AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 17983, 29 January 1924, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

1$ TUBE HOUSES. g jeater crystal palace. tiCPg TILLE A>- D PICTOMS. iWSL L-BAIANCED PB0GBA1IM; "' the tzd T»adeviLo n,. ,1 ■ r. a huse a-udieaco - >=>»»« iU unbonded deh,:hi ¥£**&*' her■ hrat ton unstinted applause. of jnoro tli»n avcra;-> *d..m • '■f l derxuw little h.aa of tb, _ \ K.-J-y ! f,|» bed » wns to sine »00->-t mother'* advice. rh J3 to °'- g. 0 ?!- «!d «3 followed by another tb'hich Miss Knigllt appeared ; % oAooigM. in m »<•» J*vo « Cocl:nc» item, ton, _ ami ' f u" t , jpoken lines were psrUeu.arK- : f'd htr topical illuaiunn caug.il Uio •fee. A negro «> D "> iiraccompan;j : her act. Tim merit oi » ' ' i« enaanccd -ben it i•i IVkt the artist composes tbo sren./r ' fi'lL- ora conga and patter, ifor mt M z of each of tho comedv cliaract i.HlfMTited wes pood, and tier dear 1 tigl tiM materially to her cuccces. J da it well adapted to her choice "I jaJ «bi use' 't to good purponu iu "**: ' (nh of her effects. ■ ' ,g : f Four, tho malo qaartel, Ha pi dosspieiloUß uuccesa last wceV, i , welcome reappearanco thia v.ce.c. •« Kt »» v ' c " established in popular . jci the reception accorded t-hem last A}«d that Christchurch patrons -.vill L tired of tho work of this dovrL > long time. Each member of tho ;n I ipwd .comedy sense, and wlirn IjJ, charge," tbo a.udiencc can settle ia ft Tor; bright half hour. fjart, Its; «ome of tho numbers they 1 ; jbJ lust week, and also presented M r items.- Their Hebrew son? g;," >3 did "Popoio," while "Gcor-S-[3 in quick time,, repeated all jjpj of its fir3t prencntation. Tho 9 «ro Very reluctant, to tako leavu jjnrs, »nii in renponao to a deteji ifflind for more, they gave "Gallapai Sheen." NcedJu=3 to cay thia iliiTn tho houae.'' a pictures, tho principal item of in- , t Univerß»l-Jowel production, "A rij Her Life. 1 ' Thia is another ot llsplendid pictures. Tbiu clever that tho realm of pict'Jru ijntd producing ia not exclusive to :i f»ite eex, for durinc; her career Siier of photoplays sho hua , bteii ill for aorao outstanding euccl-sscs. taat b&B been aflsembled for tho jrpretition of Clara Louiso Bumjsid "Jewel." It ia beaded. by Uiffinrffater, one of America's forctjtaj, and includes Robert Frazicr, " Saler, Ralph Yoarsley, and many ijji of high Btanding. A strong and Hiole is playod by Jano ilercer, a p>.ni!o *ho has, in a short pcricd . »'»looled upon as a "find" in tho rail. The play tolls an appealing l !tfcW»li innoconco and lovo overJiit hiKX feelings of a little circlo ft. Though tho play is dramatic in IS ii rot devoid of a pleasing hum- ' |ii oxa. Thero is a lesson for all ' Sf in this picture, and all who havo >« n «leiiuse to witness it will not rnies jnoltlmt lesson; What exactly is ffiachipter in tho life of tho hcroino Hatkofiir to reveal hero, but it i 3 St tt ct&to that tho picturo is ono . 'fflsM aot bo missed by thoso who ■Jfe(!k»nd action in tho photo-play. A "fc m~ji bs «aid for the splendid phoscenes, both exteriors and inof charming countryaido and • of magnificent mansions jfiiifl tho latter especially come a3 ■■BHw&a to all thoso who admiro tho ' f farnishinga. ~ L ". "Ip? comedy which wina many Newa, and the latWmm& ot tho serial "The Eagic's an excellent picturo pro • iflr'' Orchestra was heard to adprogramme, "The Bohemian • sMftfaifrftrtutfl. It opens with Bmart by a charming audantina ■ ra * waa B''SRW by the woodwind, after fltite 6010 was played by ro'' Tfholo overturo waa brought 1 Pieces" by Massenet was B lKL raccw!l ' Ts '' P^ cco as a B ' T ; jjSffify ' or ®tringfl and oboe wit" ■ &ud %-iolin. No. 2 is n HSfflTh-a third pioco is a quiot time.- Tho orcheßlra played "Tho Pathetiqno Sonata,'* Bffe "Tho Snow ia Dancing," a with . P'gmW, was played with deli)o "by l ® t *wl4nown andantina by Lo* «r»ial lecoivod. "Good-night" ®#twged for etringa by Mr R. •aE*** of the now numbers, and , ®i;lt & very appropriate period. : aggsianerie" (Lacomb), a duet for - ftjwn introduced tho orcbea* 9 v ©ia. Mr DehoHharu r<s ** •: Sg^PplMae for his xylophone eolo, ■-» pUy«l a® an entr'neto. Bicid Dot miss seeing tho current Bfefot thero io no doubt that gN|i Palace io offering ono of tho S® ccst varied programnieo thut o 16/8 ' or most exacting.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. CLASSICAL MELODRAMA POPULAR MUSIC. In ti:6 rtxlm cf fiction probably no novel ar.hie-cd greater popuJaritr thai; "Ea/it L; nn? t ' -vrittfcn by Mrs Henry "VV'oocL Tho TKiihetic hio etor>' cf Lady Isabel macio an miiant to of long ago, aad tho bc-vli had an iramcuso voguo; indeed, i* cnu be aaid that the attractions cf L>nuo, '.vheth-.