AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17863, 8 September 1923, Page 15

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES.

LIBERTY THEATRE. BMLIiIAKT PROGRAMME TO-DAT. ' WESLEY BARRY— "RAGS TO RICHES." BEATRICE JOY AS "MINNIE."

He was only a Jittle chap, yet, despite the luxury -with which he was surrounded, he longed for the ragged trousers, the bare feet, and the unwashed face of the urchin. A book of adventure added the final spark, how the only child of the wealthy Blake-well-Clarkes obtaineH his natural desire for ; the normal, vigorous life of boyhood is graphically portrayed by the brilliant juvenile actor, Wesley Barry, in "Rags to Riches," the star production of the new programme which commences at the Liberty Theatre to-day. The diminutive Ifarmaduke is nursing his multifarious grievances when a cracksman enters the house, but the burglar declines to listen to the boy's suggestion that the safe be "cracked" immediately, and takes his departure. Not to be outdone, the youngster follows him to his quarters—a den which acts as a shelter for a gang of thieves. Dispute as to who shall "own the kid" leads to a fight between the leader and Dumbell, the tool, hut the latter secures the verdict, and departs with the child. In rags, both tramp the highways, sleeping and eating whenever fortune smiles. They encounter many exciting adventures, some just a trifle above the quality for which the lad had longed, and the climax is reached when Dumbell is arrested for abducting Uarmaduke. The happy' ending arrives, however, with the knowledge that the so-called burglar is, in reality, a member of the Federal Secret Service, and has finally succeeded in capturing the gang of which he was a pseudo-mem-ber. A delightful love theme is interwoven, and the action moves rapidly. The second feature is "Minnie," a Marshall Neilan production featuring Leatrice Joy and Matt Moore.,;, Minnie was lik<! some stunted sickly flo-jrer, thrust among the roses. She did not fade away and die_ as they do, however, but she struggled against what God had given her, and finally she triumphed, and blossomed resplendent— a perpetual bloom. Minnie had an unattractive face—a heart-breaking affliction to a sensitive girl, and the very human story of her struggle with Fate is unfolded in

"Minnie.'' The little heroins lives with her ancient father. She is by. no means endowed with beauty, but at first Bile is too young to heed the snub 3 of other girls. Minnie is happy with herself. Then comes tragedy. Minnie's sensitive heart rebels because she has no truo lover. To appease her desperation she writes love letters and posts flowers to herseif. The tragedy is accentuated when her plan is found out, and she is threatened with ridicule. A reporter obtains the story, and threatens to publish it, but sentiment outweighs duty, and Minnie is saved. Minnie ut length finds a true lover, and her appearance is transformed by the skill of the surgeon. The pictpre is a masterpiece of simplicity. Leatrice Joy portrays the heart-breaking girl with appealing sincerity. The love affairs of Minnie's inventive father are most humorous. The latest Patho Gazette will be included in the supports, and the Liberty Quality Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Howard Moody, will play special musical selections. The box plans are now open at the Bristol Piano Co. GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. "TRIFLING WITH HONOTIR," A U^ l " VERSAL-JEWEL MASTERPIECE. • "CONQUERING- THE 'WOMAN," STARRING FLORENCE YIDO'B. "What Wives Want," "Till We Meet Again," and current'BUCceasful programme oi motion pictures will be (Sown at Greater Crystal Paiace for the laat times this afternoon, and to-night,- and tne big Symphony Orchestra, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, will play at both sessions. The manager of Greater Crystal Palace, Mx V. H. Heeoe, recommends the programme tor next we&K, commencing Monday, as one of tne biggest and best ever presented under his management. Tno, Universal-Jewel masterpiece, "Trifling Witii Honour," 13 an eight-reel super production, and "Conquering The Woman" is seven thousand feet in length, <so that the- new programme is easi.y the longest ever presented at Greater Crystal Palace. How a man's du&l personality can clash with itself, stripping one si<ie of his nature bare of 1 its grossness, rekindling it with the fire of his better self, is pictured vividly in "Trifling With Honour." ■ ■ ■

