AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17431, 17 April 1922, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES. OEEATEB CEYSTAIi PALACE. MAGMFICEXT HOLIDAY PROGRAMME OF MUSIC AND PICTURES. The manager of Greater Crystal Palace, Mr V. M. Beebe, claims that the holiday programme of music and pictures which will be presented at the big theatre all this week, commencing to-day, is the most magnificent entertainment which he- has ever had the honour to offer since he took over the direction, of the luxurious theatre. There are four featured pictures on tho long three hours' programme besides the latest International isewa film, and tho orchestral offerings are probably the most elaborate and popular ever piosonted by the wond-famous Symphony Orchestra of twenty-two solo musicians, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Eunz. . The following are some of the orchestral numbers:—Overture, "Prince Methuealem" (Strauss-Sercdy); "Nell Gv.yn" (Edward German); "Rustic RevcU" (Percy Fletcher); "Cavatina" (Roff): "Old Man Jazz" (Stern); "Blue Danube" (Strauss): "Andantino" (Lemare>; "Le Villi" (Puccinij; '"Sweat Louisiana" (Kctelby); "The Gondoliers" (Sullivan). The first big picture is Samuel Goldwyn'a and Rex Beach's picturisation of Basil King s great novel, '"The Street Called Straight," a six-xiart photo-play deluxe. Mr Beebe considers* this picture, the finest example of screen drama which it has ever Deen his pleasure to present at Greater Crystal Palace. The stoiv, as all readers of modern literature know, is' clean, healthful, and decidedly entertaining, an-i tells of a great love, the great tragedy, and of a woman's soul transfigured and redeemed by a man's sacrifice. It ia a truly great photo-play, thoroughly appropriate to the Easter eeason, and it ia said that a liner cast of all-star artists has never appeared in any picture. The oast includes Xaomi Childers, Milton Sills,' the featured players, Charles Clary, Irene Rich, Alec B. Francis, Jane Stilling, Lydia Yeamans Titus, and Lawson Butt. Tho second big picture is of notable and decided importance, and it is claimed to be the best all-British photo-play that has ever come to Australasia. It is a -drama of British and Continental circus life entitled "The Puppet Man," from the world-famous novel of tho same name by Cosmo Gordon Lennox. This, excellent photo-play was ■ produced by the British Cinematograph Company, Limited, of London. Commenting on "The Puppet Man," the "Pall Mall Gazette" says: "It might justly be described as a dramatic version of either Andersen's or Grimms Fairy Tales, the plot for which has been woven around a circue company. The ensemble of the circus in a little village is remarkably well done—a remark which also appließ to the interior of the circus, where some really fine feats are performed by the two acrobats—especially would we commend the fall from the high trapeze, which was the most realistic fall we recollect seeing on the screen." The "Evening News", says: —"A fine drama of circus life, exceedingly well done, and a good heart story." The "Daily Mail" eays:—"The improved standard of British films is well maintained. "The Puppet Man' is an outstanding success. The scenery novel and interesting, characterisation good, and the theme developed with much skill." The third big picture is "Winners of tho West," a red-blooded history play of educational and dramatio worth. It was taken from tho life story of Captain John C. Fremont who is known to all lovers of good books as "The Pathfinder," and in it the thrilling exploits of Captain Fremont and Kit. Carson aro lived over again just aa depicted in tho great story of "The Pathfinder." Tho fourth fcaturo piokure is a very exhilarating Jewel comedy, named "Robinson's Trousseau," starring;the popular comedian Lee Moran. ■. . During the days that The Bristol is closed the box plan will he on view at tho theatre, or seats may bo reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Pulace, number 3758.

