AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17296, 7 November 1921, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

■THE SLIM PRINCESS'' AND A DAUGHTER OF THE LAW AT GREATER- CRYSTAL TALACE. "The Slim Princess," a super comedy* drama in six part?, starring Mabel Normand, is tho biir Goldwyn feature which with "A Daughter of the Law," an especially fine five-part Universal special attraction, featuring beautiful t'armel Myers, will form the main pictorial attractions on the big holiday programme which starts to-day at Greater Crystal Falnce. In addition to and in conjunction with the pictures, tho world-famous Symphony Orche£tra of twenty-two performers, under the distinguished conouct-orship of Mr Alfred J. Bnr.z, will present, at each night session de luxe throughout the week, one of the most magnificent musical programmes ever offered by this celebrated organisation. The orchestral numbers will include the overture "Tannhauser," by Wagner, Ist movement of Beethoven's third Symphony • "k 8 Villi," second part (l'uccinii, "Crown of India" (Elga-r), Suite "La Maison D'or" (FoEteiile); "The King of Lahore" (Massenet), "Intermezzo" (Johnson), "Nocturnctte" (Brian Hope), and the popular "Hullo America" by Fiuck. Tho soloists for this week are Mr Arthur Gordon, violinist, who will play Chbpin'B Nocturne in G, Mr Howard Moody, solo pianist, will play "Rachmaninoff," and Mr W. Debepham the bea'utifu' Miramba Bells solo "Some Sunday Night." "A Daughter of the Law-" is said to be one of the most likeable and thrilling detective stories ever screened, and critics are unanimous in saying that it is the cleanest tale of underworld life that has ever been produced. To the role of Nora Hayes, heroine cf this stirring drama, Miss Carmel Myers brings a personality alive with beautv and magnetism. The story was written by Wadsworth Camp, whose police yarns have made him popular with readers of good books throughout the world. The photography in "A Daughter of the Law" and the many la-viali Betting*. -witH -wliicH th-e> big: picture abounds have never been excelled, and there are manv baffling eituations to keep the audience ou the kaen-edge of expectancy throughout the entire hour that the stirring picture is on the scrn. "The Slim Princess," which was adapted to tho Ecreen from George Ade's big musical comedy success of the same name, is said to be the most laughable comedy in which popular Mabel Normand has ever appeared. The plot is exceedingly hilarious, and the action tho fastest of any of the many fine comedies in which Mibb Normand has ap■peared. The story centres around happenings in the mythical land of Morovenia, where only ladies whose graceful proportions bring the scales up to something like twenty-five stone ere considered beautiful and eligible of realising tho happy state of matrimony. After many troubles, and no offers of matrimony, in her own land, the slim princess (played by Miss Normand) is sent to America, ingtogetfat, she finds tnem utilising their fag to get fat, she finds, them utlising their spare time to keep slim and athletic. After an extended stay in American society centres she returns home with an idea which finally brings happiness and a husband. The supporting pictures are the fourteenth chapter of the stirring adventure isle, "Tho | Diamond Queen," an excellent Century comedy entitled "Smart Alex," and a very instructive and interesting International News film. The box plan is at The Bristol or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 3755. LIBERTY THEATRE. ! The new-programme at Liberty Theatre, which was submitted to an overflowing audience on Saturday night, made a strong appeal, and one that was not in vain, to the tastes of holiday-makers. The bill was a double star one, and both the big pictures were excellent examples of the highest standard of motion picture production, and either in itself would have proved an irresistible attraction. Few writers" are so intimately acquainted with the life of Canada's northwest than John Oliver Garwood, and none excels him in the manner in which he depicts tie character evolved by the grim climatic conditions, and the hard struggle with Nature's stem moods. "Isobel, or The Trail's End," is one of Curwood's Jtaeat stories, and the film version kept the big audience at Liberty Theatre in a state of tense interest during' the whole o| its screening. A finer, more typical specimen of that worlci-famous corps, the Canadian North-West Police, could not be asked for than House Peters, who takes the part of Sergeant William McVeigh, and gives a living presentation of the character. The basic, essential rule of the service—"Get your man, living or dead"—'animates him in the discharge of his duty, but the time comes, and the circumstances arise, that cause him to depart from the strict letter of 'the rule, though he does so without loss of 'honour. The story ie one.of intensely dramatio