AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 98, 27 April 1922, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

THE NATIONAL THEATRE. To-morrow's change at the National Theatre will bring upon the screen two pictures, one by Selznicfc and the other by Universal, both of which are billed as being powerful attractions. "The Man of Stone. the'Selznick presentation, is an Intriguing story with a touch of melodrama about It. The action begins in London, where a fastidious and rather heartless little aristocratic beauty becomes engaged to Captain Deering, who has to go away to India. Returning to marry her, he finds that she has married a man of much higher position, and he forthwith hecomes what is rather Inaptly described as "a man of stone." In fact, he goes amid the striking desert scenes of Arabia and drinks himself nearly to death, but is helped back to health by Laila. a typical slim Arabian beauty. 6he makes a new man of him, and outwardly he becomes unemotional and cynical. Meanwhile The girl In London is forsaken, and ■writes to him to return. He will not, so she comes out to him, and then transpires an Interesting emotional struggle t«tween the two womeft. The Universal film featuree Prank Mayo, and Its title, "Dr. Jim." makes the leading line for a powerful story in which the action runs away from the waxed floors upon which the feet of the elite are treading, on to the slippery decke of a four-master upon the watere of tropical seas. I>r. Jim, a surgeon of preeminence, with a penchant for heeding the pleas of little sick children, leaves Ms wife to Imagine herself neglected, and on this health trip she almost succumbs to the romanticism of the moonlight, and a handsome bat wicked ship's captain. This story Introduces some fast action, and many beautiful settings. Both the 'films are well supported by a first-class orchestra. THE STRAND THEATRE. The Strand Is showing to-morrow rhe latest, the, longest, and what Is described as the best of tlie Charlie Chaplin productions to date. Its title "Is "Tnc Kid." and in It the world's most popular comedian. In the character of a tramp, becomes the sole parent of a Hay hoy baby. After the tramp has successfully wrestled with the problems of parentage, he and the lad become Inseparable chums, rhe boy breakIng windows so that the tramp can mend them. Thus they do a thriving business I'util the policeman, the mother, and the man arrive upon the ecene. The boy gets sick, they try to take him from the tramp. who will not let him go, and the real mother, now a successful stage star, also takes a hand in the game. There is pathos in the picture, hut it Is still ■ rarely pleasing comedy, and worthy of the high reputation the man with the aborted moustache, the little hat. the big feet, and the half-alzed cane has made for himself. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. When Rex Beach wrote "The Silver ■Horde" he gave the world, wrth perhaps a few Inaccuracies of detail, yet with a wholly convincing realism, a very spectacular insight to the great force! that work always In the far lands and the great' spaces. He showed the wonderful asheries of Northern Canada, the huge runs of salmon from which the denizens of the northtands make their llTlng. This story that thrilled and Interested the world has been made into aim form by Goldwyn, and is to commence a season at Everybody's to-morrow. It is an Eminent Authors production, and ably holds the high standard already set o>y these studios. The story pulsates with the Indomitable courage of those who defy the ruggednese of the Ciorth in enatchins their living from its land ana from Its waters, and there are many thrills In the liuman straggles out In the far-back places, with a golden thread of romance running in most interesting fashion through all. The film is well supported. THE TIVOLI THEATRE. ■Rent Free" Is a snappy and entertaining Paramount picture, in which Wallace Reid, with Miss Llla Lee as his leading lady, will make a new appearance at the Tivoli Theatre to-morrow. The film is to replace "Just Around the Corner," which concludes its run at to-night's session, and the new programme, of which "Rent Free" is the headllner. comes on to-morrow. The story moves rapidly with abundant humour and rush-and-bustle American comedy, for It Introduces other emotions besides that which gives exercise to the risible muscles of the human face. One great characteristic ol "Rent Free" Is that It gives to the wearied business man no time to think. The story does not need, thought. All one has to do for an evening's enjoyment Is to elt back in the dark (preferably with a companion) and keep eyes and ears open. The eyes will be delighted by the scenes and settings of 'Rent Free." plus the antics of the principal In the Mack Sennett comedy, "So Mother to Guide Him." and the pare will be ravished by the orchestral melodies, which are a feature of the Tivoli. THF, QUEEN'S THEATRE. A simpio and sympathetic narrative, with a great deal of human attraction. Is "Cecilia of the Pink Roses." a Selznlck story. In which Marlon Davles may be seen any time after midday to-morrow at the Queen's Theatre. The tale begins with a mother's death, which shifts a heavy burden of responsibility on to Cecilia's pretty shoulders. Her father subsequently makes a fortune, and while education for a lady's graces makes Cecilia more charming than ever, the effects of wealth develop her brother Into a dissipated