AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 162, 11 July 1925, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

CSATIONAL AND LYRIC THEATRES. " Down to the Sea ln Shlp3," one of the most stupendous features ever attempted, is attracting crowded audiences to the National and Lyric Theatres. The outstanding ract in conjunction with the Aiming of this picture, which serves to make It unique ln its neld, Is that It is one or the rew productions in the history of motion pictures that has tor its locale the tempestuous waters or the high seas, and the principal character in this drama or the Atlantic Is a ninety-ton whale. I Nature has provided not only a background utterly impossible to Imitate through any trick of photography, but It places in this setting an enraged leviathan or the deep, stung to rury by a deeply embedded harpoon. The great moment comes when the whale, realising the rutiiity or escape, turns on its captors, sweeps one side of the boat, leaving but the stumps or broken oars in the hands or the fear-stricken crew. The harpoon is still embedded deeply in the back or the whale, and ln one last effort to rid itseir ,or the life-taking iron, the giant mammal or the deep swims off to a distance or several hundred reet, turns, hesitates an instant, and then charges the boat with the speed and force or the rastest express. It is only a matter of seconds until the whale has hit the boat square in the middle, smashing it to bits and tossing its crew into the air. Sharks are plainly seen ready to strike the instant any or the crew touch the water. Back or all this action, however, is a most appealing love story. At this point there begins what is described as one or the most hairraising scenes ever recorded by a motion picture machine. Tearing at express speed, straight for the broad Atlantic, the whale sets off in a dash for freedom. There have been many hair-breadth escapes to add thrills to motion pictures, i but in practically all or them there have been due precautions taken to guard against accidents, but In " Down to the Sea in Ships " McKCe and his boatmen face a situation beside which the stunts or the average screen daredevil fall into insignificance. Utterly beyond the reach of the mother boat, and 3000 miles or deep water berore them, their only course is to stick to the boat until the efforts of their captive cease. Subsequently, two other boats are.able to attach lines to the leading whaleboat, and ror hours the whale tows a weight estimated at 6000 pounds, through the water at a speed almost inconceivable. It took eighteen months to produce this great film drama, more than two months of which were spent cruising in the Caribbean Sea in pursuit of whales. Supporting: features are also shown. STRAND THEATRE. "Argentine Love," written by Viricente Biasco Ibanez, the famouse Spanish writer, well ln the public eye at present by his attack on the Governnment of his country, and the author or "The Four Horsemen' or the Apocalypse," and "Blood and Sand," is shown in screen form this week at the Strand Theatre. The story concerns an attempt that is made to force a young girl into a marriage with a man she does not love. Counting on the marriage her uncle borrowed large sums of money rrom the prospective bridegroom but his plans are upset when the girl leaves to live ln her own house. Many times she is approached but refuses to marry till her fiancee, whom she met ln the States, arrives. The story runs on to an interesting climax. Bebe Daniels has the leading role, and is supported by James Rennie and Ricardo Cortez. Allan Dwan was the director. The supports include the usual gazettes, Pathe Review, "Hints on Horsemanship," and another screen rable. Miss Bettlna Edwards, premier danseuse, appears during the interlude. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Thomas Meighan, the very popular Paramount star, has another typical role ln "Coming Through," the premier attraction now being teatured at Everybody's Theatre. Lila Lee and John Milton appear in the supporting cast. The story is that of a young man who works In the offlce of his rather-in-law, a steel magnate. Ime father-in-law has a grudge against the other, and sends him to one of the most notorious mining camps in the State, thereby hoping to get rid of him by means or a prearranged accident. On arriving at the camp, his first act is to close a saloon in which the men" drink and gamble away their time. The manager thereupon turns against him, and on more than one occasion the hero narrowly escapes with his life. He gathers a small band or loyal men about Mm, and, in the end, they succeed in suppressing the men, and in proving that their leader had