AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 160, 8 July 1922, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

I NATIONAL THEATRE. I The first screening of the Hodkinson proI auction. "Partners of the Tide," at the ; National 'theatre last night, was favourably received by a very large audience. The • story is by Joseph C. Lincoln, and as a , result of excellent acting by the artists In the cast, the tine directing, and the superb scenes one of the finest sea pictures yet seen on the silver sheet is seen. The story i concerns Bradley Xieerson, who, adopted by the Misses Allen, becomes a firm friend of Gussie Baker, the little girl next door After n period of fifteen years Bradley is seen as the mate of the Thomas Doane. I owned by Granny Baker. Her business I manager advises her to sink the old ship for the insurance money, but a Swedish I seaman and Bradley discover the plot and ! pre Tent fhe disaster. Subsequently Bradley buys an interest in another ship, the Diving Belle, and in the meantime the Thomas Doauo is intentionally sunk. Both Bradley and S:un Hammond, a deep sea diver, are in love with Gussie. The insurance company employs Bradley to make an investigation for them, while Gussie implores Sara Ito hide the cause of the wreck. Hammond then plays a dastardly trick on Bradley I while they are beueath the surface, which nearly proves fatal. The same night Hammond is on board the Diving Belle tampering with Bradley's diving suit, when a fire breaks out, and Bradley rows to the burn- ■ ing ship. He finds Hammond almost suf- i focated. and places him in his small boat. I but regaining consciousness he pushes off ; and leaves Bradley. The rescue of Bradley by the sirl makes a fitting climax to what is a most absorbing photo-drama. The various artists give a fine interpretatim of their respective characters. In support of the lieadliner there is a bright comedy featuring Brownie the dog, in "Table Steaks." an International News, and a Sel/.nick News. With excellent musical numbers by the National Orchestra a really enjoyable entertainment is provided. j NEW LYRIC THEATRE. Full satisfaction was expressed with the excellent programme which was presented at the New Lyric Theatre last night for j the first time before a large audience. Tiie j feature picture, a Vitagrapb, production. "The Charming Deceiver," in which Alice Calhoun is starred, was warmly received. It is a drama that abounds in human in- I terest. Miss Calhoun assumes the role of ! a young wife whose husband is in gaol, anil ; who has met with adversity. Her mother i had previously married against the wish of I her parents and was disowned. At the ! opening of the story the young girl is being ' This popular film actress handles the scene in an unusual manner and wins the sympathy of the audience from the first flash. Although it seems more like a coincidence ! that at the psychological moment Edith "Marsden should receive a letter from her make his grandchildren happy, there was not one in last night's audience who did not feel happy and glad that the letter came as it did. There is such a touch of realism ! about "The Charming Deceiver" that it is j difficult to describe. A mere rehearsal of the plot would not give an adequate descripi tion of the realism shown in the visuulis:iI tion, the synopsis makes the picture some- ; what commonplace, but the visualisation ! makes it remarkably unusual. This is 'partly due to the wonderful personality of I Alice Calhoun, the able support of her company .the care and skill in directing. The secondary subjects include another of tbe interesting Sherlock Holmes detective dramas, "The Man With The Twisted T.ip.' - The musical numbers by the Lyric Orchestra proved most acceptable. Seats mny be reserved at Lillicrap's, Queen Street, or by telephone 3645. i THE STRAND. The many thousands who have read Booth Tarkington's "Penrod" will not be disap- j pointed with the picture version. Every j detail of this laughable characterisation of American boyhood has been retained for I the screen in Marshal Neilan's production. ' which was shown beflXe a large attendance for the first time in Auckland last evening jat the Strand Theatre. The cast, embody- , ; ing as it does all the episodes of tbe story. Jis a large one composed mostly of juveniles I who are exceptionally clever at their work. I Penrod's partner at the dancing school epi- ; sode, one of the most amusing in the pic- ; I ture, is a tiny tot of five, who takes hei i part with as much success as any of the other players. The picture is first of all ■ human in its appeal; the amusing ad,ventures of Penrod and his boy friends keep the audience amused right through the screening. Penrod is really the prototyDe of all healthy boys. There is a Penrod in j every community. He makes just as much J an appeal to a New Zealand audience as jbe