AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18089, 3 June 1924, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS.

—♦ PICTURE HOUSES. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. DEMPSEY-FIBPO FIGHT. SPLENDID PICTURES-DELIGHTFUL MUSIC. The management of Everybody's Theatre has fairly eclipsed all its previous efforts in tho high standard of excellence of this ■week's offerings. Last night a crowded and enihusiasic audience enjoyed every minuteof & ionp program me of splendid motion pictures and orchestral music, and the applause was frequent and spontaneous. Exclusive pictures of tho Dcmpsy-Firpo fight, which was staged by Tex Rickard, for the heavy-weight championship of the world, were screened last night. It is the first picture of this thrilling boxing match ever screened in Xew Zealand. The contest "<r •.wecn Jack Dempsey, the world's heavyweight champion, and Luis Fiipo, a native r\ Argentina, commonly known in the spoiling world us the "Wild Bull of the Pampas," was the biggest sporting event in 132 H. Argentina's boxing champion was not matched against Dempsey until he had ■undergone a. most gruelling training. Un September Ifth, in iN'ew York, the great battle tool: place, and it was witnessed by an enormous crowd—approximately 1(H),000 people and as much as £.30 was paid for a seat. The combat itself was short, for it lasted only two rounds, but it was packed with thrills. The first round opened with the two boxers "jumping straight ir.to it," and Dempsey opened out and severely punished Firpo with terrific body blows. Then tho Argentine champion, after taking tho count u3 fur as nine, rallied, and with a well placed right swing kn< eked tho titleholder out of the ring, and it was only atter bringing into use all his recuperative powers that" Dempsey saved himselt from defeat. In the ' second and last round the action wus even quicker and tho blows were exchanged in rapid succession. Dempsey fou°ht with great determination, and it seemed that he intended the fight to end with that round. And it did for the world s champion leather-pusher with a terrific blow knocked out "The W.U Bull of the Pampas. The whole constitutes a most interesting fim for apart from the actual contest many scones are shown to illustrate the strenuous physical exercise a man has to undergo to succeed as a professional pugilist, mid m addition to these, various blows aro demonstrated by s.oW motion pictures.' "Dusk to Dawn," a, ii-ing Vidor masterpiece, featuring Florence Vidor and presented by Associated Exhibitors, is tho second big picture on this week's programme. Apart from the beautiful mountings and scenery, '•'Du3k to Dawn" is notablo because of the excellont acting of Florence Vidor. The production is good melodrama. The theme is and unusual, and it can bo safely stated that it held the interest of the audience in no uncertain manner. The picture is beautifully mounted, and perfectly acted by an all-stai cast. The story, unwoven, contraata the lives of two girls (Miss Yidor plays both roles). One was an American girl with her family honour at heart, and when her brother became entangled in a mesh of crime she endeavoured to clear him. To do that sho forfeited her love for a man. The other was an Indian girl of tho world. She was of a fiery and passionate temperament, but she won the heart of the Kajah, who was her superior in social iifaj but who loved her. The loose threads of tho lives of these two girls, who dwelt in different lands, are gathered up and drawn "together, and aa a result there is an amazinif climax. One of the twain dies, but the other, after a dramatio experience, finds loyo and happin?B9..' ' Films ,in ev.pport, of the featured ones included an. hilarious comedy and a news picture. , ' ' Incidental'to and in conjunction with the screening of the various motion pictures, Everybody's "Select" Orchestra admirably plays a delightful and appropriate musical programme, which inchides the following classical and popular numbers:—Overture, "Merry Wiva of Windsor" (Nicolai); suites "Der Rosenkovalier," a wn'tz '. by Richard Strausfl. 'lPique Dame," "Morning, Noon, find Nieht." To- accompanv the comedy n O Gee" nnd "Aussie Rose" weTe p u red. The entr'acte was "01? South," which is an arrangement in* the form of natrol from old plantstion melodies bv Zanenike. "Serenade.'' one of Hlch'rd Stra"?s'B best smeller works, was a'so played. '. Two verv effective tone pictures were -played durine -thi screeT>ir><* of the -secoM riicfni' "Atvrirofichin<* nnd P"ssJn? a, Hindoo T»mt>'e." and "Tho FWnnerdess of the Himalayas," both by HanBen. The sumo programme will be repeated throughout the week."

