AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 58, 9 March 1923, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

NATIONAL THEATRE. ' Prom the moment that the splendour and abandonment of the "freak" dinner dawned upon the crowded audience at the National Theatre last evening it became apparent that the scale upon which "One Week of Love" had been produced was truly a royai one. The dinner is given in honour of a spoiled darling of society, Beth Wynn, and in search of the novel tue guests are re- ' quested to attend in bathing costume and , to leave their brains at home. 'i'he function proceeds in the merriest of spirits, and ■ the society belle, in the height of her ■' enjoyment, suggests as another of her recK- ; less pranks an aeroplane race with one of I the male guests. If the man wins he is Ito claim the girl in marriage as his stake. . while Hi the event of the girl winiung she , continues her single state. The exciting . and momentous race is stared, but a mishap ! overtakes Beth's machine, and it ciasuee 'to earth. She is rendered unconscious, ! and awakes to find herself In the midst of , three evil-looking men. Her aeroplane' has fallen on the shack of these men. three outlaws, who throw into their gambling > stakes the woman who has fallen from the I sky. The game goes on, and Beth falls to the lot of one of the outlaws, who takes her away to a lonely habitation in the • mountains. The outlaw endeavours to ' win the girl in his untamed manner, but she spurns him and reviles him as a "beast." And as she fights him with the weapons of civilisation he begins to show the real white man beneath the mask. The "beast" falls earnestly in love with Beth, and becomes thoroughly ashamnl o* !'•■» "caveman" methods whereby he u~.n.~. possession of her. He is repentant, and when the girl asks for freedom he goes away and returns later with Franklin Fraser. the young man who won the aeroplane race. The girl, who has never really liked Fraser, finds that she dislikes hint even more so than before. A sojourn in a Mexican hotel serves to reveal the true I characters of both men. Events from this stage move with amazing rapidity to one of the inest striking climaxes ever filmed. In the journey back to civilisation the trestle of a railway bridge over a swirling rapid gives way, and the train is hurled down the gully. The girl is caught in the mad waters and borne powerless down the race. Just as she was on tbe point of drowning sbe is caught and borne up by another, and on opening her eyes she finds that her rescuer Is the "beast." Fraser, :t transpires, has died a coward's death. The concluding scenes are very affecting, when tne cirl finally acknowledges that the "beaat" is really one of Nature's gentlemen. Besides possessing a remarkable background of sumptuous settings and beautiful natural scenes, the photo-drama is interpreted by a fine cast. Elaine Hammerstein an Beth Wynn is seen at her best, while Conway Tearle's charactersiation of the "beast" pulsates with dramatic force. The programme of vocal items, by Miss J Pauline Dnwson and Siznor Prebonl Han--1 sen, the "Miserere" scene from "n Trovatore, sung by Miss Dawson and Slgnor Hansen, was enthusiastically received by the audience last evening. ! THE HIPPODROME. Tom Mix, the bright beacon of Western drama, will be at the Hippodrome in "Do and Dare," bis latest William Fox production a stirring story of Intrigue, fighting blood and a South American revolution. I Under the direction of Edward Sedgwick, \ the story by Marion Brooks has been vividly picturlsed and an excellent cast selected for the support, including such character actors as Dulcie Cooper and Claude Peyton. Claire Adams, the smiling, winsome leading woman, plays opposite the virile star. The tale Iβ that of a young, artless Westerner who Is suddenly gripped by tbe fires of . romance when he hears of the adventures of his bold and famous forebear. Kit Carson Koone, the pioneer and scout of the great West. In tbe midst of his dreams of doing something worthy of the name of his ancestor he finds himself involved in a South American revolution, which gives him ample opportunity to display his valour. Tom Mix fairly revels in the part bringing all' his horse-riding and other dare-devHl feats to the photo-play to make (t an undoubted success. The secondary films which complete the programme are of a high order. THE PRINCESS THEATRE. Equipped with an engrossing theme and , mounted against a riot of colour and dazzling settings "Manslaughter" has everything to its advantage in enjoying continued success at the Princess Theatre, where to-day it entered -upon the third week of its Auckland season. "Man- | slaughter" is