AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17923, 17 November 1923, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE' HOUSES. LIBERTY THEATRE. ATT AMAZING 'SPECTACLE. SARDOU'S IMMORTAL DRAMA, "THEODORA." "Theodora," which trill head the new programme at the Liberty Theatre to-day, is a glittering Italian super-production, and is described as "the gireateat screen specthe world has ever known." Fourteen hundred years ago, Constantinople, or Byzantium as it was then called, was the capital city of the civilised world. It is against this colourful background that the story of "Theodora" i is laid. From humble beginnings, Theodora, the daughter of a iion-tamer at the Circus Alaximus, was sent on the stage while BtTU a child, to earn her living, and delighted Byzantium arowds with 'he spirit and impudence of her acting in ;he rough farces of the times. Becoming a noted actress, she left Byzantium, for Pentapolis, in Northern Africa, with the newlyappointed governor of that province, but »oon quarrelled with him ana returned to ker former life of gaiety at the capital. There she attracted the attention of the reigning Emporor's nephew, Justinian, 'but could not overcome the opposition of his aunt, the Empress Euphemia. When the latter died, and Constantino's law against senators marrying women of the stage had been repealed, Justinian and Theodcra were united, and shortly after, on the death of Justin First, they became Emperor and Empress* of the Roman world. In spite of the disparity of their ages, Theodora being some twenty years his junior, she seems to have completely dominated Justinian, and practically ruled the empire. Though the erratio character of heir early life i 3 seen to colour her actions, yet with the exception of the one love affair which led _to Iter downfall, the subject of the story appears an irreproachable wife. Indeed, she showed herself most zealou3 for the moral reformation of Byzantium, becoming an incessant matchmaler among the personages of her court, enforcing severely the laws against vice. And yet, endowed as she was with beauty, intellectual gifts, and an imperious will sufficient to control an empire, Bhe at last fell a prey to an evil passion for one of her suojects, the victim of her own duplicity. She died, aB she had lived, an empress. Architecturally, alone, forgetting for the moment every element of drama in it,, "Theodora" is a marvel of marvels. It is as if all the glories of ancient Byzantium had 'been transferred untarnished _to the twentieth century. The visions whicH the screen presents of palaces, pavilions, gardens, broad stairways mounting io dizzy heights, frowning battlements, grim prisons, noble arches —these aTe remarkable. But most remarkable of all is the replica of the indent hippodrome. The management of the terror-stricken masses is oaid to he the finest feat in the motion picture yet seen. The production will Bo made the more impressive by the fine orchestral accompaniment of the Liberty Duality Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Howard Moody. x Box plans are now open at The Bristol Piano Co. - ' GREATER CRYSTAL PAI<ACE. "BREAKING HOME TIES" WITH ALLSTAR CAST. "McGUIRB OF THE MOUNTED-,'? . FEATURING WM. DESMOND. "The Self-made Wife," "The Road to London," and ourrent successful programme of motion pictures will be shown at Greater ' Crystal Palace for the last times this afternoon and to-night, and the world-famous Symphony Orohestra, under the distinguished conductorship' of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, wili tplay at both sessions. ".' "Breaking Home Ties,"' the Associated Exhibitors' .masterpiece, which heads next week's new programme, commencing Monday, is a drama that touches every man's life and echoes in, every home because. it concerns that invisible yet powerful force, the family circle. It shows how, though the circle may be broken and gaps left in it, no matter what may stand between a man and his home, there is always that yearning of the old hearts for the young who have, left, and the longing- of the young for the shelter and protection of the home hearth and the mother heart. The story begins in the beautiful home of a happy, congenial family, so generous and kindly-hearted that they take in from the streets, a penniless starved musician. They 'accept him as one of the family and even give him the .'violin that was to have brought fame to the eldest eon ot their- home until War claimeds him. Then at the height of their happiness,'and,success-came -the crash—in a •moment>''of.ahg6r and jealousy the son cornto,- mifted/a 'crime— he must flee'the. - good-byes—pouring rain—a spraddy •ioads-f-a.ihad.dash away front-, ;th>: ,liw. :.TheJt'=yeara .of. separation. to the ,»ndv ; ,Bohietihies "being- vso'■. close-:/together, ■ ■tto^a^v^iffi«' r -too^ ; 'ii;'''tnat- : -faftleir , B and aon'a .bands ;h earlv, touohed. It is a story of and strength, designed to bring. Tamilisithat will turn tears into. rainbows'.'of -happiness. "Breaking Home Ties" is SX'Jaym£hony-.of life whioh echoes its eVery heart and is a big'.photoplay'which was inspired by the hearjt'vßi)ngr. ofjcenturies, "Eili, Eili," Bim';iliails}!of tie North Canadian borderland, and teails well blazed through, parts of thaf ; \Tiwfc territory, trails followed alike by /■:',' t»p^et,-'natives : and fugitive, are the trails of "McGuire' of Mounted," the Universal photoplay starring* William Desmond, -which is the second big- picture on the new programme. The story has its setting in that beautiful, great unsettled tenritory lying along the last Amerioan frontier, where scattered trading posts furnish the only sign of the coming civilisation. The only law is the law; ©jLthe men who wear the trad opata.of thai Dominion police,-the ''MoimtiesV"/ -And , although the arm of the law 1 , is long, the ' country is vast, and there* are'thousands of hiding places, which "afford refuge for the fugitives of two continents. It is a story filled with intense human interest and dramatio action. A pretty- love theme between .uMcGuire and Juneau, the little daughter of the French-Canadian trapper, is woven into the play. A strong cast headed by Louise Iforrairie and Vera James (the Now Zealand actress) supports the star. Supporting the two big pictures are, the third exciting< and thrilling chapter of "The Eagle's Talons,'? a very funny Century comedy, and the latest International News Aim. ;■"••„■•• Following the established custom particulars of next week's magnificent musical programme will be announced in Monday morning's nowspapeTa. The box plan is' at The Bristol, or seats may be./TeSsrved by telev phoning Greater Crystal Palace; number 3768.

