AMUSEMENTS. FULLERS' OPERA HOUSE.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17938, 5 December 1923, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

FULLERS' OPERA HOUSE.

PICTURE HOUSES. graUd theatre. Good, pictures, combined with » novelty, in music by radio, should attract bumper hou3e3 to tho Grand Theatre this weei. The radio music is used in conjunction with the principal picture, "Thorns and Orangs Blossoms," with -much effect. For sheer pictorial beauty few motion pictures have ever approached the perfection reached ii> "Thorns and Orange Blossoms." Kenneth Harlan. Edith Roberts, and Estella Taylor are all starred. The slory tran3pi:-es in Madrid and New Orleans, where luxuriant gaidens, shadowy patios, and tropical sunsets delight the eyes. Estelle Taylor, who plays Rosita, the fascinating prima donna. contributes a Spanish dance of beauty, vrliich offsets her gofgeou3 costumes of richly-embroidered shawls, high oombs, lovely fans, and mantillas of rare lace. The big supporting picture is "Two Weeks," featuring Constanco Talmadge, who as the chorus girl who has amusing adventures with three crusty old bachelors, does some of tor best work. A short comedy and a travelogue complete a lino programme.

LIBERTY THEATRE. "The Isle of Lost Ships," which is the star picture at the Liberty Theatre this week, thoroughly deserves all the good notices it has received. Before seeing this master piece of screen art, ono can hardly believe that such a thing as novelty of plot exists, for in recent years, the hundreds and hundreds of movie films seem to iiavo exhausted every conceivable variety of story. Between the Atlantic Equatorial current and the Uulf Stream, we are told, thero is a of ocean which ia not affected by ocean currents, and the surface of which is covered with dense masses of seaweed. That weird, stagnant place is called the Saragossa Sea, and strungo tales are told by mariners o_f_the derelict ships which drift up there and form the "Isle 01 Lost Ships." it is not difficult to itnagina that with skilful direction a really fascinating romance could be built round that amazing set of circumstances*. The supporting programme is an entertainment in itself, and is composed of a good; drama, "Children of the Dust," a diverting Majc Sennett comedy, "When, Summer Comes," and two fine gazettes. High-grade music supplied by the Liberty Quality Orchestra makes the la3t component part of an enjoyable evening.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Skid-proof" i 3 the big picture this weak at the Queen's Tlit&tro. The scenes of this picture were laid in New York at tha time of the transcontinental auto-race, and the scenes dash boldly from thrill to thrill in a wonderful series of kaleidoscopic views. The second attraction is Univeraal'a latest feature, "The Love Brand," starring Boy Stewart. It is a sensational stoi£ taken on one of the largest ranches in America. The scenes on this ranch are wonderful and show all hands at their usual work. There is a splendid supporting and musical programme.

STRAND THEATRE. >, t ,• 11.

"Under l'wo Flags" makes euch a decided appeal in book form that the success of the film version of the -story is assured. Priscilla Dean has in Cigarette a part which gives her wonderful scope, and she ia always convincing as the impetuous and warmhearted Vivandiero. Victor, tho hero, is apathetio whether he enlists in tha French or Arabian forces, but Cigarette, dicing for him, wins him for her beloved France. Nettled by the gallant bearing and evident breeding of "Corporal Victor," the French commandant seeks to humiliate him befor» a visitor, Lady Corona d'Amague, who, through interest in a set of ivory chessmen Victor has carved, discovers that she knew him in the old days when he was a British officer and nobleman, Cigarette is at all tlmesr suspicious, jealous, and alternately wildly happy and depressed. She discovers that Victor haa been condemned to be shot, and that the Sheik Ben Ali plana a night attack on the French barracks. Hhen follows her wild, mad rido to save both her beloved army comrades and the condemned Victor. In one of the greatest scenes ever recorded' on the silv6r screen, comes the climax that has made the etory of "Under Two Flags" immortal. Baby Peggy in "Peggy Behave" (comedy), "Oregon Trail" (Chapter 3), and an International News, complete {he bill.

— Even the heat is not apparent at the Opera Houso, bo brig Tit and breezy is the current programme. The vaudeville Bection introduces two new artistes in Bertram and Raymond, who excel in work of the musical comedy type. Mr Fred. Keeley and Miss 'lvy Aldoua again kept the audience well interested by a bright, clean turn, Mr Jack Trent and Sadie are always amusing, and Mr Leo. Martin extracts jazz music'from all kinds of instruments, orthodox and unorthodox. The second part is well filied by the Sunbeam Revue Co. in "The Dress Rehearsal." Mr Doddy Hurl provides peals of laughter, and is well supported by his- clever and talented company. The music provided by Mr Albert Bidgood and his orchestra is always a feature of the show.