AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18534, 9 October 1920, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

CARTER. THE GREAT. 1 AT THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT. Messrs J. 0. 'Williamson will present this evening at tho Theatre Royal & unique attraction, one which has met with phenomenal suocess in Australia., namely, Carter the Great, tho eminent prestidigitator, magician and illusionist, who will commence ft Reason of seven nights and two matinee#. It is conceded that Carter the Great and his company is the biggest organisation of its kind in the world to-day and his entertainment is something quite different to that which has been seen in this country. In tho old days tho paraphernalia of tho magioian oould be carried in one or two trunks but to-day it takes three railway trucks to convey tho scenery, effeota and properties of Carter tho Great, and where the magicians used to conjure with white rabbits Carter us os ft huge lion which, in the big illuoion, “ Tho Lion's Bride,” is made to disappear and reappear in full view of the audience. To-night’s programme will include many fine illusions, of which the following may be mentioned: —Tho Astril Hand, The Mysteries of the Yogi, The Crystal Casket Tho Spirit Seance. Tho Magio Bowl the Mngioal Diivorco, Flyto, A Night with the Orientals, and tho Mi) story of Bagdad. Evelyn Maxwoli, described as a psychic marvel, will, in conjunction with Carter, present what ia said to be a remarkable aeries of demonstrations of thought transference and mental telepathy. Throughout the Australian tour they were the cause of much controversy and wera ls,uded by students of the occult. The box plan for this evening’s performance will bo on view at 'lhe Bristol till noon, after that hour’at tho Toy Cave oonfectionory store, where day sales may also be obtained. THE ROSS SMITH. FLIGHT. Pour Australian nirrnen. Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith, Sergeants Bennett and Shiors, for tho first time in history invaded the unknown air regions across the world led by scienco, imbued with pluck, and flying a great all-British machine. One of this quartette of intrepid airmen, Sir Keith Smith, will arrive in Christchurch this morning ana. in tho afternoon, at tho Liberty Theatre, ho will make his first appearance before an expectant Christchurch audience. Sir Keith bmith. in conjunction with the series ot pictures and slides explaining in detail each episode of the historic flight as it is thrown upon the screen in a natural and chatty manner, There is wonderful skill in tho arrangement of these unique piotureo.the motionless see, and the ever-changing chequer board of islands and human habitation. What a leeson in geography tool From lioary Bible lands to teoming India —tiny white ribbons on tho green earth, groat rivers that aiu motionless white age °id biddings; people of every colour and every dune, tho whole forming an entertainment unique in tne annals of kinematography. Intuding patrons may secure seats at the Bristol, cr the Liberty Theatre, In addition to tho above there will bo a short programme ot supporting items and miss Aimte Bull (soprano , winner of tho Scottish international singing competition will make her first appearance will! a budget of selected eengs, CRYSTAL PALACE. At the Crystal Palace to-day two big features —‘‘Shore Acres,” starring Alice Lake, and “Tho winning Girl,” starring Shirley Mason—Will be the chief attractions. “ Shore Acres ” is a story of blow England folk on the coast of Maine. Martin Berry, a stern oid lignthouse keeper, lorbids his spirited daughter Holon to speak to the man she loves. It is Martin's fondest hope that Helen will marry Josiah Blake, the village banker. Helen refuses to obey her father, and elopes with her sweetheart on tho “ Liddy Ann,” a vessel bound down the coast. Her iatuer learns or her departure, and, mad with rage, he prevents nis brother Nathaniel from lighting the beacon that will guide the vessel salely out through the rocks of the harbour. Desperately tho two old men battle with one another in the lighthouse—one to save the ship, the other to destroy it. A storm is ragmg, ana during thoir struggle the “Biddy Ann" goes on the rocks, her