AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17062, 5 February 1921, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

• THEATRE BOYAL. "IRENE." "Irene," pres>nted bv J. and X. Tait's Musical Ccmsdy Company, at the Theatre Koyal, was enjoyed I>y ft packed house. The wealth of ccenery and frockimr were in keeping with, the vivacity oi the musical comedy, and the merit oi the music. Miss Dorothy o South, who has tin title part, was well supported. There will bo a matinee thij afternoon, and epeciai arrangements are beinjr mad-> to accommodate the children it reduced rates. , OPERA HOUSE. A !ar,£e audience witne.sid Fuller's vaudeville entertainment at the Opera House last night. 'lha turns bv Alberto, liix, De Wilfred, Hall and and Vaude and Verne were all warmly received. The musical, revue, "Egyptian >'ight3," again went oil with a happy ewing. There will be a matinee this afternoon, as well es the usual evening perforniiwce. "JOLLY'S TRAIL/ GREATER CRYSTAL PAEACE. To-day and to-night will be the last opportunities the' public will have of witnessing the sensational aviation story, "The Great Air Robbery," at Greater Crystal Palace. The manager, Mr V. Ai. Beebe, offers another very attractive programme at. the theatre for next week, commencing at the day sessions on Monday. As this will mark tie first appearance in Christchurch of the bcawtiiiil screen favourite, Carmel Myers, the | star Universal picture do luxe, " Folly's Trail," in which Miss Myers plays the part of Folly, should prove very attractive to Greater' Crystal Palace patrons., In the story, which was "written by Kathorinc Leister Robbins, 'Suss Myers appears oa a gay butterfly'of fashion, who flits from flower to .'lower in New York's fastest set, with-little thought beyond the days pleasure, and pledging her hand, but not her heart, to one of the wealthiest club men of the Bohemian, circle. Then a man comes into her life—a struggling artist oi aristocratic lineage. The very fact that they are as .different temperamentally- as day is from nijrht draws them together, fascinates each with the other against .their better judgment, end develops n "-romance that is as unique, startling and unusual na any conceived in the brain of a modern author. -Settings of magnificence amid scenes in which hundreds- of beautifullygowned women appear, lend brilliance to tht production. Tho rest of the picture portion of tho programme will consist of the sixth chapter of the big screen''magazine story, "The Dragon' 3 Net," the latest topical gazette, and a wonderful Century Lion comedy entitled "Yon Tell 'em Lions and I Roar," whilst Mr Alfred J. Bnnz has arranged an entirely new musical programme of c.nssical and popular numbers for the musical part of the "entertainment. The box plan is at The 'Bristol, where seats may. be reserved foi any night session de luxe throughout tne week. -EVERYBODY'S THEATRE.. Tho practice, very much in vogue a year <><• so *.go, of "swinging the lend" will be indulged in by Wallace Reid in his Para-inount-Arternft pioture, "Siei: Abed,' to be presented at Everybody's Theatre on Monaay next and throughout next week. This popular stai- portrays the role of a lively young man, wanted* as the principal witness in a sensational divorce case. Desiring very much not to testify, and being pievented from leaving- the city, his last resort is to eha-m sickness. This he does, rather unsuccessfully at first-, for hj» cr.nriot rait-e a tonvperature, but when his pretty nurse unwittingly kisses him. the thermometer goes' soaring, even .though'the patient is far from ill. The star has tho support of an excellent cast, headed by Bebe-Danieia, whose rise tofame in comedy drama roles is truly meteoric, j In addition 'William S. Hart will appear in i "Band," -the- second of' his memorable series of Paramount-Artcraft Super-Specials. . ■ Hero, is a. fetory absolutely written for. the star; one that combines virile- action, breathless -thrills,, and a goodly share of romance. It is a. story of a man's fight for honour out in the boundless West, with nothing much - else' to lose, but »' wonderful amount to gain. Hart easily. exceeds his best past performance in the role of the wronged man, and creates .a. new standard for the inter-1 pretation. of Western roles. Ho is nbly supoorted by Mary Tlrarman, formerly leader of Mack Sennett's'. Ba,tbing Girls, and a splendid cast, including his famous pinto