ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19590, 11 August 1922, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES That variety which makes for perfect entertainment is embodied in the new programme at the Civic Pictures. Drama, comedy drama, and stirring melodrama are all blended in just the right proportion. In “The Idle Rich,” which has the distinction of providing something novel in the way of comedy and drama in combination, features that capable young star, Bert Lytell, in a very suitable role. Bert is seen as a young spendthrift who suddenly found that he was in reality a pauper. When right “up against it” and deserted by his friends of better days, he finds a novel way of using the talents he possessed. Needless to say he triumphed over the obstacles to his success and happiness, which was shared by Virginia Valli. who makes an excellent foil to the likeable star. The story is very well staged and acted. Johnnie Walker and Edna Murphy, two young stars who leapt to fame through their fine work in “Over The Hill” are on the same programme in “Extra! Extra!” a punchy drama of newspaper life and adventures that befcl a “cub” reporter out after a “scoop.” These two players arc in a class by themselves and are well suited 1 by the story William Fox has here provided j for them. Strong melodrama is contained in “The Ruling Passion,” a powerful production featuring William E. Stay and Claire Whitney. The scene moves from London to India, where the greatest part of the action takes place. It is not often that a programme s» strong, containing three full-length star features is provided for the entertainment of picture goers. Plans for to-night and Saturday are now open at the Bristol. BERT LYTELL MATINEE “The Idle Rich,” featuring Bert Lytell, a very amusing picture, will be shown at the Civic matinee to-morrow afternoon, together with two cartoons and a strong supporting programme. ALBION THEATRE. ‘'Playthings of Destiny,” starring Anita Stewart, will be the feature attraction at the Albion theatre to-night. This is a stirring romance of the frozen North and the tropics, and permits the talented and beautiful star splendid opportunities to display her versatility. Miss Stewart does some of the best work of her career on the screen, in the role of Julie Laneau, who is unwittingly led into marrying a man she did not love, when she was really the wife of another man she did love. She depicts the emotions of this woman tossed in the maelstrom of doubts and suspicions—a woman who has to believe that the man she loves has tricked her into marriage when he has a legal wife living. Her flight from his cabin through a raging blizzard, her losing fight against the dements, provides a series of tense moments. The picture presents a fine cast that includes Herbert Rawlinson, Walter McGrail, and William V. Mong. Alice Calhoun, the popular young star, rises to new heights in “The Charming Deceiver.” This capable actress has an emotional role which calls for real artistry. The story is one of those pleasing narratives that deals with a page of life as it exists in the small New Englund villages. Wealthy grandparents, disowned children and the happy reunion after a dark secret has been cleared furnish material for an intense love story. Attractive scenic backgrounds, odd bits of human interest and quaint fragments of humour have been introduced. A clever Christie Comedy “Pure and Simple,” with other pictures, complete one of the finest programmes ever shown at the Albion. Seats may be reserved by telephoning the Albion. GRAND THEATRE. A special attraction is announced for tonight at the Grand theatre commencing at 7.45, when Doug. Fairbanks will appear in “The Mark of Zorro,” a brilliant screen version of the thrilling novel, “The Curse of Capistrano.” The scene is laid out in California during the beginning of the last century, when oppression and graft were rife. Spanish administration ruled, and the priests and natives were continually beaten and robbed by those in power. No one dare resist this state of affairs, but the mysterious

“Zorro” who, like a veritable will-o’-the-wisp, appeared here, and everywhere, driving terror to the hearts of the oppressors, and marking them with his sword in a manner which left no doubt as to his meaning. Fairbanks is “Zorro” and he enacts a dual character, calling for an exceptional versatility. Every foot of film is highly interesting, and much of it diverting. There is a real and coherent continuity, a pleasing cast of characters, and scenery that would make any picture. This super-feature will be accompanied by an exquisite musical score. Special music accompanies this picture. Prior to the screening of “The Mark of Zorro” an attractive selection of supporting. subjects will be screened. Intending patrons are reminded that seats may be reserved at the Bristol till 5.30 p.m. and then at the Grand Theatre. Day sales may be obtained at Mr Ayson’s (confcctioneer) near Grand Theatre.