passengers left to the mercy of the storm. “What befalls thereafter ia unfolded in tho picturisation of one of the biggest Amerioan plays. Tho Paramount photodrama, "Tho Winning Girl,” the second star film, is graoed by the artistry of two celebrated soreen personalities, Shirloy Mason and Nile# Welch, one of the most accomplished and talented young actors on the screen. Ho is manly, handsome and artistic as an aator, an expert delineator of youthful characters, and possesses a personality that is magnetio and forooful. Welch takes the part of a youthful aviator-lieutenant, and his work is said to be perfeot in every respect. Both features ‘will be soreonod daily at the .Crystal Palace at 2.15 p.m. and 7.15 p.m. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The last presentation of the PaxamountArtoraft Royalty masterpiece, “ On With The Dance,” at Everybody’s Theatre, will bo given to-iiight. Next week there will be an entirely new programme consisting of two Pararnount-Artcratt special attractions. The first is an adaptation of Cosmo Hamilton’s powerful story, ‘‘ The Miruclo of Love,” starring Wyndham Standing, Jackie Saundors and Ducy Cotton. It is a picture that lays bare the intrigues of British society, enters the halls of state, follows a forbidden romance to the end, and culminates in love’s great miracle. A picturo of magnificent settings, gorgeous gowns, roruuntic characters wonderfully portrayed, and a plot that is filled with emotion. The second attraction is a comedy-drama < entitled " More Deadly Than Tno Male,’’ starring the popular and beautiful actress Ethel Clayton, tvbo has a role of a high-spirited young woman who is confronted with the prospect of having the man she loves, depart on a long and dangerous trip to the wilds of Soutn Africa in Search of nothing but hair-raising adventure. Her ordinary efforts to deter him are in vain, so alio reports to novel measures. Tho result is a most entertaining picture, which alternately takes the appearance of grim melodrama and happy comedy. Everybody’s select orchestra will be in attendance and present a new musical programme, and as usual reserved seats may bo booked either at The Bristol or by ’phoning 4925. “TILLY OF BLOOMSBURY.” Christchurch playgoers are promised another tine attraction in “Tilly of Bloomsbury, tno latest J. C. Williamsn Comedy success, which will be staged at the Theatre R-oyal, commencing on Monday, October 18. According to Australian critics, the now comedy can be summarised briefly as a play of types well drawn, clear cut types, only in a couple of instances over dravyn, and then only fot nircical purposes. The joyous note is struck in the first act by the curate, carried on by Perce Welwyn, und continued into the second act, whore it is suddenly cut out and sentiment intervenes, the every-day brand which is real and flows bo effortlessly irom tho pen of lan Hay. The social gap between Dick Mainwnring and Tilly Welwyn, his briao-elect, is indicated by the comparison drawn between the MainwaringV luxurious home in “The Towers” and Welwyn’s boarding-house in the musty antiquity of Bloomsbury. What the democratic author nas set out to prove, is that traditions and family are of little consequence where love is concerned. Sixteen distinct types figure m the action of tho comedy, ea-eli one well acted and keeping closely to the chnracterisation as drawn in “ Happy-go-Lucky," from which hook the play was adapted. Mrs Robert Brough shows that, she can still give points in artistry to young actresses. Dorothy Manvillo. the sensible Tilly who recognises the social bar, but determines to carry war into enemy territory, ranks high m artistic merit. The part of Dick Maiuwanng is played lw Frank Freeman. Mr Percy Rhodes as lilly’s father and Mr George Blunt in the dual role of bailiff and butler, are aiso good characters in the play The Brie I of 11 *™ “ ° PCa on Thll «day next at