-r as novel or &lago producti-jn, ha-o nuvcr \raj2-cd, a,ud that the i<s;lj «-«f a fiocinrituig and c\i: , ij.nd intercut ia ih<j ;. yujjg'jr per.'jn who xeadci the all- :• a lid puLhotic etory ior tho firct 11 2-l»*-•. ' Ijynuc" bvcaimo a sjtago classic r.t.d ijaa L'lcm plpycd by a\l manner of 'i.":.'-, ri'jL!" tl.i'i very beet to the lowt. o' -:L't»-d hi many but itci fiioo' . )<„ ' j charged nor iUi hcart-appca! '.urair'j. } j f <]: r>o'- \-.-!!! j f, co long as human t.>oi:r.', }-r; iI j tbome is wrapped up in ill it in human nature. Fax thia ouifo ;jparl. fru.m it-u merila otherwise ;u, :v ji*_fstai'_o or picture production, tho ininirt-.: the Hugo JJailin modern picture T] 1 "" 1 ')' 11 '"'''j '^ 10 K^or y to Everybody's J l.iea! re l yeek jnust l>c accounted an rp-Kii in < fic lo«;;U presentation of pictures. J.afki v.x»ndcr then, then the spacioua and hijij.y equipped cinema house v/aa vvell iiJi'.:d bv an appreciative audienco at the first of Kaat Lynno" yesterday aftera.'i'.i t Ijnt, in spite of its spaciousness, L. er v . could not. last evening accomji'cdafc tno crov.d wliicli gathered to witproduction of Mrs Wood's classic. J ho _ Hugo Uiulin x >roc luctioii, released by t!in iiodkia-on Coloration, is described a:i a modern picture version of "East Lvnne, ' and ii, is from thw point of view that the present picture must be judged. Those who ha-.e lead the novel only have mental photograph 3 Ot tho chief cbaructors stored awav, but in viuwin- the B:illin production thev will no doubt find some to fit in with their l.m-oi.ccivcd notions. Those who havo not rrjjcl t;rj rtory will follow the incidents of the Kcreen -.villi much interest, As with all •-intiua represoiitii.tioU3 of novels and stage worka, the ability to portray outside scenes and elaborate interiors is fully availed of in tins .modern version of "East Lynnc," and tbr picture lacka nothing in this respcicfc. The screen yursion opens with tho marriage oi oi r Aichibald Catlyle and Isabel Vane, and the home (scenes and happy days of early Vcddefl life are beautifully depicted. In due course |]ie shadow, in tho person of tho pcrndious Prancis Levison, crosses tho tranquil home. Levison \ises jealousy as his v. capon to destroy tho happiness of tho voung couple. Isabel made to misunderstand the rurison for the. meetings of Carlylo and L-irbara Hare, which aro actua-lly connected with the atc-unn? of holp to free Barbara's brother from a charge of murder, committed, as the sequel bliowb, by Levieon, and Isabel leaves her husband. The pathetic incidents leading to her ultimate return to her old home, her reunion with her child, tho meeting with ner husband, the reconciliation, and death, are graphically illustrated, and the ending of tho picture, version is in keeping with tho tadnesa of the novel, though tho modelling bas been varied 'to fit in with modern picture conceptions. Tha part of Sir Archibald Carlylo is vory n.b!v portrayed )>v Kdward Karle, and that of IsaTSel Vane by Mabel .JBallin. who?o histrionics uto exceilent, and who cannot fail to make ( instant apm°?, f ho<-e who eeo tho ruefcuro. H. G. boll portrays fho rolo of Francis 11 on J^U(^V 3 Colbnr7i that of Barbara Hnro. "he Tenowned Farrmm 13 the nUr performer in what is described as tho second feature of the programme. But many will eay it 13 a picturo which, of its tvpe, "vi&a wiHi tbo best. It is the story of a fnrnily leud and deal 3 with tho class of Western life made famous by Scet Harte. "William Tarnum is soen as a liorsoman and gun-fighter. He cuts a superb figure on a horae and is a dashing ond fearleos rider. FTia services ajro enlisted to straighten out the feud on one bnt in the "mix-up" of events he becomes the central figure, and by his bravery end darintr end<j tho fend and incidentally captures tho heart of tho very beautiful young girl who. owing to being claimed by both families, ha 3 been the unwitting causo of nil tho firoub'e. It is u fine, free presentation of a bold them« in which yirilo characters predominate. Tho mountain and riverside scenes are magnificent and the exciting incidents of the story hold tho attention throughout. A tbriKing and fully-satisfying picture will bo tho gen° era! verdict of Everybody's numerous patrons. The supports included a good gnzetts, in, which slow motion pictures of a trotting raco' enable ono to follov/ clcocly tho boautiifiil action of the tracing trotter.

