ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18861, 8 November 1924, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE THIEF OF BAGDAD."

Nothing so fanciful, wonderful and magnificent has ever .been attempted in the realm of motion pictures as Douglas Fairbanks' latest production, " The Thief of Bagdad." This lavish product of cinematograph genius had its initial Auckland presentation yesterday, when it was shown: at Everybody's Theatre and the Tivoli Theatre to capacity houses. A few efforts in the direction of allegorical photo plays have been made in the past with mediocre success, but it has been reserved for Douglas Fairbanks to achieve the seemingly impossible and make the fairy tales of childhood truly live.' "The Thief of Bagdad " is motion photography in the highest state of perfection yet reached. Spectacles and fantasies of extraordinary beauty excite admiration and wonder, and the mechanical effects obtained in some of ♦he most beautiful and weird of the scenes are well-night -inexplicable. Such photo* graphic puzzles as the magic carpet which flies through the clouds, and even circles down through the narrow, crooked streets of Bagdad, the flying horse and the invisible cloak, which reduces the human figure to a mere hazy white light, will confuse «ven the most conspicuously clever person who can explain " how it's done." The settings and mountings at all times command admiration—colossal halls and palaces, with polished marble floors, tremendous flights of stairs,' gigantic iron gates that open and shut mysteriously and with a curious semblance of power. Then there is the huge idol in the desert —a Prometheus beside which men appear as pigmies—fairy-like palaces in the skies, vast caverns and wide, open desert spaces, and finally the bottom of the sea—a bewildering effect in which the depths of the ocean are depicted apparently many fathoms below the surface. None of these mechanical results are so obvious or childish as to be unimpressive. They are achieved with something like perfection of detail, and many are truly amazing. Through these elaborate and fanciful, scenes moves the figure of the thief of Bagdad—a picturesque personality who is human enough to win the liking and respect, not only of the princess in the story, but the hearts of the audience. Douglas Fairbanks may be credited, not only with producing something quite different from the conventional in pictures, but with scoring an artistic success in a romantic role. Stripped to the waist, his athletic figure moves swiftly and inexorably through the quickly-chancing scenes, retaining the focus of attention on the very human theme which forms the basis of the story. Ho is ably supported by Julanne Johnston as the beautiful princess. A special prologue is staged at Everybody's Theatre each evening, and full justice is done to the magnitude of the film by an augmented orchestra of 14 players, under the baton of Mr. R. J. Morgan. The theatre attendants are attired in Eastern costume in keeping with the character of the film. Matinee performances are being given at the Tivoli Theatre in addition to the evening sessions and a specially-arranged musical programme is played by the Tivoli Orchestra.

NATIONAL THEATRE. Patrons of "he National Theatre ■ will view with much satisfaction the steps taken to cater more ;t.horoughly for their comfort and entertaiir.nent. With extensive improvements carried out to the interior of the theatre, the enlargement of the orchestra, the staging of appropriate interludes, and the excellent character of the films, both feature and supports, provided for entertainment and amusement, the National ranks easily among the best picture houses in the city, and is making a bold bid for first, share in popularity. Last evening a complete new programme was presented under the new direction, and proved of thorough interest to the particularly large audience which attended. Commencing with an overture played with dash and finish by the large orchestra, the picture portion of the programme opened with au interesting English topical gazette, followed by an educational scenic and au amusing comedy, "Sea Simps." Prior to commencement of. the principal picture there was staged an artistic prologue in which four girls took part, attired, in the, characteristic costumes of the periods 1865, 1870, 1888 and: 1924. The interlude, which was arranged by Miss Rae, was a pleasing introduction to the picture which followed. This was a fine First National production, "Secrets." •in which Norm;?. Tnlmadge is featured. "Secrets" is a romantic story of a woman's undying love for her husband, and it has been produced with a keen intuition of the ingredients beloved of the average spectator. The love it portrays is intensely idealistic, living untarnised for half century, braving parental disfavour, the hardships of poverty, the dangers of wealth and the unfaithfulness of the man who was loved. 3liss Talmadge gives a wonderful performance in the four episodes which make up the picture and.reaches great emotional heights. The appeal of the film is enhanced by the gorgeous costumes worn by the favourite actress in the earlier episodes. Eugene O'Brien, her leading man, is an equally popular figure. The programme is of an all-round excellent character and its finished presentation accurately indicates the progressive policy which has been outlined by the management.

