AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17749, 28 April 1923, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES. LIBERTY THEATRE. DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS IN "ONE OF THE BLOOD." HOUDINI "THE MAN FBOM BEYOND.' The chief picture to be shown at the Liberty Theatre to-day, "One of the Blood," shows Douglas Fairbanks in a maze of the whirlwind displays ol rush and athletics in which he deiights, and in which his admirers also deiight. He is snown as a man who, ignorant oi all the facts about hu ori-in, strives to smother his longing fo.' the mother he has never known by a frantic seaich, for excitement, and some live.y scenes are shown to indicate the way a nun so piaced may find solace. Every paiade, riot, .and oeiebration that stirred New Yoi-i city had him lor its cemrai fijjuie. Hj was the pai of the politicians, tile pet oi the poiice, the iriend of tne fuemen and h.;id a Hie ularm and police cali in hh bedioom. One night, awakened by a fire alarm, he runs to a biazing tenement and rescues an entire family. Tne same night he aids the polioj in a raid on a notorious liar dive. T..« hero, however, longs for nioie and more thrills, until at last ha is introduced to his family by means of a really stirring adventure. He turna out to be heir to the thro.ie of a tiny principality at the fojt of the European Alps and arrives there jut in time to defeat single-handed a carefully en.gineared revolution. Some marve.lous scenes are witnessed in, the intrigue for power at the Lilliputian court. The hero scales houses like a fly to escape f:om t is palace guard. A rescue from a six-store/ lire, a desperate sword fight on the stairs, a thrilling leap over attacking swordsmen, a hold-up on a bridge, and a mad gallop from pursuing soldiers are among the haiwaising adventures the hero has to go through before he is only too willing H hand over his interest in, the crown to another and ece ve; a charming reward at the hand 3 of the pettiest- actrcs3 in the cast. la ac'di't on lo Fairbanks, pretty little Marjorie Daw is in the cast, and Frank Campeau, Lillian Langdon, Sam Sother, Albert McQuarrie, Jay Dwiggins and a lot of others. Houdini, in, the most daring, most thrilling, most breath-catching feat of his career as a thrill-master, will present his own production of the weird pirtu isation, "Th; Man from Beyond," the second star featun at the Liberty to-day. "The Man r rom Bevond" is. the initial picture pr-duced hi Houdini's own company and is by. far his most important contribution to the soreen to date. Its outstanding features are its thrills, the novelty of thought anu treatment of its story, and is haunting romantic note. Commencing, with the restoration to life of a man after he has been entombed for ft century in an ice mass in the Arctic regions, the story movcß with ever increasing suspense, .culminating with a rescue scene at the very brink of Niagara Falls, in which Houdina, after being whirled through the surging rapids, saves the girl at the very moment the canoe in which she is helpless iB about to plunge into the gorge, hundreds of feet below. "The 'Man from Beyond" is described as a pictuie after Houdini's own heart. It was to make special features such as this that the world-famed myßtifier and master of thrills formed his own producing company. Appearing in Houdini's support are Jane Connelly, iNita Na di, Arthur Maude, Albert Tavernier, Erwin Connelly, and Louis Alberm. Among the supporting- pictures is "'Endurance," a truly remarkable demonstration of what a motor-oar will do when it is really pushed. The oar, which is literally the hero of this thriller, is driven over what one may reasonably concede t? 'be the worst road in the world, and travels at high speed where an average bullock driver would stand lost for words. Other pictures include a Mermaid comedy, "His Wife's Husband, and the Tntest Pathe Gazette. The Liberty GraTid Orchestra, under the conductorahip of Mr Arthur Gordon, will contribute an attractive selection of music GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. IRENE OASTIiE IN "FRENCH HEELS." FRANK MAYO IN "THE FLAMING HOUR." "The Flirt," "Seeds of Vengeance," and current programme of motion pictures will bo presented at Greater Crystal Palace for the last times this afternoon and to-night, and the world-famous Symphony Orchestra of more than twenty solo musicians, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, will play at both sessions. Irene Castle, who heads tb* new bill for next week, commencing Monday, in Clarence Buddiugton Holland's great story, "French Heels, " is the latest Mid most popular sensation of New York's brilliant night life. . i.. , .... And don't for a minute think that because there is prohibition (?) in the United Stateß, that New York's old night life has disappeared. Quite the contrary. The New York crowds feel that the Government can take away its wine, but It can never take away the spirit that makes New York the pleasure headquarters of the world. Always