AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 130, 2 June 1923, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

—— • — NATIONAL THEATRE. A great production, superbly acted by a groat cast and capably directed, sums up the William Fox production or ' Monte Crlsto." now showing at the isattoiia Theatre, with John Hubert as the principal Player in the dual role of the reature. The romance Is fascinating as literature, the Plot has been woven Into a [tripping- play, and now Mr. l-'ux has combined all Its laseinallon and dramatic, qualities into one or the most elaborate and tlirllling ol photoplays The action is swift from the start. beginning with the love alTair or Edmund liaiites, a sailor, scene alter scene is quickly unrolded, parrying the sustained Interest or the. spectators to Hie dramatic denouement, in which Dantes, alter many years' imprisonment, visits his revenge upon those who betrayed him. None or the dramatic quality of the story is lost In this version, the .stage settings and scenic display hclng most elaborate. The younger generation, quite naturally, enjoys the photoplay on Us intrinsic merits, being Impressed with the dramatic situations as well as the wealth or scenery amid which they were set. The appeal to the eye and the emotions is Irresistible, while Hie story in llscir compels the most absorbing : in iciest. STRAND THEATRE. i The large audience which gathered In I the strand Theatre last evening were whisked out or this modern world ot ! motor cars to those mediaeval days when men rode the country mounted on chargers ■ gaily caparisoned, and when, instead or I the'tweed, the leather Jerkin was the comj mon dress. In "Hnbin Hood," the Stupendous United Artists production, with i Douglas Fairbanks in the character or the celebrated greenwood hero, the public are I given something outstanding, both ror | realism or acting and tieauty or setting. As visualised In the Mini Ibis character becomes the very king of romance In all I thai the term implies, and his manner or 1 Impressing His commendable traits or standing unabashed as the bold lighter on behalf of frail woman Is one which will not i rail to remain fixed In the mind or every person who sees the reincarnation or his spirit by Mr. Fairbanks. The lllm has a line musical setting, which is I'urntshcd by a specially augmented orchestra. A lilting prologue Is also given under the direction of Mr. T. Harris. HIPPODROME. The ld\ production "Romance Land." with Tom Mix In the leading role, which is tho slur item or the programme at the Hippodrome, relates Ihe adventures or a man and a maid on the Western plains. lioth or theni become inspired by the stories describing the times when knighthood was In (lower. The resultant events are said to rurnlsh an exceedingly novel and entertaining photoplay. there is some well-done "broncho ousting," a chariot race, and a whirlwind stage coach contest. The .supporting turns Include "A I Wise Bird." a Juvenile comedy, with the Lee kiddles as the stars. TIVOLI THEATRE. Thomas Melghan again established hlmseir a favourite at the Tlvoll Theatre last evening when lie appeared In Ills latest success, "Hack Home and Broke," a comedy drama from the novel by George Ade. ••Hack Home and Broke" Is rich In humour, with delightful dashes or thrills, suspense and heart lugs. The story deals with the problems or a young num. who upon the death or Ins rather Is lert penniless. Made to reel that he occupied a humble position In the town, he leaves to seek success elsewhere. Eventually he returns to the old town, but not as a conquering hero. Apparently he Is broke, and ridicule is heaped upon him. The rest or the story travels In a swirt cycle or excitement, punctuated by humour which is sure material for laughter. Mr. Melghan's leading woman In this picture Is Ltla Lee. PRINCESS THEATRE. George Arllss, who raised "Tbe Devil" to the pinnacle or Tame on the stage, Is Ihe star In the. film version now showing as the leading attraction of the programme at the Princess Theatre. Last evening a crowded audience testified to the undoubted dramatic merits of the production, 'flic lllm is a homily on the power of truth, demonstrating: how this quality will eventually triumph over evil. The allegory is lull or dramatic possibilities, which have been called into service with | marked elTect. As the doctor In whom is personified the rorces or evil George Arllss Is seen at the height or his dramatic power. The supporting programme and ihn orchestral items are In keeping will) I lie main feature. LYRIC THEATRE. "Once to livery Woman," the hcadllner or the programme which was Initially screened before an enthusiastic audience at the Lyric Theatre last, evening, is a tensely dramatic photoplay with a series or startling incidents which culminate In a powerful llnale. The interest or the 1 theme centres round a blacksmith's , daughter, whose, vocal accomplishments I attract attention. She Is sent to Italy I lor tuition, and there meets an Italian and : a romance develops. On her return to New York slio meets an Englishman, and in • the nnai dramatic situation ibis gentleman and the Italian meet. llodolph Valentino and Dorothy Phillips are the stars in this photoplay. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A touch or old Ireland Is introduced ln the import Hughes production "Come On Over," now showing at Everybody's I Theatre. Colleen Moore is seen us the I heroine in this rerreshiug comedy-drama i which skips lightly through a pleasing romance with n mud or real humour. The secondary lllms or Hie programme offer a varied range or topical and scenic films. During the evening a character sketch is given by Miss Linda Murphy and musical solos by Mr. Gordon Cole and Mr. Dunne. GRAND THEATRE. Constance Talmadge creates a good deal or mirth ill "Betsy's Burglar," the outstanding nim or the programme ruling at the Grand Theatre. The lllm possesses quite an engrossing plot, which only gets the more ((implicated as it goes along. Included in tho programme Is "High Speed." a Kile or automobile raring with Gladys Hiileite and Edward Earle in the principal roles. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "The Better 'Olc." which takes nrst Place on the varied programme at the Oncon's Theatre, is a nim story built round the famous cartoon by the eminent I English artist, nriice Belrnsfatlier. The I adventures or Bert, Air and Bill aro cleverly revealed on the screen, and arc amusing rrom the opening to the closing scene, included in the. programme is a Paramount release. "Told in the Hills," a dramatic mining camp story with Ilobcrt Warwick as Hie star. GRAFTON LIBRARY LECTURE. "Tut-ankh-amen, Pharaoh or Egypt." Is the title or Ihe lecture to be delivered by Rev. W. G. Monckton at the Grafton Library Hall on Tuesday next. In connec- , Hon with the Gral'toii Library Winter Course. The lecture will deal with the I early history and civilisation of ancient Egypt, Us relation lo other civilisations ! and its religious sigiiuicance. n will also deal with the life and limes or Tut-ankh- 1 amen, anil Die strange religious revival i or the preceding period. The lecture will I be illustrated by lantern slides showing tlie different objects round in the tomb and some or ihe antiquities of earlier periods. OPERA HOUSE. The change of programme at Fullers' Opera House nils evening will present t-tttTy and Mo and tlie supporting company in a bright comedy and musical creation "Stlffy and Mo's Sporting Chance." The vaudeville programme will include Tubby I Stevens (comedian), Miss Elsa Lewis j (violinist), George Dixon (eccentric musician), and Jack Blrcliley (contor- I tlonist), on Monday new artists to! appear win be licit Terrin (Dutch come- I di.-vii. the brakes (comedians), and Jonie ! I'astor (Hauler). ORGAN RECITAL TO-NIGHT. Signor Constantini. soloist of the Mistinc Choir will m. the vocalist at the recital in : the I own Mai; to-night. His solos will I*7 selected from eh- operas "I/Ebres" and : .in]! 1 ?' I Mi Ml \ Ma »«nan Harnett, city organisi will p| av works , ,?._„_._. - Ccs i-ranck, Letnare. mid Wolstcnhotine, and a concert fantnsfa on Bizet s -Carmen." '"THE IMPORTANCE OP BEING EARNEST." accVi, r tahi < crn,.e m,. ^ rC H° r °. scar Wilde's ever- i leading amateurs f Au <*land's