AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17610, 13 November 1922, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. WALLACE BE ID AND ALICE BRADY AND THE BEAUTY CONTEBT. The management of Everybody's Theatre promises its patrols this week another one of those wonderful programmes for which this popular theatre is noted. The main attraction will be the popular Paramount atar, Wallace Reid, who will be seen in a new automobile speed picture, entitled '.'Across the Continent." In this picture tho star returns to his old love, the automobile, and in the transcontinental tale by Byron Morgan, Mr Reid has plenty of fine chances to demonstrate his prowess at the steering wheel. All kinds of thrills and unexpected ' stunts and turns have been introduced, and I the love elements strongly represented. Mr Morgan has done a number of pictures for Mr Reid, among which have been the most popular in which he appeared, but "Across the Continent" is said to Burpass them all in interest and pictorial quality. One of the most thrilling scenes is when Mr Roid, a flivver in the transcontinental automobile race, dashes through a blazing roadway at more than eighty miles an hour. In the story Mr Reid is piloting his little car at tremendous odds across the country and leaving his larger and more powerful contestants behind one by ' one. To prevent ultimate victory one of the contestants sets fire to tall grass in the roadway, in the belief that the driver of the flivver will bo stopped indefinitely. But a not so. As the flames gather force Mr Beid dashes into the blazing inferno at tremendous speed, and comes through the fire belt unharmed. Mary MacLaren is leading woman, and Theodore Roberts has a prominent role. The second attraction is Realart's big super production, "Out of the Chorus," starring Alice Brady. It is a tense emotional drama which borders on the melodramatic, as strong drama is bound to do, but which Miss Brady gives a role of a sort which she handles most expertly. Miss Brady is always, an artist, and she always wears beautiful clothes. Her work throughout the picture is satisfactorily finished. Never has she made" a more wistfully appealing heroine than in this role. The settings are of unusual beauty, i Several big such as the theatre scene, the reception, and very smart costumes, combine to make this a convincing portrayal of certain New York groups. The third attraction is the screening of the first group of contestants in the beauty contest, to discover who is the most beautiful girl in Christchurch. Over 140 entries were received by the management; and the publio will be asked to judpe who they consider the most beautiful girl, bjr the means of a voting paper which will be handed to them on the purchase of admission tickets to the theatre. The scrutineer is Mr 0. A. Marris, the editor of the "Sun." As usual at this theatre, a brilliant musical programme will be played by the popular Select Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr W. J. Bellingham, F.S.M., chief among the items being: Overture, "Sounds from the Sunny South" (Isenman); suites, "Three Dream Dances" (Coleridge-Taylor); ballet music, "Le Cid" (Massinet); opera, "Werther" (Massenet); entr'acte, ''lrish Airs" (De Witt); light selections, "Girl in the Train" (Lee Fall), "After the Girl" (Rubens); fox trots, "Jabberwocky" (Kendis), "Mazle" (Caine). Reserved Beats may be obtained at The Bristol, or by telephoning 4925. LIBERTY THEATRE. The commodious Liberty Tbeatro wae all too email to accommodate the huge crowd of people desiring admission on Saturday night. Tho popular manager, Mr Claude Haigh, must bo very satisfied with the extraordinary succeed of the nAw polioy of bigger programmes and smaller prioes at the Liberty. The polioy is baaed on & oloee knowledge of human nature!, for .the publio, eepecially in these days of comparative financial stringency, is accustomed to go whare the best possible value for its money jnay be obtained. The management of the liberty Theatre has been very courageous in striding out bo boldly, for it is difficult to ase how there can be a great; margin of profit-when programmes so lavish a* that of Satuiraay are offered to the publio. An orchestra strengthened in numbers and ■ composed. oi highly trained musicians, vocal items by .an accomplished and popular singisr, a eoreen classio made from a world-famous book, and a splendid supporting programme of pictures —these are the ingredients of an entertainment which could, hardly be_ surpassed. No deviation from a signally high standard of merit is permitted -even in- the smallest detail of the arrangements at . the Liberty, and the personal supervision, of the manager assures the smooth running ci the ■ complicated machinery of a modern, up-to-date motion picture theatre. ■ The great name of Rex Beach Is known to lovers of healthy stories throughout the world. His books are admirably adapted to motion picture screening, for action is their keynot9, and the great wide spaoes of the earth are their background. Alaska, land of glaciers and of gold, is the scene of "The Iron Trail" —the magnet which drew the very long queues to the Liberty on Saturday. The glorious beauty of the opening scenes paves the way for a drama of intense interest, which has the additional and competing advantage of being true to the facts of human nature. Aljieka is a field of possibilities ns yet undeveloped. It's mineral resources are as vast as the mind of man can conceive. For a very small share of these vast riches men of action have gone gladly to face the rigours of an almost Arctic winter and other men have followed in their train to rob them of the fruits of their" effleLeavoux. The history of all new countries is ever thus. In "The Iron Trail" we have an unscrupulous railway promoter, Gordon, aiming to defraud his shareholders by a eoheme which he knows to be worthless. Appleton, his engineer, refuses to give a favourable report on his pro-* ject .and resigns. Hen arrives upon the scene, O'Neil, a free-lanoe promoter, who has had. ..experience of Gordon in other' climes. He rescues Gordon's step-daughter, Natalie, frottf drowning^"but gains none of Gordon's gratitude on that,. acoount.