movement. It opens on board a whaler cruising in the Arctio circle. Blake, one of the crew, has insulted Isobel, the wife of Scottio Deane, and in the fight which ensues Scoltie Deane. hurls him overboard, and imagines that he has killed Blake. Later the Deanes, with their little girl,; find refuse for; a time in an Eequimo village; the little girl i» stolen, and the Deanes, while attempting to escape southward—the husband in a, coffin, to support Isobel's story that he is dead—are trailed by McVeigh, who accepts the story of Scottie Deane's death, and falle in love with Isobel. From this point the plot becomes complicated, and MoVeigh discovers that Scottie is not dead, audi helps him and Isobel to escapo. On his return to his post he finds his mate has found little Isobel Deane, BJake (who was not drownefl) having been implicated in the etealing cf tho child: a quarrel between Blake and McVeigh's mate, prior to McVeigh's arrival, Had resulted in. Blake being killed. Tbs Deanes, instead of escaping, search for their child, but Scottie dies bofore the search is completed. Mother and daughter are unitei, and ultimately McVeigh and Isobel attain the desire of their hearts. Jone Novak, as- Isobel, gives an admirable iendering of a character that calls for the portrayal of much emotional acting, and is always natural and convincing. Other character* are successfully represented by Capable actors, and specially noteworthy is the acting of the child vho represents the little Isobel—she is most charming and natural. The film i* admirably produced, excellent artistic effects being attained _by -the adoption of colour; those are particularly effective in eome of tho sledging scenes, 'in which the steely bluish-greyness of the enow is remarkably realistic. In the Vitagraph special feature, "The Scarab Ring," Alice Joyce, a firm favourite with patrons at Liberty Theatre, is starred, and her artistic emotional acting, joined with her beauty of feature and grace of figure, contribute very largely to tho pleasure given, by the story. It is a society drama, involving a murder mystery that .holds the attention centred during tho unfolding of the plot. A wealthy society man has been lound dead in hie roomß, shot through the heart, and the only clue is the scarab.from an ancient Egyptian ring—a ring thfit belongs to the heroine. She is arrested, and is put on her trial, and ia only saved aa the result of the ingenuity of her lover, a lawyer, who has tin exact facsimilo of tho scarab mado, and by means of it introduces a strong -element of' doubt into the case of the prosecution. After the heroine's acquittal she confesses to her lover's father that she fired the fatal shot to save her honour and also in self-defence. The plot is artistically developed, and the film ia excellently produced. Alice Joyce wears with becoming grace many beautiful costumes, and there are numerous settings of artistic inferiors which aio finely produced. A well-selected series of supporting subjects were also eareencd. "Holy Smoke," a Mermaid comedy, bubbled over with humorous eituationa, and kept tho audience rippling with merriment. ' The Pathe Review pictured the processes followed in tho manufacture of tiles, contained nome interesting circus scenes, and a beautiful colour eoxies picturing pond lilies. The Topical Budget was a particularly interesting collection of records of eporta events, including the HenIcy regatta, the golf and tennis championehips, as well as pictures of other equally interesting happenings, including a garden poity attended by the Piincn of Wales. Tho Liberty Grand Orchestra. g;;ve a number of very pleasing selections, and as the entr'acte the selection, "The Gondoliers." The same pTogrammo will bo given during the week. OPERA HOUSE. The revue season which concluded last Saturday, will be followed by a strong bill of vaudeville attractions which should be much enjoyed by holiday makers. Selboni is eaid to be a trape'zist of sensational ability, Peter Brooks has a reputation a» » delightful lyrio tenor, Reno and Artat are known aa clover xylophonists, while Bert Coleman is a clever raconteur who also whistles and sings his way into public favour. Further ballads are promised by Miss Bessie Slaighter, the favourite contralto, Richardson, Bros, and Cherio will be heard in a new and amusing Bketch entitled "Snooks," Gardner and Revero will present new and amusing comicalities, while Ling and Long will be seen in more of their humorous eccentricities. Ssate may now be rencrved at The BristoL