ÜBEBTY THEATRE- ■ At the Liberty, Theatre on Saturday a crowded house appreciated thei excellent pictures and the bright music. The star attraction is from the hands of one of the most, popular film producers, Thomas H. Ince and it upholds the reputation, he has made. "The Cup of Life" is the zenith of artistic effort, and is. practicaUy perfect in production.: The story is highly impossib.e, but .Jblr Ince has so awfully *woven the threads that 'the result iY a tLillirig and a most enjoyable film. It opew in the South Seas, wtiero "Bull? Brand? a ■ two-fisted • swashbuckling P«xl pirate, is engaged in gathering pearl oysters Government beds, .under the eyes of- a man-o'-war. 7There is .; an". cxcvtin S moment when the divers refuse to go into the shark-infested water, and Brand leaps over- die. side and knifes .one of thei »» monsters. By a ruse, which was entirely humorous from the audience's point of view, "Cap'n" Brand gets away from the cruiser with" a'number of lesser :poar.s,; and one oi especial size and value. The next is laid in Singapore, the Oriental charm of tie'town being fully brought out Sere is Brand's son, an Oxford man, who has been kept in ignorance of his father s identity, and who believes Brand to be merely dads friend." In. Singapore also is Chan Chang, a. wealthy Chinese merchant whose coffers are filled with ilk-gotten gains. The pride of- his life "is an English • girl, whom he had adopted many years ago, and named. Pain. Arrangements are being made for her. marriage with another Chinaman, in accordance with Chan's plan 3, but the course of true love'leads Brand's son" into the "forbidden garden" whero she i 3 kept. From thence file story centres round. Brand s pearL, and a most extraordinary climax ia. worked up to.. Pain-has been presented by; Chan With a girdle, or rather a necklace, of twelve 'pearls, with a setting for a' thirteenth, and has been told that when this gem.is found she' shall bo married: The thirteenth pearl —withi tbo usual luck attending..anything qualified with ' that fatal number—i 3 the cause of all the subsequent trouble. The chinas c o'mc3 with ■ the. tight between'father and son in the half-darkened rooms of Chan's house. > After this, happiness follows for tho two young lovers. • Tho last scene, which shows Brand drenched with spray at the helm' of his schooner is a. realistic ftorm, is very fine;-' Hobart Bosworth, of "Behind tho, iJoor" and ''Below the Surface" iame, has a'part which-suits him admirably, as Brand.. Madge Bellamy, as , Pain,' is fascinating in her Oriental dress and environment, lind Miles Welsh as; Brand's eon, is "•ood.' The scheming, impossible Chan Chang falls to the part of Tully Marshall, who is excellent. Monte Collins and May Wallace are also in the cast. "The Forbidden Thing," the second attraction, is a highly emotional drama of a man who married the wrong woman, but who fina.ly came to see his mistake, 'and found joy and glodnesß in the love of another and better wife James Kirkwood has the leading role, and is ably supported by an all-star •cast "Snooky," the "humanzee," • or, in other words, the wonderful monkey who ; is human in his antics if not in. facial. expression, appears in a 'special Chester comedy, "You'll' be Surprised." His, adventures with stolon pies, runaway horses, dastardly villains, and express tiains kept the liDuse in a continual simmer of merriment, punctuated with roars of laughter.' The Liberty Grand Orchestra, which has been reinforced by the well-known xj-ionhinist. Mr T. Atkinson, whose interpretations of the popular songs, "Chile Bean," "Whispering," arid others, was very. much apprecfrtod. The orchestra was also loudly applauded for the varied incidental music.

QTJEEN'S THEA'TRE. The Queen's Theatre was filled to overflowing on Saturday night, when another 'programme °f exceptional merit was screened for tho first time. The main feature was a "croow" drama of an entirely, new variety. "Alias liadyfingers" is tho etory cf an orphaned child of a wealthy family, who is brought under the notice of a notorious safecracker, and taught the art of scientific burglary. The boy is quick to learn, and he soon becomes an expert-. In the profession he is known as "Ladynngors," and his proficiency earns him a national reputation. The police are endoavouring to trap him, when'they learn that he is heir to his grandmother's fortune. Meanwhile, "Ladyfingers," knowing nothing of this relationship is lured by valuable pearls to the old lady's residence, where complications occur which make the _ film powerfully dramatic, before the hero is able to work out his own salvation. It. is a Metro picture with Bert Lytell in the star role. He has a character similar to the one he portrayed with such success in "Alias Jimmy Valentine. Elaine Hammerstein, one of the most beautiful stars of the screen, . appears in the second picture, "Remorseless Love." It is a romantio and tense story, with the Kentucky mono, tarns in the background. A fierce family feud provides the main incidents, and makes a thrilling drama It is a Selznick production. There is a good supporting programme, consisting of two Topical Gazettes, a Canadian scenic, and a hilarious Christie comedy The special, musical-programme bv the Queen's ■ Orchestra was much appreciated.