does' to an American gathering. His 1 , thoughtless, but well-intentioned escapades. ■ Barry takes the title role aml "is said to be the Penrod of the author's brain in a lad of exceptional ability, who does ample . (justice to a part that gives full opportunity i for the characterisation of a wilful but ■ ! nevertheless amusing youth. The picture -s I one of the best of its kind seen for son; i , considerable time, and with its clean and I simple appeal of "misunderstood" boyhood, should prove an unqualified success. Considerable interest is also added by the work i of Herman and Verman, tbe two amusing little coloured boys. An interesting feature i of the programme last evening was the orchestra's rendering of the overture from "William Tell"' with descriptive lightineffects. This is quite an innovation, and merited the applause that followed its stas- ! Ing. There are also interesting supports. ' including the latest Topical Gazette and . the Pathe Fashion Gazette, besides an I amusing Tony Sarg cartoon entitled "The ; ; Original Golfer." J PRINCESS THEATRE. ,! A powerful photo-play, with revenge as large and enthusiastic audiences to all sc-- . sions at the Princess Theatre yesterday, is a masterly presentation of this type of production. The story, which takes a hold on I the spectator from the opening scene, is unfolded as the substance of a sermon preached to a congregation of wealthy citizens. The central figure is Janis Clavton, dispeuser of smiles, over whose life , passes the shadow of a cloud caused by the i death of her sister, who has been wroiigc 1 ! by a young and well-to-ao shipping, magnate. Janis schemes to make the man pa> the penalty, and becomes employed as his secretary, a position her sister heir] previously. The man falls in love with Janis. and this gives the girl the oppnrtunitv sue is awaiting. The end is a startling oue. and is full of dramatic force. The many qualities of the film are enhanced by appropriate scene-settings of the highest order. The theme is also interpreted by a remarkable east, at the head of which is Hope Hampton. This -beautiful star is seen in an impressive portrayal as Janis Clayton. She depicts the light and dark shades of the character with a breadth of understanding that emphasises the significance of the part As Steven Saunders, the cause of all the trouble. Percy Marmont is seen in a capably • handled role. The other prominent role's 1 are revealed to the best advantage in the hands of Irma Harrison. .Tack O'Brien, and ; Httle Douglas Redmond. Included in the i programme is the third episode of the ex- ; cellent serial "The Leather Pushers." which advances the story another interesting stage. At the evening session thp orchestra as usual provides an enjoyable musical programme. ) EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. An added attraction at Everybody"* Theatre this evening will be vaudeville with the new picture programme. Mr. Selbit. who recently created a furore ou '- j the Fuller circuit, will present his mystery , act, "Sawing Tbrouzh a Woman." in tonjunction with "Jes - fall Mc Jim." in which Will Rogers essays the principal par:. T'rv ■ which is ably conceived and well carrie I I out. There are also other pictures of bigli quality to bo submitted. QUEEN'S THEATRE. - ! Scenes of De.rbv days at prominent race tracks are vividly recalled in the Wiiliaii f Fox special ••Thunderclap." whh-b opener! ■it the Queen's Theatre ypste-rday, the piece de resistance ot many thrills and pleasing " situations being one of the most exciting ' horse racr-s yet seen on the screen. For I the nonce the atmosphere of the motion • picture fades into a typical racecourse scene, in which one finds himself again good-naturedly jostled by the vaFt throng and struggling for a point of vantage as the entries parade before the admiring thousands. Again, there is the suspense as the riders jor-koy for thp advantage at ■•They're off." the clatter of steel-shod hoofs, the subdued eagerness while the I pageant fairly flies down the back stretch, ' i the turn into the final straight, the closing I spurt, and the shouts for the victor. It is ■ all so real, genuine, and thrilling that this I 1 feature alone is sufficient for the entertainl : mecr of those who witness "Thunderclap " ' There are many other thrills in the life of the little convent girl who finds such a I different world when cast among gamblers ' The supporting pictures make this programme jl most entertaining one. i BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. : The second concert of the Bohemian i Orchestra will be given in the Town Hall . ' next Thursday evening, when in addition to ■ ' the lons orchestral programme the Lyric Quartet "will render several D leasing nirt- ! I songs. Tlie vocal solos will be sung br i Mrs. .1. F. F.wen. Miss Edith Whitelaw ! i will contribute a violin solo.