A HIGH CLASS PROGEAMME OF PICTURES AND AMUSEMENTS AT EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. An entertainment of exceptional merit, consisting of tho best in pictures and musio lies been selected by the management of Even-body's Theatre for Carnival "Week, commencing- at the matinee to-day. Tho picture programme is a particularly strong one, containing smonj others three star attraction!;. Sins Sing prison is not such a bad place after all, according to Thomas Meighan, Paramount star, who conies as the chief at--traction on tho programme, in his latest starring vehicle. "The City of Silent Men. Mr Meighau and his company spent more than two weeks at the famous penitentiary, taking scenes for the r.ew picture, and in manv of these the warden and tho guard", and" even somo of the prisoners, appear. "Prison conditions are now different from ■iv-hat thev used to be." said Mr Meighan, "The men are treated more like human beings. They ull seem cheerful, they we not compelled to have their heads shaved, or to wear stripes, and thoy can furnish and decorate their cells to suit their own fxnciefThev have their periods of recreation, and their games, euch as baseball, handball, etc., have- their own motion picturo theatre, publish their own prison newspaper, and haw manv other means of diversion." In his new production, Mr Meighau plays the role of a country youth who is sent to serve a term in Sing Sing, and to secure _ the utmost realism, the scenes were taken in the exact loefcle of the story. The direction was by Tom Forman. and the supporting cost includes Lois Wilson, Kate Bruco, Paul.Evert"n, George MacQuarrie, and Guy Oliver. In che jungles of Afrioa sympathy " an unknown emotion among the natives. When a feeble old woman's back is baked in the sun, and so badlv blistered aa to drive her mad with pain, there is no one who will go to her relief, and apply soothing ointments to lessen her agony. It is customary for natives to cover themselves with prease to prevent the sun from baking or cracking the ekin, but one feeble old woman, having no friends, was forced to etiffej. without the slightest relief being offered Tier until Dr. Vandenbergh and his narty appeared on the scene. Scores of interesting views aro shown in this series, all illustrating jungle life MT« "before sees bv white mfti. Tlieae s"=turej will be seen as a supporting attrsctaou under the heading of "The Lion Killers. The thitd feature, an interesting scenic picture, Bhows how the Australian cricketers were entertained in Glasgow by Mr Peter Dawson, head of the famous firm of whisky i distillers of that name. The Australian team ! were taken down the Firth of Clyde for an all-day trip at the expense of Mr Peter Dawson, who chartered the steamer Queen Empress for \he day. All the members of the Australian team turned out, and in addition representatives from all the best-known Scottish cricket teams were present. The film shows tho arrival of the Australian cricketers on board the steamer and gives a splendid idea of the shipbuilding industry on the Clyde, nearly all the world-famous ship yards being shown. The route taken by the steamer down the Firth was specially selected so that all the famous beauty spots on the Firtlj of Clyde might be included in the itinerary. The Gaumont Film Company, who produced the film, are of the opinion that it is one of the best ever taken of the Clyde and Firth of Clyde. The Australian team have seen it several times, and are greativ delighted with it, s most of them have written, to their people and advised them to look out' for it. An exceptionally fine musical programme has been arranged for Everybody's "Select" Orchestra by the conductor, Mr W. J. Bellingham, F.S.M. A few of the numbers are as follows:—Overture, "Morning, Noon and Night" (Suppe); violin solo, "Concerto in E Minor" (2nd movement) (Mendelssohn), Irene Morris; string quartet, "Allegro Con Brio (On 18) fßeethoven), Irene Morris, Florence Millar, Harold Wright, and Harold Beck: 'cello solo, "Star of Eve" (Wagner), Harold Beck; entr'acte, "Turkish Patrol" (Michaelis); orchestral suites, "Symphony in a Miner" (unfinished) (Schubert), Three Waltzes" ( Cecil Scott), "Scenes from an Imaginary Ballet" (Coleridge-Taylor); grand opera. "Samson et Delilah" (Samt-Saens : light selections, "Canadian Capers, fox trot) (Cohen), "Step It" (one-step) (K*ufmaun), "Vision of Salome' (Jantaßia) (Lamps). . . Reserved seats may be obtained either at The Bristol or by telephoning 4923. STRAND THEATRE. The new programme screened at the Strand Theatre on Saturday to a capacity audience thoroughly maintained the high reputation that this popular theatre hatf won, both as regards the motion pictures' shown, end 1 the orchestral selections which accompany them. The headliner, "Luck and Pluck," it a very fine production, and made a highly favourable impression on Saturday nights holiday audience. That versatile and popular screen actor, George Walsh, in the part of Velvet, the crook who is not all crook, had a character to represent that fitted him admirably. 