AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17401, 11 March 1922, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. RUPERT HUGHES'S GREAT COMEDY, "SCRATCH IIT BACK." "Anne of Green Gables," "False Kisses," and the current successful programme of pictures will be shown at Greater Crystal Palace for the last times this afternoon and to-night, and the worl\l-famous Symphony Orchestra of twenty-two solo musicians, the distinguished eonductorship of ilr Alfred J. Biinz, will play at both sessions. ltu'jert Hughes's great society comedy, "Scratch My Back," a Samuel Goldwyn—Hex Beach super photoplay, which was produced by Sidney Olcctt and released as an Eminent Authors' masterpiece, hea*ls the excellent bill of pictures next week, which will be supplemented by one of the finest musical programmes ever presented by the Symphony Oichstra. "Scratch My Back is a lavishly mounted society comedy, and is lja?ad on the events that grow out of embarrassments cuused by the itchy backs of Val Komney, "the mun who always does what he wants to," played by T. hoy Barnes, one of the most celebrated comedians on. the sta"e or screen, and Madeline, played by Heiene Chadwick. You wouldn't think there was anything historical connected with scratching an itchy spot, but the big liupert hughes comedy shows that scratching was an "art hundreds of years apo, and still is something of an art in Cuina. , . s * torical scene shows how a Chinese Mandarin keeps always at hand a small curvey ivory hand cunningly carved an*l attached to a 101 l 3' handle. When his back itches he shoves the ivory hand down to the itchy spot under his rich robes and scratches to his heart's content. Another scene shows a Roman Emperor armed with what an expert in "hog Latin" might call a Scratcliularium." It is not very different from the one used by the Chinese Mandarin. Where I itch I scratch" is the sub-title of this scene, which shows tho Emperor holding court and using his "scratcher while taming things over with his wvisers. the titles in "Scratch My Back" marit a departure from screen conventions which is as daring aa it is delightful. Rupert Hughes wrote all of them himself, and every one of them is gooi for an, explosion of laughter. The second big picture on the long three hours' programme is from the celebrated Universal City studios, and has as its star popular Harry Carey, who is known throughout movie-land as the human actor. Thfs picture, "The Freeze Out, . is one of much heart interest and suspense, and is a somewhat new starring vehicle for /""y Carey. Throughout the five reels of swift action he has an opportunity to demonstrate a mastery of subtle drama and flashing wit. George Hull wrote the original story, and Jack Ford, who has produced many of ilr Carey's successes, directed the production. Heading the supporting cast is He.en ierffuson, one of the most experienced and capable actresses on the screen. The story tells of the struggles of a girl to reform a crooked community, and the co-operation she gets from a big stranger with a cheery smile. Excellent photography, unusual lighting effects, and scintillating bits of good cleitn comedy give pleasing variety to the s trory. , The supporting films are, the fifteenth exciting chapter of the Eddie adventure story "Do or Die," a very laughable Century comedy, and the latest International News film. Following the established custom, particulars of the very fine orchestral programme will be announced in Mondays newsplan ia at The Bristol, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 3768.

