AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18599, 29 December 1920, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

HOLIDAY PROGRAMME AT LIBERTY THEATRE. The success of Constanco Talmadge’s now First National feature, “In Search of a. Sinner,” which hod its premiere at the Liberty Theatre on Monday, eclipses that of any of her previous comedies. It is more entertaining, more deliciously humorous and irresistibly fascinating. It is superbly produced and directed, and presents the famous comedienne at her hest. Miss Talmadgo is provided with a role that suits her to perfection, giving her oven better opportunities for displaying her wonderful ability as a comedienno, as well os her own personal charm. “In Search of a. Sinner ” is the joint work of two famous playwrights. John Emerson and Anita Loos, tho story being an adaptation of Charlotte _ Thompson’s clever novel of that name. This i 3 a good picture for husbands end timid lovers to see. Georgina is a widow, aged twenty. She had been married, for three weary years, to a man who was so good, so painfully good, that there was no place on e.arth for him. After " \auod Henry ” had gone, Georgina decided to have one thrill at least in her young life, and started out to vamp the wildest man in New York. Then tho fun started. One of the many amusing incidents of “ In Search of a Sinner ” is when Constance Talmadgo appears in her super-vamp creation at the beginning of her search for the wild man. The interest of tho spectator does not lag for a moment during tho entire screening of tho picture. It is a typical Talmadgo offering, and one of the few really enjoyable entertainments of tho screen. An excellent supporting cast of prominent players includes Radcliffs Fellows in tho principal male part, Corliss Giles, Marjorie Milton, Lillian Worth and others. Other films in tho programme are the Patlio Gazette, Topical Budget, an unusually noteworthy comedy, “ In a Pinch (Goldwyn), and tlie latest episode or tho Vitagrapli serial, “Smashing Barriers.” Mr George W. Stevens adds' to the enjoyment of the programme with liis brilliant humorous character monologues, " The , Student,” “ A Chapter of Accidents,” and “ A Polyglot Speech.” Tho programme will he repeated to-day. QUEEN’S PICTURES. There wero full attendances at tho Queen's Theatre yesterday afternoon and evening to" witness tho screening of tho special and exceptionally entertaining holiday week programme, headed by “ Miss Ambition,” and featuring Corinne Griffiths. Tho story describes the adventures of a maid working for a society woman, and tho girl poses as a modol for a sculptor, and is discovered in an innocent but compromising situation. She marries a millionaire, but scandal interferes with her happiness. She is left a rich widow, and ultimately marries the sweetheart of her early clays. Excellent supports to tho main film were Chapter 11. of “ Tho Mystery of 13,” which' is full of thrills, the always interesting Gaumont Graphic, "His Royal Nibs” and “Do Luxe Annie,” with Norma Talmadgo in the principal part. “Do Luxe Annie” is a vory noted comedy which tho film adaptation outstrips for excitement and wealth of scenery. The programme is supported by very fine musical contributions by the Queen’s excel- . lent orchestra. Tho pictures will be screened again to-day. THEATRE ROYAL. “Tho Man from Toronto,” which was so successfully presented for tho first time in Christchurch on Monday, was repealed last 1 'night at the Theatre Royal, before n laTge audience. The mnu from Toronto is a young Canadian who has bequeathed to him by his. undo a fortune, conditionally upon liis marrying a pretty English widow who has rojected the uncle. The widow, Mlrs Calthorpe, determines to survey her suitor without revealing her identity. To this end she announces herself as tho new parlourmaid, Polly Perkins, and apologises for tho unavoidable absence of her mistress. Needless to say, Polly Perkins very quickly becomes of infinitely greater interest to tho Canadian than Mrs Calthorpe, and this interest is accentuated when ho is shown the portrait of an ancient “ frump,” who is, ho is assured, the real Mrs Calthorpe. Matters are complicated by tho endeavours of Wimbush’s two sisters to induce him to marry Mrs Calthorpe, but in tho end lovo is triumphant and Polly _ Perkins, having proved Wimbush to ho a real man, reveals lict real identity, and tho curtain falls on a play as delightful ; as any. staged ill Christchurch for some years past. Tho play will bo repeated to-night. OPERA HOUSE “Right Hero” is the revue attraction at tho Opera House, and is drawing large attendances. It ranks with tho best revues Been at the Opera House. Tlie musical play contains practically no plot, but the Walter George Company eeo to it that it goes with vim from start to finish. It ib a breezy production, rich in many good Beenes and introducing excellent stage effects and dressing, aa woll as a number of popular musical hits. In the other half of the progratnmo tho newcomers are Adelaido Taylor, \a charming little comedienne, who is especially good' in “An Old Fashioned Town ”; .Do Wilfred, a xylophonist of undoubted merit; and the Cracknells, whose exhibition of sharp shooting and stockwhip cracking is beyond tho ordinary. Louis W. Bioy retains his popularity as a banjo player, and Hedley and ■ Rent, m song and patter, are being well received.

LEVANTE AND KERCH AT THE GRAND THEATRE.

It would bo bard to find a more comprehensive exhibition of the magician's art and psychic wonders than that of Levanto and Keoch, whose apponrimces yesterday attracted capacity attendances at the Grand Theatre. Tho entertainment divided itself into three parts, namely, a demonstration of how many of tho manifestations common to seances may bo obtained without superhuman aid: an entertaining exhibition of tricks and 'illusions; and pictures. It is no exaggeration to say that tho two stnrs, Levanto and Keech, sustained tho reputations they have gained throughout tho world. Coming direot from, Maskelyno and Cook, of the famed Egyptian Hall, London, they have more tha,n fulfilled expectations. Tlioy rank among tho very best magicians and illusionists ever seen in Christchurch. Levnnto’s manipulation of innumorab'e articles is tho last word in illusion Cecil Kecch’s feats of memorising and his exposure of fraudulent mediums requires to bo seen to bo appreciated. The picture portion of tho programme shows Miss Atline Pretty and an all-star east in one of tho most virilo dramas of the Frozen North yet produced, entitled " Tho Valley of (Doubt,” and another of tho sensational episodes of “The Great G-apible.” Tho same programme will ba shown again to-day and to-night. The box plan will bo at The Bristol until 5 p.m., afterwards at tho Grand Theatre ('phono 2934). STRAND THEATRE. Largo attendances at the Strand Theatre yesterday wero regaled with a very fine picture programme, which was headed by “ The Mother of his Children,” in which Gladys .Brockwell stars as an Arabiau princess. The direotor of the production has infused tho spirit of tho East with extraordinary success by selecting furnishing for tho Arabian salon of tho Princess Yvo with tho greatest care and attention to detail. Tho story is ono that will hold tho unbroken interest of everyone. In the second fenturh, ” Love’s Harvest,” Shirley Masou is tho star. The story is of a girl of fifteen, whoso father, dying, gave her away like a piycel of real estate, to a man she had never seen. It is from tho novel, “ His Harvest,” by Pearl Doles Bell. Tho supporting films are “In Wrong” (cartoon) and an Australian News. SYDENHAM PICTURES. The blending of vaudeville performances and pictures is one which has proved vary popular. At the Sydenham Pictures to-day, Cecil Verne and his “ real livo Teddy bear ” will supply the vaudeville entertainment, under tho title “ Merry Moments.” The star picture will be “In Search of a Sinnor.” Constance Talmodgo has tho leading role,