4fhe story is an exciting one, and the plot consists of a series of sensational incidents concerned with the frustrating of the schemes of a •German spy. The interest is maintain- I ed at a high pitch throughout, and reaches boiling point when the l»ioine, who m being carried off by the conspirators in a. German submarine, is rescued by the irrepressible George Walsh, who, also, dispose* of th« ; German spy by tipping him and his motor- | car into a Take. The piotuie is produced in the highest standard of motion picture : art, and «* the action moves with great rapidity the interest never flags. Litok | and Pluck" is just the kind of picture thai is certain to please holiday-makers. The supporting films are also excellent. The Sunahine comedy, "Meal Ticket," is a sure i laugh-producer. It i» noteworthy, in addition to its humorous incidents, for the graceful dancing of the heroine. The Fox News and Australian Gazette are brimful of interesting topics. The Gazette contains pioturei of the football match between the Haw \ "Zealand team and Sydney University, and I there are other sporting and general wojrcte dealt with. Amongst the interesting items pictured in the Fox News is a parade ol the latest (1921) American, bathing costumes, which, according- to the text, • show very little to complain of—a statemen.vtnwf may not be concurred with by all. The Mutt and Jeff feature is "The Vacuum Cleaner, and it is uproariously funny. Very appropriate and excellently played orchestral selections were given by Miss Paulo. Scherek (violin), Miss Lilian Harper, (piano), end Mr N. Westwood ('cello). The same programme will be given during the week. ORCHESTRAL- CONCERT. The Christchurch, Professional Orchestra, under the baton of Mr Albert Bidgooa', gave a concert before a good audience in the Liberty Theatre last evening, when a wellselected programme was submitted and greatly appreciated. The opening number was the overture "Robespierre" (Litolff), followed by "Badinage" (Herbert). The instrumental trio, Miss Irene Morris (violin), Mr Francis Bate ' ("cello), and Miss Lillian Harper (piano) provided an artistic treat in their playing of "Elegar" lArensky). The full orchestra was near in "Foramore" (Rubinstein), "Ctoaraoteristi© Walt*" (Coleridge-Taylor), and Wagner selections. Another enjoyable item was the cornet fantasie "Alpine Echoes." Mr Alan Shrimpion was the only vocalist, and he was warmly applauded for his singing of "The Border Ballad" and "The Blind Ploughman." BAND CONCERT. A highly appreciated concert was given in the Theatre Royal last night by Derry's Privato Band, assisted by Mr C. R. Williamson, who Bang "Open the Gates of the Temple" and "Land of the Long Ago." The bend opened the concert with the. popular "Melodious Melodies," followed by the stirring march piece, "The Wee McGregor." Schuberl'a "Dramatio Symphony" allowed tho band to show of what it was capable in such music, and 1 its efforts, were warmly applauded. Bandsman A. E. Hutton played the piccolo eolo "The Wien" tastefully," and the band concluded the entertainment with the idyll "Wild Flowers" and the grand fantasia "Britannia." SYDENHAM THEATRE CONCERT. Miss Miliicent Tsnnings's party gave an enjoyable concert in tho Sydenham Picture Theatre last evening, the proceeds being devoted to the Soldiers' Memorial Fund. Those who contributed to the rrcerammo wcro Mies Jennings, Mies Gladys Vincent (violin), Mr J. H. Cocks (baritone), Mrs Kennedy Black (piano), and Miss Jennings's party of young 6ingers.

GKAX9 THEATRE. The initial screening cf Reaumont-FinilßV nuper-feature "'Wliilo the Billy Boils" took place at the Grind Theatre on Saturday. Tiwo is no doubt that the Australian producers Lava mastered the art cf motion picture production. Clear in photography and with a wealth of detsil that is seldom introduced into n.odern photo-plaT». "While th« Silly Boils - ' contains all tho afcnoaphcro and environment of tho open epaces »ud primitive pioneer life of the colcnioa. One can almost imacino oneself Lack m -the xomantiei days of tlio cold-dipper. Altogether the picture ib Tv-ell worth Becirj:. and the b'.? attendance at the Grind Th*atT» on Saturday night demonstrated its appreciation ~m no ■uncertain manner. A pWaaintr feature of the picture is the excellent, acting of Miss Elsie MoGormack, a Wellington younp ladv, who shows ever.- promise of making a name for herself in the film world. Additional interest ia lent to the picture hy the singing in character of "Tho Oid Sundowner" bv Mr AJan Shrimpton, who waa enthuaiaaticaiiv encored and responded with "Let the Beit of tie World Go By." There was aleo shown "Vasen Forces," lb» story of which is something new to the film world, for it concerns the experiences of a beautiful young woman who is possessed of an uncanny power which enables her at time* to foresee future incidents. Sylvia Brearuer. a very beautiful and talented actress, gifted with" unusual emotional powers, plays the leading role as Miriam Holt, "the girl who sees around corners." Ccnr&d is her capable loading man. The aupportmp programme is a gool one. The same programme is being Btiown to-day and to-night. The box plai ia at the theatre, telephone 2931.