it is the story of a professional baseball player who had won the distinction of being the crack hitter of his league and held the esteem of every fan who had ever seen him play, but whose memory waa darkened with visions of gray days spent within prison walls. Bat Shugrue was an alias for a chap who was known in the underworld as the "Gas-Pipe Kid"; the "Kid" had done hiß "bit" in San Quentin prison, had been paroled, but violated his parole on the first day away from prison. He turned to professional baseball to mask his identity, his old life faded and he became one of the sensations of the baseball world. But not so his old self. There was bitterness towards mankind in Bat Shugrue's,. heart, and he felt no thrill in the baseball world's applause, although it did please his vanity. A newspaper article on his life, which pictured him as the ideal type of •manhood that his work on the baseball field expressed, awakened Bat to the realisation that every kid who hero-worshipped him for his ability to hit the ball would read the article and believe in him. A messenger boy who championed him overheard a bit of conversation which hintei strongly of intrigue, with Bat Shugrue in the role of double-crossing his own team. How Bat was brought face to face with the biggest decision of his life, with the trust of a boy balancing an iron gate barring his freedom, presents a, gripping human interest drama. Bat stayed true to the faith of the boy, and out of the horror that had gripped his soul grew the first real moments of happiness that he had ever known. The story was written by W. Slavens McNutt and filmed under the direction of Harry Pollard, who made "The Leather Pushers." A powerful cast is headed by such well-known players as Kockcliffe Pellowes, Fritzi Ridgeway, Buddy Messinger and Hayden Stevenson.

Florenoe Vidor implores the ladies to uphold her position in "Conquering the Woman," which is the second big feature on the new programme. Always she had been allowed to have her own way by her indulgent father and now, when it comes to the greatest decision of her life—her choice of a husband—father interferes I Woul* yo u tolerate such interference? Would you like being stranded on a South Sea. island for three months? Would you let your spirit be broken? Your will bent? Your independence threatened? "Conquering the Wo. man" is serious in theme but humorous in its treatment.

The supporting films are the fifth rnagnificent chapter of the great thrill drama "Around The World in 18 Days," a very funny Century comedy, and the latest Infbermatiiona.l News fcm. Besides, at the afternoon sessions only there will be screened the second chapter of "The Timber Queen," which is recommended* especially a s suitable to children as well as adults Following the usual custom, particulars of next weeks musical programme will be announced in Monday's newspapers. The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crvslsl Palace, number 3758. * W

GRAND THEATRE. "CAKNrVAL" AXD "AT THE EXD OF THE WORLD." The new programme to ba 6hown »t the Grand Theatre to-day is headed by "CarniTal." This photoplay is laid in historic | Venice at carnival time, the gayest time of the year, which begins 0:1 the twelfth night [ and ends at midnight on Shrove Tuesday. The scenes were actually taken in tha romantic old city, which has been the background for so many wonderful plays from the time of Shakespeare up to the present day. and the action takes place on the Grand Canal, in the Square of St. Mark s, with its famous Cathedral, the Bridge of Sighs, the Campanile and other famous spots. llatheson Lang, the great Englisn actor, plays the part of Silvio Steno, a iameu9 Italian player. His portrayal 01 the character forms a piece of dramatic acting that is said to be notable in the annals of the screen. In the story Silvio goes on the stage as "Othello." Then he finds himself face to face with a similar situation in his own life. The picture shows Venice at carnival time, the gondolas on the Grand Canal, filled with merrymakers, the wonderful display of night fireworks, a sumptuous masked ball, thousands of merrymakers in the most fanciful, beautiful, grotesque costumes imaginable. And throughout there runs the sombre thread of impending tragedy, which fortunately does not eventuate. The supporting feature is the big Paramount production, "At the End of the World," starring Betty Compson. The story concerns the beautiful daughter of an Englishman who keeps a gambling hall and cafe in Shanghai, China. The father is killed in a gambling row, and the girl, although in love with Gordon Deane, marries William Blaine, a Shanghai banker, thinking Deane has gone away never to return. As the story progresses, the destinies of two other men, Donald MacGregor, a deeply religious seafaring man who believes that ■Cherry loves him, and Harvey Allen, a weakling who commits a forgery in order to shower her with gifts, are interwoven with her own. The climax takes place on a faraway lighthouse island, where Fate li3s brought the three men and the girl together. Milton Sills is leading man, and in the supporting company are Mitchell Lewis, Casson Ferguson, Spottiswode Aitken, Joseph Kilgour, and others. Penrhyn Stanlaws was director. The comedy element is supplied in the programme by the inimitable Charlie Chaplin in "The Henpecked Spouse."