' STRAND THEATRE. In every respcct the All-British programme which had its first presentation at the Strand Theatre yesterday achieves an unusually high standard of merit. This applies, not only to the picture portion of the programme, which is headed by an exceptionally fine British photoplay, " A Bill of Divorcement," but likewise to the musical side of the entertain- . ment, which is enhanced by the engagement of Miss Kate Campion, the brilliant New Zealand prima donna. With these factors in combination, the programme offers a maximum of high-class entertainment. Lovers of good pictures will be particularly interested in " A Bill of Divorcement," as it marks the approach of British film production to th®- level of the best American. In the first place 1 the picture is an adaptation of one of the nxosts uceessful of modern English plays — a work that brought fame to C'iemence Dane —and for depth and emotional treatment it surpasses anything yet released from British studios. The story of the insidious intrusion of insanity into ; the lives of a young and happily-married family is given tense expression through ; the medium of perfect acting and sound direction. FaV Compton, the well-known English stage actress, gives a profoundly affecting portrayal of the role of Margaret Fairfield, who is faced with a problem vital, not only to herself, but future generations. For the gay, irresponsible role of the daughter, the producers engaged the young American actress,. Constance Binney, and her youth and spirit add a delightful touch to the finished picture. Of interest to Aucklanders is the appearance, as Kit Humphrey, of Martin \Valker, who was seen here recently with the Vanbrugh-Boncicault Company. Clemence Dane's unusual ending has been preserved in all its beauty and pathos. The vocal interlude proved a rare musical treat. Miss Campion sang " 11 Bacio." a little Irish ballad. " Danny Boy," and " Love's a Merchantin each of which some new note was struck in her characteristic richness of style. She was accorded an enthusiastic reception.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. " The Man They Did Hang," a picture with an. unusual theme, is one of the two main attractions at the Queen's Theatre, The story relates how a man is brought back to life by a powerful serum which stimulates the heart after it has stopped. This drug is named adrenalin, and it is round its employment in the case of an executed man that the story hinges. Milton Sills and Brandon Hurst have the. leading roles' in this highly-sensational picture. A second feature film is " From Rags to Riches," an engrossing story with the favourite bov actor, Wesley Barrv, in the principal role. The programme is further varied by the inclusion of an amusing comedy, " Farmyard Follies."

MUNICIPAL CHOIR. Miss Esther Plumb, a distinguished American singer who lias earned exceptionally favourable criticisms in the principal cities in America and Canada, will be the vocalist at tlie Municipal Choir concert in the Town Hall this evening. She will be heard in works by Meyerbeer and Paladilhe. The choir will sing Buck's " Hymn to Music," choral compositions by Mendelssohn, and and West's arrangement o£ "Vv i' a Hundred Pipers."

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. • A varied programme of voral and orchestral selections will be given bv Miss Amy Stevenson's orchestra of 22 performers and assisting artists, in St. Matthew's Hall, Hobson Street, next Tuesday evening. The orchestral numbers will comprise selections from the worses of Borowski, Coleridge Taylor, Saint Ge-orge, Rienecke, Mozart and Boccerinij Miss Bertha Carr will sing " Deep Rivaer," and " The Harvest of Sorrow," and Mr. Robert Simmers will sing " My Song is of ilie Sturdy North," and Hame." Violin solos will bo contributed by Miss Margaret Stoddart. DIXIELAND CABARET. Special attractions are to be provided at Dixieland Cabaret this afternoon and evening. Miss Dorothy Richardson will present a solo dance.