ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5539, 22 July 1920, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PALACE THEATRE. A .splendid house greeted the big double feature programme at the Palace Theatre last night, when Theda Bara registered one of the greatest successes of her career in a towering and purposeful melodrama “When a Woman Sins.” It is one of the most luxuriously produced dramas of recent years. The action of the story revolves about Poppea, a conspicuous woman of the world, and her struggle to win the love and respect of a young divinity student. The dramatic situations in the play are numerous and full of appeal. To those who appreciate powerful plays that are gorgeously produced ‘‘When a Woman bins" will be thrilling. Another appealing dramatic attraction presented last night was “The Secret Garden,” in which the dainty Lila Lee is the featured artist. This is an ideal mystery play iu which love is the factor that clears away the darkness that overshadowed many lives.. The action of the play starts in India and concludes iiTEnglaiul. Dramatised from the extraordinary novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the play follows the book closely, the audience following the fortunes' of the principal characters with intense interest up to the climax, which comes as a fitting finale to a powerfully constructed work that has fun and ■ pathos sweetly blended. A Sunshine comedy, “The Merry Jailbird," caused the heartiest laughter throughout the two reels. The Gazettes are especially interesting. Seats may be booked at Muir's. | EVERYBODY’S. That a Sessue Hayakawa picture always proves a certain “draw" was amply evidenced at Everybody's yesterday, ”at both matinee and evening screenings of “Bonds of Honor,” wherein the noted Japanese actor plays a dual role, that of two brothers. One is an officer of the Japanese army and a loyal and fearless servant of his State and the other a gambler who, under financial obligation to a German agent, steals his father's fortification plans to redeem his debts. Both love the daughter of a leading Japanese general, but not being aware of his true nature, she is devoted to the young ) man who has placed himself in the ! hands of his country's enemies. An j intensely interesting story is told of how the Japanese officer first offers °his life to atone for his brother’s crime, and when it is refused sets out to avenge it. and win for himself the beautiful daughter of his father’s friend. Tsuru Aoki confirms her favor with theatregoers by her perfect interpretation of the role of the beautiful Japanese girl loved by two brothers. Of quite a different variety is the second screen attraction, “Bringing Up Betty.' with Evelyn GreeJ.y as the happy, wealthy girl who entertains lavishly and has scores of suitors until it is announced that, her fortune is gone. It transpires, however, that Betty’s uncle has only spread the rumor of his poverty to test the real worth of his niece’s admirers. Some exciting scenes in a yacht race find Betty steering the winning boat to victoiy, with a genuine lover-captain as the only other passenger. Seats may he booked at Miller's. An additional attraction to Saturday’s change of programme will be a novel vaudeville turn by the Cracknells. Jean and Leo Cracknell have been appearing throughout Australasia with the greatest success and their remarkable whip-cracking, lassoing and sharpshooting feats have evoked ready applause from large audiences. Saturday's screen attractions will be Tom Moore iu “Heart’s Ease,” and a drama of great power, “The Flame,” both productions of the very highest standard.