STRAND THEATRE. "THE OREGON TRAIL." "THE GIRL "WHO RAN '".TOD." The talented and charming actress, Gladys .Walton, comes - to the -Strand Theatre today as "M'liss" in "The Girl "Who Ran "Wild." A synopsis of the story is as fol-r lowa: a girl of the mountains, whom everyone called a. little -wildcat, told the -world ehe oculd take care of herself, when her dad died and' left her alone in a shack in the hills. Shabbily clad, her hair knotty and uncombed. M'liss scorned little girls from the city who had mammas and always wore ribbons in their hair. But "* that was before the new schoolmaster came and she began'to, realise how ignorant she was. Of course,-ha was handsome and well- ' mannered. M'liss was not surprised at that, but she could hardly believe her ears when he told her that he loved her and wanted her to go away with him. The little wildcat of the mountains began to study earnestly, to wear -becoming clothes supplied her by her guardians, and awoke to all she had been missing before in her solitary existence in her father's shack. One thing MUiss did not have to learn, and that was the winsome ways of a maid to win a man. Sunshine and happiness enter her life and drive away all shadows of her previous existence. - An?*** 61, big attraction is a most romantic, and adventurous chapter pky entitled Oregon Trail." Art Aoord ' Btar of "Winners of the West" and "In the Days of Buffalo Bill," has the leading role, and he is supported by Louise Lorraine. It" 13. the story of "The Covered Waggon" in serial. " }'; „£%<*^WpPPrfs^are, "Beating the Game." starr.ng Hoot Gibson; "One Horse Town" ■ «n excellent comedy featuring "Queenie!" ,-;■. M*'«on-j,-«nd the latest International News.

GRAND THEATRE. JACKIE COOGAN IN "DADDY." MILDRED HARRIS CHAPLIN IN "THE INFERIOR SEX." A large, old-fashioned trunk is Jackie Coogan's bed in "Daddy," commencing to» | day at the Grand. E. Mason Hopper directed it from the original story by Mr and Mrs Jack Coogan. Much of the action takeß place in the attic home of an aged violinist, who finds Jackie Holden wandering about the streets, and givc3 him a home. There i» only one 6ma:l bed, but Jackie discovers that the trunk contains a soft bottom of clothes, and he appropriates it for sleeping purposes. After assisting his feeble guardian to retire, all Jackie has to do js to undress and open the cover of the trunk. Within he finds his bed prepared. "Daddy" reveals Jackie Coogan at hij beat and extends his juvenile genius to a degree perhaps never equalled on the screen or stage. In one episode, Jackie rises to dramatic heights that establish him as one of the greatest emotional actors ot all time. The supporting cast is of high distinction. It includes Arthur Carewe josie Sedgwick, Bert Woodruff, Anna Townsend, Cesara Gravini. William Lewis, ar.d George Kuwa. "The Inferior Sex" is a picture that carries a tremendous appeal to woman especially, but it also will attract that interest of the'men, for it is n picture dealing with love—the courting days, the honeymoon, wedded life flirtations, divorce, decsit, faith and honour, in fact all the real, throbbing problems of love affair of real people of today—woven into a romance, beautiful, fascinating, and thrilling, with a most surprising climax. Of special interest to women will be the beautiful dresses worn bv the star who appears in a dozen different gowns, all of them the last word in fashionable artistry. The women in the supporting cast also are wonderfully gowned, for this picture deals with the women of wealth and fashion and all are gowned acording to the station in life they represent. The play deals with, the problem of a young married woman whose husband, who vowed eternal lovo in the courtship and honeymoon days, began to slip and show more attention to business than his wife after marriage. ; A short comedy, "The Skipper's Policy, and a pictorial educational film, complete a first-class programme. