ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19123, 15 December 1923, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

STRONG ATTRACTIONS AT THE CIVIC. MUNICIPAL THEATRE TO-NIGHT. Those discerning picture-goers who patronise the Civic Pictures at the Municipal Theatre to-night, will have the time of their lives. A glance at the features offering will be sufficient to make the most casual observer realise that management have got hold of two wonderful attractions for this week-end. Priscilla Dean, the most magnetic of all the screen’s female stars, comes again in “The Flame of Life,” a powerful production, excellent in every detail. In the picture Miss Dean, as Joan, attracts the attention of the “overman” and he centres his efforts on her. His attitude is misconstrued by her fellow workers, and she is forced to endure their vulgar jibes. Joan’s father is anything but a paragon of virtue. He hates all the upper class and this includes the overman who has tried to be his friend. Wallace Beery, master villain, brings to the part of the father all the consummate artistry of his long and varied experience. It is certain to hold any audience spell-bound. There is a scene of a mine fire and disaster that is a masterpiece of realism. In itself it would be a satisfying entertainment for for anyone, but there will be still better fare provided in “Kick In,” a melodramatic special full of thrills and crammed with excitement. It is a melodrama de luxe, the last word in action and suspense. It hits along at a lively pace right from the word go, and this element is cleverly sustained throughout the development of a most interesting story. “Perils of the Yukon,” the chapter play of adventure in the Alaskan wilds, will also be shown. It should not be necessary to advise all who can to visit the Municipal Theatre tonight. All who will get their money’s worth—and more, as despite the cost, usual prices will prevail. Plans are at the Bristol. “KICK IN” AND “PERILS OF THE YUKON”—CIVIC PICTURES MATINEE. The big seven-reel picture “Kick In” will be screened at the Civic Pictures matinee this afternoon, with Bert Lytell, Betty Compson and May McAvoy in the principal roles. The second episode of the “Perils of the Yukon” opens, with Jack Merrill being placed in a canoe by the party of men who have captured him and set adrift in the belief that he will perish. He is rescued by Indians and then he becomes involv®d in another series of adventures that threaten to become tremendously exciting. Later, the story moves on thirty years to the days of the great Alaskan gold rush. This serial promises to be one of the most interesting of chapter plays and will be followed with keen interest. Buddy Messenger will also be seen in a scream of a Century comedy entitled “So Long Buddy.” ALBION THEATRE. TWO WORLD’S CLASSICS: HENRY B. WALTHALL AND ETHEL CLAYTON.

Nothing finer has been seen in New Zealand than the two superlative features that will grace the screen of the Albion to-night, commencing at 7.15 p.m. One of the most thrilling storms at sea ever shown on the screen will be seen in the new William Fox special production, “The Face on the Barroom Floor,” which will be the feature attraction at 7.30 p.fti. The scenes were taken off the rocky scenes of Maine during a gale that destroyed more than a score of fishing and other craft. The boat from which the scenes were taken seemed threatened with disaster on more than one occasion, according to those on board. “The Face on the Barroom Floor,” which was directed by Jack Ford, who will be remembered as the director of “The Village Blacksmith” and other Fox successes, features a notable cast of screen artists, including Henry B. Walthall, “The Little Colonel” of “Birth of a Nation” fame; Ruth Clifford, star of both serial and regular features; Alma Bennett, recognised as one of the most beautiful and talented actresses in motion pictures; Harry Gribbon, for years a star in various comedy productions and numerous others of equal fame. The picture, it is claimed, is replete with thrills, including, in addition to the terrific storms at sea a sensational outbreak among the prisoners in penitentiary; their thrilling escape over the prison walls; the daring leap for life of one of the fugitives and numerous other scenes destined to make the audience sit on the end of the seats. Back to the days of chivalry and romance you are carried by Ethel Clayton’s big new production, “If I Were Queen,” now screening at 8.50 p.m. It has the clash of the sword play, of bold warriors and fair ladies and all the charming atmosphere of the quaint little mythical kingdom of the Balkans. It is an adventure, the central figure of which is an American girl. This production is the most' massive in setting and costumes in which Miss Clyaton has ever appeared. Seats may be reserved by telephoning the Albion (738). Day sales at Dunlop’s. GRAND ALBION MATINEE 2 p.m. The children and adults who attend the Albion this afternoon will be given a treat that seldom falls to picture-goers, for the matinee’s performance will be headed by the “king” of the screen, Henry B. Walthall, in superlative drama, “The Face on the Barroom Floor,” the finest of its kind ever produced. On the same programme will be shown two of the funniest comedies, a Mermaid and a Sunshine. MADAME LIPKOVSKAZ MONDAY’S CONCERT. Lydia Lipkovska, the distinguished Russian prima donna, who has created such a furore throughout Australia and New Zealand, will give a concert in the Municipal Theatre on Monday evening next, under the direction of Mr E. J. Gravestock. Well known and popular in all the principal opera houses of the world, the distiguished singer has gained a reputation that has placed her foremost amongst the great ones to-day. Her success in Australia, and recently in New Zealand, has been phenomenal. The Press and public have been loud in their praise. The New Zealand Times says: “Equally with Tetrazzini, with whom she divided roles in London, Lipkovska has a voice, a rich, pure soprano. But she has so many other things, charm, personality, a cunning and never obvious polish, a thorough understanding of all her resources, not in voice alone, but in all that goes to make the actress —in other words, artistry of the kind rarely conceived and seldom revealed. Listening to her one could realise why it was that she captivated ' the London public at Covent Garden when the vocal pyrotechnics of Tetrazzini left it colcl. It was an appeal as much artistic as personal, rich, and powerful.” For her opening concert a remarkable programme will be submitted, and includes the famous aria from La Traviata, “Ah fors e lui” (Verdi), “Chanson Indoue” (Rimsky-Korsa-koff), “Let Me Laugh,” a wonderful laughing song, which has created an extraordinary sensation everywhere, Cyril Scott’s popular “Lullaby,” “At Sunset” (Eric Coates), “Deserted” (MacDowell), a group of Russian songs in a wonderful medieval Russian costume, and a group of old English songs, sung in a charming Early Victorian costume, including “Long, Long Ago” (Bayly), “Pastoral” (Carey), “When I Was Seventeen” (old song), “Tit for Tat” (Poulet). Mme. Lipkovska has made a special study of old English songs, and her splendid English has been held up as an example to English singers. The box plans are at the Bristol, and the day sales at the Bristol.