-. O'Neil adopts Appleton's .scheme'of a' railway route which comprises the building of .a bridge across a huge gjacier. fie' n.-oures the aecessaiy financial support and the project is begun. Gordon is, of ooursef bitterly opposed to the rival scheme, and enteirs inito a conspiracy to wreck it. He sends to his paper, the "Seattle Gazette," requesting that a reporterbo sent to reveal the unfair methods of the rival syndicate. Eliza Appleton, whose brother is now O'Neil's engineer,, is sent by .the paper. Gordon sends his men forward across the track of O'Neil's scheme, 'but they are kept back by O'Neil by means of. oonvenient blasting operations. Gordon's men retire in disorder, andr Eliza Appleton sends a report to the "Gazette" of the violent methods employed by O'Neil.- Natalie, who is devoted to O'ffeil, doiiyinoes Eliza of his good intentions, and she cables to her paper cancelling the report. O'Neil goes away to New York, to get further financial support for his scheme. While he is away an agent employed by Gordon stirs 'Up unrest among O'Neil's men, whose pay is Blightly in arrears. Eliza brings forth the-whole treasure she possesses, some three thousand dollars, and this enables the men 'to be paid. | They determine, however, to join Gordon, but O'Neil's medical friend fakes a case of smallpox and refuses thorn permission to leave the town. Meanwhile O'Neil has been confronted in New York with Eliza Appleton's sensational, story in the "SeattLe, Gazette" of -the methods he employs to gain his ends in Alaska. Overcome with rage he decides that Eliza must be sent away at once. Ha finds, however, that Bhe had raised her fortune to help him and is naturally much relieved; Throughout the long winter steady progress is made with the bridge, but with the coming ot the spring thq,w there is still some rivetting to, be don« before the bridge is made safe. The scenes of the great river slowly gathering momentum under the melting rays of the sun aro magnificent, and the great glaciers contribute-their avalanches, to tho flood. A raging) iswirling torrent sweeps down upon the bridge, which is the consummation of eo many human hopes. The men refuse to work the- last stretch as the bridge may collapse at any moment, and those working on it would bs hurled ■ to ■ certain death. O'Neil and the doctor rusß to do the last work of rivetting and Eliza, after upbraiding the men for their desertion, rushes to help them. The menacing torrent rushes on, and the last rivet is placed in position only just in-time. O'Neil and Eliza, Natalie and Appleton see their dearest wishes realised, and "Tho Iron Trail" has led to ■perfect joj. Tho picture is produced by tK-» United Artists, a fact which speaks tot 4self. and' the acting is splendid. The supporting programme of pictures was excellent. After the interval Mr Arthur Ripley, lyric'tenor, sang the beautiful gems from "Maritana" "Let Ms Like a Soldier Fall" and "There is a Flower that Bloometh." Mr Ripley's fine sinking- was very warmly applauded. The musical programme played by the Liberty Grand Orchestra was meet enjoyable.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. A OHARMING PROGRAMME OF MUSIC, DANCING, AND PICTURES. In addition to the new programme of orchestral music and motion pictures for this week, commencing to-day, the manager of Greater Crystal Palace, Mr V. M. Beebe, has arranged for tho pupils of Miss Lynne Edwards to give a dance recital at each, night session de luxe throughout the week. About tmrtj solo dancers, including dainty Betty Jacomb, tske part, and the numbers include character, classical, and toe dancing. Dancing has never been 'more popular than it is at the present time, and this delightful interlude in the programme should prove a strong attraction to amusement lovers, as all of the nur bers will bo given In costume by the various students of this charming art. As usual, there are two big pictures on the long three hours' programme, and as both are six thousand feet in length and products of the celebrated Hodkinson and Universal City studios, a rare treat is in store for picture lovers. The Hodkinson picture is a high-speed comedy-drama that sparkles with delightful humour, beautiful scenery, gorgeously-gowned women, and tense dramatic situations. This picture, "The Spenders/ was made from tho well«known novel of the same name by Harry Leon Wilson, and has charming Claire Adams and popular Niles Welch in the star parts. It is a tale which opens in the West and moves with lightning-like rapiditv to the drawing-rooThs and high society life of the American metropolis. The Universal picture is one of the most gripping photoplays