AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17936, 3 December 1923, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

Lgggg HOUSES, 1 ■ Jcn .«oa"y WCDEDPICICE£' \gt@ fT"7~bI ths motion picproduction teen acpraw® 4io ha^B b&£l~ —* v l3l, fi : , „ the Universal whicli heads the ~ eaU z Im&Hj interesting was P »i» « nd ieatured ° l ,!i9 dircctor " wee TinpreP ttroci JX in tha Ue organ-grinder on latind of lennatho castins director r(HIlz over lists « ler te e«t x rpf th f t the principal male t„ Army oflacer, the Norman Kerry was to tha part of i»r »U o! V ho oon " fcs made hifi por■tuid forth 118 maa " ■jaiborne, l)a!o Fultfwds Gwrfft and •088 <^ r well-known for the build|nd actual shoot--308 thousand extras the greater part of that each detail of bwlntely true to liie „» during the festive world war, Sector etafl of .peciahsta ctwrmph. and obtain „ to tho fllxn. Iho th» picture, and one of engineering work n witn the produoru tho reproduction he Prater. So maris that many of the itol rtatied that they U»t they were in nenin* ww i™" dmwsd oamage and by King Charles of is army ofneers umMDt and also take (Hoy Uom Lloyda at ol pre-war day* and ins of the days iuet letting to the story, n inteuso degree and itional roles for the he »oenes along the f well don®, i reproduction of the "mversal City under (in Albert Conti and ,f tho players, both til of Austria. » are the fifth big i'a Talons," ft very and the latect laooßjunctlon with toe mokioa pictures, tho Ira, under the di«p of Mr Alfred-.J. magßiflcetit musical odes the following 1 Humbert Overture, ) : Orowa of restd* Eepagnole tot!' {Vaughan Wili" (Landon Ronald) ; 'TTh# Land of Joy" Orerture" (Langey); Eishar); "Blue DinJoufsel! *, Pieoe of, >ot Tootsie" (Huaso); 11 Unt?" (Hall). Briital, or seats Mtyhooittg Gfl-eatet 3758.

■ and inaccuracies ft? picture proves mo3fc i* ihe tirandiere'of wfe tnd mira of th»*army BMHBIMIIit. ulud, to enlist, and he dM« ■£§§ HKftdiiiitLjf* to ai|Ut

gBOGTUxruroutstanding to be proconuMaciA? Wer ® laid uj '» wonderful Mwtioaa, a headPopular star'® burning bridges, <2? Ola *P*cdio? aerjj■KQSrr, aro pro The second Stewart. It is a brcaketory JUta version is ®*trcaoely eny°Mg cattleman ' gtri i > °* * k » infatuated -with °* Saatora '.SSSW<Ji*poB« 67 tho **»» effeoHRSr' a-ud the plan. supporting:

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE, "THE; TIGER'S CLAW," STARRINGJACK HOLT ANt> ETA XOTAE. "ENTER MADAME," STARRING! CLARA KIMBALL YOUNG AND ELLIOTT DEXTEU. In T.'kat is easily the most thrilling picture of his caroor, aa a star, Jack Holt will niako hundred* of new frienda when they eeo liim .in "The Tiger's Clivr," a new picturo coming to Everybody'* Theatre this week, commencing at the matinee today. Not, only is tho conflict of a. man's love fighting against his duty a. big part of tho story, but there are ianumcra'j'o thrills uncommon to motion pictures. How many thrills cad bo packed into a single avo or six-real photopuy without destroying tho plot value or b<smuddling the story? In '"il'.e Tiger'u Claw" tho question has been satisfactorily answered. Thero aro distinct and •unusual chmaxcs in the picture, each building up greater and more iieur'Unripping than lae one preceding. Among some of these thrills are a battio between Mr Holt and a fullgrown Bengal tiger; the dynamiting of a water dam; thj strange ceremony of the Thugecs (numbers of a Hindoo religious clan) before killing their victim; the washing away of Mr Holt in a gigantic flood; Mr Holt'b wild horeeback ride and leap over a canyon v/here the bridge is down; the death of Chameli and six other exciting situations just as powerful as those named. Eva Novak, who played tho leading part opposite Mr Holt in "Making a Man," plays the feminine lead. George Periolat and George Field, two well-known, character actors, huvo important roles. Tho remainder of tho cast includes Ajleen Pringle, Karl Stockdale, Evelyn Selbio, Erank (Butler, Bertram Grasaby, Robert Dudley, Frederick Vroom, and others.

