THE PICTURE HOUSES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15748, 13 February 1922, Page 5

THE PICTURE HOUSES.

PALACE THEATRE

The success of the programme of varied subjects, which includes “A Wise Fool,” with James Kirkwood, Ann Forest, and Alice Hollister in the east; "The Scar,” with the beautiful Kitty Gordon in the leading part; Eddie Polo, in “King of tlie Circus’’; Charles Chaplin, in “A Musical Tramp”; a Travelogue of Christchurch, N.Z.; the Selznick News, and some minor films, at the Palace Theatre on Saturday, should ensure full houses to-nighb and to-morrow. “A Wise Fool” is a vivid story of Quebec, but its appeal is so universal that it applies to any small town in any part if the world. The central figure is an egotistical rich man. His riches give him power, but- his pride gutters a blow when ho discovers that outside his own town no one knows or cares who he is. Returning to his home town he plunges into business and neglects the social side of life bis wife and daughter seek, until it last his selfishness drives them from him. After losing all bis wealth and his egotism ho goes in search of those whom lie has learned to love. He discovers his wife an inmate in a convent, and his daughter married to the man her father had driven from his home, and the play ends with'a happy re-union. Written by Sir Gilbert Parker, the story is beautifully told, and intensely acted. Few dramas are so full of delightful entertainment. “The Sear,” the romance of a pretty Spanish girl who played with love, treating all her admirers with scorn, until they were disillusioned. Then she falls in love, but her love is be--towed upon a man who cannot be made to even accept her friendship. Kitty Gordon is excellent in a part which allows her to wear some splendid gown creations. Eddie Polo, in the sth. episide of “King of the Circus,” thrilled and delighted his legion of admirers with his daring feats and noble conduct in trying circumstances. The story •allows more thrilling as it proceeds. Charles Chaplin kept the crowd convulsed with laughter with his latest laugh riot, and the supporting films are ill that can be desired. EVERYBODYU THEATRE.

/ With Katherine McDonald, the beauty actress in “Passioifs Playground,” a romance of Monte Carlo, Florence Vidoi and House Peters in “Lying Lips,” the special Thomas 11. Ince production, and tlie final episode of “Smashing Barriers” serial, the excellent entertaining power of Everybody’s current programme is undoubted, as was proved by the immense audiences present on Saturday last at both afternoon and evening sessions. “Passion’s Playground” is taken from the story “The Guests of Hprcttles,” bv O. N. and A. M. Williamson, produced by First National, with ■Katherino McDonald in tho star role. “Passion's Playground” is a- stirring Stbry of romance, losses, and gains at Monte Carlo, where titled persons from alj lands stake their fortunes, good names, and crowns on the roulette . wheM and other numerous gambling devices hero conducted. As Mary Grant, a convent girl, just in receipt of her inheritance, Miss McDonald plays the part! of a girl who leaves tho holy institution to find that the gambling bipod that iiowed in the veins of her father leads her on lo winnings that become tho gossip of the famous resort. The climax is most dramatic. “Lying Lips” depicts the contrast between sel- ' fish/ and unselfish love. The heroine is ’<T product of wealth and culture who is Mfracted to a resourceful and primitive type of manhood. In a critical moment, her courage deserts her and she becomes a product, of deceit. Then her soul becomes purged through the force of conscience. The picture teaches a good ftiiral, while in it there is scene after scene of spectacular thrill, each one having been staged in a most artistic and frailistic inannch The concluding episode of the “Smashing Barriers” serial -frfis deservedly popular. This programme frill be repeated to-night.