that has been screened at Greater Crystal Palace for many months, and is the pictorial version of George Bronson Howard's greatest stage success, "Don't Shoot." Herbert Rawlinson, star of "Don't Shoot," is one of the most popular actors on the screen to-day. He is at his best in this big picture, and his work is finished to such a remarkable degree that one forgets he is playing a part. Edna Murphy, leading lady to Mr Rawlinson, is one of the most beautiful and talented stars of screendom, and her winsome manner and charm have endeared licr to picture patrons all over the world. Millionaires' mansions in ultra-wealthy Pasadena were rented solely for the extravagant interior scenes in this magnificent production, and special permission was obtained from prominent banks in the financial district of Los Angeles to film the bank-break-ing scenes at night, necessitating the posting of a cordon of Los Angeles policemen to prevent the possibility of real crooks "slipping something over'' on the motion picture company by working as extras in the scenes. In addition to the two big pictures there will be screened the fourteenth exciting chapter of "With Stanley in Africa," and if time permits the latest International News film and a very laughable Century -.omcdy. The big Symphony Orchestra of twentysolo musicians, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, will provide the music for the dancing, and in addition thereto will present a magnificent musical programme, which includes the following classical and popular numbers:— Overture, "La Sorrentina" (Salvadrez), "Danse des Boheniiens" (Godard); suito, "Rainbow Land" (Quilter), "At the Play" (York Bowen), "La Boheme" (Puccini), "Air de Ballet" (Mouton), "Souvenir de Venise" (Quinn), "Barcarolle". (Barrett), "Veronique" (Messager), "Bing Boys on '' Broadway" (Ayer),- "Bow Bells" (Ketolboy), "A Musical Switch" (Alford). The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 3758. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "While York Sleeps" is to be. seen at the Queen's Theatre this week. This is a pboto-plaj of most •unusual arfd interesting features. No other picture has depicted the ; different sides of life in the great American city in quite the same way as this ( one dce3. Many pictures portray the life in the best bocietv of New York, many more j show life among the expert crooks and con- 1 fidenco men who abound in a great city. Many, too, show life in the underworld amid tho very lowest of the city. ''While New Yptk Sleeps" shows each cf these • sides of the ' city's life; in a manner which _is at once convincing, gripping and thrilling. Each story—for. the picture consists really of three stories each <A n totally different conceptionis told in a fashion which stirs the imagination and holds the interest from beginnng to end. For realism in detail, for superb acting on the part of the four priScipal. characters nothing quite like this picture has been seen before "in Ohristchurch. The name of William Fox as- tie producer of a picture stamps it as one far above the ordinary class of photo-play, and in "While Nei" York- Sleeps" he has achieved a masterpieoe in art and! realism. The three stories, each of which might well Berve as a complete play in itself, are kept apart, although the different roles are played by the same four characters. Marc JiacDermott is an o'd'fav ourite and Estelle Taylor, Earl Metcalfe, and Harry Sotliern have all established big". reputations. The work of Estelle Taylor is especially of a very high ordpr. In the three stories she plays roles of a widely diverse , character. In episode one she figures A thei : 1 wife of a successful business man. The two are very happy in their home. life,..which is brightened by the laughter of their only child. One night when business hai called the husband, away a shadow from the past falls over the lonely wife. Years ago she had been married to a. wasti>el who, according to authentic reports, had perished in a big train smash. In reality he had escaptd and ■ for years had been in hiding.' Now ha appears again to the now ■ distracted wife. Mavc MacDermott as the wastrel .husband of former days, plays a very convincing part, while the work of Estelle Taylor is fins, indeed. As the two stand the one imploring' mercy and the other resolutely demanding money, an expert qracksman has slipped into the room and lias conceal-d himself behind a serpen which hidaa the safe. Events then follow one another in startling rapidity. The crook is discovered and in the struggle which follows the former husband is shot dead'.' This is the wife's salvation. When her husband returns she relates how she was surprised by a crook, who in a struggle shot himself. So tie first stray oomes to an end. The second story is played' in an entirely different setting, Magnificent scenes of the gay White' Way of New York follow one another. The settings in the Ziegfieldi Midnight Frolic and the gorgeously furnished Palais Royal are little short <if regal in their splendour. Here again the four principal characters make their appearance. This time Estelle Taylor plays the part of the vampire who lives by defraudiing men. Her acting—is again of a hirfi order, and tho more wonderful when h-er part is compared' with her previous role. Marc MacDermott plays tile part of the guileless husband or so it seefiis until the startling denouement reveals hi 3 true character. He