ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17793, 24 July 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND THEATRE* A FAMOUS PHOTO PLAV. The Grand was packed to suffocation on Saturday night. A big play with a great reputation,. Clyde Fitch s best drama "The Straight Road," adapted by the Famous Players Co. in 4 acta ot dynamic force begins this afternoon. The success of this motion dramatic star at Dunedin was very great. It finished a big season on Saturday evening to "turnaway” business and left a very favourable impression behind it. It fk well known that Clyde Fitch, the American dramatist, gathers all his characters and the material for his plays from life. That is so In connection with "The Straight Rood" and the result is a drama that reproducea human beings of fact, not fiction. who live and breathe and fight the battle of existence with grit and courage—people that seem to speak from the screen—in place of the. posturing puppets foisted upon us by many so-called playwrights. The central figure is "Moll O'Hara," a girl of the underworld with the world against her and her successful fight to preserve her honour In the face of temptation and heavy odds is the powerful pivot of this powerful play. "Moll was acted for the screen by Gladys Hannon, an actress with a genuine international reputation, and her performance is described as one of great excellence. A Famous Players cast support her. Special attention has been paid to the supporting films. Edison wilt contribute one Of those clever cartoons "Charlie Chaplin and his Barnyard Pets,” in which the popular comedian is said to be reproduced to the life. Lnbln Is represented by "The Other Sister," a drama of rare merit, and Vilagraph by “One Plus Equals One," a most diverting comedy. "The British Army in France," an official war film, and the two latest "Gaumont Graphics” will also be shown. Such a strong programme Is sure to sustain his houses. ALBION THEATRE, "DAVID HARUM." Westcott’s incomparable book "David Hamm," which must have had as wide — If not a wider—circle of readers than any other book of modern times comes to the up-to-date Albion Theatre this afternoon at 2 o’clock, and It is quite safe to predict that "quaint old David, banker, horse trader, and philosopher," ■will receive a royal welcome from hundreds of admirers. Those who enjoyed the fine book will be glad to know that the story is, by the press, and public of the northern cities, accounted to be "even better in the 5000 ft. film made by the Famous Players Company.” The eminent American actor, Wm. H. Crane, appears ad “David Hamm.” That follows almost as a natural sequence for ten years ago Mr Crane scored a stage triumph in the part at New York, and since that time he .has toured every hole and comer of the United States playing no other part but “David” and endearing the queer old customer tp all and sundry. Mr.Crane’s impersonation is credited with being one of the most notable characterisations of the modern stage. It is doubtful if any American work of drama or fiction has ever achieved such widespread distinction as did this book and play. This occasion marks Mi* Crane’s advent in pictures, and his wonderful portrayal is regarded by many as the best example of character work yet. The combination of star actor and great play should ensure a photo-drama-tic treat of rare merit. Mr Crane is supported by those clever people Harold LockwoOd, May Allison and an especially chosen cast. The supporting films will be “RiVer Life near Paris,” a delightful scene series. In colours, "Cartoons in a Sanitarium" with the comical ■“Casey Kids” and Mr Henpeek much In evidence. "Battlefield of Ncuve Chapelle," a British official war topical. Part of the purchase money of these official films goes to War charities. The latest Pathe Gazette will also be shown. A bumper house is a certainty. POPULAR PICTURE PALACE. A photo-play is a combination of story, direction, acting and photography. A perfect photo-play Is a delicate synchronization—blending together of these ingredients. A splendid example la given to-day and to-night in the most engrossing five-act drama “The Rack.” "The Rack*' did not die out with the Dark Ages. Blanche Gordon (Alice Brady) discovered that, drinking deep of the dregs of life’s bitter draught. Her indiscretion with Jack Freeman—tbc nlgrn that Tom Gordon, her husband, trapped her in a roadhouse with Freeman—the quarrel, the shot that caused Freeman’s death—all stretched her soul on “Trie Hack” of modern society, till It Was bruised and torn. Through sacrificial fires Blanche Gordon won into her own at last, however, ami In her husband's afms found balm and consolation for her cruel Ordeal at the bands of manmade I&w, The story is as follows: Blanche Gordon lives unhappily with her husband. There la Jealousy on both sides, and of this fact Jack Freeman, a devli-may-care man about town, takes advantage. Jack has quarrelled with his Own wife, Louise, on account of his attentions to other women. tt was lie who sowed discord between Donald .McKenzie and his wife Effie. This unhappy girl committed suicide and Donald McKenzie went abroad and became inebriate in his trouble. When lie returned to New York he swore to be avenged on Freeman. Freeman by a trick lures Blanche Gordon to a disreputable roadhouse, where she is discovered with Freeman by her husband. There la a desperate quarrel and Freeman is ahol. Blanche Gordon was arrested for the murder, and in court she swears that she killed Freeman in defence of her honour. After the trial she and her husband are reconciled, and they neither of them forget her terrible torture on "The Rack” during the trial for murder. There are some excellent supports, including tho latest Military Budget and three tip-top comedies chock full of laughs. "THE DANDIES” TO-NIGHT. The programme which “The Dandies” have prepared for their opening performance in the Municipal Theatre this evening is marked by great variety. There are many Individual items, and a large number of concerted numbers, amongst the latter being a selection from "Faust.” The success achieved by "The Dandie.s” on their present tour •hould be sufficient recommendation that they will present an entertainment which Is inkeeplng with their reputation. The company appearing this evening is making Us first appearance in Invercargill. Reports to hand speak well of the visiting artists, and class them as a most versatile and able combination. "The Dandies” will appear for three nights, presenting an entire change of programme each evening. The plan is at Adillcrap’s.