ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19657, 6 October 1922, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE. Perhaps the most popular of all James Oliver Curwood’s stories is “Flowers of the North.” This great story of the land North of 53 has been borught to the screen with Henry B. Walthall and Pauline Starke in the leading roles. The story itself is entirely modern with a touch of the past customs still observed at the Fort o’ God, which seem to take that particular spot out of the present day and carry it back to another generation. The dramatic intensity of the production is well' handled —thrilling and stirring incidents are offset by a lighter vein in the development of a deep love love story. There are Indian camps, rapids, ami big fights off set by refreshing stillness of nature as the hero looks off the mountain cliff into the valley beneath stretching in pensive quietness for miles. Then, too, there is the touch of nature life in the squirrel, in the rabbit and her babies, the dogs and other of the north which have b.en tinned at close range. The first feature of the evening presents Evelyn Greeley in the cyclone of sauciness entitled “Phil For Short.” Her real name was Damophilia, and she was the daughter of an old Greek student. She was well known round about the farm as “Phil,” because she used to dress as a boy when looking after the farm which father used to neglect for his studies. When father died and old Donald McWrath wanted to marrry her she ran away and met John Alden, a woman-hater and professor of a small college. In time she beraoces assistant to the professor, still masquerading as a boy. Then old Donald comes in the scene again and Phil, to escape him, finds sanctuary at John’s house, still dressed as a boy. John finds that the “boy” in reality is a “girl,” and to save her good name, marries her, although she can hardly get him to speak to her. Comedies

and interests complete this really great programme. Seals may be reserved by telephoning the Albion. CIVIC PICTURES. Love, horse-racing, fighting, intrigue, trickcry and other sensational issues are j combined convincingly in "Should a Hus- : band i'orgive?” the big William Fox spe- ; , cial which on account of the proximity of I ! "The Sheik” season can be shown at the I Municipal theatre to-night only. In this ) superbiy staged picture oi modern lite R. A. i Walsh, who wrote and directed it, has • i done some of the best work of his career. \ It is a story of keen human interest woven into a heroic-sized panorama. The ques- ; tion asked by "Should a Husband For- j give?” is a big one. A shadow is cast across some fives and over the threshold ' j of others because a good wife assumes that husbands do not forgive. The shadow ! i lengthens when years later the woman’s I son, infected with the common virus if propaganda, gives up the girl he loves because apjierances are against her. The happy end is logical. The racing scenes arc given an uncommonly fine presentation, I and the boxing match is . one of the most , convincing things of its kind ever attempted on the screen. In addition will be shown a screamingly funny drama “Stop Thief,” in which the popular Tom Moore is the featured player. “Stop Thief,” is guaranteed to raise a laugh from the Sphinx. It is good for unlinuted laughter. Hazel Dawn, Raymond Hatton and Kate Lester are also in the cast. “THE SHEIK” TO-MORROW. The long looked for picture “The Sheik” will be screened at both the matinee and night sessions at the Civic pictures tomorrow. Already the demand for seats ' has been remarkably heavy and there is ; every indication that there will be record ! holies at each screening. The season *is ■ limited to three days, so intending patrons | who have a knowledge of the remarkable I success wheih has attended the screening ! in other centres will realise that it will i be advisable to pay an early visit to the Bristol where the plans now lie. Those who do nor find it convenient to visit the booking office to make a personal selection from the available seats may secure their reserves by ringing the theatre (No. 380). No book has been more sensationally successful than Edith M. Hull’s colotirful romance on which the picture is based. Edition after edition has been published and eager- i ly purchased by a waiting public. Now ' that the picture has been produced- this eagerness to become acquainted with the story has become even more marked, for the picture is full of detail which can only be suggested by the printed word. Rodelph Valentino gives a wonderful characterisation as the Lord of the Desert, the masterful autocratic personage controlling the destinies of all who cross, his path. There is not an actor in moviedom better fitted to play “The Sheik” than Valentino, the manly debonnair, irresistible heroic figure, whose screen appearances have caused feminine hearts to flutter the world over., And a more suitable jierson than Agnes Ayres could not be found for the part of Lady Diana, the headstrong foolish, impulsive girl whose wilful ride into the desert brought such an amazing, series of adventures in its train. The whole production has behind it in the full strength of the Paramount organisation, and the result is a photoplay of magnificence and great dramatic strength. GRAND PRINCESS FETE The second night of the grand Princess Fete in the Victoria Hail was again very successful. The house was soon filled with eager buyers and exceptionally good business was done, the takings being well up to expectations. The Hibernian Band was in attendance and gave several enjoyable selections in its best style. A spectacular march and dancing by 40 girls in bright costumes was a feature of the evening and* was received with evident marks of approval by the large attendance.