AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17452, 12 May 1922, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES.

T/rnv.RTT THEATRE The melodramatic qualities of "The Sin ot Martha Queed," the leading picture on t e current bill at tie Liberty Theatre, have enjoyed by large audiences during the week.Another capital film is- "Bring Him 1 story of the Canadian No'rth-AYest Polioe, in which the star is Earle 'Williams.

"WOMAN'S PLACE.'' Patrons may look forward with keen aB V;| cipatiou to the new programme which *l- - presented to-morrow, and during nelweek, having as its headline two superbly entertaining photoplays, ' " man's Place," a delightful Associated National offering, and "A Beggar in r P«'i a dramatic Pathe offering, produced by gar Lewis. The Bpartling and irresistioi Constance Talmadge is. the bright star of "Woman's Place," which is the latest comet y creation of those peers of scenario writers, John Emerson and Anita Loos, and is declared to be the outstanding triumph °t Constance Talmadge, as well as the authors of. the piav. Miss Talmadge not only invariably repeats her screen triumphs, but «no gathers new friends, and rises to grea-er heights with each successive portrayal. id tho ono star whoso personality rises supreme, no matter what tho vehicle, 111 "Woman's Place," she absolutely excels herself. It is a, smart aud snappy comedy■ ot tho livelic«l sort, with a dash of haughtiness, bewildering in its appeal to the■ *s°* and its power to convulse the risibilities. The picture is presented on a lavish scale. Miss Talmadge gives a charming display of a number of exquisite gowns and hats of the latest creation, and iB supported by a distinguished company, which is headed by the famous leading man, Kenneth Harlan. Beggar in Purple" is a brilliant dramatic success, based on the popular novel by Andrew Soutar. Its Btory is so moving and gripping, its appeal so intense and powerful, the thrills, and the clever unfolding plot, all possess an appeal which will lioid the spectator from beginning to end. A largo company of notable players is hoaded by Leonard C. Shunway, Charles AilinSi Betty Brice, and Stanhopo "Whoatcroffc.

GRAHD THP.ATRS. To-night will see the final screening of the fin© programme headed by "Confession, which haa attracted largo audiences during this week to this popular theatre. Patrons are advised to book their seats early at The Bristol, in order "to avoid disappointment. "A MIDNIGHT BELL."