Tho excellent programme was cap'tally supported by tho musical numbers« played by Everybody's Select Orchestra. Tho Blory of "East Lynno" gave Mr Bellingham an opportunity to depict the powar of muaic fco intensify the emotional scenes in which the story tibound3. As n»n introduction, the orchestra gave a beautiful interpretation of the entr'acte "Absent." Tho theme, "Whon Other Lipa" played to tho Bcroen setting: "Then You'll Remembor Me/' "was most imprresaive, the tonal quality and combination being markedly good. Two songs, "Because" 'd'Hardelot), and "Song of Sleep" (Somerset) wero greatly appreciated. Special mention must bo made of Miss Ireno MoxnVs violin solo in Massenet's "Tragcdic Antique," in which the suporb tone and artistic interpretation were noticeable features. ''Chant Elcgiaque" aftorded Mr Beck an opportunity to delight patrons with a charming 'cello solo. Selection from tho operas "Werther" (Massenet) and "Pagliacci" (Leoncavallo), both contained many goms of melody. The Andante from tho Violin Sonata, Op. 13 (Grieg) was effective in arrangement and execution. A number of brilliant selections accompanied "The Gun iMghtor." Theao included "Slavonic Dance" (Dvorak), "pireludo in C Sharp" (.Rachmaninoff), "Polonaise in A Flat" (Chopin), and a selection from tho opera,. "Lakmo" (Delibes). Mr Bellingham, tho conductor, is to be congratulated upon the excellent results attained by hia orchestra. LIBERTY THEATRE. "The Pilgrim/' a First Kational production of fun, featuring tho popular and versatile hero, diaries. Chaplin, heads tho current programme of motion pictures at "tho 1/iberty Theatro this wcok, and it is quite saio to declare than no funnior film has been seen in Christchurch aince tho screening of "Tho Kid/' of which "Tho Pilgrim" is a worthy rival. Kight from the* iiist flash until tho final fade out tho largo audicneo last night was caught and held in one oontinuous xipplo of laughter. Tho slory is a most amusing and original one, and it lolls of tho humorous adventures that befel tho lucklees Lefty Ixmibard. The story tells of Lefty Lombard's escape from duranco vile, an occurrenco which necessitates his changing <;'vthes with tho Itev. R. Samuels. His advent as tho leader of tho liitlo flock in tho backblocks causes something of a sensation, which, however, is eclipsed after he lias delivered his first sermon. Chaplin moro than equals his old form as an entertainer in tho course of the picture, and those who enjoy an evening's good fun should certainly not mica seeing. GRAND THEATRE. One of the greatest motion pictures ever produced is "The Covered "Waggon," now being screened at tho Grand Theatre. The features embraced in the story are many and varied, and include among others tho start of 350 covered waggoui; from "\Vest port Landing (now Kansas City) in IS-18. The terrors oE fording lreshct rivers, prairio iircs # and the liko uro depicted with great realism. A buifaio hunt is ono of tho moat erciling scenes. Old l'ort Bridget, with a night attack and fight by day with Indians, is shown. Tho dividing of tho trails to Oregon and California* at Old 3Tort» Hall, a touch of tho gold fever in California, magnificent mountaiu shots, and tv culmination of tho romanco with the eutablishinent of one of the iirat homesteads in Oregon—theso are all incidents in a picture that bristlca "with big scenes. Thero are also a number of good supports.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. 11ADGE KKNirEDY IN "THE PCTJPLE HIGHWAY." BEBE DA.NTELS IN "A GA3TE CHICKEN.'' A brigafc ■ prograjnrno of pictures music was presented laat evening at the Queen's Theatro to an audience which evidently out to appreciate such a fin© programme. Two big Paramount pictrarcs headed, tho list of features. Madge Kennedy, a charming- young actrazo, who hu for corno time been in retirement, makes a very welcoiso return after acting on the stage. Kennedy iti an engaging young artist, who creates hex ohd atmosphere cf charm by her winsome personality. Though her favourite roio is in light comedy, last evening in tho Paramount picture, " The Purple Highway," <h<s appeared in ucen-jz which, while having tho comedy necessary t<o relieve tho otram in\o!vud in watching puro tragedy, were at tho same time dramatic and tense. Tho story, as the him unwinds, id found to b>i hill ■also of humorous eccncs, especially in the earlier part. Misa Kennedy appears as Bla a young giri forced by circumstances to