AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17409, 21 March 1922, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES.

GREATEB CRYSTAL PALACE. orchestral j n motion pictures and which OreateTcrvt*, *™ hl *<*> ana . io \ a ren-utation u al Pa!aco ha « at tamed ft beyond the tbe first wa. wbmatted for criminating, and •r a Ur §?' a " d t mnfinn ™W„» Pprecwtlvo audience. The fmoua* «d^, fMe UrcTided w " liberal in 1-L2 ' FleSCT * c d a more varied pro»nT2t »%°,i 6 lhat «PPealed so pleasingly I'uL . f f "- ly , t0 a PPreciato« of different etjles of musical composition. The overture was Pique Dam.," by Suppe, that prolific writer of_ light musie, who though be spent most of m ? l,f e in Vienna, was of Belgian ongw. Pique Dame" ia tvpical of Suppe'e style, and the tuneful duet for flute and clarionet was very charmingly played. The fonrth movement—the Saltarello—of the Italian bymphony (Mendelseolirl) was artistically interpreted. This pymphony is noted for the fact that it represents MendeHsohn'u tree, individual style, and is characterised by bright and pleasing harmonies. "Pierrette" (Cbarninade) ig better known as a pianoforte selection. It has been orchestiated bv Stubbe All the most distinctive French characteristics—elegance, gaiety, and chicare revealed in this pleasing composition. Vibrant with colour and redolent with themes suggesting the glamour of tho East was the ejection ;'Mecca," the much criticised successor of "Chu Ohin Chow." The composer of "Mecca," Percy Fletcher, was one of the fiTst violins in Beerbohm Tree's orchestra at His Majesty s, where Oscar Aehe" produced "Mecca." The selection abounds in beautiful mueic, not, perhaps, so popular in its appeal an that of "Chu Chin Chow," but fuller and richer in theme and expression and' decidedlv more diutiuctive. Tho quartet "Andante" (Fesca) • was -admirably played by Miss Hemuß, Messrs Ellwood, Lawrence, and Moody, the piano and first violin being especially fine. Tho "Raindrop" prelude (Chopin) was- pleasingly given by Mir Moody. Other selections by the orchestra included operate and lighter compositions, "Erstwhile Susan," the Eealart super attraction, featuring Constance Binney, is one of tho most amusing oomedy-dramag that has been screened at Greater Crystal-Palace. It introduces a unique class of people the/deecendants of the Dutch who eettled in Pennsylvania, and who developed 'queer ideas of the English language as well as a disposition to hold their women folk in low esteem. Constance Binney, as Bamabetta Dreary ,> the downtrodden household drudgo who, under the- guidance of a stepmother who ia the opposite in character of the customary otepmother of fiction, ultimately blossoms forth into a clever and cultured woman, ia revealed as a, talented and artistic interpreter of character. Nothing more awkward and crude could be imagined than her representation of tho -uncouth 'kitchen slave, yet it'was artistically done and served to throw into bolder relief the gracefulness and charm of the same girl when she cajne under refining influences. The charactirs of the father—Barnaby Dreary—and the stepmother, and the two Barnaby boys, are "ako admirably represented. The second feature is the Universal super special, "Dr. Jim," featuring Frank Mayo. The fltory presents an inteiasting problem in married life. Dr. Jim Keene, finely played by Frank Mayo, ia so immersed in his profession that his wife consadere ehe. is neglected ana seeks appreciators amongst her men friends. The manner in' which she b brought to recognise the worthiness of her hushand makes a story full of thrilling incidents-. The terrific storm which is €i*» countered by tho yafcht on which, husband and wife are taking- a ornise, is represented with startling realism, torrential rain falls, and heavy «eae pour in upon the deck of the vessel, which is tossed about like a piece of cork by the wildly agitated ocean. .A more convincing storm scene at sea has been rawily witnessed in a' motion picture. The Century comedy, "The Dhmbrfell," featuring Harry Sweet, is a continuous laugh from start to finish; it ie noteworthy for the introduction of the boomerang as a source of humour. The sixteenth episode of the serial, "Do or -Die," featuring Eddie Polo, maintains the thrilling interest of ita complicated plot. The latest -"lnternational News" completes an. excellent all round programme which will be given nightly for the rest of the week. .. ■

THEATKES; 'The Dobkiriga at the Liberty Theatre are exceptionally heavy this week, the screening' of "The Eid," Charles greatest picture to date, being responsible for the .'do-. mand for seats. Among the thousands of picture-goers in this city there sto many who admit that Chaplin is ; the only artist ■who tempt* them to attend, jand When he is] appearing on a local screen the theatre., whioh is fortunate enough to be ecTeeningi Mf- film is crowded by/ enthusiastic admir- I ere. who, at other times,, seldom, if ever, patronise the movies., is remembered that there is not a regular patron of the movies who would miss Chaplin, the extraordinary demand for seats ean be under-' stood. "T>e Kid" is certa-inly. a great comedy, and, alter witnessing it, the famous comedian's world-wide popularity can be comprehended.

QRAND THEATEB. "Bits of Life," Marshall Neilan's greatest production, which is shoWing at the Grand) Theatre this week, undoubtedly ranks amongst the beet photo-play* screened during the past year. The story of the picture live* -up to the title, for the four magaainb stories upon which the scenario is based are really clever.pieces of writing of deep human interest. ; The first of. the four is "The Bad! Samaritan, an - up-to-date American story, in which the satire does.not hide its deeper meaning. "The Man Who. Hoard Everything" ia another .story bf rainless .disillusionment. "Hop," a'powerful drama, dealing with Chinese . as opposed to Christian faith, and "The Strange Adventure," a. light comedy subject, complete the Story of "Bits of Life," and make a thoroughly impressive picture.

STRAND THEATBE. ; ■ ■ . [ An excellent double-feature programme ia ( | screening at the' Strand Theatre this week, i The first of the two big attractions i» "Desert Blossoms," an engrossing' story of l love and intrigue, and the other is a clever i romantic photo-play entitled "Little Mis* I Hawkshaw." There ifl also a .strong pro- | gramme of supporting, subjects.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

"The Hundredth Chance" is proving very popular at the Quesn's Theatre. There were large audiences -at all sessions yesterday. Tils picture is a picturisation of the highly interesting novel of the same name and written by Ethel M. Dell. It was produced by SJoll, an d every detail of the book has been carefully conveyed to the film. Miss Siaiy Glynnc, who has the stellar role, gives a delightful portrayal, and acts with grace and charm. "Tho Amazing Woman" supports the first named feature, and The Selzniefc studios.- Ruth Clifford is f ea tured "a a person who was all that could oe desired during the day. and a breaker of men's hearts at nisht. The story takes a bi? hold of tho onlooker at the beginning end holds tho attention light through, and works up to a most surprising climax. The supporting items include a comedy and topical subjects.