there are new sensations that keep the old spirit keyed up to the highest possible pitch. The .latest sensation iB Irene Castle, the same"lrene who was the hit of New York a few seasons ago. Not an instant older, and, if possible, brighter and more vivacious than ever, Mrs Oastle is the beacon that nightly attracts hundreds of pleasure-seekers to the New Knickerbocker Grill at Forty-second street and Broadway. ' _ , , . , Mrs Castle's act at the Knickerbocker opened in November. ' From the very start the crowds at the Grill were larger than ever before. During December the demand for tables increased, and indications now are that Mrs Oastle will remain at the Knickerbocker until spring is ushered in. "French Heels" is a modern story, and in the unfolding of the interesting plot, Mrs Castle presents many dances which nave made her such a huge drawing card at the Knickerbocker. Besides, she rides, swims, and wears countlesß "stunning" wraps and gowns the like of which has seldom been seen on the screen. The production is more than seven thousand feet in length,. and is said to be one of the most elaborate and lavish photoplays ever presented. A picture that ought to interest any young married couple, and specially those in which the husband is a little hot-tempered and likes to flare up once in a while, is "The Flaming Hour, ' a Universal attraction starring Frank Mayo. It is a picture of dramatic interest, picturing something that any young hot-head knows something about by his sixtieth birthday, but not beOpposite Mayo is pretty Helen Ferguson, cast as his wife, and quite ohorming in the role. _ .„. The authors of the story are Lillian Chester and her celebrated husband, George Randolph Chester, the novelist. In writing the Btory the individual characteristics of j Mayo himself were the dominating influence in the construction of the plot. _ ■ Spectacular thrills in the explosion of a nowder plant are held . down to a length consistent with the dramatic interest of the rest of the story. The theme of what damage a quick temper can do in business, marriage, and friendly associations is the predominating interest of the plot, and as such is an element that every human being can understand. The supporting films are the fourth chapter of "Perils of the Yukon," which has its inspiration largely from historical facts; a v*ry funnv Century Comedy, and the latest International News film. Following the usual custom, particulars of next week's magnificent orchestral programme will he advertised in Monday's newspapers. The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 3758.

GRAND THEATER

"WHY CHANGE YOUR WIFE!" Photoplay patrons who recall the beauty o£ Gloria Swanson will hardly recognise her in the opening scenes of the P-aramount-Artcraft Royalty masterpiece, "Why Change Your Wife i'' which is the attraction next week at the Grand, commencing to-day. Jliss Swanson has the role of a too wifely wife, who neglects her beauty for her home, wears unbecoming clothes and horn-rimmed spectacles, and cannot keep her husband home at night. Later, however, after the Husband has wandered oft" with a designing siren, she realises what has lost him, and forthwith blossoms like a rose into the bewitching Gloria as we usually know her. Gowns that for beauty and style rival anything ever seen on the screen "are a feature of "Why Change Your Wife}" Designed especially for this production by one of the world's premier designers, these costumes are the final word in fashion and cut. Gloria Swanson and Bebe Daniels, who play the leading feminine roles, display gorgeous negligee, simple and dignified house dresses, and magnificent evening gowns. A scene in the shop of a fashionable modiste, and various hotel and ballroom scenes, furnish opportunities for the display of many fascinating gowns of every period. The other big feature at the theatre is "East is West." This picture has been showing for the past week in Christchurch, but it has been felt that a week is all too short to give an opportunity to all who want to see it, hence the season has been extended for one week only. MiBS Constance Talmadge, in "East Is West," is the most charming little girl from China imaginable. Dressed in silks, her hair heavily befringed, and bedecked with Oriental trinkets, she takes the part of Ming Toy with a zest that makes the little maid live in the memories of all who see this First National attraction. After the first introductory phrases on the screen, the popular star is forgotten, even by her most ardent admirers, and on till the end is reached, inter *.;t is centred on Ming Toy and her love affairs amongst Chinese and Europeans. The programme is an exceptionally lengthy one, and the first of the two big features will be screened at 7.15 each evening.