swindled them to the extent of several thousands of dollars. Other attractions are included on the programme. TTVOLI THEATRE. At the Tivoli Theatre this week the programme Includes "The Tornado," a L'nlversal-Jewel, starring House Peters, which is the screen version of one or the strongest stage spectacles ever produced, the emotional melodrama or the same name by Lincoln J. Carter. It is the story or the great heroism or a man who had become a terror ln the North Woods. Ruth Clifford is the leading lady and the cast includes Richard Tucker, Snitz Edward 3 and Kate Price. In it are some most dangerous and thrilling scenes. A bridge collapsing Into a flooded river and carrying with it a train is one or a number or big spectacles. House Peters, who is remembered Tor his great characterisations in " The Storm." and ln "Human Hearts," has an even greater role in "The Tornado." "Worldly Goods," the Paramount picture starring Agnes Ayres. Is also featured. It is the story of the wreck or a modern matrimonial venture and how a wire fought to save her home. Pat O'Malley plays opposite the star, and Victor Varconl and Eds'the Chapman are others prominent in support. Also there is another of the popular Jack Dempsey "Fight and Win" series which provides excellent entertainment. HIPPODROME THEATRE. "Scarred Hands," a thrilling western story, starring Eileen Sedgwick and Cliff Smith, heads the programme now being shown at the Hippodrome Theatre. It tells of a woman who wanted love from a husband who gave her luxuries. David, her husband. In their courting days, had vowed his willingness to die for her, but it was his love that died after two years of married life. She came a bad second after his business interests—all of which made her think how happy she might have been with any of the many other men who had loved her. But happiness comes in the end. "Handle With Care" is adapted from the story by Charles Belmont Davis, brother or the well-known author Richard Harding Davis. It is rich in satire and humour, and has lost nothing in its screen translation. In the cast are also Grace Darmond, Patsy Ruth Miller, Harry Myers and Landls Stevens. The supports include the usual gazettes, a comedy and Jack Dempsey's latest "Fight and Win" feature, entitled " So This Is Paris." PRINCESS THEATRE. Edmund Lowe, the handsome William Fox star who has come very much to the fore of late, is seen ln the role of Cyril Gordon, or the United States' Secret Service, in "Marriage in Transit," the principal feature now being shown at the Princess Theatre. Disguised as a distinguished European crook who has reached America to buy the secret code of the Treasury Department from traitorous American conspirators, he lands at the altar with a beautiful heiress and marries her, though she is totally ignorant or the fact that she is marrying a man she had never seen before. This is done that Gordon may preserve his incognito and also to save her from marrying a rascal. He plans to release her immediately from her vows. With so stirring a theme on which to build, Director R. William Neill has put the star rorward in a mystery tale comparable to any that has enthralled the curiosity of playgoers during the past ten years. International crooks negotiating with American conspirators to betray their country are outwitted by the young Secret Service operator, who so resembles Holden, the master mind of thf plot, that startling complications and thrilling adventures crowd each other as the tale unfolds. Also showing is "The Count," one of Charlie Chaplin's best features, and "Hearts ln Haven." starring Claire Adams and Robert McKlme. ORGAN RECITAL TO-NIGHT. A special programme has been arranged for the recital tn the Town Hall to-night. Mr. Maughan Barnett, city organist, will play standard works by Reubke, Bach and Widor, and a paraphrase of Schubert's "By the Sea." Madam Winnie Frazer, who has returned to New Zealand rrom Europe win bp the vocalist, and will sing songs Ihy Wolf, Hildach and Flora Woodman. 'EPSOM LIBRARY WINTER COURSE. j "The Possibility or Life on other Worlds," is the subject or the lecture to Ibe delivered by Professor p. w. Burbldge I M.Sc, at the Epsom Library on Tuesday,' July 14, in connection with the winter I course of lectures, etc. The lecture win I commence with a study or the extreme conditions, such as dryness, cold, heat and I pressure, under which lire is found on the j parth. and will proceed to discuss whether on other planets, in particular on Mars we have conditions that are possible for • life. Illustrative lantern slides and recent , data from the study of Mars will be given I and finally the possibility or other solar I systems will be briefly mentioned.

