STRAND THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18711, 17 May 1924, Page 12

STRAND THEATRE.

5 The new programme at the Strand Theatres-attracted largo audiences yesterday. A picturesque 'costume drama, "Thg Fighting Blade," released by First 1 National. Is the principal feature and its appeal should be as efficacious as that of other dram»3 of the type that have been issued from American studios within recant months. The popular screen actor, Richard Barthelmess, is the; central figure in a tale of love and adventure in England in the chivalrous days of Charles I. The deadly straggle between Charles and Cromwell is the motivo behind much of the action, with the result that a great deal of the incident is bawd on the strife, battle and persecution of the period. Barthelmess is cast in an heroic role which well becomes his youth, type and ability. A Flemish soldier cf fortune on a mission of vengeance to England, he becomes embroiled in the civil war, using his skill with the sword in d*. fence of his life and honour, and falling back on sheer courage in many a tight corner. His magnificent behaviour under torturo provides a scene gripping in its sustained suspense, the intensity being subsequently relieved by a piquant scene in which he is concealc-d in the heroine's bedroom while his enemies search the castle in disappointed rage. . The costuming of the players has been carried out on an scale and is an attraction in itself. Dorothy Mackafil makes a distinct appeal as the heroine, a romantic touch being added by her disguise as a boy. The supporting pictures include a laughable. comedy, '*'The Rural Cinderella," and the usual topical gazettes, which include some highly interesting glimpses of fish swimming in aquariums. A picture of special local interest is the film depicting the procession of naval men through the city's streets on Tuesday, including views taken at the saluting base in Government Grounds. The Lyric Four contribute a pleading musical interlude, singing plantation melodies in character make-up in an artistic setting. HIPPODROME THEATRE. "Cocaine," the English production, dealing with London night clubs and the dope traffic, is attracting considerable attention at - the Hippodrome Theatre. The picture takes the spectator into the by. ways of mighty London, and while designed primarily as an entertainment,, nevertheless exposes a danger that is recognised as one of the greatest menaces to modern society. " Cocaine," with its background of London night club?, Chinese dope dens, and the shady side of a great metropolis, has an appeal quite different from the usual motion picture drama. Hilda Bayley is the featured actress,. BROADWAY THEATRE. "A 1 Woman of Paris," the picture written and directed by Charles Chaplin for Edna Purvianca, well-known as his leading lady for many years past, will be shown for the last time at the Broadway Theatre this evening. The picture recently completed a phenomenally successful season at Everybody's Theatre. This picture will be sub. stituted at the matinee to-day by the great British comedy " Alfa Button," recognised as one of the most successful pictures ever made in England. EPSOM LIBRARY COURSE. The Epsom Library winter course will be opened on Tuesday next with a concert. A programme consisting of vocal, elocutionary, and instrumental pieces has been arranged. The artists contributing are Misses Muriel Standsell, Gwendoline Taylor, Ysolind McVeagh, Messrs. Walter Brough, Harold Wilson, Frank Stutchbury, and Masters E. Blomfield and Frank Hoffey. DRAMATIC RECITALS. Lovers of literature and elocution are promised a rare treat in the forthcomng visit to Auckland of Professor J. C. Newlands, orator and dramatist, of. New College, Edinburgh. Professor Newlands comes with a reputation acquired in many lands besides his own; he has" been proclaimed a charming entertainer', and a master of tonal effects. ' During the Auckland season his lecture recitals will in-" clude " A Night With Barrie," " Border Ballads and Scottish Stories," and a recital combining " Romeo and Juliet," with humorous selections from various authors. ORGAN RECITAL. The city organist, will give a recital in the Town Hall this evening when the programme will include Handel's fine "Concerto No. 4," an arrangement of a popular sailor chanty, and Mr. Maughan Harnett's " Fantasia on National Airs." Miss Lois Evans will- sing " Ernani, Ernani," by Verdi; and " 0 Ship of My Delight," by Phillips.