AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 308, 29 December 1922, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

NATIO-NAL THEATRE. A change of programme was effected at the National Theatre to-day, the main pio ' ture being one adapted from the book by i Washington Irving, entitled "Kip Va* ' Winkle," the "man who slept for 20 years.'----:It is a splendid feature aim. Practically everybody knows the fascinating story of j "Rip Van Winkle." Irving's idyll of the i Tatskill Mountains, and the famous toast of tlie lovable vagabond "Kip," "Here's to your good health and your family's: may they all live long and prosper." The adventures that befel the inimitable "Klp" during his rambles in the Catskills and what transpires during his deep and dreamless sleep after bavin* quaffed of the dwarfs magic liquor, are all vividly pictured In the film, which is replete with humorous ami , dramatic incidents. Thomas Jefferson appears in the picture and in the title role !he gives a wonderful characterisation, ami his supporting cast leaves nothing to b>; desired. There are some excellent secondary films, and the orchestral music is well lup to the usual National -standard. | STRAND THEATRE. ! The millions of readers of Frances Hod- ' son B-urnett's world-lov«d novel "Little Lord Fauntleroy." will be delighted to know that the film of that name, a wonderful production by United Artists, with ! Mary Plckford as the star, opened a week's season at the Strand Theatre to-day. As a vehicle for the lovely Mary, this story Is Ideal, running as it does the entire gamut of emotional drama, pathos and riotous romdj, It gives ber the greatest opportunity she ever has had for the display of that bTllllant genius wliicl) has so en- . d-eared her to the hearts of every picturp!goer. In this play she has a chance to let ! the public see her as a mature woman and • also as a boy of seven. Not only in the same play, but In the same scenes, this I greatest of all screen artists is seen in these two difficult roles. TbroiiKh the medium of double exposure, that most bafflin-g of photography method*. Miss Pickford Iβ able to appear as two different characters In the same scene, thus producing the most perfect Illusion possible. ! mother" part Is a startling contrast against her portrayal of the boisterous, taUchlerI ous and exuberant boy. It hardly seems I possible that these two widely different I characterisations could be aswumed by one ! and the same person. In addition to the remarka'We photography, some excellent settings do their part to make this a master picture. The work of Jack Pickford and Alfred E. (Jreen. who directed this feature, ;and "Little Lord Fauntleroy" is absoI lutely perfect from the standpoint of con- ! tinuity. There are some excellent su- ,l- ---' ports and a special prologue, and special ! music by the orchest. which adds mat--1 erlally to the presentation. PRINCESS THEATRE. The wonderful attraction, "Fool's Paradise," commenced a further week's run at the Princess Theatre to-day. The picture Is remarkable for the beauty of its settings, the lavish nature of the production, and the entertaining plot on which the story te ; based. Mexico Is the locale for the events lin the first part of the story, then the I scenes change, and the climax occurs In i a country of the Far East. Particularly In \ the second part of the picture there are j gorgeous Oriental scenes, which serve as a J background for the thrilling fights and j struggles which occur. One of the most ' exciting moments occurs when the hero ' leaps into a loathsome crocodile' pit, swarmIng with the horrible man-eating monsters, so that he might save the life of his rival. I j His fight with the crocodiles is a fateful ; struggle, which was filmed at the risk of the actors' lives. The acting throughout l< in keeping with the high standard of this spectacular picture. The principal 'parts are taken by Dorothy Dalton, Conrad Nagel and Mildred' Harris. HIPPODROME THEATRE. "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam." after : enjoying a most successful run of one week ■at the National Theatre, was screened for I the first time to-day at the Hippodrome, land at this theatre