AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17707, 8 March 1923, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES. STRAND THEATRE. The programme being presented to patrons of the Strand Theatre this week well merite the large attendances it is drawing. The principal film, "Life's Dam Funny is said to contain a laugh in every inch of film. It etars the popular actress Viola Dana. "Bride's Play," features Manon Davies and Wyndham Standing. The supporting films are a capital lot. GRAND THEATRE. Such a popular actor aa Rodolph Valentino, of "The Sheik" fame, could not but draw large houses whenever he appears; consequently good business is being done this week at the Grand Theatre, where he ia beins starred in "Stolen Somente,'' an excellent production by Pioneer Films. Marguerite Samara plays opposite the star, and she shows that she is a clever actress, the story concerns Jose Dalmares, an author from Brazil, whose favourite pastime was ruining women. He tried to ruin "Vera Blane, but hia efforts were responsible for his awn death. "Stolen Moments" is an interesting photoplay. It js supported bv that delightful picture. "Trouhle," which is now showing for the Becond week in Christchuiroh. The star ia the brilliant child actor, Jackie doogon. GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. Each night this week a crowded audience has seen and heard the current programme at Greater Crystal Palace. It is headed by a thrilling Selznick production, "One Weal; of Love," every act of which contains scenes gripping and intensely dramatic, the most outstanding showing an. aireplane crashing to the ground, and a railway train hulling to destruction in a ravine flooded by a cloudburst. No effort has been spared by the producers to make the main scenes exceptionally interesting and dramatic, and the results speak for themselves. The scenes of extravagance at the birthday party ehown early.' in the film are lavish and well mounted, as is the Mexican fiesta Taken as a whole, the acting is well above the ordinary, Elaine Hammeratein and Conway Tearle having the lion's Share. Each is in a congenial role, and ably portrays difficult parts. The story has a novel touch and is full of aotion. Supporting the principal picture there is a five-reel film, "The Lavendar Bath Lady," which contains a good balance of comedy and drama, and which is attractively told. The Symphony Orchestra plays nighjly a well diversified programme of musical selections. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "While Satan Sleeps" is {he title of the lueadlinar on the /current programme at Everybody's Theatre. The picture is one of absorbing interest, and is interpreted by an unusually strong cast, including Jack Holt. The central character is a crook, who, to further his nefarious schemes, poses as a .minister, and by right living comes to realise tnat honesty is the best policy. The musical programme is rendered in its usual finished style by the Select Orchestra. Some of the pieces played being:—Overture—"Poet and Peasant" (Suppe); Suites—"Dajanire" (Saint-Saeno); "ldlle-Seigfiied" (Wagner); Symphony—"o Major" (Mozart); Grand Opera—'|Moosaique" (Gounod); Entr'acte—"Andantino" (Lemare); Light Selections—"Cingalee" (Monkton); "Melodies" (Sullivan); Fox Trots'—"Love Nest" (Hirsch); "Slenore" (Chantrier). LIBERTY THEATRE. The Liberty Theatre is attracting large audiences daily,, the programme being a splendid one. The leading picture is entitled "The Ruling Passion."' The action revolves round a keen business nian who is forced through health reasons to give up his work. But the ruling passion is too strong, and soon he is seen hard at work once again, apparently at tho foot of the business ladder. George Arliss is worth the price of admission. His is a remarkable performance, and he makes the film stand far out above the average. The music tributed by the Liberty Orchestra is on a par with the high standard of the rest of the programme . QUEEN'S THEATRE. Tfco splendid programme htslug shown »t: the popular Queen's Theatre continues to attract large and delighted audiences. This programme is well varied, and each subjeot is highly entertaining. Magnificent scenes of the Yosemite Valley are shown in the chief attraction, ''The Yosemite, Trail," in which Dustin Farnum is featured. This piccontains plenty of action, and is set amidst the go{d .mines. A charming love romance is interwoven; The second at:m& on i VL,°, ,F niTe?,Sal feature - entitled Ridin' Wild," and Hoot Gibson is the leading player. It is a drama of theprairles and although the setting is a Western one ..,?,•,s'™? ltself mi S ht happen anywhere. Wild Women and Tame Lions" is one of the cleverest and funniest comedies ever seen.' There are six lions that take part in this fun-maker. The' last episode but one of 'Fantomas," and the Fox" News are being shown.