AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18352, 9 March 1920, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA-HOUSE. The high compliment pmu to the management of tlio Opera House last night by a crowded auaience was amply justified by the programme. livery item was characterised by talent and brig fitness, and the entertainment, Irom start to finish, was all that the severest critic of the vaudeville art cou,d wish for. Tlio Uazzas, who appeared before a Christchurch audience for the first time, are amazing juggieru andl balancers. Many genuine artists in this particular branch of entertainment have been in Christchurch, hut none has equalled theso three entertain ois in either tho skill or the daring of their. performances. Thoy use heavy balls, light balls, billiard cues, clubs, lamps, knives, pjfiaira and i>ole3, and all the time *itoy occupy the stage they supply an element of thrill. Margaret and Willie, two lithe and supple little acrobats and . contortionists, also will bo numbered amongst the popular members of tho Vaudeville Company. Mr J. Walling lord T<ato his admirers will regret to learn lias entered upon tho last week iff his Christchurch season. He was exceptionally good last night in a representation of a costermonger at the theatre. His character sketch was both amusing and true to life. George Edwards andl Rosie Parkos sang and played together admirably; and Mr Edwards made a fitting climax to their item by givftig a dramatio rendition of the recitation, “ Dangerous Dan M’Grua." The first part of tlio programme was concluded by Archie and Gertie Falls, whoso performarees sustained Heir happily chosen name. Gertie Falls hold deep attention while/she hung gracefully on the -trapeze and rope, and tho hard knocks Archio received were greeted with laughter. Tho second part consisted of a bright, brilliant, witty revu-o "What’s the Use?” by Bert La Blanc’s Travesty Stars. It is a one-act piece, but there is sufficient plot in it to givo it an interest apart from pretty faces, good Bongs, dances, and popular music. Tho scene is in a pawnbroker's shop. There are two Jewish pawnbrokers, lice Cohn (Bert La Blanc) and Morris L)evi (Jake Mack), ft lost boy (Eddio West), a bad boy (Bert Ray), <a detoctivo. a prima denna (Queonie Paul), a stage-struck girl (Olga Ray), ft manager of a burlesque company (Mike Connors), and a chorus. The development of tho plot is liolped by many songs—there are about fifteen—which follow one another in quick succession. Miss Paul «nd Mr Connors were highly successful in their duet, “ A Million Dollars’ Worth of Love.” Other items that may be specially mentioned are “ Norway,” by Miss Paul, “ There's a Garden in Old Italy,” by Mr Connors, ,r Alexander has a Jazz Band Now,” by Miss Buckloy, end “Mammy O’ Mine,” by Miss Paul, assisted tSy Master R. Wilson. ~ The programme will bo repoated to-night,

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. For many years tho. popular melodrama, "Tho Silver King,” tho film version of which is showing at Everybody's, lias been plnyetl in the theatres of this country, and those who are acquainted with the story will realise what splendid opportunities it affords the kinematograph. Tho picturisation of this famous drama iB claimed to be" far ahead of the average stage production in point of dramatio intensity, while the heart appeal is in nowise lost, and the scenic settings are superb. An excellent eerics of 'supports will also bo shown at Everybody’s, including tho latest Paramount comedy-drama, “ Greased Lightning,” starring Charles Ray. Special orchestral and incidental musio hy Everybody’s select orchestra will be an added attraction. Reserved seats may he booked at Tho Bristol. STRAND THEATRE. The star feature at the Strand Theatre is “ Knickerbocker Buckaroo,” an exciting film in which the popular Douglas Fairbanks takes ft leading part. There are good supporting films. The programme runs continuously from noon. 1 1 GRAND THEATRE. “Silent Strength,” a virile drama, with Henry T. Morey in the lead, was the principal picture at tho Grand Theatre yesterday, Tho story introduces the dual character problem and gives it a decidedly novel and interesting application. The doublo exposure is wonderfully well done and the photography is exceedingly clever. Mr Morey has'a most effective role in “'Silent Strength,” and tho big, rugged star is seen to great advantage as a man of the mountains who knew no trouble until love crossed his path. Mr Morey appears m tho dual role of cousins—Dan L. Roche, n (mam. off nature in lovo with the Stenosis in, which lie has made his home, and Henry Crozlor, a financier of the great city, who stoops to foul means to achieve his ends. How the fates of these two men cross, and hnw Ruth Madison, a woman loved by Dan, plays a {peculiar role in tho wo-rking’ of tlieir destinies, forms a photoplay of an unusually powerful nature. The supporting pictures are all good, and include Charles Chaplin in what is acknowledged to he one of his greatest successes, “ The Champion"; the ‘Christie comedy. “Sally's Bh'obtad Career,"; and an interesting “Cooperative Weekly Review.” The musical selections bv the Grand Orchestra added materially to the enjoyment, of the evening sessions. Tho same programme will be shown again to-day end to-night.