this excellent production I should be the means of attracting large numbers of patrons. The picture is withlout doubt one of the finest which has been screened here for a long time. The magulfljcent Oriental scpnery is a prominent feaI tnrp of the production. The representation of the firmament is a particularly fine : one. and Is an attempt not often made by the picture producer. The wonderful beauty of the Persian settings is. however, not the only merit in the picture, which Is based on a very appealing story. The romantic element is a strong one, but added interest ' ,Ms lent by the strongly philosophic nature lof the whole theme. The acting throughout is excellent, each artist presenting a splendid characterisation. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The starring attraction on the nev.- proi gramme at Everybody's Theatre is n Stoll i i English > production, "The Passionate I Friends." adapted to the screen from the . novel by 11. O. Wells. A splendid ensi of players, headed by Milton Rosmer and Mdlle. Valla. Interprets the story, which is nn infpresting screen presentation. Milton Rosmer plays Steven Stratton, a rising 'young politician-. Mdlle. Valia presents a clever study as I-ady Christian, the ambitious daughfr of an old and honoured house: 1 Annie Esmond plays the email but important part of Lady Mary's maid : Lewford Davidson is seen as f;uy Ladlslaw. Lady Mary's brother: Ralph Forsfer. the Rt. Hon ! Phillips Evesham : Frederick Raynham appears as Harrison Justin. M.P.. a rich and powerful armament maker: and Madge I . Stuart plays an Important part in the film I lOn the same programme there is a !?plznick •feature, "Midnight Patrol." with an alljstar cast. Delightful and up-to-date orches- ■ tral music is dispensed by Everybody's Orchestra. { j LYRIC THEATRE. | j The Lyric Theatre, which Ls now under I the management of Mr. Phil. Murdoch, is screening this evening the magnificent Uni- , versa 1 Jewel production. "Foolish Wives." ( and this extraordinary picture should prove i ; popular and be the means of attracting ! "i^f"ii Th " eh,ef features of , h ooiisn T* Ives are the striking spectacles . introduced and the remarkably Impressive acting of the producer in the role of the ' villain. "( ount" Sergius Kammaln. the Rug. sian criminal. Enormous sums of money ! ■ were expended in reproducing for the pk- . ;tnre the actual scenes at Mnnte Carlo, both j exteriors and Interiors having been built ' "P in California with no detail mlssine. I ' rrrjwds promenade through tti» prin- | , clnal "ones, which Include th» gambling h » lls "f the Casino, the Hotel de Paris, and ' I the Cafe de Paris. The theme is most i i absorbing, while the polißhed villain pro- I (=<-nf.>d by yon Strohelm |» outstanding in : convincing realism. I ! TIVOM THEATRE. ! ™ tor > rl "» p to the Tivoli roeetre on the screen to-dnj- In "Tb.. Woman ' Who Walked Alone." a Paramount—Ceorce j Mcford production. Miss Dalton proves her I prowe«s by riding to bounds, shooting, and , taking part in the favourite outdoor sports ;of Merry England. Also. Rn< > had to dnnec I a fandango under most dramatic clrciimS J'T , ' ,rT lwr ~lck at ,h * roulette ts>.M"= ,-«Mt i y n,n , R taTpr n on the African r1» Vl I e hp tnD " , threads of her destiny and another's nre brought together In siirprisln..' culmination. Milton Sills and . "ancia Haw-ley appear In her support, with , a large and excellent cast. A varied pro-I crninme of comedy, travel and topical films I accompanied by splendid orchestral musi.- I .completes a capital picture entertainment.! i QUEEN'S THEATRE. ' LifVJ"? d0 "l >1 ' , ftar P™!rn»mmc was sub-I m>tted to patrons of the Queen's Theatre l iHobart StotePjJjJ'SSSi : irons p.s n norfrn'-er of virile screen. Is featured In "Pehlml th» hoor."i I a picture n-ni-li has all t>><. ■■l°rient < i «' •■- I .entertaining story well Men-led ' 'Norland In "Mickey." a Bn™r«Mna nVtur* i I n " r .. ,h ° ot! "- r ™<n film. In art.'.itTon' th.Vo ■ «r- other interesting film subjects j

I . , THE FAMOCS DIGGERS. ta=t b^Lreln?d S?|- p- ---; changed on Monday evening S? mc *"• he .parkllng i "A NIUHT OUT." - ; The Williamson Musical Corned* r,™ matinees on laturdaTanT^ew g*