JASOHA SPIVAKOYSKY - large hall being otherwise but wiU identical with his opening recital in *i-« tralia. of which the Melbourne Ja n C^ a achieved a ?r « we »-eeserved Triumph at the Town ft He Possesses a happy combination of intellect and temperament, of scholar- ' ship and executive brilliance. When he began his recital with the Bach-Liszt organ fantasia and fugue his mood was one of scholarship and reserve, almost meticulous in niceties of phrasing and punctuation. He was recalled several times. It was in the Brahms group, however, that enthusiasm rose to its height. Freshness and vitality were the outstanding characteristics of Spivakovsky's Chopin playing. The Berceuse ho treated in caressing mood and after the Butterfly Study, which had of course, to be repeated with tremendous passion. Finally Spivakovsky came to Liszt, giving the adorable "Gnomenreigen" with such bewildering delicacy and deftness that the audience insisted on havin™ the experience over again. At tue eonclnsion of the final number, "La Campanella," the enthusiasm was so great that he had to play no less than five "extras." The box plan for to-night is at Colem&n's, where day sale tickets re also obtainable. The Dominion tour is under the direction of iJ. C. Williamson, Ltd. THE HIPPODItOITE. Tom Mix never fails to entertain, and at the Hippodrome he is confirming his reputation in this respect. In his latest William Fox picture, "Chasing the Moon," which . heads the bill at the popular theatre, the renowned cowboy star is seen in a photoplay that keeps him on the jump from America to Spain via Russia, and is packed with fun as well as speei. MU is -depicted in the j first instance as a bored millionaire, out I when he gets fully started on the highway of excitement his ennui disappears and quite a number of startling things come to pass. There is. of course, a girl ia the case, and. !as this personage is effectively portrayed by i charming Eva Novak added interest is I "iven to the snappy romance whieu brightens the theme. Tie Him abounds in humorous situations, and a scene in which Tom Mix .outwits "Velvet Joe." a lonj-monstaehea i bandit, is particularly diverting. • Besides ! his favonrite horse, the star is equally at I home rifling round in automobiles, motorI cycles, trains, steamships, and a metamorI phosed wagon. The two principals are snpi ported by an excellent cast, who appear to .advantage in the various roies. The scenicsettings and photographic effects further enhance an altogether enjoyable picture. In addition ro this feature the programme inI clodes "Try in* Get It." a Sunshine comedy full of hilarious situations. During the evening sessions the orchestra provides Its usual acceptable musical proiramme. among the numbers being the overture. Rossini's "Tancredi." and a violin solo, Wienlawski's "Obertass." TITOLI THEATRE. The picture-goers who saw "The Miracle Man' will still have llvelv recollections oC the excellence of that masterpiece. The producer. George Loane Tucker, has repeated the success attained in "The "Miracle Man - ' in "Ladies Must Live." Last night a crowded audience at the Tivoll Theatre testified to the many merits of the film. The theme is full of dramatic power. high life and low. The background depicts the drib monotony of life one moment and the colon- and luxury of it the The struggle that a woman has tn put urj in order to live is told in four stages, which, taken jointly, points an impressive moral. Betty Compson, the dainty actress who "The Miracle Man" a success' is the star In "Ladies Must Live." Her portrayal i 3 one that makes an instant appeal, so realistic is the impression given by her of the part. She is supported by a fine cast, which includes s:icb well-established favourites as Mahlon Hamilton. Robert Ellis, and Cleo Maddison. Included in the programme is I "Under the Lash." a film version of "The I Shulanute." the masterpiece of those two great modpru collaborators Alice and Claude Askew. The scene of the story is an African farm, where lives a cruel Boer and his wife. An Englishwoman comes as overseer, and although he is married he 1 becomes enamoured of the Boer's wife. The ill-tre:Ument meted out to the woman I deepens his love, and a dramatic situation comes to pass when the wife is freed by •the overseer taking the matter into his own hands. But this does not end all. for the Englishman's wife comes out to Africa* and further enropli-ations arise. The solution to the difficulty is contained in the remarkahlp climax wh'ch marks the closing scenes of the elm. Gloria Swansou is seen in a highly dramari" portrayal of the i!Roer*s wife. The other roles of the pboto- ' play are effectively handled by an admirable I supporting programme. GRAND THEATRE. The large crowds that attended all sessions at the Grand Theatre yesterday, when the first screening of "Are Yon Legally Married" was made, thoroughly appreciated the production from the pen of H. C I Warnack, written at the snggestion of Mr. TJobson after two years' research for the facts and foundations upon which the picture is based. The story is an exposure of the marriage laws of the United States, being founded on actual facts in a rather famous Supreme Court case at Washington, when a jury returned a verdict that undoubtedly questioned the legality of thousands of American marriages. It is a bewitching tale of man-made laws and "flairs." and in parts is most unnsnal and exciting. Rosemary Tbebe ancTLew Cody ! are entrusted with the leading rolts and I give excellent portrayals. There is an excellent supporting programme, the whole making a tine and distinctly pleasing screen entertainment. OPERA nOt'SE. The current programme of high-class vaudeville at the Opera House will be subroitted for the lnsi. time fo-niEjht, :ind on Monday afternoon a change of programme will be made by the various Hrtists. while several new acts will be staged. At last night's performance Raymond, the successful escapologist, amidst much applause. i succeeded in making his escape I'.fter being tied with foot anil hand straps riveted on by 1 a boilermaker. Mr. Jus. Lynch. The same : programme will be presented again to-night. ' LECTURE ON ELOCUTION. ! The lecture on "Elocution and-Dramatic ! Art" to be given by Mr. J. F. Montague Jin the Graf ton Library Hall on Tuesday evening next should prove of exceptional those who are desirous of cultivating this i "gentle art." Mr. Montague will have a good deal to say about the "New Zealand ■ ; accent," among other things, and in:ike -1 some suggestions for its remedy. A number if specially selected illustrations will be ! «jl.en during the evening. l> ORGAN RECITAL. . i The attractive programme for the organ ' recital to-night will include Bach's "Great" G Minor Fugue. Schubert's "Aye Marti." J and a Celtic Hymn arranged for orgin and - bells. Miss Fay Nezdar will ping tte 1 "Jewel Song" from "Faust" and thr> City ■ Organist will play a Conceit Fantasia on - the same opera.