ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19230, 21 May 1921, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE. A magnificent reception was accorded the new First National play, “Yes or No,” starring the screen’s greatest artist, Norma Ta’madge, at the Albion Theatre last night. The question handled in this picture, which presents Nonna Talmade in a dramatic role, is of prime importance to every girl who stands on the threshold of maturity. At some time in her life every woman must answer “yes”- or “no.” The picture is adapted from Arthur Goodrich’s play of the same name which raised a lot of comment when it appeared upon the stage. It is a splendid human story—one that offers the talented star abundant chances to show her emotional skill. The star is forced to answer “yes or “no.” The momentous comes to her fraught with tragedj r —fraught with happiness too. And it is a big responsibility—this decision. The story may be called a study in contrasts. The spectator sees the social elite frittering away their time while a moment later, whisked by the magic of the camera a few blocks east, one encounters a working girl labouring amid squalid poverty to keep her home in a manner worthy of her devoted but preoccupied husband. Miss Talniadge handles both roles with rare skill and charm—with that sure touch and directness of method which has always characterised her interpretations on the screen. Coupled with the above drama is a comedy which is not one in name only, judging by the screams of laughter last night, and it can be classed as one of the best screened locally. Owing to a number of patrons not being able to obtain seats the management ask intending patrons to-night to come early or to telephone the Albion for their reserves. CIVIC PICTURES. The supreme Nazimova, the phenomenal Russian artiste, will be the principal attraction at the Civic Pictures to-night in her latest and greatest production, “The Brat.” The story has to do with the vicissitudes and final triumph of the Brar., a nameless waif adrift on the turbulent sea of life in a big city. She loses her job in the chorus because she is too shabby. Dejected and shelterless she leaves the theatre only to be insulted by a stage-door Johnnie and hauled before the Court on a charge trumped up by him. Here a novelist who is looking for copy for his new novel sees her, takes her to his own home and studies her as a type. A warm friendship ensues, love is kindled and fanned to name—but jealousy stalks in its wake. There ensues a drama of heart throbs and smiles, with many surprises and tremendously moving climaxes. The producer of the picture says that what Nazimova has done before she does again with “The Brae.” She is the one star that has never done a pocr picture. Her record has been one big triumph after another. She is a star whose personality rises supreme no matter what the vehicle. She is mistress of emotions—the star of a thousand moods—the uncrowned queen of the screen. This may sound extravagant, but it is believed to be true, and those who are favoured with a view of the picture during its local run will be able to judge for themselves. Supporting this super-attraction will be shown George Walsh, the young Fox star, in “Number 17,” a tale of heroics and thrills, based on Louis Tracy’s novel. Startling realism combines with romance to make this photoplay a great success. The dozens of exciting incidents in the book are intensified in the screen version. These two pictures serve to make up a varied programme of great interest, and should appeal to all picturegoers. Nazimova’s artistry will appeal to hundreds who do not in. the usual course go to pictures. This will mean a heavy demand for seats again, so patrons are advised to reserve at. the Bristol where plans for circle and stalls are open.

HARRY K. EUSTACE, EXPLORER. For twenty years Harry K. Eustace and Mrs Eustace penetrated through darkest Africa at the head of the Eustace Expedition. Making the jungle natives his friends, Eustace zigzagged for 50,0G0 miles through the wildest jungle, hunted the wildest animals in their native haunts, went right in amongst them and discovered what other explorers had failed to discover—that the jungle animal in his natural state does not attack a human being unless in hunger or self-defence. Many of his experiences were filmed, often at considerable risk to life and limb. The results will be seen at the Civic Pictures next Thursday arid Friday when Mr Eustace will accompany the screening with a breezy and entertaining narrative of his experiences and discoveries. POPULAR PICTURE PALACE. “Broadway and Home,” the star picture on a good programtne at the Popular Picture Palace, is a picture with a certain moral conviction, it shows how a man may be taught to realise bitterly that “all that glitters is not gold,” tells how a fisherman’s son in accordance with his great desire went to live in New York, whither he went to learn painting under a great artist. He meets a girl whom eventually he marries and who after a great tragedy has taken place dies, and Michael returns to be comforted by his boyhood sweetheart.* The story is an attractive one and is set in a very appropriate atmosphere. The supporting items include a Rolin comedy “The Mysterious Stranger,” which is a real merrymaker, also the latest Topical Budget and a Travelogue film.

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