ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 14017, 21 October 1918, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

EVERYBODY'S. RE-OPEN WITH FOX FILMS. Quida's well-known novel in picture form "Under Two Flags" has been chosen by the management as the first of the Fox Fox Films to be shown in

I Everybody's. It is intended to keep this popular picture theatre open every \ night in the -week during the summer months and the reputation of the Fox Fil'mft has prompted tuQ proprietors in making a contract to show two new programmes every week. This should turn out a successful venture and the new faces of the best of actors and actresses will be welcomed in Palmerston. Theda Bara is the central figure in "Under Two Flags." This accomplished and beautiful artiste is second only to Little Mary Pickford, in the | latest popularity contest in America, , and she has earned her enviable posi- | tion by the merit of her work. As Cigarette, the mail-girl of the army of Algeria, she can only be described as wonderful for the fire and passion she puts into the characterisation. The play is well known to theatre-goers and the picture is undoubtedly an improvement on the stage-play. Among the sensational scenes is one in which Cigarette takes a leap on horseback across an enormous chasm, then braves a terriffic sandstorm, to bring reprieve which must save her soldier lover 'a life. Herbert Hayes, who plays opposite opposite Theda Bara, will prove a regular, matinee idol —he is a handsome, well-set-up man with great ability and is described in America as the "Flappers' Darling." Stuart Holmes is one of the best of the screen's "bad men" and also acts in "Under Two Flags." A 2-reel Fox comedy will also be shown.

KOSY. "THE PURPLE LILY." Marie Burguct (Kitty Gordon), known as the wife of Farnsworth (.Clay Clement), is a woman who lives by her wits. James Caldwell (Frank Mayo), a young and ambitious surveyor, is sent to Northern Canada to make a survey of the land for a large traction company. A rival company headed by Bradley (Charles Wclsley) commissions Marie to follow him and steal the survey after it is completed. This she accomplishes, later turning the plan over to Farnsworth, who receives a substantial cheque from Bradley. He doublecrosses Marie, however, and gives her none of the money. Caldwell's failure has led him to drink. He encounters Marie and Farnsworth in a cheap cafe, and fights the man. In the midst of. it the president of the traction company employing Caldwell enters and announces to him that Bradley has been arrested and the survey returned. This picture introduces fine scenes taken in the snow regions of the great northwest and is beautiful from a scenie point of view as well as having an interesting story. A Topical Budget, an animal study and a Keystone 2-reel comedy will also be shown. This comedy, "Thirst,' 'is described as one of Keystone's best for a couple of years.

PALACE. "UNDER FALSE COLOURS." In Russia, Jack Colton (Robert Vaughan) negotiating a loan with, the Government, is of service to Countess Olga (Jeanne Eagles), a revolutionist, in assisting her to escape. Neither learns the other's name. Journeying to America, Olga travels with Vera Ladislaus (Anne Gregory), who is on her way to join the Colton'a (Frederick Warde and Carey Hastings), Jack's parents. After a submarine attack Vera dies from exhaustion. In America, Olga is urged by the supporters of the cause .to pose as Vera. This she does, much against her will, although working no immediate good to her party. Mr Colton eventually discovers the ruse, but, loving the girl, he tests her loyalty by a trick, with gratifying results. It then develops that Colton himself financed the revolution in Russia and that the members of Olga's society were really working against their benefactor. Jacks' romance with Olga, so abruptly begun, ends after the usual course. The second last chapter of "The Double Cross" will also be shown.

j «' THE THIRTEENTH CHAIR. '' This latest Williamson enterprise, "The Thirteenth Chair," has more I thrills to the square inch than any proJ duction that has been staged here for i years. A rather improbable melo-dram : i atic detectivo story, the spiritualistic atmosphere of the seance added a weird intensity to the tragedy, which was enacted in utter darkness. It is in the elucidation of the mystery of which of the twelve seated in the circle with linked hands, struck the big blow, which killed the 13th (Edward Wales) that the interest lies. The shadow of guilt falls first on one and then on another. The central figure was the spiritualistic medium (Margaret Wycherly). It was a wonderful character study. A simple old woman in her old-fashioned clothes, shrewd in her simplicity, honest in her duplicity. All her life she had faked her effects and fooled her clients. A strange personality, but arresting, intense, very human and not without pudden gleams of quaint humour. As the medium's daughter. Lizcttc Parkes was the same sweet girl with the big pleading eyes and deep mellow voice, who first came to us years ago as Peter Pan. She is a clever little actress with a winning personality. Miss Ethel Morrison was the gracious charming hostess in whose house the seance and tragedy occurred, and Nancye Stewart, one of the guests, gave a spirited interpretation of her small part. There was quiet force and dignity in the acting of Gaston Morvalo as the host, but from beneath his reserve eainc intermittent flashes of a dominant character. The youthful hero, Rawdon Bl'andforci. was tall and fair and wavy-haired, and everything a nice young hero should be. We could have wished a little more repose in the detective, who rushed wildly about, talking threateningly in a harsh voice all the time, and not giving himself an opportuni'y to think. But perhaps it is tlm American method. However, it was a striking contrast to the quiet,

composed manner of the old medium, who eventually solved the mystery. There were several other minor parts demanding little but facial expression and gestures, indicative of the various emotions—horror, anxiety, bewilderment —as phases of the play developed, the intrinsic value of each look and pose adding to the realism of the tragic scene. A bright little orchestra made merry between the acts, but the intervals were not long, owing to the play having the same setting throughout.