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "ADAM AND EVA," STARRING MARION DAVIES. "YOUTH TO YOUTH," STARRING BILLIE DOVE. i • j. A little bit of Venice, with its winding canals and its picturesque gondolas is seen in Cosmopolitan's picturisation of the famous stage comedy, "Adam and Eva," with Marion Davies as star. The picture will be the feature at Everybody's Theatre in Monday. In converting a section of the beautiful estates, loaned by "William L. Marks, its owner, into a remarkable reproduction of Venetian carnival scenes, a veritable army of carpenters, electricians, and mechanics were utilised. The dilemma of a millionaire blessed with a pretty but somewhat unmanageable daughter leads to the entertaining incidents which go to form the story. The picture, which was produced by Robert G. Vignola, the director of "When Knighthood was in Flower," has a boauty of setting which should make an equal appeal to all, while the story should entertain the most exacting. The millionaire father comes home one evening, and is quite disgusted with the useless ornaments of society which flutter round his daughter Eva. He goes away for a while, leaving his salesman, Adam Smith, _in charge. Adam gives it forth that the millionaire has lost his fortune, upon which the social humbugs disappear, and Eva shows that she is not afraid to work. However, after a salutary lesson has been taught, explanations follow, and the happy ending is eventually brought about. The Btory is told with a good deal of humour that makes it thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. An admirable cast has been assembled to ensure the complete success of tho produc'tion. Those who saw Marion Davies in "When Knighthood was in Flower," may look forward to another pleasing interpretation as Eva in the present production. A Uvtro film. ""S-outhi to Youth." introducing a new actress, Billie Dove, will also be shown. It tells of the adventures of "a young and beautiful country girl, whom Dam.e Fortune made a famous stage star. A delightful musical programme will be given by .Everybody's Select Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr W. J. Bellingham, F.S.M. Chief among the items are the following:—Overture, "William Tell" (Rossini); suites, VPassepied". (Delibes); "Menuette All'antico" (Karganoff) ; i "Morris Danse" (Noble); "Danse OrienI tale" (Lubomorsky); entr'acte, "Mimi" (Conrad); light selections: "Don Pasquale" (Donizetti), "lies Dragons de Villars" (Maillart). Reserved seats may be obtained either at The Bristol or by 'phoning 4925. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO" ON MONDAY. For nearly three-quarters of je century the leading public of- the world has been thrilled and inspired by Dumas's remarkable romance, "Monte Cristo." Practically everyone read it first in youth, only to pick up the volume, in later years and enjoy it again. Since 1854 "Monte Cristo" has been a powerful magnet' for the dramatic stage. Various plays founded upon "Monte Cristo" were acted from timer to time, but it remained for the veteran of the stage, James O'Neil, to finally crystalise in dramatic form thin wonderful epic. For 34 years he thrilled great audiences with his masterful portrayal of Edmund Dantes. JNow it has been filmed by the William For studios, and will be screened for the first time in Christchurch at the Queen's Theatre on Monday.' Commenting on the Auckland presentation of the picture, the "Herald" said:—"lt ranks as one of the greatest productions of the year, and has not only spectacular, but dramatio value. John Gilbert gives a striking portrayal in the title role, and Estelle Taylor is excellent as Mercedes. William V. Mong, Robert McKim, Ralph Clonlinger, Spottiswode Aitken, Albert Prisco, Virginia i'aire, Gaston Glass, and other fine artists figure in the cast. . . The details are perfect. The producer of the picture has presented to the publio a splendid dramatic version of one of the world's greatest pieces of literature. The Auckland "Star" critic si-id: "A great production, superbly acted by a, great cast, and capably directed, | sums up the Willwm Fox production of 'Monte Cristo.' The romance is fascinating as literature, the plot has been woven into a gripping play, and now Mr Fox has combined all its fascination and dramatio qualities- into one of the most elaborate and thrilling of photoplays. None of the dramatic quality of the story is lost, the stage settings and ecenic display being most elaborate." The box plan is open at Webley's. STRAND THEATRE. "THE STORM." The programme at the Strand Theatre commencing, to-day is headed by the "Universal production, "The Storm," starring House Peters, Virginia Valli, Matt Moore, and Josef Swickard. David Stewart, blase rounder of the cities, has seen too much of life and is beginning to love the straight, clean Northwcod3. He saves Burr Winton, a great honest hulk of a woodsman, from robbery and possible injury at the hands of a gang in a trading post, where Burr comes for supplies. A friendship develops, which results in taking David back with him to his valley trapping domain, where for four months snow will hem them in, where women never come. (But a few days before the snow Burr 13 visited unexpectedly by Fachard, a Canuck smuggler, and his daughter. Fachard has been wounded by the Canadian Mounteds and dies. Snow then chains Burr and David with the girl for winter, in the lnrely shack 'midst the snow-driven wilds of the North. The two men's eyes follow the girl's every move, drinkin" in her charm, and admiring the pure whiteness of her loveliness. Each man flushes with jealousy as he catches the other's eye. Manette, the beautiful and fascinating, rests on the rouzh wooden couch, and through half-closed eyes watches her Swo companions puzzled and agitated. The call of love comes, but in her primitive way she cannot decide which must be her mate for life. Dave was a city fellow with all the polish of a gentleman, and •his words of wonderful love run through her brain Burr in-all his rugged, elemental and gawkish adoration appeals to her in a different way. Manette's choice brings her lore and contentment in the wonderful realms of matrimony. The supports »re 1 •P DQ. " a Leo Moran comedy, the I ilain." chanter 9. aarLan International Nesia.