AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18600, 30 December 1920, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. “Tho Man From Tor into” attracted another large attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening, and again this now favourite comedy aroused great 'aughtcr. It is a toii.l mirth-maker, with clever dialogue and humorous situations, supported by first-class acting, ensuring appreciation and success. Mr George Tully, m tlio loading character, proved admirably fitted for the rolo, and worthy of hi 3 high reputation. He war, capably supported by liis talented colleagues. Mr J. F. Graham, as the lawyer, and Mr Ronald Ward, as a penniless youth from Oxford,' Miss Margaret Swallow as “ Mrs Cnthorpe,” a very merry widow, was as delightful end vivacious as could be de■flired. Miss Mario Rignold, and Miss Rosalind Courtneidge made excellent foils and companions to the leading lady All the minor parts wore efficiently presented. . The performance will be repeated this evening. LIBERTY THEATRE

CONSTANCE TALMADGE'S BEST picture:.

Thero is little doubt :hat the First National feature “In Search of a Sinner” is Constance Talmadge's best picture. The great attendances at Liberty Theatre this week indicate that in a very certain manner. There will bo but two more days on which this fine picture will be screened—to-day and to-morrow, tho hrnu presentation taking 1 place to-morrow night. Those who enjoy good comedy, *. good laugh and a smartly produced picturs will find their desires gratified in this splendid Constance Taltnadgo film. “In Search of a Sinner” is the joint work ox two famous playwrights, John Emerson and Anita Loos, the story being an adaptation of Charlotte Thompson’s clover novel o; that name. Georgina (Constance Talmadge) is a, widow, aged twenty. Flic had been married, for three weary years, to a man who was so good, so painfully good, that there was no place on earth for him. After “ Good Henry ” had gone, Georgina decided to have ope 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 Talmadge appears in her super-vamp creation at the beginning of her search for the wild man. The interest of the spectator docs not lag for a moment during the entire screening of the picture. Other films in the programme are the Pathe Gazette, Topical Budget, an tiirusuallv noteworthy comedy, “ In a Pmcli (Goldwvn), and the latest episode of the Vitagraph serial, “ Smashing Barriers. Mr George Yf. Stevens adds to the. enjoyment of the programme with his brilliant humorous character monologues. "The Student,” “A. Chapter of Accidents,” and “ A Polyglot Speech.”

LEVANTE AND KEECII AT THE GRAND THEATRE. Messrs Levante and Kecch, the- world_renowned magicians from. Maskelyne and Cook’s, London, two able exponents of tho art of mystification, succeeded again yesterday in entertaining and mystifying crowded attendances at the Grand Theatre. By sleight of hand, witty patter, suodued light, and by rustling curtains and magic table and trunks Levante and Kecch again presented , many wonderful and weird things, savouring of the occult but really having nothing whatever to do with it. The socalled spiritualistic tricks performed by the Davenport Brothers a quarter of a century (Km in a closed cabinet, Levante and Keech porform with open doors yet liei one can sav hpw the tricks are done. The entertainment covers the whole ground of magic and mystery, and wo one interested in psychic phenomena should miss seeing The clever illusionists. The picture parts of the programme is also excellent and comprises a very virile out-of-door picture by Selznick, entitled “The Valley of Doubt, featuring Arline Pretty, also a sensational episode of “The Groat Gamble* *enal story. The same programme will 150 -H'tt SS to-night. The booking will bo at The Bristol until 5 P-m., and afterwards at the Giand Theatre (’phono 293-1).

STRAND THEATRE. Largo attendances at the Strand Theatre yesterday wore regaled with a very fine < picture programme, which was headed by Tho Mother o£ his Olnldren,” in which Gladys Brockweli stars as an Arabian princess. Xho director of tho production has infused tho spirit of. the East with extraordinary success by selecting furnishing for the Arabian salon of the Princesß Yve with the greatest care and attention to detail. The 'story is one that will hold the unbroken interest of everyoue. In the second feature, “ Love’s Harvest,” Shirley Mason is the star., Tho story is from the novel, “ His Harvest,” by Pearl Doles Bell. The supporting films, sre 11 In AVrong ’. (cartoon) and eu Australian News.

QUEEN’S PICTURES. There were again full attendances at the Queen’s Theatre yesterday afternoon and evening to witness the screening of tho special end exceptionally entertaining holiday week programme, headed by “ Miss Ambition,” in which the chief part is portrayed by Corinne Griffiths. The story \dcscribos the adventures of a maid working for a society woman. The girl poses as a model for a. sculptor, arid discovered in an innocent but compromising situation. She marries a millionaire, but scandal interferes' with her happiness. She is left a rich widow, awl ultimately marries the, sweetheart of her early days. Excellent supjfcrts to the main film were Chapter 11. of " Tho Mystery of 13,” which is full of thrills, the always interesting Gaumont Graphic, “His Royal Nibs” and " De Luxe Annie,” with Norma Talmadge in the principal part. “De Luxe Annie ”is a very noted comedy which the film adaptation outstrips for excitement and wealth of scenery. The programme is supported by very-fine musical contributions by the Queen’s excellent orchestra. The pictures will be screened again to-day.

OPERA HOUSE. “ Right Here,” the revue attraction at the Opera House, is drawing largo attendances. It ranks with tho best revues seen at the Opera .House. Tlio musical play contains practically no plot, but the Walter George Company see to it that it goes with vim from start to finish. It is a breezy production, rich in many good scenes and introducing excellent stage effects and dressing, ns well as a number of popular musical hits,’ In the other half of the programme the newcomers aro Adelaide Taylo£, a charming little comedienne, who — is especially good' in “An Old Fashioned Town ”; Do Wilfred, a xylophonist of undoubted merit; and the Gracknells,. whose exhibition of sharp shooting and stockwhip cracking is beyond the ordinary. Louis W. Blov retains his popularity as a banjo player, and Hedley. and" Bent, in song and patter, are being well received. Tho programme will bo presented again to-night.

SYDENHAM PICTURES. Vaudeville and pictures will make up a fine programmo at tho Sydenham 'Picture Thontre this evening. The star film, “ What Every Woman Wants ” is a. gorgeously dressed production, and features Grace Darmond. Cecil Verne will make an appearance in an entirely new act.