rich in emotional scenes, the I prosecution of a society belle by ber lover, the district attorney, leading to a highly dramatic situation. The conditions of prison life are revealed with realism, and are in striking contrast to the glitter and splendour of the outside world. Another contrast, which is a masterly piece of production, Is the representation of the Roman orgies which marked the declining years of the empire. The depiction or these scenes gives full play to Cecil de Mille's sense of the decorative. The arresting story is interpreted by a fine assembly of artists. Thomas Meighan is seen in the role of the attorney with a high sense of duty. Hie emotional qualities are seen to the fullest advantage. Lea trice Joyj the beautiful actress with a score of screen successes to ber name, is all that could be desired as the reckless society girt whose daring eventually teaches her a severe but beneficial lefteon. Attractive secondary films and appropriate musical selections complete a very enjoyable programme. STRAND THEATRE. The escapades of a young American, imTiiied with an adventure-loving spirit, give rise to tbe entertaining incidents in "One ■«f the Blood," which leads the change of programme at the Strand Theatre. It falls out that the young man ip connected with ' the Royal family which rules a small and turbulent European kingdom. In order to prevent an open rebellion the young man is sought out and summoned to the kingdom. On his arrival he is immediately drawn I itito the midst of the arch-plotters against the reigning king. The manner in which .ho upsets all the little plap; a""d generally out tbe affairs of the kingdom. 'is unfolded in a seriee of exciting .scenes which hold the attention right up to the (finale, when the Royal scion earns for his gallantry a fair countess of the court. •Douglas Fairbanks Iβ the dashing ~oung, man, a part which he playe with abundant energy. Marjorle Daw is seen to advantage iv the pleasing role of the conntess. The supporting films of the programme include a topical film, entitled "Endurance." It is an interesting illustration of the powers ot a motor car over the worst roads of the American back country. A bright musical programme is an acceptable adjunct to the entertainment. TIVOLI THEATRE. Dorothy Dalton, as Charlotte Woods, a dance-hall girl In "The Siren Cull," springs to still greater fame and screen splendour !by her dazzling performance in this role, which is similar in type to the part which first won screen recognition for her In the I memorable production. "The Flame of the I Yukon." Her alluring beauty and personality, her charm and buoyant, viva- : eious spirit are utilised to the greatest 1 advantage in the character of the beautif.i! queeu of tbe Alaskan dance palace. Miss , Dalton has been for several years one of the screen's greatest luminaries. "The Slreu J Call" is the star attraction of the change of programme which will be initially presented at the Tivoli Theatre this evening. J The supporting budget includes an effer- | vescent comedy-drama. "Her Sturdy Oak." i with piquant Wanda Hawley In another of her pleasing roles. I GRAND THEATRE. The many admirers of Constance Talmadge will have a further opportunity of seeing their favourite at the Grand Theatre this week where she appears In her latest success, "East is West." Miss Talmadge is cast in the photo-play as Ming Toy. a vivacious girl of China, whose lively disposition arouses tbe anger ot her father. After being taken away on a slave ship she meets ft young American who advises ber to go to America. In America her high spirits get her into further trouble, but ! eventually everything is smoothed out. A dramatic farce, "Ladder Ginx," and the final episode of tbe serial. "Robinson J Crusoe" are the supporting features of the programme. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Another attractive array of films Is offered this week by the management of the Queen's Theatre. The outstanding feature is a film version of the famous musical production, "Humoresque." Bound up with the photo play Is an appealing love story. Charlie Chaplin's great success "Shanghaied" Is an exhilarating comedy in wh'ch the world's great humorist Iβ seen in one of his happiest moods. "The Sawdust Ring '.' I which is also included in the programme. Iβ a fine story of the circus, replete with thrills and action. Bessie Love Iβ the star in a role which she invests with her usual fascinating persouallty. FULLER'S OPERA HOUSE. A varied of vaudeville ana revue is offered at Fuller's Opera House musical itemis and novelty turns of a high order. A bright musical eomedv. "Xot Yet." i<l presented by the clever American jpusvue Company.