Commencing to-morrow at 12 noon, a new programme will be screened, headed by A Midnight Boll," featuring Charles Hay. Ihe star also directs this picture, which is considered equal to any tiling he hus over done. The story is laid in an American smalltown, and shows that adventures and hair-raisinS experiences are to bo found in smaJl towns as well as in metropolitan centres. iO J a year tlia citizens of Bellport had shuddered every time they looked at the church vhicn abutted out into Main street, and .when thoy were compelled to pass it they would Oo £ in the middle of tho street. _ Many stories were told of uncanny happenings in the edifice. and because of the general belief tliat it was haunteu, services had been abandoned, and the structure would have been, /torn down had it been possible to find anyono witli enough courage to essay the task. one day a stranger came to town, a rubber nee salesman. He had more enthusiasm than judgment, and when his company learned that he wo trying? to sell rubber heels m a "tank town" he was "canned" by wire. Out of a job and discouraged, he was about i boaid the outgoing express when he beheld a vision in frocks, and . came to the d e ci( "° n that Bellport wasn't such The erstwhile salesman laughed with densn at the etoriea of spooks haunting the chur li, and declared that he waß willing to spend a night in the building to disprove the stories of the supernatural. The girl tried to suade him, but tho youth would not lißten Sitting in a pew which had accumulated an inch- of dust, be tried to read a book y the light of a small lamp,' Suddenly ffie light Went out, opened _ and closed with a bane,' pews rose in the air and fell, and abovo the altar he could see apparitione that made his hair rise on end. Although badly frightened, the y° throughout tho night, and the f f day evening paid another visit to the cturch. Then he made ft discovery—and thenceforth the spooks were conspicuous by their absence The story is full of thrillsi and ; _anu is undoubtedly among:,the very., host Bar has given IjS. ■ . i . The other star feature of the programme is "The Sky Pilot," from Ralph Connor a famous novel of the same. name. Heralded as one of the most stirring out-door stories or the groat West, King Vidor has achieved a great success foi First National m producing this feature. The main element »• the. tomarkable, array of thfills which follow one another in rapid succession. ' The great stampeclo of cattle, the fall frorrt the bridge over tho canyon, the burning, of tho church, the pitched battle between pnmitiv* and cultured men, all so vividly described in the story are portrayed with a master hand in the picture. The role of the Sky Pilot is played by John Bowers and the manner in which he carries out the subjugation of lawless sons in the wild 'Western town, and the conversion of .the inhabitants characterises tho srreat star as a man of force. Colleen Moore.:'who played Dinty's litfo'mqther in "Dinty," is the ranch girl of the story. ■ Thetfe will'be screenings daily at 12 noon, and every evening at 7.15.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. The current programme at tho Queen's Theatre will he finally screened this evening. "Shadow of the Sea," which is the leading feature, is a thrilling land exciting play, with Conway Tearle in the main part. Tho other attraotion in "Little Eva Ascends," a brigUt and sparkling comedy-drama, with Qareia Hughes in the stellar role. Another highly attractive programme has been arranged for screening, commencing tomorrow. There are two features 01 .exceptional merit which should delight all > s u° witness them. <r When Went Dry, is a six-part super-drama, and is U. pictunsation of the novel of the same name, written by Charles Neville Buck. -is the nicknamo given to tho young boy who 'is the hero of the picture. He returns ironi his exilo whither ho haß tieen driven py Revenue Officers, who aro seeking out illicit' stills. As tho hoy looks down from the mountain-side, ho sees Blossom, tho girl ho loves, in another man's arms. From that day ou there is war to tho knife between Bearcat and Henderson. Yet., when the time comoß for his revenge, the boy tries to save his enemy's life, in oi)o of the most thril'WS scenes over depicted - in moving, pictures. The other attraction ia the mammoth travelogue, "Beautiful Britain." It is one of the most charming scenics ever filmed, and is in five parts. It ia a complete and comprehensive tour from tlie Bank of England tb Windsor Castle. The supporting programme includes a noveltv film, "Home, Sweet Home," which is founded on tho ponular eong. Other P* c " tures are tho latest Topical, and a comedy.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. As has been the case all the week, another crowded audience wsb present last night a Everybody's Theatre, to witness {he screening of Fannio Hurst'B story, "Just AroUD the Corner," which makes one of tie heel photoplays over put forward. . Nothing more human has been, written than tho slrU T § ? ° the mother and her two fatherless c I to earn their living in a.heartless city. In piece is one that pleases the young as as the oid, the men as well as the women, s that there is no need for surprise at its success in Christchurch.. "Among Thoce Present" is a Paramount comedj, featuring Harold Lloyd, who gets into all sorts ot queer situations witli various animals froiu a lion to a dog. An appropriate programme of music is played nightly by tho "Select" Orcheetra. „

STRAND THEATRE. That sterling actor of TVild West P a rt®> Tom Mix, is once more starred at the S«ran Theatre, this timo in a rollicking photoplay entitled "Trailin'," a William Fox production. Adventure, mystery, and loro play a prominent part in this film, and the star is supported by tho beautiful actress,. Novak. Tho other films include the Sunshine comedy, "False Alarm,' 1 and othoTß.

OBEAtEB CBTSTAL PALACE. J The comedy element predominates at. the | Greater Crystal Palace this week, and anyone | feeling depressed has only tWt>uiTent programme to recover hie Svftriis; ' WjU Rogers and Helens ChadwicV . .*£> mao < euch a hit in "Scratch My Back'' "re stair* 1 in the big picture, "Cupid, the-Cowpur " and theyv are responsible for muoh . :a» ■wholesome fun. Another capifc filid is - Courage," a Universal Spec; il product »j> which simply teems with action, romance. Tho leading part is in the capable "hands of Hoot Gibson, he of the winning smile. A delightful programme of music is played nightly by the Greater Crystal Palace Symphony Orchestra.