ÜBEBTY THEATRE. "SERENADE." The prinoipßl film in the new programme to be presented to-day ia the Associated Fust National production "Serenade," which was produced by .Kaoul A. Walsh, whose previ' ou6 success, "The Oath,'' xanks among tho most brilliant Jproductions ever ictepned a« the Liberty.. Tne .directorship of- "berenade alone assures lovera of high-ciaia drama 01 i play distinctly out oi . the ordinary. -fcVr the'first time in lour years the entire Walsh, family has been united in (tab picture. \Vhen jR' A. Walsh produced the. weil-re W mherea "Honour System" he featured in the leading! roles Miriam Cooper (hw wife) and his brother George "Walsh. They are together again in "Serenade, Miss Cooper being., cast in the role .of the fascinating and briuiani Senorita Maria, and George Walsh,in tne role of Pancho, the daring hero. It is said to be a deiigntful romantic drama, •of 01a Spain, with a background ; of exceptional Jbeauty und magnificent elaborateness, 'Xhe picture, ii is claimed,. breathes the atmosphere of Old SeviUe. Several hundred people were employed to move about in a. big scene described as a Spanish patio. "Serenade" ia a concrete example oi tno superior photo-drama and of splendid, forceful, ' comprehensive, acting. The town 01 Magdalena is prospering under the wise rule of fepuao, the Governor. Pancho, his.eon, ia betrothed to Miria eel Carmen. The proaparity of the town attracts the cupidity oi the politicians, and Domingo -is made - Governor, with Kamiaez ae military despotj Maria's beauty infatuates Ramon, the new? Governor's son. "His. auit is favoured *>y if aria's mother. The jealousy and hata ot the two young men break out in' a dagger duel, in which Ramon is_seriously wounaed. A price is-put on Pancno's head. That ha may go free Maria promises to wed Ramon. jPancho refuses her sacrifice, is caught, and escapes. Ramisez, who has a personal grudga against Panoho, sttempta to ] but is foiled by . Ramon, who renounces Mariai for the love she bears Pancho. /Ramon dies. Ramisez is beaten in a, street battle, andl Pancho and Maria are married. The principal supporting subject is "The Romance! Promoter," featuring Earle Williams. In addition several short films will be presented, and a splendid musical programme will be provided by the Liberty .'Grand Orchestra.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. ■ ■ "THE MIDNIGHT/PATROL." ' A brilliant change of programme will be screened at tho Queen's , Theatre, commencing to-day. Thos. H. Ince's stupendous masterplay, "The Midnight Patrol," will be the outstanding feature. It is one of the most exciting dramas ever produced. Starting With .a-number of episodes illustrating the dan'gefs of a policeman's life, and the quiok response given to every ca.l of duty, the story takes a firm hold of the attention, and contains enough thri.ls to supply ; half _ a dozen ordinary features: A chose in a police qlotor launch after opium smugglers ia one of the best incidents seen in the picture, and the raid on the gambling house is surprisinglv realistic. The cast, headed by Thurston Hall as Policeman Terence Shannon, is capital,. Rosemary Theby. .and Marjorie Bennett being, prominent members. Gnreth Hughes appears in the second attraction, "The Hunch." which is the story of a young New i York broker who is arrested and charged with his own murder. There, is. an excellent and well-varied supporting programme.

STRAND THEATRE. . Toe new programme to bo presented to-aay at the Strand Theatre promises to be an attractive one. Tom Mix is starred' in "Alter Youi Own Heart," a romance of an up-to-date ranchmin. Bramley,' • owner of the Double Bit Banch, dislikes new and improved methods in cattle-raising. A source of constant exasperation to him is the adjoining Rolling G Ranch, which is run on -up-to-date lines. The foreman. Ruddock,. hovers about over the ranch in an aeroplane. The cowboys, instead of being mounted on horseback, dash about in motor-cars. The contrast in method and results is as striking as the difference in the men and the cattle. In order to asoertain' why Bramlev is so embittered, "Curley" Parker (Tom tha new owner of Boiling 6 Ennch, hire® himself out to the former as a cowboy. He eoon ingratiates himself with Bramley daughter Loretta by rescuing her from injury which is imminent to her from the home she is riding. Bramley's foreman, an admirer of Lorette, _ eoon recognises in. "Curly" a potential rival, and trips him as a joke. In the wrestling match which follows the foreman is thrown, whereupon he develops an intense hatred for "Curly. Borne time later he sees "Curly" signalling to an aeroplane. He denounces him as a spy, and "Curly, to avbid being tarred and feathered, seeks safety in flight. Lorettaia kidnapped by the foreman, but "Curly" gives chase anrescues the girl, to whom he is subsequently married. Realising what a man "Curly" is, Bramley sinks his differences, and the two ranches are in future conducted as one. Supporting films include the Sunshine comedy "Perfect Villain," a Mutt and' Jeff" film, A Fox 'World'* News, and an Australian. Gacetto.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE,

£LSIE FERGUSON IX "FOOTLIGHTS.

