ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18354, 21 March 1923, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"QUEEN OF SHEBA," , ' The realistic picture "Queen «* Sheba," filled as it is with action and providing a veritable feast for the vision of spectators, is meeting with keen appreciation at His Majesty's Theatre. It will be screened at a matinee this afternoon and again this evening and tomorrow evening. The historic love story of the beautiful Queen and King Solomon is presented in its various phases with remarkable skill. The entire action takes place in the midst of gorgeous settings and elaborate and ornate costumes. Among the sensational features are the vivid battle scenes ana the great chariot race in which Betty Blythe, as tho Queen, drives four white Arab steeds in a contest with Nell Craig, as the Princess Vasbti. Prior to tins race another one is staged in which six charioteers compete. These features are intensely exciting and the photography is wonderful. The picture is of _ outstanding interest and is introduced in an artistic prologue and accompanied by a specially composed musical score played' by an orchestra under Mr F. N. Burnnand.

TIVOLI THEATRE. " Her Gilded Cage," featuring Gloria Swanson, is the chief attraction on the programme at the Tivoli Theatre, where two screenings daily are being given. A strong cast supports the star in a picture of great interest. Also on the bill is, " Battling Torchy," starring Johnny Hines. A unique double programme will commence a week'*» run on Friday. The leading film will be a Paramount-Cosmopolite:; special feature, "The Face in the Fog," with Lionel Barrymore in the lead. With him will be associated Seena Owen and Lowell Sherman. The picture is from a Boston Blackie story by Jack Boyle. It is said to fairly quiver with thrills all through its absorling seven reels and to offer a remarkable exposure of criminal methods. Although many of the scenes wore filmed in a swirling fog it is claimed that not once is the action rendered indistinct or smothered. The photography is said to be a revelation. Barrymore plays the role of the criminal, Boston Blrckie. He has reformed and is leading the life of a respectable citizen of New York. Quite innocently he and his wife, Mary, become involved in the schemes of a p?n£ of International swindlers to rob a Russian Princess of her diamonds. Blackie at once joins issue with the? would-be thieves and in the underworld he encounters hairraising; p.nd unusual adventures. Also on the bill will be, "Ono Wild Week," starring Bebe Daniels.

STRAND THEATRE. The last two days of the current programme at the Strand Theatre are now announced. The chief attraction is tha unusual picture, "Missing Husbands." which is played by a cast of French artists. The story is bizarre and even ■weird, and the spectacular features aro remarkable. The central figure is Madame Stacia Napierkowska in the role of adesert Queen. Also on the bill is a laughable comedy, "Golf," featuring Larry Semon. Heading the new programme on Friday will be "Garrison's Finish, with Madge Bellamy and Jack Pickford. This is a racecourse drama, which is said to commence with a sprint and gallop all the way to a spectacular finish. Madge Bellamy plays the role of a society girl, and! Jack Pickford is seen as a jockey. In addition to the racing scenes the plot is said to contain a winning love story. There will be a unique prologue to this picture.

LYRIC THEATRE. Continued success is attending the screenings at the Lyric Theatre of the Selznick super-feature, "One Week of Love," with Elaine Hammerstein and Conway Tearle in the principal parts. This strong story of the regeneration of a society girl who had become immersed in pleasure-seeking is full of interest. The contrasts are decided and effective, and the revels of society are voluptuously staged. Skipper Francis sings his own compositions in an interlude. Also' on the bill is "Caught Bluffing," starring Frank Mayo. Commencing on Friday there will be a new programme, headed by "The Long Chance," and "Torn Sails," both features of outstanding merit and interest.

GRAND • THEATRE. <; ■-; • i The line British production, "Carnival," is attracting large attendances at the Grand Theatre this week. Matheson Lang is the star actor, and the scenes are laid in Venice amid lavish surroundings. Strong drama iB the keynote of the film. Also showing is "It Isn't Being Done This Season," with Corinne Griffith and a good cast, and the Mermaid comedy, "Free and Easy.'' For the , leading. fen - ture of the new programme to be screened on Friday "White . Shoulders," - starring Katberine Macdonald,, has been selected.

.•;.>', NATIONAL THEATRE. ;;: "The Mvsterious Rider," ■]- and the comedy, "Wedding Pumps," featuring the dog Brownie,' are the principal attractions at the National Theatre this week. On Friday the new programme will be headed by 'Trench Heels," stun-in; » Irene Castle in a moving modern love story. Also on the bill will be "Lucky Dan," with Richard Talmadge in a characteristic role.