u ap parently easily inveigled into a wel -laid trap set by the vampire, who works in conjunction with confederates. This episode is one of compelling interest and is full ot surprises. Pew will guess 'the real nature of the simple husband until the final scenes «rw , shown. The~third episode again changes, the scene shifting this time to the East e'.do cf .the city. There, along ths wharf-side an old paralytic (Marc MacDermott) b cared for by his son, a -night watchman ou tho Wharf. Their oniy friend is M-ina, a typioal girl- of the slums, young, wild and-prone to. lijice outbursts of passion. : The episode i 3 the most thrilling of the three. The exciting pistol battle between wharf thieves and the polioe, the ooncealment of the lead-r by Mina in her own home, urz on'y some of the more remaikable incidents of this story. This episode is a fitting conclusion ta a splendid. picture, o There is also a fine supporting programme of pictures and l music. f ' / STRAND THEATRE. ! Beautiful, May Allison, whose appearances in Cliristchurch are all too infrequent, baa the leading role in ''Are All Mien Alike?"— comedy-drama; which is «*the leading attraction at the Strand Theatre this week. As tha impetuous Theodora Haydeh, called "Teddy" for short, May Allison has a vivid role that brings into play ail her fine powers of olwiai-tensation. Toacwy haa bteu p.ung- ! ing into the excitement of adventuro oxI tracted from such dizzy sports as driving ' racing cars ana aeroplanes, but in the eud I she is tired and blase. Then coines- aT truant j whim and she mingles with the aitistia ! crowd of soul-free '.Bohemians in the liecj tic atmosphere of the tea rooms and studios ! of Greenwich Village. She develops a friendship with a portrait painter who .essays to • instruct her in art. However, when he has gained her. confidence lie drops his pose of platonic friendship and reveals himself as ; the roue that he is. She angrily repulses | him and drives him forth, but he declares 'he will return. ( He does so and is given I the surprise of his life. The entanglement I and deep mazes of intrigue, that follow pro- ' vide most fascinating situations. The second feature is the Paramount proj duction "Experience," with Richard' Barthelmess and Marjorie Daw in the leading parts, j Supporting films are .."Movie Madness" and "Paradise Maoriland."

f GRAND THEATRE. Charles Chaplin, m «» Ued in the motion picture world now en him to ■bo called, is a perfect • joy m latest production, "The Idle Class,- n °* showing at the GranS* Theatre. During life man, we are told,. plays , many It is a question whether he haa ever P ay two more diiieient than' doei Charles in "J.tie lie Class.', _ taste introduced to a loiio»y tramp for golf, who arrives per dog# box ° . train, .id with the . crowd who have just made their eant _ . tho first-class carriages. Ho selects the up-to-date looking car •at the station, u tikes his seat on the luggage carrier en route for the links. Here he arrives in n form, rejects the sand provided by ui® as not up to standard, and produces superior brand from his own P°^ e *" . the act of driving he discovers that neglected ta provide that smaU but ve y useful article, a ball. Nothing daunted, he sets forth in search of one, with highly amusing results. He causes much excitemen among the other golfers by his capacity for hitting the wrong ball. During lus stroll around the links he sees a beautuu damsel on horseback.. Fortunately her horse bolts and h 9 pursues by means of a small donkey, who is taken too much by surprise to object, until he has gone a fair d 1 8" tance. Our tramp covers the rest on foot easily defeating the runaway horse, and leaping on to its back to eSeot a gallant rescue. They are married and live happily ever afterwards, but, unfortunately, our hao awakes at this stage and perforce proceeds to complete his interrupted round. If «nything funnier than Charles as a golfer has been produced, it wou'.d be worth while going far to see. "We have not yet seen the hero in his other role as the perfect gentleman. We meet him daintily engaged in completing a charming toilette, delicately scenting a handkerchief and p.acing it—back in the drawer. He proceeds in stately fashion downstairs, quite oblivious of the very obvious fact that he has omittea to put on his trousers. Fortune favours him till he reaches the telephone box. amazement when he tries to put his hanti into his non-existent trousers pocket is gooa to behold. His wife thinks he has been drinking again and decides that they mu3f live apart. The plot proceeds apace and _» fancy dress ball provides the scene- of the denouement. "The Idle Class" should certainly not be missed 1 . "The Infidel" is a strong drama. The South Sea Islands, in which Katherine Mac Donald has the loading role of an infidel who masquerades as a castaway on an- island. The story is one of startling adventures, leading up to. a dramatic climax The settings are superb and here is a wonderful typhoon scene which gives tho necessary realism to the Btory. A native - rising is another feature of the film. "Blind Hearts," the Becond proporting feature, has Hobart Bosworth in the leading role. The clearing up of many mysteries prepares the way for the satisfying conundrum of this unusual story. Tho Grand Orchestra plays a ' fine selection of music throughout. The programme, which is an exceptionally long one, will be screened from noon each day.