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. TWO WONDERFUL PICTURES. •'GLIMPSES OF THE MOON," STARRIN GBEIBE DANIELS, NITA NALDI, RUBYE DE REMER, AND DAVID ■ POWELL. "THE HANDS OF NARA," STARRING CLARA KIMBELL YOUNG AND ELLIOTT DEXTER. Allan Dwan, famous aa the producer ot "Robin Hood," has done remairkable work in his first Paramount picture, "The Glimpses of the Moon," adapted f*om Edith Wharton's novel which wi.l bo the main feature at Everybody's Theatre next week, commencing at the matinee on Monday, With Bebe Daniels, Nita lxaldi, Rubye de Remer, David Powell,* M-aurica Costello and ,Chairles Gerrard in th 3 cast and an exceedingly costly investiture, this picture iJ one of the most effective ani-'eiaborate soreen society drama* .thus far- presented to the public. Director Dwan has produced "The Glimpses of.the Moon" with the same lavish hand that fashioned "Robin Hood" for Douglaa Fairbanks. The- Paramount studio was taxed to its capacity for this production. More than three-quarters of a millon dollars' worth of -properties, consisting 'of costly jewellery, expensive hangings, rare oil paintings, and antique furnishings were used to give the picture the rich flavour called for in Mrs Wharton's novel. In the settings o£ wealth and splendour, made for this picture at heavy expense, Director Dwan has woven e, dramatic story of the love of Susie Branch and Nick Lansing and the troubles they encounter in trying to keep pace with their millionaire friendß. Mir Dwan has transferred to the Bereen the picture of sophisticated society people in their highest and lowest moments -which Mrs Wharton eo cleverly put between the pages of her book. Clara Kimball Young has long been recognised as one of- the most.popular ,of motion picture stars;. She has a personal following which is eager to flee her in every new picture. Her reputation as one .of the soreen's leading emotional actaesses has been earned by the excellence of her characterisations' and this popularity insures the suocess of any picture in which she is starred., No actress on the screen surpasses Miss Young in regal beauty, histrionic ability and brilliance of impersonation. . Miss Young in ''The Hands of Nara," which is the second feature- on. the programme, reaches the height of her airtietio career and in her great personal popularity you have an asset of incalculable value from'(the box-office standpoint. ' In -The Hands of Kara,"Ms presented ft story" that is packed full of all the qualities which go to, make, up a motion picture which will have a wide appeal among all classes of patrons. It is a drama of the most absorbing kind ftrom beginning to end. Romance, mystery, excitement and thrills abound and your audiences will watch the adventures of the heroine with that sympathetic interest which \\ the sure sign of approval." : .

A delightful musical, •programing, has been arranged by Mr W. J. Bellingham, F.S.M. for Everybody's "Select" Orchestra. Chief amoqg the items are the following:—Overture,- "Turkish March" (Beethoven); Buites, "Corites de' la Veillee" (Godard); "Valse Caprice," (Rubenatein); "Magic of Love" (Vanis); folk song, "Glory of Russia" (Yovok Krein); song suite, "Three French Songs" (Bemberg); entr'acte, "Intermezzo" (Mascagni); grand opera, "Werther" (Massenet); faUet .music,. "Pairpsatis" (Saint-Saens); incidental music,-"Joseph, and His Brethren" (Bchinid); light selection, "A Kiss in the Dark" (Herbert).'''"" As' usual . seats may be reserved at The Bristol or by 'phoning 4925. QUEEN'S.. THEATRE, MONDAY'S NEW PRpGRAMME. John Gilbert will be Been in the Foz production, ""A CaJifornian Romance," which will be screened at the Queen's Theatre on Monday. This film tells the story of the time when California was, ceded to the United States. The picture is excellently directed, ha* an interesting etory,-.and fine photography. Gilbert's, acting is said to be ecina' to hi* usual cteiling performances. Eetellf Taylor rl av6 tnß 'eading feminine role. The story includes many thrills that carry- the audience along with the action of the picture. Gilbert has an opportunity to show his skill with the sword and make 3 the most of it. Judging from previous photoplays of Iho fitar a pleasant evening's amusement -can be expected. "The Custard Cup," foaturing Mary ■ Carr, will be ths otter attraction of this great programme. It is a bright and entertaining story of modern - life, filled with sunshine and optimism. The characters are all human, many of them delightfully »eo, and the humour is rich and plentiful. Skilfully blended into the plot are a number of sensatione?.? episodes, a- thrilling etcamboat fire and rescue ' acen«s being among theni: A novel feature of this incident is the intro■dncticr.' of a ■ hjrdnplane in the work of rescuo. A' raid on a counterfeiter's den, which, involves "Penzie," the character played by Mary Carr, is another of the dramatic episodes of. the picture. The supports will include a special Clvde Cook comedy, "High Sand Diy." L'atest happenings will be shown in the Fox News. -