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "THE PRIDE OF PALOMAR." PETER B. KYNE'S GREAT STORY. Admirers of Peter B. Kyne's stirring novels, several of which already have reached the screen, will have an opportunity of seeing the picturisation of his latest novel, "The Pride of Palomar," which now ranks among the best sellers of the current book season. The story was printed serially in the "Cosmopolitan" Magazine, and it scored tremendously. Now that the book has appeared, its popularity shows no sign of waning. Admirably suited to adaptation to the screen, Cosmopolitan Productions picturised the novel tor Paramount release in California, on the precise spots where the action of the story takes place. Many of the scenes were photographed at the old mission where "Romona" was born. Interesting scenes in the garden of San Luis Key Mission in Southern California are the feature of the picture. Director Frunk Borzage took his entire company to the mission and surrounding country for the scenes of the picture. Mr Kyne the author, had laid out the locations,, and all the producer had to do was to follow in his footsteps. In his book Mr Kyne took a slam at coolie labour in California, and while most of the Japanese in Southern California are ignorant of the English language, they were wise to the fact that the coolies had been attacked in the story, and they wouldn't do a lick of work for the picture. "We gave an order to a Japanese nurseryman for a lot of potted plants," said Mr Borzage, "but after working on the job for five days he found out that they were for 'The Pride of Palomar,' and struck work. In the same way you couldn't get a 'prop' in a Jap. shop if you mentioned 'The Pride of Palomar.' I However, we got'along very well." One of the thrilling scenes in "The Pride of Palomar" is the race whore Don Mike'B pet, Panchito. with the range burrs still in his mane, runs away from a field of bangtails and brings home the bacon of the Ranchp Palomar. Since the racing was ended the problem for tho producers was to get a crowded grandstand for the occasion. Fortunately, the Spanish-American spirit still survives in Southern California, and a horse race takes precedence over everything. Advertisements were inserted in the local papers that the race scenes of ' 'The Prido of Palomar" would be filmed at the Ventura track, and as a special attraction there would be a chariot race between Tom Clark, the county supervisor, and Bob Anderson, a well-known rancher. The result was a crowd of about 5000 persons, whose enthusiasm for the local favourites was fine for the cameramen, and saved Director Frank Borzage a lot of work. The only feature missing was the book-makers, and even at that Clark's backers managed to collect a lot of money when he won. "The Pride of Palomar," whioh will be the feature at Everybody's Theatre next week, commencing at the matinee on Monday, has much to recommend it. The theme is powerful, and deals with the problem of a young Californian just back from service abroad with the American forces, when he finds that the family ranch is being absorbed by hostile interests. It is his fight against heavy odds t> regain his ancestral home that provides the lively action. Other features are the love Interest when a girl stands midway In a struggle between her father and her sweetheart, and a great horse race with a surprise finish. Two of the best known figures of the American screen are featured in "The Pride of Palomar." They are Marjorie Daw and Forrest Stanley, and they head a praotically all-star cast, which was assembled for the picture. Miss Daw is a Colorado girl, she having been born in Colorado Springs in 1902. She began her screen career with Universal, and made her first appearance under Artcraft-Paramount auspices fn "Joan the Woman." She supported Mary Pickford in "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," and later she had an important role In "Arizona" with Douglas Fairbanks. She supported Mr Fairbanks in several of his best-known Artcraft productions, and her most recent Paramount appearance was in "Experience." She is a capable actress, and has a larg;e following of. fans. Forrest Stanley Is a well-known leading man of stage and screen. He began motion picture work with Morosco, and later appeared in productions of other companies. He later joined Paramount, and was seen to fine advantage in "Forbidden Fruit" and "Sacred and Profane Love." He is a virile player, and his role In "The Pride of Palomar" is admirably suited to his high abilities. The supporting programme includes a Paramount comedy entitled "Torohy's Nut Sundae," featuring Johnny Hines, a Burtoll Holmes travelogue, and the latest Gazette. A brilliant musical programme has been arranged for Everybody's Select Orchestra by its conductor, Mr W. J. Bellingham, F.S.M. Chief among the numbers are the following:—Overture, "Quarter Deck" (Alford); suites, "Kanvmennov Ostrow" (Rubenstein), "March Mignonne" (Poldini), "Prelude" (Chopin); grand opera, "Reinzi" (Wagner); symphony, "Surprise" (Hadyn); entr'acte, Romance" (Lee David); light selections, "Cairo" (Fletcher), "Sweethearts" (Herbert); foxtrot, "Omar" (Hall). As usual, reserved seats may be obtained either at The Bristol or by telephoning 4925.