' Entir Madame," tie oupoxting feature on the programme, is a- brilliant comedy, smart in its linee, exciting in its situations, novel in it« theme, and tender in its pathos. It watisfiea a desira that most people have—a curiosity to know how those of the stage live in their own homes, away from the glittering splendour of the theitre, with its lights and flowers and its shallo* emotions. It shows how a successful American business man cracks under tho strain of sereing merely as his talented wife's husband. It shows his revolt—only a temporary one however, and his ultimute ictura to the charming woman whose brilliance has beoome a, necessary adjunct to his own happiness.

Cla.rn; Kimball Young appears in the stellar role as Madame Delia Robbia, and has never been seen in a> part which suits her better. Fitted by personality, physique, &nd temperament for the Miss Young makes it vivid, pulsating with Italian gaiety, throbbing with lotc and life. It is a thoroughly distinguished portrayal, the most notable of all which thie gifted aotres» has contributed to the ecreen. Elliott Detter plays opposite Miss Young. A beautiful inusicsJ programme has been arranged by Mr "W. J. Belllngham, F.S.M., for Everybody's "Select" Orchestra. Chief among the items are the following:—Overture "Hienzi," Wagner; suites "Woodland Sketches," MacDowell; "Serenade," Widor; symphony, "G Major" (Oxford), Haydn; grand operi., "Iphigene «n Aulide," Gluck; ballet music, "Le Fete de chet Theresa.'' Hahn; entr'acte, "Andantino," Lemare; light selections, "South Sea Isles," GcrschWin; "Crown Diamonds," Auber; novelty waltzes, "Indiana Moon," Dovia; "That Haunting Waltz," Goldstein. As usual, reserved seats may be obtained either at The Bristol or by telephoning number 4629.

GRAND THEATRE. PICTURES AND RADIO MUSIC. . Tho management of the Grand Theatre this week has set itself the tsaic of providing an ur<u*ual performance and it h»a succeeded. The two principal pictures, "Thorns and Oiange Blossoms," and "Two Woeks," would thSmsolves have attracted good houses, but th > wireless enthusiasts, who now are no small band, were also attracted to tho theatro b<: tho opportunity pf hearing music broad, ci.ited and received "py experts. The music whh broadcasted from the Radio oocttty s centtal station in High street, , and was recoivod quite clearly in the theatre. Caclain scenes in "Thorns and Orange Bloaaome show the Motion of broadcwting a famous prima donna'n singing of "La Palomo. ana a realistic effect is produced. Ihe croadcusting of the Grind Orcheatras musio also tt.ke» plaoe, and tho whole of this part of the programme, besides being first-cUes enturtalmaeiat, provides «* valuable eoa in tie achievements and possibilities of W For "pkitorikl beauty few motion pictures havo <rver approached tho perfection reached in "Thorns and Orange Blossoms, tho chief feature on tho now Kenneth Harlen, Edith Roberts, and Eistelle Tttrlo* we all started. The story transpires iifi Madrid »nd HW Orleans, where luxuriant gittdens, fchadowy ?»«<» i lO^ 041 sunsets flight the «?*>. Ebtelle laylor, wko plays Rositi, the fascinating rnma datma, contributes « tpwiiah type of beauty which offsets tor gorfeeou* coatuwea of richly embroidered shawls, high ccaibs, lovely fans, and nwintillas of rare lade. Kenneth Harlan plays, the part ofp® American whote affeotions are divided between a dashing Spanish prima donna and a little American girl. The settings of Spain Bed afe beautiful and picturesque, enhanced by photograpby that is in itself a ,-aio gchievemfent. Thfc big supporting pictavfl it "Two Weeks," featuring Constance Ttlraadge, who as the chorus girl who haa Mnusine adventures with thrte crusty old bachelors, does some of her best work. A short oomedy and a travoiogue complete a fins programme.

