AMUSEMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 22 December 1922, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE HOLIDAY~ATTRACTIONS “The Truth About Husbands” will h& finally disclosed on the screen this ■evening at' the Empire Theatre. To-morrow the artistic and seamy side of Parisian life will be depicted in “Shattered Dreams.” Louis Du Bois and his pal arc caught in the act of robbing the home of Marie Moselle. She calls the police, but decides to save Du Bois to pose for her work. She becomes interested in him to the chagrin of her suitor, a polished society man. She sees in the model the caveman for whom she has yearned, but stoutly denies that she .could love him. Love of adventure impels her to ask her suitor, Grusant, to take her to a notorious Apache cafe, where Du Bois rescues her from the attention of one of the crowd. One day he visits her again, determined to carry Tier away. She shoots him. Then she becomes remorseful, and seeks bis bouse where she nurses him and learns that she loves him. The denouement is sensational. There will be a Century comedy, “Hoss Sense,” and other good supports. MONDAY—CHRISTMAS NIGHT The starring attraction on Monday (Christmas)' night is “Towards the Light,” with Harry Edwards and Chrissie White. The story concerns the romance of a surly, human who did not believe in a Supreme Being—his only god is a luckystone which he carries about with him. He endeavours to separate himself from teh rest of the world, but Desting has other plans for him. and he plays a big part in the romance of several people. There is a charming love story in the picture, with the stars as central figures. The settings arc excellent, rural England at its best. The play is crowded with types, old'gaffers j country bumpkins, louts of every degree—and a touch of the high flown as a contrast. The full symphony orchestra will play special selections. The management announce an important musical engagement for Christmas .night, when the Harmony Four will appear in, unaccompanied part singing. These favourite vocalists comprise Abel Rowe (tenor), Bob Ramsay (tjenor), Jack Raymond (baritone), and Norman French (basso). No doubt this is an innovation that will bo thoroughly appreciated by all 'who are fond of good singing. The numbers presented will be appropriate to the season. TUESDAY—BOXING NIGHT “The Lotus Eater,” starring John Barryrpore, will bo shown at the Empire on Tuesday night. Barrymore plays the part of Jacques Lenoi, who does not see a woman until he has reached the age of 25. During these years he has travelled all over the world in his yacht, but, has never set foot ashore, in coxnpliancc with the request from his father. But when the time expires, and Barrymore meets a voung woman, the complications come tliick and fast, and he discovers why his father had made the request. An attempt to cross the Pacific Ocean in a dirigible is one of the spectacular features. The story is from i the novel by Albert Fayson Terhune.

THEATRE ROYAL

DOUBLE STAR - PROGRAMME

Eyery time the-Theatre Royal advertises a Fox 'picture, its patrons know they are going to see something exceptionally good. To-morrow the management present two of those attractions, John Gilbert in ‘‘Yellow; Stain,’ and Shirley Mason in “Lights bf the Desert, ami for good measure the supports include ‘Stanley in Africa' ’and Charley Chaplin in “The Squarehead.” In 1 Yellow Stain” John Gilbert portrays a young lawyer who takes up his practice in a .small town among the timberlands of ■ Northern Michigan. From the start he is handicapped by the belligerent attitude,''<jf' a certain village tyrant who endeavours to make away with the amoitious young man because the latter re-fuses-to enter into a crooked arrangement with him, Of course there is a girl, admirably played by Miss Claire Anderson; and althoug her faith ■is shaken, several times by the apparently peculiar actions of her sweetheart, she remains loyal to the finish, when everything turns out satisfactorily to all. Flashing her smiles from the screen, Shirley Mason will greet her picture friends in “Lights of the Desert. Ihe story is :well ‘ filled with tense moments and dramatic situations of powerful appeal, as well as touches in the lighter vein. In other words, it would appear 16 be an ideal photoplay for Miss Mason; and this, indeed, is how it is described bv reviewers. The leading man is Allan Forrest, a very' capable young actor..

■PARAMOUNT TO-NIGHT

WILLIAM S. HART

There is but one in the whole of nxdvielaad who while others have played their parts and are forgotten, still I holds the world in a bond of human appeal, William S. Hart. No matter who you afe something instinctively grips you at the sight of that grim, rugged face,' so terrible, and yet in an instant lovable. “Big Bill” is human, andi it is this quality alone, which cements, the" friendly feelings between lus numerous friends and himself disdaining the, trivial. His pictures are deep in their emotional appeal; his characters are'strong. Anaida wilderness of plain and prairie, the rek skins attacked the emigrant ta-ain. The Circle of Heath, j-ven the savages’ most potent weapon, closed slowly in upon the doomed settlers, avhen suddenly from a mountain of; rocks close by a fusilade of rifle and revolver fire poured out. The sudden attack demoralised the Indians,‘and allowed the pent-up defenders to take a, hand with, dramatic rcsuVs. Imred aboard the old stern wheeler, the frail sister of Oak Miller, soon discovered tintrap she was hi. .She freed herself and jumped into the ice-cold river, her erics bringing Miller to her aid. The shock of the immersion piover fatal, and oyer her grave Miller 9Woi r e vengeance. To save her, Barbara’s brother shot their step-father, then fled. When the body was found Barbara was suspected, but * early that morning she had left the waggon train. Oak Miller, her lover, hearing that Barbara is under suspicion, robs'the bank; and leaves evidence behind sufficient to convict himself. He then spreads the report that' Moss was killed by the bank robber, with the result that!- lie is.- arrested and charged with murder. The story docs not end hf“- r ' - Tou must ' see delightful western ..thriller -in' seven stirring reels and a big /supporting programme.

“JOYLAND”

kelson is to have special attractions this, week in the shape of “Joyland,’ opposite Empire Theatre. Amongst the numerous attractions are Professor Keech, who makes his escape from strait-jackets, handcuffs, etc., in remarkably short time; and Bob Strong, English-champion-wrestler, who toured the world with George Hackensmidt, and'.will be willing to meet all. comers. Another attraction is provided by the manager* Herb. Robinson, a clever featherweight boxer, who made*quite an impression in boxing circles during his visit here with Fritz Holland, the wellknown American boxer.