A special musical programme will bo given by seats may bo booked by 'phoning 4923 or at The Bristol. -'•-■■'■ '• - j GABY DESLYS AT THE LIBERTY. A brilliant new programme at the. Libertv Theatre- will lia.ve a3 v its principal attraction the" greatest and moslt interesting French prod-action of a decade, "Tho God of Luck," starring the bewitching Gaby Deely-s. "The God of.Luck" is the last and greatest picture the famous star ever made, and unfolds a wonderfully human story of universal appeal. The name ox Gaby Desdys is synonymous wilth nil' that is fascinating and- beautiful, . and this production, is the only one in. which the. wonderful artiste- has left s. perfect character-portrait of herself. Exceptionally interesting in many ways, and particularly in regard to Gaby herself, "The' God of Luck" is vastly enltertuining, and is a record of a wonderful personality, which should live for ever. Gaby interprets a character which was in effect her own, and, ! of course, nobody, could have* written such an end to v a filui but one who knew that the end was near. Her letter to her lover, at tie end of tho picture, "I can never be your w jfe~a GrorJer Power is claiming me" proves only too well the presentiment. which grieved her heart while her face fmiled at the - multitudes during the last months of lifer 'life.' "Tho God of Luck" lias all the essentials that go to.niaka a big and successful picture. A. feature of especial interest will be the delightful dances of Gaby and her j dancing partner, Harry. Pilcc.r,. who ia also seen as W leading man., Hany, beautiful and highly interesting 'scenes were filinsd at the fajjrkraahlo French watering-place, Deauvillo, and et ih« famous course, where France's Derby, the ."Grand Prix," is run.Gorgeous settings and costuming l aie a delicious, feature of "The God of Luck,'-' which is skilfu% directsd and produced end excellently photographed. The second episode of the great Vitagraph serial "The Invisible Hand," will also be screened. The handsome .and famous Spanish serial staT, Antonio Moreno, is featured with dainty Pauline' Ourley in l chief support. A good supporting | programme will include a. "Pathe Gazette," ! a "Topical Budget," and "After tie Bawl," a Yitagraph comedy. As a prologue for "The God of Luck" Miss Be'tty Jacorhbe will dance the- "Dying 'Swan," directed and arranged by Miss Lynne Edwards. . ; GRAND THEATRE. The new programme to be shown at the Grand' Theatre to-day and ■■ to-night promises to be one of the best yet screened at this theatre There will be two star features, which include the two popular artists, Miss Olive Thoma3 and William Russell. The late Miss Olive Thomas 13 seen at her best in the Selznick picture " Out Yonder," which depicts life .as it actually cxißts. In other words, realism, sincerity and truth alt the qualities that appeal directly to human nature,, and it 'is the abundance of thosfe qualities that make Olive Thomas seen to greater' advantage than "hi any of her previous pictures. "Out Yonder,' both scenically and artistically, is decidedly superior to any other production which tnis famous artist has appeared in. It is human, and tne story unioids characters that are BtrSngej v true—genuine characters that portray accurately the life that is lived on tne lighthouse reefs which dot the sea. Artistically enacted, skilfully directed, and produced on a scale of complete thoroughness, it is n photoplay that comprises all that is best in picture-making.. Big and popular William Russell, known to everyone as a superb interpreter of virile and sensational roles, appears in one of the strongest parts of his brilliant career, "Leave it to Me," a sensational Fox photo-drama of great power. "Leava it to Me" is said to possess exceptional entertainmeivt value, and it is stated to be lull of tense situations and sparkling humour, for which William is noted. • The final episode of the "Great Gamble is being shown, and contains the climax of a thriLing nature. There are other items in the comedy and educational films. lno box plan is-at The Bristol until noon, and afterwards at the theatre. _ '."THE SURPRISE PACKET." The "Surpnso Packet" Musical Eovue Companv will commence a brief season of eix nigits at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday evening next. The producer, Mr Lints, is well known to all theatre-goers, .for during the last six years 6300 performers have passed