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. POLA NEGRI IX "THE SHADOWS OF PARIS.' HERBERT LAWSOX IN ."STOLEN" ' SECRETS." • Mr V. M. Beebe gave his usual bright and thrilling attractions '■ at the . Crystal Palace Inst night. • The' theatre was lull. It has been said that environment cannot counteract the power of heredity. • Even it is said, could not rise abve his birth: Pola Xegri, in...the "Shadows of Paris," shows that the,, call of the old life is too strong and able .to counteract the love and friendship, the eharni3 and con-forts of a new. and higher life. The 'Shadows of Paris'- has its setting' in th,2 underworld of Paris. One eaes the picture of men and women, scorned and trented as dogs by thrso in n higher strata ot society, yet living their life, exhibit ng- the Bam; human propensities as ordinary men and women. The story is that of a Queen of the Apache Underworld, who becomes married to a chirf-de-poiicc, one of the leading men in the higher society of Paris. Her lmsba.id loves her, and she love-i him, but the call of the old life is too strong. Often in the night siie would steal back to her own kin ana friends, and live again the life of the "Blackbird" Qiuen of the Anspache. The scene cpr-ns in the terrible days of the opening of lile war, the tragedy days when mother and s.ster parted with husband and brother. The bomba'idmcnt of Paris is portrayed along with the Anspache haunts oj the" C'aici Buile. The "B.ackbird's" lover, i'ernand, is a desperado of the worst type, but it soldier of the best. During the war he is reported tj be dead, and tins screens him fro.a the police. For years af.er the war, when Paris is jazz-m.:d, he carves his reckless career by a scries of dar.rig robberies. The Chief o! Po ice delciui.nes- to put an end t.i this gang of crooks. With his men he raids the Anspache haunts, and s:jmo thrilling m~mciit.i pass when tho p.-iicc encounter the people of tho lower world. Fernand. now the notorious "Le lVign'ard, finds the "B.ackbird" the mistress of one of the leading manors in P.iris. ILn lust for jewellery dominates over h.s passion for Claire, and she finds him out to be what he always was—oniy a common thief. Pola -Negri plays a wonderful part. Her dramatic moments exhibit her'at her best An interesting character appears in the 'figure of Du Croy, the gamb er.' The final scene, the sho"ting of the bandit, by Du Croy, is one which pert rays a fine appreciation of dramatic technique. Tho second big attraction, "Sto'en Secrets," portrays a gripping and adventurous tale of mystery, romance and intrigue. Herbert Rawlinson plays the part of a cr minolcgist who by a daring cleans up a gang of crooks who were troubling the town. He reveals a man of singular courage, a man who maintains his politeness and.humour in' whatever curious or uncomfortable situation he finds himself in. The storv is built nroung a mystery situation deftly hand'ed by Detective Irving Cummings. It is a' etory which rivals any that Sherlock Holmes has written. Event after event of. an exciting nature is revealed in a startling manner, till right up to tho end the audience.' are guessing what will happen next. .The picture is a drama full of thrilling episodes. Herbert Laurenson attracts by his nonchalant demeanour, his intrepidity in the. face of terrible dangers, his delightful sense of humour, his ecintillating, witty remarks, and hi 3 remarkable ingenuity. Where others fail through lacking supreme self-confidence, ■'the Eel" wins by an unexpected daring stroke. He is, a Sherlock Holmes in. action. A new and 'thrilling serial, starring William Desmond and Eileen Sedgwick, begins this week. It is appropriately designated *r>y the paradox, "The Beasts of Paradise/' It is a tale of mystery and adventure. - Chapter One give 3 tho story of a mystery ship which is reported to be lost at ees, torpedoed, with five millions of Government money aboard. Tho Buddy Messenger comedy is full of ludicrously amusing and unexpected events. The International film p-ives the usual interesting pictures, one especially fine-scene by the daring aeroplane flights up. the treacherous Mt. Whitney. The aviators are faced with constant death, hut their courage never fails. ■'•"'*.■ Tiie bymphony Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr Alfred Biinz, gives- a magnificent musical programme. The first of these is the overture, "Jolly Robbers" opening very majestically. The ' soft passages answering the opening- bars i were very delicately plaj'ed by the strings. I The Allegretto was played as a clarinet solo |by Mr M. Withers, the whole being brought to, a close by a smart vivace. The audience were treated to one of the finest pieces of music one could hear in the . "Unfinished Symphony" of 'Schubert (two movements). It was a privilege to hear a selection from the opera "Sapho" (Massenet). .The: "Liberty Overture" (Lorigey), written during the war, introduces all the different national antheme. The cornet (Mr S. Williams) deserves praise for the way he played the chords. Other fine and appropriate itenw included:—"L«v Ta-andalV (Dubois), "Lo Tesse" (G-oddard). "That Old Gani" (Rose). "Seven and Eleven" (Donaldson). The entr'acte, '"Hurray" (Frev), was played with effect by Mr W. Debenham (xylophone) and was encored.