LIBERTY THEATRE. "XHS ISLE OP LOS! SHIPS." A WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT. 3.he moat forceful tupeiiatirea ii-S.ro applied bo ol'tca in eo ajiny undeserrin;; cases, tlist one is aimqat at a lass to what to say whin a programme of outstacding merit comes along. Seldom do Christchurch theatregoers ha.~o tho opportunity of seeing euch & splendid array of pictures as maka up this -cccek'o bill at tho Libert? Theatre. In bis managerial now, Mr Claude ilmgh express;d tho pleasure ho l'rlt in able to present fi. programme of a:l round excellence, and tho hucdrcd-3 of people who tcok l im at hi.i word ttcto entirely satisfied. On Saturday night r capacity houso gave the pictures a/.d mu=ie an euthusisatic jocepticrn, unci ilio general verdict, cspresjod in the terms of (ho «mall boys who f-queeied into a. scat in iho first row, "It's out on it 3 ofm.''

Tho management has a riglit to bo proud ot tho main picture on the bill, "The Js.'o of Lost Ships," besides Leiiig a wonderful achievement of artistic production, is a fascinating screen sto:y. Before seeiug thi» naapterpiece of screen art, ono can -hardly believe that such a thing as novelty of plot exist 3, ior in recent yeara, the huiidred3 and hundreds of rnovis films seem to have exhaufted every conceivable variety of storr. However, "The Isle of Lest iShips" is built on absolutely new linca, and its plan is refreshingly novel. Tho directing genius, Maurice Tourneur, who will be remembered for his many great productions, is r-esponsiWa for the nlm, and he has made it worthy of that much-abuaed adjective, magnificent. Oiie cannot eay much more. Between the Atlantic Equatorial current and the Gulf Stream, we arc told, there 13 a. tract cf ocean which ia not affected by ocean currents, and tho 6Urface of which 13 covered with denso masses of seaweed. That weird, stagnant placo is called the SargasEO Sea, and strange tales sro told by mariners ol tho derelict ships which drift up thero end form tho "Isle of Lost Ships." It *3 not difficult to imagine that with skilful direction, a really fascinating romance could bo built round that amazing set of circumstances. The opening scenes depict a dinner m a Mexican port 011 the night before an Atlantic liner sails, and at which tho captain spins a tale of tho Sargasso Sea to a fair passenger, a Miss Fairfax. On tho same night in thfe slums of the city, an escaped murderer named Howard, once an officer in t'lo United States Navy, ia captured by a sleulli called Jackson. They .all sail by tho ship in the morning. Calm weather and pleasant conditions prerail on the first day out, but soon an Atlantic storm blow 3 up. Mountainous seas smash over the vessel, but she ploughs on with lier powerful turbine's until tho look-out catches a, glimpse of a halfsubmerged derelict right under her bows. Thero is a rending crash, and the ship starts to settle down. In tho morning the squall has gone, and the liner, in a sinking condition, hfcaves on the swell. Tho life-boats aro swung out and the crew and passengers prepare to leivo. The dotective goes to release Howard from his handcuffs, and when they get up to the deck they find tho last boat has gone, Fato throws tho millionaire's daughter, tho detective, and the convicted mujderer together on a drifting wreck in midocean. There are plenty of stores on the ship, and tho three voyagers faro well while tho boat, sinking gradually, is slowly drawn by ocean currents to that back-water of tho ccean, ihe J argaeao Soa. Tho masses of kelp become denser, and then, ono day, it is discoverixl that ~l h e ship has reached tho "Islo of' Lost"" Ships," whence no man lias ever returned. Here lie tho rotting galleons of Spain, side by side with scarred wrecks of the tumultuous years of the Great War. Oaken sloops and frigates of lo3t Elizabethan adventurers and "missing" liners that never reached port, aro piled up on tho thick bed of seaweed, to form an