ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 18945, 19 May 1923, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE A happy trending of drama, light melo-. drama and comedy made the programme very acceptable at this comfortable theatre last night. In “Perjury,” the William Fox special which opened at 7.30 p.m., William Farnum gives a masterly and gripping characterisation of a man tormented by suspicion, torn by jealousy, mad with rage, crushed by despair, and finally redeemed by resignation and human sympathy. The varying emotions were displayed most impressively,. the famous screen star fulfilling every requirement of what undoubtedly is the supreme test bis dramatic ability has been called upon to meet. The hero of “Perjury” is seen first as a strong, genial, active and ambitious man, successful in his career and happy in his married life. He is seen last as a man of 65 years, prematurely old, with twenty years of prison life behind him, but with a wonderlul gentleness of nature developed by his prolonged separation from the world. In his jealous rage Farnum is terrific, and in his later moods is wondrously, appealing pathetic. There are sharp contrasts between the quiet acceptance of the hardships of prison life by Robert Moore and the bitterness of the struggle of his wife in the outer world to save her children from ruin. The reunion between the two is one of the most appealing pathetic scenes ever presented on the screen. “Perjury” was directed by Harry Millarde, who won fame as director of the great Fox picture “Over the Hill,” and the cast includes Sally Crute, Wallace Erskine, John Webb Dillon, Frank Shannon, Frank Joyner, Grace La Veil, Gilbert Rooney and Alice Mann. To the girl of to-day who is looking for the kind of man who is most able to give her pleasure—entertainment, society and wealth—“lt Isn’t Being Done This Season” will come as a picture with a moral. Corinne Griffith, more beautiful yian ever, plays the role of one of these girls. But she was brought to a sudden understanding with a jolt that was to last her all her days. Much of the picture was taken in Smyrna in that mysterious region for the control of which the Greeks and the Turks have fought for ages. Miss Griffith has an opportunity of showing her ability to display some of the most brilliant and daring of the dress creations of New York and Paris and lives up to her reputation of being the best dressed woman on the screen. This attraction screens at 8.50 p.m. The Mermaid comedy “Free and Easy” and the mighty Fox News completes a charming programme. Seats may be reserved by telephoning the Albion. WILLIAM FARNUM, SUNSHINE AND MERMAID COMEDIES.

A special matinee bill comprising William Fox’s dynamic drama “Perjury” starring the popular William Farnum, a production of nine massive reels which is said to be the strongest drama yet presented by this famous firm, will be shown this afternoon. The fun of the afternoon is provided by the Sunshine comedy “Milk Fed Vamp,” and the Mermaid comedy “Free and Easy.” The Fox News of topical events completes this programme that should attract young and old alike.

CIVIC PICTURES. PETER B. KYNE’S “THE PRIDE OF PALOMAR.” A thrilling struggle of a gritty young American against almost insuperable odds in the keynote of “The Pride of Palomar,” a Paramount picture, which had its initial showing at the Municipal theatre last night. The theme of the picture, which was adapted from Peter B. Kyne’s novel of the same name, is a powerful one and woven into the story is a delightful love thread. This involves on the part of the girl great sacrifice, for she is cast between the two persons she loves most in the world, who are fighting one another. These are her father and her sweetheart, and it is absorbing to see how she solves her problem. There is plenty of lively action, including a horse race that is a thriller, and a large splash of humour near the end when Don Mike stages a stunt against the enemy that leaves the spectator gasping in astonishment at the audacity of it. Frank Borzage, director of “Humouresque,” produced the picture, which is a Cosmopolitan production, and the all-star cast leaves little to be desired. Forrest Stanley and Marjorie Daw are the featured players, and included in the cast are Joseph Dowling, James Barrow, Warner Gland and other capable players. The supporting picture “The Flaming Hour,” featuring Frank Mayo, is another fine production. The story is full of thrills andOction of the sort that will nearly every class of fans, with a romantic love interest threaded through the plot, but at the same time it presents a picture of the effects of ill-tem-per on one’s relations in business, society associations and marriage. Spectacular thrills in the explosion of a powder plant are held down to a length consistent with the dramatic interest of the rest of the story. The theme of what damage a quick temper can do in business, marriage and friendly associations is the predominating interest of the plot and as such is an element that every human being can understand. Also on the programme is a century comedy featuring Mandie, the marvellous mule—and a marvel she is! All who wish to secure seats to-night should be early, or reserve at the Bristol now, later at Mrs Gawn’s, or by ringing No. 380. Day sales at Mrs Gawn’s. “THE PRIDE OF PALOMAR” MATINEE. “The Pride of Palomar,” Paramount’s latest “big” picture, will be shown for the benefit of the young people at the Civic Pictures matinee this afternoon, and the adventures of the “Lion Man” in the thrilling serial of that name will be carried on another stage. Stella wafe left struggling with one of the villains in the lion’s den. Was she torn to pieces* is the query that is now agitating the juvenile mind. The sequel will be shown in to-day’s episode. Maudie, the miraculous mule, will also be seen on this programme in the Century Comedy “Hee Haw!” and really, she’s wonderful! Such a programme should give the greatest amount of pleasure to children of all ages.