through. bis hands. This company consists entirely of. New Zealand .artisis, and is headed by Miss Winnie Eraser,* the charming mezzo-soprano, and Nancie Gibbs, the ■ brilliant young violinist who lias just returned from England after a most successful appsarance at Covent Garden: The supporting members includo Misses Daisy McLennan, the champion New Zealand Higliland dancer, Agnes Richardson, contralto, Cecily Taber, mo&ologuist, Dorotbv Claridg*-, toe-dancer, Sadis Browne, toe-dnnoc-r, Dorothy White, the fascinating danseuse, Besban McDonald, low comedian, Dora Cooper, soubrette, .Erac-lda Howe, classical dancer, and Joan Wagner, eopnno. Features oi, the performance are the female quartette, the distinotivo ballets, the wonderful electrical effects, and the gorgeous An orchestra of eight.musicians, under tho direction of Mr Kobt. Kirk, the brilliant jovflx New Zealand

composer, is trawHinsr with live company. Tiip tox plan? will lie on view at Tho "Bristol on Monday morning next. STRAXD THEATRE. For the change of programme at tho Strand Theatre to-day two attractive headliners hare been secured. One is "Other Hen's Daughters," in which Miss Pegcy Hyland, the William Fox star, will he seen. The s'ory is hill of action and 6n?.p, end gives Mirs Hyland a far better opportunity .to display her ability than any other play in which she has appeared. "Other Men's ■ Daughters" is a. photoplay that, mirrors the feeling; and attitude cf gay fathers some other man trifles with their daught.'rs. It is crowded with thrilling incidents, and keeps Mi*3 Hyland on tho jump all .(he time to cover the ground in five, reele. The other starred film is. "The Spirit of Good," a William Vo:i photoplay. The star is Madlaine' Traverse, and the story is admirably suited to her emotional power. It is a story of the regeneration of a milling camp by this girl f-.-om the city. But in saving others she comes, near to .losing all that she heree-H holds dear. It -is caid to bs intensely dramatic—a splendid vehicle for "the envprees of stormy omotion." Supporting items will be a gazette, a i'ox World Kews., and a Mutt and J-elf cartoon. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "The, Midnight Bride" is tho chief attraction in the new programme to he shown at tho Queen's Theatre to-day. Cladya Leslie, as Jeanne St'-rlhi',', line the leading, rc-le. The story is:—Jjanno Sterling, t!rc heroin© ot the "Midnight rind*," makes her firat visit to New York, only to find that hor friends have left for the seashore. While waiung in the p;ir:< until train time she meets Forrest Chenoweth. On the previous day, Chcn-iweth, who has- be-in born rich, had been Wheedled into getting a marriage license by a icotc woman of his circle* On" the day following that of Jeanne's visit to the city, he lesponds to a call from • licr for money, with a refusal to nmrry the woman, and a declaration to have nothing further to do with her. A - letter received liy Jeanne from OUencweth myites her to ro-me to New York on Saturday ; morning. She is taken to a cabaret on Bicadway, ..where Chenoweth. proposes marriage to her. She- consents,' Mid tlrcy are married by _an alderman, buf in a moment of confusion fails to bring away the marriage certificate. An -unfortunate link in the chain of events cause? the wrong name to be onpiod into the certificate, and when Chenoweth, intoxicated, falls against, the radiator, he is killed. 'Jin 3 Jeanne Sterling 1 finds horself married end widowed in the Eame hour, with no proof of her marriage, ■ and tho risk of being arrested for tho murder: of>. her- own hraba.nd. It is from this awful predicament that the eimol© country girl starts to extricate herself." How she accomplishes this task makes the most thrilling climax shown upon the .screen for some. time. . FKAira HTJTCHEKiS'S RECITAL. Musical lovers will read with pleasure theprogramme for Mr Fiia.nk..llulchens!.s recital. on Wedne«\lay, comprising, iis -it does,.' iiaiij" favourite 'items and some novelties. Several of. these numbers -have mej; with enthusiastic r-ooptinn* in oth-?r cities, ;-.ivl Ehoukl '"he listened to with pleasure. Having successi ;iuly prefaced previous - recitals with some remarks illustrating the music to be performed, Mr Hutchons will do so again on Wednesday nHit. Madame- Gowr Burnn's' new songs will be a feature of the' recital, aml the whole- recitrJl should irove highly interesting and enjoyable. . ,