work in an institution known a3- the "Home for Literary and Artistic .Failures." In this quaint institution live a number of men—violinists, pocto, singers, and the like—who have failed in their artistic careers. Tho founder of the heme, Edgar Prentice, has a eon a young playwright, K cigar Craig Prentice, whose plays aro so bad that in despair he ia obliged to go to tho home under the nanio of Edgar Craig. Thero ho comes under the spell of April Blair's sunny manner. With her bright disposition she encourages all tho men to climb higher on the ladder of success and not to give up hope -when success does not com© immediately. Her own talent for singing is revealed one day at a picnic party of the inmates of the home. As a result of her encouragement several of the so-called "failures" decido to leave and make a fresh start. Among them ia Edgar Blair and his friend, a young violinist. April accompanies them, and tho three Get out to make a name for themselves, each in hie own way. The atory of how ICdgar writes a brilliant new play, in which April plays the principal role, of her admirer in her success, Alfred Quail, i 3 told "with great charm. All tho time Edgar conceals his Teal name, and it in only at tho last, when, thinking April haj changed for tho worse, he in hit* yacht, that ho reveals his identity. Madge Kennedy is altogether delightful as tho heroine, and orio may well imagine that her work upon tho legitimate stage has improved her work uocn the screen.

Tho Bcconci big picture, also produced by Paramount, has a titlo full of possibilities for action. "Tho Game Chicken'' haa that popular artist, Bobo Daniels, in the principal rolo. Tho theuiD of tho picture is a. modern ono, oentring round some rum-run-ning operations in Cuba. Rapid action and exciting situations mako tho picturo hold tho closest attention of even thoso who think they cannot be thrilled by a motion picturo. Down in Cuba lives a young girl, Ynez, whoso fa-fchea*. unknown to her, is a bootlegger. For a. long time tho rum-run-ners, by using a schooner of their own, had evaded, the American revenue officers, but at last the law i 3 made aware of the illicit trado and Rush Thompson, the chief, comes down himeelf to clear cut the nest of bootleggers. Rush is still young enough to bo fascinated by the young girl Ynez, who is half American and half Spaj?i3h. A chance 'word overheard near the jetty puts him on the trail of tho rum-runners, and ho hastens back to America to await them whan tho Dext shipment of "cargo" is. duo. Ynez has> already been eent thero to avoid tho attentions of tho Yankee, as her parents stylo tho young revonue officer. Ex*citing situations develop when tho rum cargo is ready for disembarlcation. The presence of a submarine on coastal duty is tho means of saving both Rnsh Thompson and the young girl. Tho scene of their rescue in mid*oco&n iB ono of great thrills, and is most realistically shown. Bcbo Daniels, as Ynez, is as athletic, almost as a boy, but when her acting demands tho womanly touch, ther« is no lack of genuino appeal in her work.

Supporting piotures include "The Artist," an amusing comedy; tho latest Paramount News, and a travel picture. The Queen's Orchestra, under ilr H. G. Glayaher, played a fine programme, including ' tho following numbers: —Overture, "Rakoczy" (Kelcr Bela); entr'acte, "Barney Googlo"; instrumental trio, "Andanto Roligioso"; violin solo, "Legend*' fWieniawaki), soloist, Mr C. Henry: "Scenes Pittoresaue" fMassenot); "Flower Suite" (Benyon); "Mot 'd' Amour" (Elgar); "I*q Hetour'' (Bizet); "Going Homo," "Bebe." STRAND THEATRE, PriscLlla Dean ifl the star of <r Drifting," which heads th© {present bill at tho Strand Theatre. Tho picture tells tho story of a girl who gave up selling opium in Shanghai because sh© was sick of tho gamo — and "was then forced back into it by tho necessity of getting a chum out of tho country beforo die became addicted to tho habit. Tho heart of China, mysterious, and veiled in fogs of. tho human past, is stripped bare for a moment to show tho secret of the nation's curse, and the scarlet »poppy fields whence comes tho opium drug. For tho roles supporting Mi-ss Dean, actors of unusual merit were absolutely essential; "Wallace Beery, of "Kobin Hood" handles the "heavy" role. M-atfc Moore is tho leading man. Anna Mao "Wong, a Chinese actress of fino emotional abilities, has a very synitpathetic role. Thero aro also a nuanber of excellent supports.