unparalleled scene of utter desolation. And from tha ends of the earth also, had been washed up a motley crew of cut-throats and seafarers who eke out an existence on tha "lele." The aowoomera discover that the original inhabitants hare an unpleasant eidc. The burly captain, who rules the colony, has put himself in command by his superior physical strength, and hiß word is law. The beautiful girl captivates hie fancy, and from thence forward there is a succession of adventures which will thrill tho most blase picturegoer. How the intrepid adventures escape from the Islo and its bloodthirsty inhabitants, makes an opiscdo which would spoil in the telling. Tho clirxs is novel and unexpected, and tho end is as it should be in all good motion picturos. Artistically, the production is perfect. The "IbIo" settings are nothing short of wonderful, and tho storm set/tea are perhaps the most realistic that havo ever been filmed. It lias also, the advantage of an all-star cast. The heroine is charming Anna Q. Nilseon, and the manly hero, Milton Bills. Waltoa Long and many other finished artist 3 havo parts of lesser importance. An attractive quality about the picturo ia that it does not strike one ft» being "overdone" in the slightest detail. No one can Bay that the story is impossible or even improbable. Most people would be more than satisfied •with "The Isle of Loot Ships" alone, but the Liberty provides (Several other first-class pictures, including a fine drama entitled "Children of the Dust." This takes the form of a dtory told by an old gatekeeper at Grameroy Park, a private garden in New York City. In tho garden play two little rich ohildren, and Terwilliger, the expressman's child, makes their acquaintance by climbing tho gato. Fired by the painting of Sir Galahad, Terwilliger and tho rich boy Harvey, form the league of tho Knights in quest of the Holy Grail, and set out to rout the "Third avenue gang." The faire ladyo in tho case is Helen, the rich little girl. The three gro>v up together, and Terwilliger real is ss his childhood's dream o£ owning a big express business. Ho feels thac Helen ia fitted to be the wife of Harvey, "the last of the Raymonds," and so ho never spcMLks 'of love. Tho war happens ulczig, and tho two frienda find thamesalveo fighting together in France. Then there is a Had homecoming, for Terwilligar is believed to havo been killed, but the romance ende in a happier strain. The story ia simple but effective. Tho sterling character of Terwilliger, his strength of friendship, and his selfsacrifice, inak© tho motif for tho piece, which is entirely pleasing. In the cast ar» x'auleno Garon, Lloyd Hughes, and Johns 7 Walker. "When -Summer Comes" is 11 diverting Mack Sennett Comedy, of a variety "which is Been too seldom.- It seems that it is a romance of the "gTeat outside," but such a collection of wild animals is rarely eeen outpido a zoo. Tho eternal triangle of tho bathing beauty heroine, tho unscrupulous villain, and tha hero, whoso good looks and manliness aro alike open to question, is managed in a capable inannor. Not tho least humcroiiß situation occurs when the lions invado tho hunting lodge and proceed to play "cat and mouse" with tho occupants. There are aho .two of the latest gazettes, with interesting items from all over the world, including eom.-> excellent pictures of tho yachting at Cow*. "-be Liberty Quality Orchestra, under tho direction of Mr Howard Moody, plays a delightful musical programme. Tbo entr acte, "Kismet," was gMeted with a storm of applause on Saturday night, and it had to be replayed. Tho musical numbers include: "Kissing Time" (selection), (Caryll); "Pastorale" (Cesar Franak), "The Judgment of Paris' (si(ite), (Mouton), "Carnaval" (Guiraud), "Berceuse" (Gaubert), "Andanto" (Massenet), "Solitude" (Godand), "Kismet" (entr'acte) (Heulere), "Twilight" (trio) (Huerter), Messrs Eilwood, Moodv, and Dicks? nI ( P iani> 50l °). M r Howard Moody (McDowell).