THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2029, 16 August 1920, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

LIBERTY THEATRE. CONCERT PARTY AND PICTURES. Lovers of high-class music flocked to Hie Liberty Theatre <m Saturday (it both the nftcrnonn title] evening session, when the new programme, a brilliant double attraction, comprising the Lyric Costume Comedy Company ami a new Select photo-drama, "lite Way of a Woman," was presented for the first time. The Lyric Companv Is a splendid orgnuisation of musicians, singers and humorists, which has won the reputation or being one of the most talented of >ts kind that has yet toured the Dominion. It made a decided hit at both performances, each item being enthusiastically applauded. The Lyric Quartet, who specialise in partsinging, accompanied and unaccompanied, scored heavily with their singing of the songs and lyrics of England and excerpts from popular operas. Miss Jessie Bartlett, who is possessed of a beautiful mezzosoprano voice, -\\as encored lor her singing of "Waiata Maori,'' "Ma C.urlv Headed Baby," and a duet with Mr Arthur Riplev, •'Cirl and Boy." Mr ,T. YY. Ryan, a wellknown basso, sang "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind" and other popular items, with great success, and Alan MrElwaiu, baritone, and clever comedian, provided a great measure of amusement in his musical and vocal sketches, and was recalled many times, his most popular items being "Mingle Your Eyebrows With Mine" and "Mis Coop."!'." Mr Ripley, who has a splendid tenor voice, and Herbert J. Richards, an excellent tenor, were also well received. Bettina Edwards was very successful in her classical dancing. Miss Evelyn Harvey, pianiste. also deserves special mention for the brilliant manner in which she accompanied the items. In "The Way of a Woman," Norma Talmadge impersonates one of the strongest and most difficult characters of her career, that of Nancy Lee, and her irresistible charm and striking personality are seen to advantage. The uicture is based on the famous stage hit, "Nancy Lee." by Eugene Walt-r, and was produced by Select Pictures. The screen version is splendid and the settings arc elaborate. The picture retains all the vital appeal which made the original stage production such a great success, and a powerful cast includes Conway Tearle. George I.e Grieve, Joe Humphrey, Stuart Holmes. Gertrude Berkley. Frank T)e Vernon, Hassard Short and Johyna Howland, who furnish plenty of amusement in their respective parts. The Pathc. Gazette and Topical Budget, ami a clever comedy, "Caves and Coquettes," complete a programme that should on no account be missed. "THE END OE THE ROAR"

Something unusual in the way of cnlcrtainmrnt combined with education will he the offering at the Liberty Theatre, beginning next 'iiturday. It is a dramatic photoplay, entitled "The End of the Road." and It is one of the Runs in the nation-wide campaign being waged against avoidable sex disevses. The picture brings the favourite actor. Richard Bennett, who is co-starred with f.laire Adams. "The End of the Road" Indicates that at last something is to be done to teach the young and unsuspecting the danger and the lavages of such diseases. In producing "The End of the Road," the promoters looked around for the very best of talent, and the fact that Richard Bennett is the male star is best proof of their success in this respect. Mr Bennett's work in "Damaged Goods" brought much abuse from some quarters, but it also brought him fame, for it is now realised that Mr Bennett was a sincere leader in such educational work. Miss Claire Adams, Mr Bennett's opposite in the film, is declared to be the most beautiful woman on the screen. This mav seem to be an extravagant statement, but' after seeing the film, there is none who will gainsay that there is a legitimate claim. Although the film is instructive and outspoken, and its educational aspect receives the greatest emphasis, there is much that is dramatic, and of real entertaining value. The picture has been highly endorsed by physicians, divines and numerous women's clubs. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The added attraction at the Queen's Theatre for to-day and throughout the week is the film "Romance and Arabella." starring Constance Talmadge. Romance is Ihc breath or life to Arabella. When set free from the elderly and uninteresting husband of her first marriage she starts out to replace him with a number two, who shall be all her fervent fancy paints. In the meantime, her voting neighbour, Bill, a fine chap who is deeply in love with her. stands no show at all. Arabella regards him as a good friend and nothing more.' and Bill is wise enough to accept the situation and await his chance. It comes after Arahella lias been provided with four different suitors bv Bill, who sees to it that she is introduced to a new admirer before the old wooer makes her his wife. An impulsive Westerner, a soulful gentleman who expounds free love, a very young chap who pla\s the mandolin, and an elderly but absent-minded scientist form the quartet. Bill gets Arabella on the rebound when her aged bridegroom forgets to lie at his own •wedding. Also showing is the film "The 'long Man," starring Sessue Hayakawa, and n number of supporting.subjects. GRAND THEATRE. Social conditions as they exist to-day, vUth particular emphasis on the divorce evil, are graphically described in "The Blindness or Divorce.'' which is being screened this week at the Grand Theatre. The picture was written and directed by Frank Llo\ d. who directed "Les Miscrables" mid "A Tale of Two Cities." The 111 in tells an absorbing story, anil is interpreted by a remarkably able cast. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Dainty Killie Bihkc is seen at Everybody's Theatre this week ill her great Broadway success. "Sadie Love." The story is full of the most amusing and delightful complications, and gives Billie Burke splendid t>pportunitfes for her charming acting. A Paramouut-Artcraft five-reel comedy, "2.'lJ Hours' Leave," is also on the programme, mid is- a most refreshing comedy-drama, full of fun and sparkle. "MOTHER HUBBARD." A verv successful season was brought to a close at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening, when the .1. and N. Tait pantomime, "Mother Hubbard." was presented for the last time in C.hrislchurch.

OPERA HOUSE. j An excellent programme is promised for i this evening at the Opera House. Newcomers will be Eileen O'Neill, "the musical doll from Toyland"; Ella Airlic, in song and patter; and Flaneur, with n couple of trained dogs. Assisting artists will be Ward and Sherman In a clever sketch, "This and j That"; Pagden and Stanley, humorists;; Guest and Newlyn in "Call it What You j Like"; be Mounier, strong man; Kitch and! Kliftie; Nora Burke; and Knight and; Bunting. STRAND THEATRE. Two exceptionally good comedy-dramas j are showing at the Strand Theatre this week. The first is a ('■ gc Walsh feature, "The Beast," a story of the "Wild West." I The other is a sparkling film starring Peggy : Hyland, entitled "The Merry-go-round.'' CRYSTAL PALACE. "Please Get Married" is the intriguing i title of the star film at the Crystal Palace | this week. It is an amusing picture of the Complications which accrue from the marriage of a pair of loving youngsters. Viola I Dana has a fascinating role, and there is, a good supporting cast. A comedy and a topical will be shown in support. ! SYDENHAM PICTURES. Snowy Baker will star at the Sydenham j Pictures to-day in the well-known film of out-back Australian life, "The Man from Kangaroo." Another film, "The Lion and j the Mouse," featuring Alice Joyce, will also I be shown. ,