GRAND THEATRE. ihero will be a complete chang'd of prcST&mme at (ho Grand Theatre to-day and to-night. Two special features will be screened, namely. “ Upstairs and Down” and Shod With Fire," 1„ Upstairs and ■ L,own latest Selznick production, the star part is played by the lato Olive Thomas wriose work is very interesting throughout’ Sho dresses beautifully and generally romps through a clever play in a way that was ail her own. “ Upstairs and Down ” follows closely the stage version of the play from which the film was adapted. It contrasts tha selfish and silly amusements of guests at a fnshionable week-end party with an imitation of their own lolly in the kitchen. The sparkling interpretation by Olivo Thomas of a very selfish, fickle and very-much-spoiled young lady ia a clever piece of acting. The Picture, as is usual with Selznick’s productions is magnificently mounted, the comedy is delicious, the dressing beautiful, and the Story 1 full of unusual interest. “ Shod With Fire, ’ a romantic love etory of the> plains, presented by William Fox, stain the virile and popular William Bussell. In this story

of western life, it is said that William Russell surpasses himself in forceful acting and daring horsemanship. The supporting programme is well up to the Grand Theatre standard, and includes a very humorous Sunshine comedy, “ Son of a Hun.” There is also a Pictorial Educator and Topical Gazette. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Madge Kennedy heads a Goldwyn story called “ Leave it to Susan,” which will form the main attraction of the new programme at the Queen s Theatre to-day. Wealthy Pn Burbridgo has a way, whon speaking of his gay young daughter, of caving ‘‘ Leave it to Susan,” and ho was right, when she ran into disaster in the far west. She takes a young-follow traveller for a bandit, becomes lost on a prairie, and meets the young man in different guise in a lonely shack. Real bandits arrive on tho scene, and the young man decides that for the safety of both of them it is best that ho shall sustain the character accredited to him. It is here that the action of the play becomes swiftest and most exciting. A cypher note, an intelligent dog, a dramatic coup, a thrilling rescue, and surprising revelations are tho features of tho subsequent action. Other pictures in the programme are: “ Near Friendly Mountains,” a post-Nature scenic. the Queen’s Pictoriftl Budget. “ Eugenio Marriage ” (tworeel comedy), and a Gaumont Graphio. An added attraction on Monday will be “ The Nature Man,” a wonderful story of the adventures of Joseph Knowles. OPERA HOUSE. The current week's programme it the Opera House was presented to a large attendance last night. Billy Elliott, the popular black face comedian, again met with a hearty reception, while “ The Sunshine Trio ” (song, dance and acrobatic turn), Bert Coleman (entertainer) and Carlton Max (ventriloquist) kept the audience well entertained. The Burgess Revue Company provided a bright offering, “A Railway Tangle.” which was interspersed with catchy musical numbers. There will be the usual matinee to-day at 2.80, and evening performance at 8. STRAND THEATRE. “ The Rainbow Trail," a stirring sequel to “ Riders of the Purple Sage," will be screened at the Strand Theatre to-day from noon. The story of the picture is a dramatic work by Zeno Grey. Tho leading role is taken by William Farnum. and the picture is a William For nrodunction. There is a strong supporting Fox programme including a cartoon and a Gazette. Seats may bo reserved at The Bristol, or telephone 2123. Tho sessions will commence at 12, 2,4, 6 and 6. SYDENHAM PICTURES. “In Old Kentucky” will he screened at the Sydenham Pictures this after-con only at 230 o’clock. To-night and Mondav night thPTe will be two sta.r features—“ Slaves ot Prido,” featuring Alice Joyce and “ Silent Strength,” a mystery romance wherein Harry Morev anpears in the double role of a clean-hearted backwoodsman and a 'city shark. DEMONSTRATION CONCERT. At the Choral Hall to-night a concert will be given by prize-wi-ners at the recent Band of Hone Competitions. The programme will include humorous recitations, songs in character. action maypole danoe, hoop, scarf and club drills. SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERT. In aid of Mrs H. F. Herbert's fund for tho needy the Christchurch Professional Orchestra will give a, concert in the Opera House to-morrow night. Miss Beatrice Sproston will bo the vocalist. The Christchurch Tramway Bond will play a programme of selected inusio on tho Victoria Square rotunda at S o'clock to-morrow afternoon.