ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17787, 17 July 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE. “GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST." Fresh from a succession of unbroken triumphs in the northern cities LaskyParamount's great picturisation of Belasco’s wonderful story “The Girl of the Golden West” comes to the luxurious Albion Theatre this afternoon at 2 p.m. sharp. We cannot recall another, story that has enjoyed such wide popularity. As a novel it caught on, 5 as a play is was an unbounded success, and as an opjera it was, emphatically approved. Now in film form with a length of 6000 ft., divided into six vigorous acts it is gathering fresh laurels and sweeping all before it. It is a magnetic drawing card and its popularity is very great. The strength of the story lies in its adsolute fidelity to life and in the fresh unhackneyed type of characters represented, it deals with the wild life of California In the roaring days, and discloses a big red-blooded tale of dash and danger, and life and Jove in the open air, 'near the blue sky and amidst the most beautiful scenery of the fairest State in America. The photo-play was acted before a. panorama of natural scenery of surpassing beauty. The Auckland Star says of the production:— “The qualities that made it such a striking success on the stage, both its a drama and as an opera, lend themselves very readily to successful production on the screen. With a setting cast in the

“Wild Wefrt,” It was to be expected that the picture would make the most of the opportunities for impressive revolvershooting displays and remarkably good horsemanship, but neither of these things is overdone. The hero, a splendid character, very ably portrayed by House Peters, is a “road agent" and a figure of the American virile type, whose appeal to picture-lovers is usually irresistible. "The Girl" is a charming young woman, who is employee! In a frontier saloon of the most, lawless sort, but who preserves her charming qualities in spite of the riotous living o f these about her. Eventually her simple faith and love converts the outlaw from his badness, and the story ends with a satisfying pairing-off. The bill also includes one of the ludicrously funny “Mutt and Jeff" cartoon pictures, showing their adventure with a German submarine. A lively comedy, called "A Keyboard Strategy,” ane one of the latest Gazettes. In view of the crusa patrons are counselled to be early or to secure scats by telephone 7RB. GRAND THEATRE. “THE FIGHTING PARSON.” "The Fighting Parsou,” a magnificent 5000/1. Triangle production directed by master-producer, Thos. H. luce, will be the great attraction at the popular Grand Theatre this afternoon. luce produced the splendid films "The Coward" ami “The Golden Claw, ’ anti both were a credit to any man, yet it is said that his latest effort "The Fighting Parson” excels both. The central figure in this big photo-play is not only distinctive and true to type, but is in addition a most attractive personality. Tbo following extract from the stage play of the same, title gives some slight idea of the kind of man "The Fighting Parson" is. "I was lighting for you, but you threw me down." The man who uttered the words gazed at the heavens, the shreds of what had been five minutes before the clerical broadcloth banging from his shoulders. In his hand lie grasped a note from his wife. "f am going away with Manly," it read. "I realise 1 am unworthy of you. Plwuse for get me." The man was a . parson from the backwoods, who hail entered the western town to clean it up. Me | laid built a rough ehurc.li, and held his . tirsl service there. Half an hour later I he had found Ills home deserted, save for ibis tli ree-year-old daughter, and his !\vife gone witii Doc Hardy, the saloonkeeper. Embittered against God and the ! man lie took his child into the moon- , tains. They lived in a hut beyond the i all of the town, but again when the i child went down a helpless, delirious victim to the mountain fever the shock | shook with the wrath of the voice that cried. "You’ve struck mo again from behind.” The child was sick. She called frequently for her mother, who had gone the way of many, and the only man who could save the child was the man who had betrayed the woman. These are the events which bring "The Fighting Parson" to a powerful climax. It''is regiirded as the strongest drama the Triaugle Company have so far produced. Tile role of the parson is taken liv William S. Marl, who reaches emotional heights truly remarkable for screen work. Picked supporting subjects include Vitagraph’s latest comedy success "Levy’s Seven Daughters,” Ambrosio’s scenic " Neath Italy s Magic Skies.” and the latest copy of "The GaumoDt Graphic.” Such excellent films ensure big houses.

POPULAU picture palace. ••CORA.” An exceptionally fine series of pictures lias been secured for the new programme at the P.P.P., foremost of which Is a highly dramatic Metro, production in five parts, entitled •'Cora." Miss Emily Stevens, who will be favourably remembered by her intense and powerful acting in ••The House of Tears,’' plays the leading part, and Northern contemporaries speak in the highest terms of her interpretation of the much maligned prima donna ‘'Cora.” In acting and all the branches of art that go to the making of a great picture, “Cora” is well up to the high standard for which the Metro productions are noted. "Cora,’’ who lias been left an orphan, strives to get employment at a musical agency, but grief at the loss of her mother overcomes her, and she is unable to show the true value of her voice. She then goes to pose for an artist, who falls in love with her, and with her assistance becomes a great success. The girl to whom he is engaged passes out of his mind and lie neglects her. .Stic and her mother go to the studio to reprimand him, and Cora overhears her conversation, and realises that he has lied to her. She leaves and gets a start on the operatic stage, where she makes rapid strides and becomes a primtj, donna. Later she kills George’s love for her by paying marked attention to another man, and pretending to have taken too much wine. Later she is iron fronted by Jose, "the other man, who has taken her attentions seriously, and endeavours to take advantage of her unproiectedness. A terrible fight ensues in which Cora is victorious, and after an all round explanation, the story finishes happily. "A Change of Luck, ”is a screaming absurdity by the Cub Co., and features the new screen comedian, G. Ovey; whilst the Topical Budget and supports arc well up to the. usual standard. Patrons are reminded that “The Broken Coin” commences on Thursday next. CHURCH SOCIAL AT NORTH 1 nvkucargill. The second annual sociaJ of the North Invercargill Presbyterian Church was held »m Friday evening htsf in the church, which was packed, many having to lie content witii standing room in the irorcb. Pour concerted items wej*c contributed by the First Church choir under the baton of Mr Quinn, and these were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Vocal solos were admirably rendered by Mrs McLean, Miss Gardner, and Messrs Cooper, and H. Strang. Mr H. P. West supplied the humour in the form of recitations, _ and Mr )!. Meh alloy gave two very tine violin solos The Rev. .1. Collie, who presided, gave a brief outline of the years progress and intimated that the business of the year would be discussed at a congregational meeting at a later date, the Rev. 11. Mcta>au, of Knox Church, gave a stirring appeal to eliurch memhei s, urging the claimant mad caused by the present world crisis for increased earnestness among all Christian \soikeis. Ar a suitable interval a bountiful supply of pioviskms, for which the ladies were responsible, was banded round. The whole meeting was characterised by heartiness, and at the eonclusum ot the congregation was expressed in a compr«*lu*nsivc-* ami liosiriy vote ol thanks t«> all who had helped. At the Anniversary Services held on Sunday the Rev. •' v ■ Prown, of Mataiira, preached to large congregations.