said to havp made her hiegest success as Queen Elizabeth: also A. Howett-Worster, a baritone with a big English reputation: and C. Mettam. Victor Prince. Sfihn Ralston. Misses Mo'ly Tyrell. Patti Russell, Byrl Walkely Grace Crotty, Gladys Baker, and the popular chorus and orchestra of the Gilbert and Smlivan company who were so popular on their last tour. "Merrie England" will be staged for five nights only and a matinee on Easter Monday. The box plans will he opened on Tuesday mornine at Lewis R Eady and Son. Ltd. Other operas to be presented during the season are "The Chocolate Soldier.' , "Gondoliers." "Mikado," an'l "The Yeomen of the Guard." QUEEN'S THEATRE. To the list of fine pictures that have been screened at tlie Queen's Theatre has to he added "Her Silent Sacrifice." a drama that has entertained hundreds at all sessions since the first unspooling yesterday. A feature of the production is a great masque ball, which in itself Is sufljeient entertainment for one evening. Alice Brady is the star featured. She is seen at different .stages in gowns worth I7OoO—a feast for the ladies. On the name screen is another drama of merit, a Western in which Tom Mix provides absorbing thrills in a most impressive way. ETTA FIELD CONCERTS. Miss Etta Field, the gifted New Zealand soprano, who has appeared with success before Australian audiences, will give the first of her two concerts in the Town llu'l on Tuesday evening. Miss 'Field will render popular selections front her repertoire, an 1 will be assisted by Mr. Leo Whittaker. soli pianist; Mr. Robert Bell, baritone: and Mr. Mnughun Barnett, who will accompany at. the organ. Miss Field will give her second concert next Thursday evening. The box plan is at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Lta.