SYDENHAM PITITTTTtES. . There are two big features showing at present at the Sydenham Picture Theatre—- “ Bill Ajanerson’a Boy,” in which Jack Pickford 'takes the leading . part, enfl finples.” starring Mary Miles Minter. There is a good supporting programme.

• LIBERTY THEATRE. The cinema frequently reproduces (t play with mgro vivid reality than the stage presentation. This has been the case in “The i,„m) Headier, which. is We leading feature of the present programme at the Liberty Theatre. This picture is a film version ol Maurice Tourniaor’s famous . Utuxy Lane melodrama, which was popularised throughout Australia by Bland Holt. The supporting programme is of the usual high order including a Post Chester scenic “ Moro MUids and Mermaids,” an Educational Weekly Re-

\ iow, also a-a ©xtremoiy tunny cartoon, “ Captain Grogg’s Married, Life,” and a Double Gazette. Mr Harold Prescott has been engaged for the week, and tia fine tenor vi>;4 l will be heard in "La Donna e Mx> bi’o,” “Mary,” and “Because,” while the Liberty Orchestra will render another complete change of programme. This week's entr'acte is a selection ol Scottish airs. The box plan is on view at Tho Bristol until noon, and afterwards at Liberty Theatro. “MAROONED IN ANTARCTICA.” One of the most sensational announcements ever made in tho picture world is that tho wonderful film taken by tho Shackleton Polar Expedition is to bo screened at the Liberty Theatre for a week, commencing on Saturday next. In all the history of filmdom never has tfiero been a story of daring adventuro so graphically told. Ever around the Pole lias there been a halo of romance, intensified by -'the tragedies that have overtaken so many of the dauntless spirits who have battered at these formidable barriers of ice in the interests of science. Mr George Dean, the eminent lecturer accompanies the film and describes tho picture in detail.

CRYSTAL PALACE. The spirit of adventuro which is inherent in every member of the British race should rise to the eventful episodes in " A Man of Honour,” the chief attraction showing at the Crystal Pal ape. The greater part of the picture was taken on an island *m the Pacific, and shows tropical hurricanes which sweep away entire villages, intrigues which aim for the downfall of tho hero, adventures which show tho hero’s mottle and courage, and tho discovery of pirate gold. There is a strong supporting programme. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Tho programme which is being shown this week at tho Queen’s Theatre consists of a fine drama, “ The City of Comrades,” with Tom Moore in tho leading role; a comedy, “ Her Finishing Touch ”; a Topical Gazette and the second chapter of a gripping serial, entitled, “‘The Man of Might,” starring William Duncan. The programme is continuous from eleven o’clock. AMBULANCE WEEK. To-morrow is the last day of the special week of effort to gain additional contributions to the St John Ambulance Association and Brigade. Stalls in which patrons will find their requirements suited in the lines of mutton and beef, cakes, flowers a;.d produce will be open for business in Victoria Square. There will also, bo a variety stall, and a “ Fairy Well.” A sale of badges will take place in the city streets during the day.