young scamp. The scenes are very Intriguing, when the girl's suitor, by vigorous action, helps the young prodigal and assists him to walk the path of repentance In the time-honoured fashion. "Cecilia of the Pink Rose 3" has its entertaining value enhanced bj»good music and by carefully selected secondary films. THE NEW LYRIC THEATRE. To the screen at the New Lyric Theatre on Saturday will come Douglas Fairbanks, to follow up the success attained by sweet Mary Plckford, who Is now nearlng the close of her successes in Auckland as the heroine of "Pollyanna." Douglas will be the leadIng character In the spectacular and somewhat exciting story. "The Mark of Zorro." Aβ may be expected, the tale Is especially Bultsble for the particular talents of Fairbanks, and the results he has attained In this romantic film have been seen with enthusiasm upon the other side of the Tasman. "The Mark of Zorro" la declared to have particularly Interesting settings before which a fast and thrilling story of mystery and romance Is played. Meanwhile Mary Plckford runs her glad way upon the screen at this theatre, this afternoon's matinee for the children being, as usual, well attended. To-morrow afternoon there will be another matinee, the last of the "Pollyanna" season, and on Saturday the fllm will be screened for the" last time of the season here. THE PRINCESS THEATRE. "Over the Hill" still runs at the Prinoess Theatre, but the season of this splendidly human story is now nearlng its close so whoever has not seen the picture should make an early opportunity of doing Sso Patrons are requested to book their seats at Lewis R. Eady's or at the Princess. Last night the house was again crowded, and to-day the queues at the sessions were large. THE WEST END THEATRE. To-night for the last time at the We«« End Theatre Frank Keenan will star in K Th !< B fi ls '" Thls play was made famous ♦ i Henr y Irving on the stage, and the etory Is admirably adapted for screen purposes. It loses nothing of its dramatic torce when handled by Frank Keenan. THE GRAND THEATRE. "The Sign on the Door," the dramatic film story In which Norma Talmadge I« starring at the Strand, will bo transferee to the Grand Theatre to-morrow. It is tc be shown with a complete film of Princess Map- s wedding and another chapter of th« Adventures of Tarzan" serial. AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. HIS MAJESTY'S—"The Mikado" OPERA HOUSE—Fuller's Vaudeville. PICTURE THEATRES. THE NATIONAL—Eugene O'Brien lr "Chivalrous Charlie"' and .Miss Dv Pom in 'False Kisses." THE NEW LYRIC—Mary P'ckford lr "Pollyanna." THE TlVOLl—Cosmopolitan Film "j us Around the Corner" and Harold Lloyc In "Amongrst Those Present." THE STRAND— Norma Talmadjre in "Tn< Sign On the Door." THE HIPPODROME — John Gilbert ii "Shame." THE PRINCESS—"Ove/ the Hill." THE QUEEN'S—FiIm or sculling- ran between Paddon and Hadfleld, als< "When Bearcat Went Dry." THE GRAND—Charles Ray in "The Midnig-Ei Bell,' , with "Tarzan" serial. EVERYBODY'S—VioIa bana In "Tne Matct Breaker." THE WEST END—Frank Keenan in "Tb< Bells." THE BROADWAY—Edith Roberta ir "White Youth." THE BRITANNIA —"Out or the Storm." THE AROADIA—"The Whistle" and ".Now or Never." .■>

1 COMIC OPERA SEASON". ! The revival of "The Gondoliers" at His I Majesty's Theatre last night by the Wili llamson Company was welcomed by a very I large audience, which Included her Excel- ; lency Lady Jellicoe and party, and the , popular old opera evoked frequent outbursts of enthusiasm, as the sparkling musical , numbers, for which the score Is famous. ' were excellently Interpreted by the excep- , tlonally One soloists, chorus and orchestra 'of the company. Histrionically the play is '. not treated quite as it used to be. thd . flavour of satire being lost by substituting. jin places, farce comedy for a dienined: burlesque in the titled characters, and the I general love making being overmuch em- ' phasleed. To the work of Mr. Charles 1 Workman (Duke of Plaza Toro). Misses « ; Bthel Morrison (Duchess), Grace Crotty ' iC.'uslMa) and Mr. John Ralston (Lull). : these remarks do not apply, and their la- , terpretation of their roles was keenly ap- ,' predated throughout. As the Grand In- ' ■qulsitor. Mr. Victor Prince sustained ln- ' terest. though his comedy at times lacked. ". ' the dignity that should attach to the , character. The vocal interpretation o{ ' the opera was unexceptionable throughout, ' Mies Crotty and Mr. Ralston sharing with 1 I Misses Ruasell (Glanetta) and Walkely ; I (T<eaea) and Messrs. Howett-Worster (GutI seppe) and Mettam (IMarco) In the euc- ' ! cesses of the evening. The duet "Troubles s of a King," by Messrs. Mettam and 5 Woreter, the part-songs "In Contemplative 1 : Fashion" and "I Am a Courtier," and the " solos "Pair of Sparkling Eyes" CMr. Qlet- ■ tarn), "Duke of Plaza Toro" (Mr. Work--5 man) and "No Shadow of Doubt" (Mr. ' : Prince) earned the particular favour of the 1 j audience. - j To-night another of the Gilbert and Snl- -. livan favourites, "The Mikado." will be T ' produced, and In thifi quaint piece the f i chorus, which Is one of the features of the 1 ' company, will nave exceptional scope, while I Mr. Workmen will have the title role. I ORGAX REOJTAL,. I The City Organist will give the usual . weekly recital In the Town IHall on SatnrI day evening next. The programme will ' j Include Pujrcell's Toccata and Mendelstiohn's flrst organ Sonata. Mr. Arthur 1 Rlpley will be the vocalist. c ■»—^—"^