TO-DAY'S PICTURE SHOWS

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 586, 27 December 1915, Page 11

TO-DAY'S PICTURE SHOWS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

Anthony Hope's stirring romance of a young Englishman's in Ruritania (a mythical Balkan State), in "The Prisoner of Zenda,'| is one of the most popular stories of modern fiction. The dramatisation of the novel was equally successful, and all theatre goers will remember the heroic Rudolf Rassendyll of Julius Knight, which he played many times in New Zealand. An American

company some time ago produced a film version of the play which met with a large measure of success, but the latest adaptation to the screen by the London Film Co. in an all-Brit-ish production is claimed to far outdo the previous attempt. Henry Ainlcy and Jane Gail, each well known as 'popular and talented artists, have been secured for the leading roles and the rest of the cast has been specially selected. A comedy cartoon, of Charlie Chaplin, "Charlie Throws the Bull," and the latest "Pathe War Gazette," and a beautiful scenic of one of the English pleasure resorts, "Bath," will also be shown. There will be a matinee this afternoon, and the box plan will be at the theatre for matinee and night bookings.

GLOBE THEATRE. Picture patrons who have been following the engrossing story of the "Million Dollar Mystery" at the Globe Theatre of late will find that this, week's instalment is one of the best yet shown. It is entitled "Tracked by the .Secret Service," and is full of thrilling adventure from start to finish. Becoming desperate, the Bl&ck Hundred determine upon a bold plan to rid the House of Mystery of Jones, Florence, and everyone in it, so that they can carefully hunt every nook and corner for the million dollars. Jones discovers one of them hiding counterfeit money in the library. Cunningly, the Black Hundred inform the-i Chief of the Secret Service. Norton cleverly discovers the scheme. He enlists the aid of the Secret Service, llie dictaphone, the police, and the everresourceful Norton bring about flight, pursuit, and thrilling adventure in the den of' the counterfeiters. Another feature of the programme is a comic film entitled "Fair; Fat, and Saucy." An Oriental potentate comes all the \Vsy to America to find a "fair, fat, and saucy" American wife. He becomes fascinated by the charms of a plump married lady, whose husband, to get rid of th 6 fellow, introduces him to his cook, Jerry, a huge man, who is going to .a masquerade ball dressed as a girl. The prince falls in love with Jerry's robust curves at once. Then follows a series .of laugh-provoking incidents such as one seldom has the pleasure of witnessing. , An exceptionally interesting "Australian Gazette," showing a large number of topical events, concludes the programme.

"HEARTS IN EXILE."

"Hearts in Exile," the photo-play that has achieved such a great success in, the North Island, will be screened in Christchurch for the first time at the Theatre Royal. It is claimed that this picture excels anything yet produced in its realism of scenery and powerful, convincing acting. Clara Kimball Young, the beautiful actress who has won such an enviable reputation, has the leading role in the play, and, needless to say, her portrayal of the character of the heroine, who is lawfully married to two men, is very fine. An excellent scene is contained in the drama of a charge by Cossacks across the Siberian icefields, showing the magnificent horsemen enjoying the exhilaration of. the rush to the full The pursuit of a party by wolves is a realistic example of the lengths to which the picture-producers go to gain the desired effect. For this play no effort or tiine has been spared, and when tl\e play makes its first appearance on the screen at the Theatre Royal to-night it is certain that even the most blase of picture-goers will be thrilled and lost in admiration of the actor's art.. As a supporting picture, an exclusive Qhaplin comedy, has been secured, and patrons will no doubt be pleased at the opportunity to renew their acquaintance with the famous comedian, who has been absent of late from the local .programmes. Seats may be reserved at Miss Kobler's, next to the theatre.

EVERYBODY'S.

"O'Garry of the Mounted," the star picture of the holiday programme at Everybody's Theatre, is a film that picture lovers should not miss, for it is a gem of some rarity. The story, which constitutes an absorbing drama, is sufficient to raise the picture from the rank and tile, and the gorgeous scenery wherein the events are enacted lends an added virtue that cannot but win the admiration of all who see it. The scenes are laid among the wildest surroundings, and afford glimpses of lofty cliffs, bountifully clothed in the hardy foliage of cold climates, hazed distances and dominating peaks of majestic beauty, and boiling water torrents beating between mighty boulders and enshrouding bush. The story is simple and attractive. O'Garry, a miner, leaves his partner, whose cowardly treatment of his wife is more than the former can remain to impassionately witness. His wanderings lead the audience through a wealth of rugged scenery to the outpost of the NorthWest Mounted Police, with whom he enlists. Later, O'Garry is required to arrest his former partner for a murder, many years old, and his sense of duty overcoming any reluctance that his association with the man raised, he proceeds to execute

the warrant. The criminal over-comes-him in a, struggle, and hurls him over a cliff, that is one of the many lordly glimpses of scenery afforded by the film, into a bend where the river runs deep and slow. The wife whom O'Garry had, previously befriended in her sufferings, rescues him, and an Indian whom he had rescued -from the river in his mining days attacks and kills the criminal when the ; latter attempts to complete with his revolver the work he had failed to do by thrusting his adversary from the cliff. From the scenic point of view alone the film is worth going a long way to see. The splendid beauties of untamed Nature have been photographed, and are presented with admirable effect. Of quite a different character to the principal film is "No One to Protect Him." This is a lengthy comic film, featuring Syd. Chaplin in a series of most absurd and hilarious happenings. From start to finish it is just one long laugh, absurdity following absurdity, and nonsense piling on nonsense till the whole thing becomes most excruciatingly funny. The supporting programme is of the best. The "Gazette" is full of good topical subjects, in which the war predominates. A large band of German prisoners captured by the French is shown en route to the detention camps, and military sports, recruiting activities, and the doings of the soldiers generally are given much attention.

GRAND THEATRE.

"The Builder of Bridges," a splendid five-reel drama by the Frobman Corporation, is the picture of principal interest in the new programme presented at the Grand Theatre today. This picture had a remarkably successful season in Wellington, and is sure to attract the picture-loving public here. The play takes a considerable time to screen, but so enthralling is the plot that the interest never wavers during the unravelling. hero is an engineer engaged as a' bridge builder, and a fine romance has been thrown around the man and his profession. A great deal of scenery is necessary to the success of the play, and no detail has been to small for the producers, who never released a play of telling interest. The situations are not over-stressed, and the actors pofttfay' the characters allotted tP them in the natural manner that is possessed only by the world's best artists. The Frohman Corporation is comparatively a new company to local patrons, but their masterpiece is, as far as the most exacting critic is concerned* well nigh perfect. The photography is clear, and some remarkable effects are worked in. "The Builder of Bridges" is a great photo drama in every way, one that earns its reception ,by sheer merit, and yet is not above the heads of casual patrons. The drama, ; which is supported by some well-selected •films, will be shown at the Grand Theatre during the whole of the week.