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. TWO CLASSIC PICTURES. Another o£ those programmes which do so much to enhance the reputation of the Queen's Theatre was presented yesterday end met with instantaneous, approval. It would be strange were it otherwise, aa the two pictures, comprising the headliners are both Paramount productions, which means that they are perfect. A deep impression is made on all who Beo it by "His Children's Children," and parents will find much in it to think over long- cftcr they have left the theatre. Three generations are featured in the story, which tells of a family spoiled by having everything- provided for them by the unthinking generosity .of a grandparent, who, having amassed money, considers he is doing the right thing in encouraging his son to enjoy the. pleasures it can purchase and encouraging also the seeking of pleasure by his own grandchildren. The old man has led a wild life in his young days and as is only natural, much of his spirit appears in his son and grandchildren. The son is induced to back a shady concern for a huge sum of money, although ho is warned that lis action might involvo him inserious difficulties. When the concern collapses, ho is afraid to act, as lie knows he should for the reason that shortly before this he has been foolish enough to allow himself to become inveigled into an intrigue with an actress young enough to be'his daughter. His own flir.ee girls, whom he supposes belong to the type that can hold their own aeairt?* Anyone, indulge in a life of gaiety and nlensure. One, desiring a title, marries nn English nobleman, the union being, an utter failure. Another becomes fascinated with a rascally Hindu, tin leader of a strange cult, who prevails upon her to leave her home and join his bund of worshippers. The.girt fal's into the trap and putting absolute .faith, in h-'m 13 placed under hypnotic influence. She is rescued just in time from a fate worse than dentil. The temptations that money cxnoses a young person to are also accentuated in the case of the third girl. The picture is really a remarkable one, and it has a. most unexpected climax, which deepens its effect. Paramount has assembled one of the. strqngest casts ever seen in a sing'.e picture. Foremost is dainty Bebe Daniels, who seems to go on from one fresh triumph to another, showing improvement with every new role. Others in the cast are. Dorothy Mackaul, James Rennie, George Fawcett, Hale Hamilton, Mary Eaton, Warner Oland, and John Davidson. The record big feature is "A Gentleman of Leisure," with Jack Holt in the stellar role. , It is a story which takes one into the home of a- police commissioner, where an interesting plot is developed. It abounds in action and unusual situations, and contains a full measure of laughter. The supporting programme is well up to standard, including as it does a comedy, a travelogue, and a gazette. At the evening sessions a delightful programme of music is played by the Quean's Orchestra, under the conductorship of. Mr H..-G-. Glaysher. The overture is ''Bedouin" (Montague Ring),, and the entr'acte- "Sweet Dreams", (Rudolph FViml). The' programme will be repeated through-; out the week. ~ LIBERTY THEATRE. "Tiger Rose," a Master Picture, is the headliner on the current programme at the Liberty Theatre. The story is swift moving melodrama, but ' told in the inimitable Belasco style and acted with that restraint and naturalness for which his productions are famous it lifts almost to the level of genuine drama. The role of "Tiger Rose" gives Lenore TJlric a- new chance to attain heights of dramatic -artistry in the picture world. "Head Over Heels" is a Goldwyn comedy, featuring Mabel Normand in the role of an erratic Italian acrobat. To-mor-row (Wednesday), Pharos the Egyptian, will appear at the usual Liberty matinee. On Thursday next at 2.30 Pharus will give a. special ladies' matinee, when no pictures will bo shown, the entile time being occupied by Pharus.

GRAND THEATRE. A meritorious programme is shown this week at the Grand Theatre. Love, adventure, and intrigue in Hollywood, the Mecca of movie artiste, make the first big attraction, "The, "Wofld'a a Stage,"- a feature to be thought and talked about.. Billed ae a "vital spark drama," ..it' 'justifies*.' that description, insofar as it -does' not attempt to hide things - pleasant ci; unpleasant that have their .nicliea iri..the jjlot. Occasionally ij> soars to dramatic heists, which could only be successfully obtained by an accomplished artists like Dorothy Phillips, who has the star role. She is supported b v a firstclass cast, including. Kenneth Harlcn ■ and Bruce Macrae. Cynthia Stockley, whose exciting African novels have made her notable, is the authoress of "Konjola," a screen version of which is the Becond attraction. The story tells of an English noblewoman, a victim of circumstances, who decides that tha world is not for women, but for men only and, heart-broken, seeks to hide her identity by masquerading aa » man.

STRAND THEATRE. "A Shocking Night,'! a rollicking comedy starring Eddie Lyons and Lee Moran, heads the bill this Week at the Strand Theatre. The story ia a parlour, bedroom and kitchen farce .and'gives the. ,two famous acrebri jesters, the opportunity of their careers to produce Bome of the stunts they have long 1 honed to work into feature comedies. Other piotures are "Legally Dead," starring Milr ton Sills and Olairo Adams, "No Brains" (Harry Sweet comedy), International Newa and No. 11 of "Phantom Fortune."