STRAND THEATRE. In the new programme to be screened at the Strand Theatre to-day Nazimova is featured in "Stronger Than Death." In this she plays the fascinating role of a London music-hall dancer, who findi romance in the heart of India. It is a story of a beautiful and poetic love, which develops between a man and a woman placed by fate into an atmosphere of danger and swiftly moving events. Stirring drama at all times illumines the narrative, making it one of those stories that gets a strong hold upon the emotions of the spectator. Briefly, it concerns one Sigrid Persen, favourite of Paris and London theatres, who arrives in an English Army barracks town deep in the jungles of India. She meets a hostile reception from the small and gossipy community, but her personality wins them after her first test. She falls m love with a doctor, known as the hermit doctor, who is devoting his life to treating the native Hindus during an epidemic of cholera. Because of the harshness of the British commander of the post, and a wrong he had committed against the bride ol Vishnu," a sacred dancer of the temple, the native troops, incited by the high priest of the temple, plans a revolt. On the night of the uprising, with a massacre ot the whites as its object, Sigrid goes to the temple steps to dance in the moonlight, as her lover had often dreaued of her doing. Her lithe'figure, in flowing white, fills the natives with awe, and believing her to be the reincarnation of the defiled "bride of Vishnu," they fall down to worship her. She dances until she is exhausted, in order to hold the blacks from their contemplated revolt, and by so doing enables British reinforcements to get up ana save the situation. The picture contains scenic backgrounds of unusual loveliness and picturesque grandeur. The second big drama is a Paramount picture with all-star cast, including Lila Lee and Lois Wilson, in a roaring comedy about blushing brides and over-confident husbands, entitled ''ls. Matrimony a Failure!" A laughable comedy, Catch an ; Catch Can," and the English Topical Budget complete the bill.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. The new change to be presented at the Queens Theatre to-day, includes what is claimed to be one of the greatest super-at-tractions of the year. This is "Silver Wingß,' in which the wonderful portrayer of mother parts, Mary Carr, is featured. The picture is a worthy successor to "Over the Hill," in which Mary Carr first made her big success. Mary Carr, known as "the sweetest mother in all the world," has, in thiß new production, the role of a mother who spares the rod and spoils the child, the child in this case being a spoiled son who browbeats a loving sister and a brother. His arrogance leads the mother to sacrifice the fruits of years of labour in order to clear his name from a stigma. The prologue shows an ideal family in a humble home, and the comedy element is especially evident here. It is described as good whoiesole humour, and the play itself is said to be replete with laughs, thrills and heart throbs. One of Mary Carr's own children is in the prologue. This is May Beth Carr. There will be a highly interesting and entertaining supporting Programme to the big attraction. "All Wet is a Sunshine comedy with the clever comedian, Al. St. John, in the leading part. "Bumps and Thumps" is a cartoon, while the Fox News shows the latest items of interest. There is a specially arranged musical score for this programme. Prices will remain as uaual, and «eaU may b« MMrvei at Webley'6.