''WILDFLOWEEU? , or Marie Burke, the n»w ~ ■. comedy star who will be seen tn S^, Csl flower" to-night, at his u,\r? w - Theatre, the critic of the "New iIV^ 8 Times " writes: " There il om^n? ,^ l Burke. This tumultuou 3 youn* «lJ! rte who is the prinicpai star In ' w?]<lflsL' on s the newest i. c. Williamson pffiS? , possesses more thrills tor her »ffi? n ' than any Southern senomi ontaS?"* etory booK. She has charm * enSu*?*, * twenty—a vivid, hothouse woS2Pi« ter minute kind or charm which ni" 10 "*- ---the onlooker for the ™«. genuinely relieved when the erlri really human and adorable <=hY LSI 0 !" personality at you in one treiflU" broadside, and leaves you deafens? a ? u * dazzled by this remarkable beta* r£2 actresses in musical comedy are so \Z? tunate as to flt into their parts as iw. Burke does. ' Wildnower • migut h»vl 5"" made to measure for her ShTh« en freat deal or Southern charm, 4 e move! with immense grace and sings to a saufying manner. But. most Important «r all. sne creates a character. (Jus Bluett that prince of the absurd, shows hirtwif i vastly entertaining as ' Gabble: • HU SSJ! with Marie La Varre, where he proves Ce t S! virtuou3 hero or classic love stories v a sheer joy. Herbert Browne, as Guido is a very intense lover. Marjorie Baw ik Blanca. and Noel Allan as Alberto hf? fiancee, both portray unpleasant n'eonil Cleverly, while Charles Zoli is t «pffl£ and cunning little lawyer, ana Marie X \arre, hl3 spouse. Is a rountain of irre pressibie humour. The Cansmo Brothers and Stoneburn are responsible ror somn wonderrul dances. 80me THE MUNICIPAL BAND. A varied programme is to be presenter by the Municipal Band at the Zoological Park on Sunday at 2.45 p.m. Among- the items to be rendered are Keier-Bela's "Hungarian Comedy," overture, Anseli's "Three Irish Dances," a grand selection rrom the works or Tschaikowsky, introducing the Finale to the "1812" overture and otner tuneful numfiers, together with popular iymn tunes and stirring marches. PUKEKOHE ORPHANS' CLUB. The Pukekohe Orphans* Club held a most enjoyable evening on Thursday last Bro R. Farrell, vice-president, occupied the chair. There was a large attendance visitors being present from the Auckland and Takapuna clubs. Items were, contributed by Auckland artists and included:—Bros s Prltclrard, F. Adeane, P. Ros3, H. Mitchell" L. Kevin and Evans, they being all appreciated. The chairman, Bro. R. Farrell in his address thanked the Auckland brethren ror favouring him. "Orphandom is mv hobby," stated the chairman, " and I have looked rorward to the time when I would be occupying the chair." Bro. Prttchard in replying seated the visitors ftilly appreciated the reception that had heen given to them. He and the chairman were the rathers or the old Pierrot Club formed to cheer the convalescent boys in hospital in England during the war. FLORENCE AND ITALY. A most appreciative audience was present at the Grafton Library last evening at the lecture on "Florence and Rome," repeated by desire from the Town Hall Concert Chamber Sunday series. The lecturer, Mr. E. Headiam Greenhow, dealt informatively and sympathetically with his subject, and all present were delighted with the beauty of the lantern slides. "'TWIXT ALP AND PENNINE." To-morrow evening, at the Town Hall Concert. Chamber, the third lecture of the Sunday series will be given on the above subject. The magnincent lantern slides include tinted pictures or the Bernese Alps, the Weilhorn, the Wetterhorn, the Jungrrau; the Pennine Alps with the incomparable Monte Rosa; the Matterhora and Mont Blanc also will be Illustrated and described. Pastoral glimpses will be shown or the Engadine Valley, Lake Lucerne, the Lutchine River and St. Moritz. Mr. E. Headiam Greenhow, of the London Authors' Society, will supply the lecture. DIXIELAND CABARET. The usual " long night" will be held at Dixieland to-night, when special fluices will be featured and novelties provided Tor patrons.