"THE GIRL FOR THE BOY" sent Miss Lee White and Mr. <3i?lL I K!' supported by the J. C. Williamson MmITS i Comedy Hevne Company, to Sβ musical play. "The GlrT % "Boy." It is said that Miss LeTwSu.! '»! "the girl." and Mr. Clay Smith as 'tV t boy." excel themselves, and MUe Vwfc , will present a budget of son« rtmkf* j which have made her famous. To "dSom 11 her reputation of being the beit'*£s?i2 a artist in musical comedy. Miss Leo vcmT d will wear many new and beautlM town. ...and the stage settings, costuming^ 80 *?!??: " ; ing effects are magnificent and the Production is presented on a lavish ' ;- Mr. Ernest Sefton and Mr. Unee £Ster d have big parts in this production, and wMi. R.they are on the stage the fun » ?*,* „! f w!'°J IS - , MiSS ° larice Hardwicke and S£ V", tnk t llnve wn senial rolee. while MiS s Mac Baird and Mr. Archie Thompson Wm ;. present new dance scenas. and Mr Infill, c Beck and Mr. P. .1. Julian have ample , c g for their taleuts. and the chorus and b»?EJ P are responsible for ttne chorus work "nd c strons ballets. The season of "The Girt fa! i. The Boy" is limited to four nighte! and tte 1 Jim plans are at Lewis R. Eady and Son! gj "THE QUEEN OF SHEBA." S f&SSrUS? tt t S!-Ai>s*S c iinz 3ssr«, pSsssa 0 at H>. Majesty's Theatre on Friday Man* t 18. The photo-drama has been ptid£3 A by William Fox, and is said to imrSati c everything in wealth of detail and lavfohr ness of setting. To' make this stupendena c film scenes of unusual beauty hare betn , constructed and amongst many mirttS. X mentioned the arrival of "Sbeba" at thJ nirt of Solomon. Betty Blythe is«2S d .iiii a remarkable portrayal of the Queen I SSK in the n °'« LYRIC THEATRE. » Dorothy Dalton. the popular Paramount star, is the centre of interest In the Cecil |,De Mille production. "Fool's ParadlS" : which will be initially screened at the Lyric Theatre this evening. The setting ot L i the film is at one time the rugged surrounde ings of a Mexican border town and .t another the peculiar beauty of Slam. Tnt» 1 the photo-play | S woven an appealing gt«y c Supporting Mis* Dalton to c Mildred Harris and Conrad -\lgel, besides f other artists well-known to picture natron* A pleasing array of secondary fllns »M ' laried musical selections comolete ih« ° j programme. "t AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. imi majesty's— Lee wnite to "Brir, "-OPERA HOUSE—Fuller's Vaudeville 1 W f , . ' ! j PICTURE THEATRES. . i- NATIONAL —EIaine Hammerstein and Con' !- i way Tearle in " one week or Love" r HIPPODROME— Tom Mix in "Do an'fl ~ Dare." PRINCESS —TDomas Meighan In "Manslaughter." STRAND— Marjory Day in "One of tilt . Blood." ' LYRlC —Dorothy Dalton in "FooTa Paraaise." ' TIVOLI —"The Siren Call" and "Her ' GRAND —Constance Talmadge in "East Is : West." '. QUEEN'S —"liumoresqueT and Charlie I Chaplin in "Shanghaied." EVERYBODY'S —"Bought and Paid For.™. ■ ARCADIA —"The Man Tnconquerable." I EMPRESS —" The Prisoner of Zendi." : BRITANNIA —"The Outside Woman." r WEST END —"Star Dust." r BROADWAY— " While New York Sleeps."