ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18096, 22 May 1922, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. An item of interest to the music-loving people of Auckland is the announcement by Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller of the engagement of Miss Etta Field, the dramatic soprano who has recently returned from Australia, where she won many laurels in the singing world. Miss Field intends shortly to visit Europe, and the management take this opportunity of bringing Miss Field before their patrons prior to her departure. Other supporting artist* will include Gus T. Raglus, the expert ball bouncer, who created a good impression when here some 12 months ago, and Claude Deear. presenting a series of acrobatic tricks. All the remaining artists who have mada good during the past week will appear in entirely now songs, dances, sketches, and burlesque. TIVOLI THEATRE. The novel and entertaining nature of "Three Live Ghosts," now being screened at the Tivoli Theatre, is proving a decided attraction to pioture-goers at that popuilar house. The humorous and dramatic adventures of the three soldiers who are supposed to be dead but are very much alive, though unwilling for various reasons to disclose themselves, are distinctly amusing and interesting. Another attractive film is "Never Weaken," in which Harold Lloyd, a comedian who has a style peculiarly his own, and who obtains his laughs in a legitimate manner, plays the chief role. He creates much merriment in his efforts. A Burton Holmes travelogue, and other good films are also on the bill. Only four more days of the present programme remain. On Friday evening the chief attraction on the new bill will be "The Bhelk," a Jesse L. Lasky production released by Paramount. This is an adaptation to the screen of Edith M. Hull's sensational novel of the same name. It is claimed to be the only film that ever ran simultaneously for 12 months in three New York theatrea. The story tells of a lovely English aristocrat who finds herself at the mercy of one who knows no law but the Arab law —that of taking what he desires. It is described as a vivid, colourful, and gripping romance of all time. The heroine, a beautiful madcap, in spite of the protests cf her friends, takes a ride out into the desert unchaperoned, and there meets her fate. The subsequent events are shown in the midst of the weird beauty of the East, with its swaying palms, velvet tropio nights, and swirling passions born of a fierce land. The adventures of the English intruder are blended with a riot of emotion in the bizarre environment of Arabian colour. NEW LYRIC THEATRE. The last three days of the current programme at the New Lyrio Theatre: are announced. On Thursday evening a super-film, "Broken Blossoms," one of the D. W. Griffith masterpieces, will, be screened for the first time in New Zealand. It is claimed that in this picture the famous director has attained a new standard of art, hot even surpassed in his recent triumph, "Way Down East" The theme of "Broken Blossoms 5 ' is based on Richard Burke's "Limehouse Nights." It tells of the heart-rending experience of a white girl, daughter or a pugilist, living in the Chinese quarter of Limehouse, London. She is brutally illtreated by her father, and finally, after having been thrashed by him into unconsciousness, is found in that state by a young Chinese who has been watching over her for some time. He takes her to his own home, and, after her recovery, gives her sanctuary there. He j supplies her with Chinese attire and I treats her as though she were a goddess. j There follows an idealistic existence, in which the love of the young Chinaman reaches sublime heights. Into this atmosphere of romance stalks at last the grim figuHei of {tragedy. The girl's father learns of her retreat, and after a tense scene he kills her in the absence of her. protector. The latter proceeds to avenge himself, the pugilist bteing also killed following a religious ceremonial. Finally the young Chinese ends his own life. In the leading; role is thai fine actress, Lillian Gish, supported by Richard Barthelmess, and others who figured in the cast of 'Way Down East." Tragic as the story is in phases, it is said that the film appeals to the best emotions, and leaves a very deep impression. The special musical score will be played by the New Lyric orchestra. GRAND THEATRE "The Kid" continues to pursue his successful career at the Grand Theatre, where it is again featured in this week's programme. This Charles Chaplin picture, in which the famous comedian and his little partner, Jackie Coogan, alternately make the onlookers laugh and cry, is now drawing to an end of its season. Also on the bill is a fine Vitagraph production, "The Matrimonial Web," which is presented by a very capable cast. Alice Calhoun is tb* star. and Joseph Striker her leading man. '"The Adventures of Tarzan" are continued in an exciting chapter, and there are other good films.

QUEER'S THEATRE. The tense dramatio atmosphere of ''Sealed Lips,'' now being screened at the Queen's Theatre, is commending it to numerous spectators at each session. It is a film version of the famous novel, "The Silence of Dean Maitland." Also on the programme for the current week is tie diverting comedy-diama, "Reggie Mixes In," featuring Douglas Fairbanks. NATIONAL THEATRE. The new film, "Burn 'Em Up Barnes," now being screened at the NationaT Theatre, is proving highly interesting to numerous patrons. A feature is a motoirace of an exciting description. For the next change of programme on Friday the chief attraction will be Zane Grey's "The Man of the Forest." BROADWAY THEATRE. At the Broadway Theatre this evening and to-morrow evening the chief film to be screened will be "Seeds of V engeance." This is a Selznick feature with a strong cast. "THE LITTLE MOTHER." The second production staged by the George Cross Dramatic Company at the King's Theatre, Newton, met with a very good recoption at the performances on Saturday afternoon and evening. "The Little Mother" is a melodrama in which comedy has as important a role as the dramatic, and the company responsible for its presentation succeeded in obtaining the maximum effect in both aspects. Miss Vera Rcmee took her part with convincing effect. A fine performance was given by Mr. Jack McGowan, as the relentless father, while Mr. Dave MacCormack, as tho f family solicitor, was dignified and amusing by turns. These three, with the addition of Miss Aline Dunn, were responsible for much laughter in the humorous situations in the second act. Mr. George Cross made an admirable lover as ths missing soidfer, and Miss Juanita Cole gave an adequate performance as his former love. The play will bo repeated each evening until Saturday.