That people can be judged by their home, whether it be a many-roomed mansion, with a dozen baths, or a two by four, sky-light room in a shabby boarding-house, is an ac " cepted. fact. Something" of the personality of the inhabitants will pervade the place. Perhaps that is what makes the settings eo interesting in "Footlights," a Paramount picture starring Elsie Ferguson, that comes to Everybody's Theatre next week. In this picture of an' American girl, who impersonates a Russian -actress and as such becomes famous, the settings tell a story in themselves. The living room of Lisa Parsinova, as she is known to the world, is furnished in -true Russian style: The smallest accessary shows that Lisa Parsinova has been accustomed to every luxury. The bedroom 01 this same apartment tells quite another story. The room shows the character of the actress as she is away from the demands put -upon her by the public. Simplicity and' refinement are the dominent notes. The furniture is colonial, the hangings chintz, and the curtains are of net. Shou'd anyone be permitted to glance into this room, the secret of the true identity of the actress would be revealed. So the American girl, who could 6o easily assume the role of a Russian, combines her two personalities .successfully in her apartment. Reginald Denny plays opposite the star. Iw) fewer than thirtv-nine gowns arc worn by Alias Elsie Ferguson in "Footlights." Dainty morning dresses, luxuriant gowns for attcrnoon and evening, filmy negligees and ciar mg spoils costumes constitute her wardrobe in this splendid production. Aliss rerguson, who has been termed the meat beautifully dressed woman on the screen, considers this one of the mo?t delightful roles of her career. "The gowns have helped me m my interpretation," Miss Ferguson, said, just as they helped Lizzie Parsons to lose her identity in Lisa Paisinova. My on y regret i 3 that the airiiences will not • have an opportunity to see the exquisite colouring of the gowns. As Lisa Parsinova, Miss Ferguson wears the creations of tne most prominent modistes of Paris and America. Besides being the last word in fashion, they have-the added interest of having a itussian note. Every one of the thirtynine changes, from the silver cloth anu p«arl evening dress, to the velvet bathing suit are original in desigu an !j unique in treat-, irent. Along with an exceptional cast, including Elsie Ferguson, Reginald Denny, and Marc MacDermott, "Footlights," two distinguished newspaper men as extras." They ure Don Marquis, columnist of the New. York "Evoning Sun" and Christopher ilorley, who presides over the New York "Kvening Post's" column. "The Bowling Green." It is quite appropriate thai for the debut performance of Lisa Parsinova, the role taken by Ferguson, among the "extras" used in the audience Biiould flta these two distinguished newspaper men. They perhaps have not misped a single first night performance of a worth while play in !New York. Don Marquis and Morley were eager for an opportunity to be in a motion picture because for eome time they have wanted to write some good "wheezes" about the screen. Unlike most writer® of the movies, however, they decided to come inside • and get their information at first hand. The supporting feature in the first of the Paramount big super-comedies entitled "Now or Never." It features that mirth-making comedian, Iljuold Lloyd, and is said to be a scream from start to finish. An excellent musical programme will be given by Everybody's "Select" Orchestra under the guidance of Mr W. J. Bellingliam, F.S.M. The following are some of the numbers'— Overture, "William Tell" (Rossini); violin solo, "Cantilena" (Carl Bohrn), Irene Morris; pianoforte quartet, "Alleg o Vivace (Mendelssohn), Irene Morris, Harod Ikck, H. Cookssn, and Dorothie Bellingham; ce.lo solo, "Star of Eve" (Wagner) ; entr acte, "Silver Star" (Nicholls); symphonic poem, "Le Rouet d'Omphale" (Saint-Saens); song ouite, "A Lover in Damascus (WoodfordFinden); ballet music, "Javotte" (Saint- ( Saena); light selections, "You re m Love (Friml) • "Hawaiian Rose" (Klickmann); "Her Soldier Boy" (Romberg). Reserved ecats may be obtained either at The Bristol or by telephoning 4925.

GRAND THEATRE. "THE INNER CHAMBER." To-day a picture drama which has won •very high praise from the critics, "The Inner Chamber," will he presented. It' furnishes the popular Vitagraph star Alice Joyce with one of the beat ro.ea of her screen career.. Never has ehe appeared to better advantage than she does in the role of Cioire Kobson, the girl who was 'beset by enemies because she refused to dine with ner employer whue his wife woe away, and wno, in order w support her mother, went iiom one position, to another, always fallowed by her enemies and always Ending unhappiness, She units' to a cabaret a 8 a singer, and there becomes acquainted with a famous Greek doctor, who heals her another and falls in love with Claire, 'i'he picture is true drama, and is one that will be appreciated by all lovers of real romance. In "On Our Selection," the producer has iiixde it his particular aim to let the story repeat itself as closely as possible, depenaingi on the situations created by the author to make their own appeal to the audience. Thero is no need for foolish exaggeration or buffoonery to emphasise tile points or the narrative ox arouse laughter. "The numaa note''that runs throughout the production is eo strong—so natural—that the interest anu sympathy of the audience is gripped from the very start. It will open the eyes of thosa who are unacquainted with the difficulties which beset those big-hearted men and women who set out to wrest a living from the virgin bush. Episode eight of the engrossing serial, "The Suent Avenger," togetner wilii a topical gazette, complete the programme.