THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2048, 7 September 1920, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

"TIGER ROSE." Box plans for the six. performances of "Tiger Bose," the new J. and N. Tait production, are now open at The Bristol. This play is the latest of David Belasco's successes, and comes with a reputation ot showing the greatest developments in mechanical effect and stage realism. It furthermore serves to introduce an entirely new company of artists who have won marked approval from the Australian public and Press. One Sydney critic writes: " 'Tiger Hose' is a vivid, gripping, realistic storv staged by a master hand. Marie ]lka\s performance is wonderful. The rain and thunderstorm are so realistic that you reach for your coat and wish you had brought your umbrella. Under protection of this weather Tiger Hose assists her sorely pressed lover to escape from the redoubtable, North-west Canadian Mounted Police, through thrilling vicissitudes." The ploy is considerably oil' the beaten track. Most interesting are the varied life types sketched by the artists in many divergent character studies. The entire company and production, complete in every detail, have been sent across Tor the New Zealand tour. A number <if notable artists new here will appear. These include Messrs Ethan Allen, Reginald Goode, Douglas Boss, John Waller. Louise Waller. (.. Henry Cordon, anil Marie Ilka. It would seem that the J.-and N. Tait firm were exceptionally fortunate in securing the services of Miss Ilka, who, according to contemporaries, by her ability, aided by her personal charms, gains a well-deserved and artistic success. CRYSTAL PALACE. A fascinating photo-drama of high social life, fragrant with romance, and touched also with the sharp edge of satire, is showing at the Crystal Palace this week, under the title of '"The Walk-offs." The chief character is taken by May Allison, who is excellently supported by a particularly able cast. "The Walk-offs" is a plcturisation by ■Screen Classics of a successful stage play by Frederic and Fanny Hatton. The picture includes scenes of fashionable life, beautiful women in exquisite gowns, and glimpses into gay studio entertainments. The story, in brief, shows Shuyler Rutherford, divorced by his wealthy wile, and reduced, along with his sister Kathleen, to the penniless state of "walk-offs." He urges his sister to marry a wealthy NewYorker, and thus re-establish the family fortunes. But Kathleen does not love the man. She is introduced to a wealthy Kentuckian as a stenographer searching employment, and she overhears his denunciation of the Rutherford divorce case, and his declaration that he would tame such a worthless specimen as Butherford's sister. Kathleen determines to score back on him, and the story develops rapidly from there on. Good supporting pictures are also being shown. . STRAND THEATRE. "The Honor System," now showing at the Strand Theatre, is interpreted by a powerful cast, headed by Gladys Brockwell, Miriam Cooper, and George Walsh. It is a gripping human story, replete with heart interest, enacted in the primitive Western country. In "The Honor System" the hero of the play, in doing a chivalrous action, is betrayed into a nest of sharpers and crooks, and, in the fight which follows, he kills a man in self-defence. The witnesses, to a man, swear that he slew him in jealousy jind anger, and a life sentence follows his trial for murder. In this great human document, the hero, although beset by dire misfortune, keeps his flame of honour burning brightly, and proves himself a man to the last. There is a wholesome love interest running through the story. The supporting programme includes a cartoon and a Ford Gazette. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A large and varied programme is billed jit present at the Queen's Theatre. A sixreef detective drama, "The Bandbox," stars Uoris Kenyon. It concerns the attempts of a crook to steal a valuable jewel. The famous story by Bex Beach, "The Brand," Is also showing in picture form. The supporting programme comprises another chapter of the serial "Liberty," a two-reel comedy, "Dames and Dentists," a Pictorial Budget, and a scenic.

OPERA HOUSE. Unstinted approbation from a crowded house greeted the change of programme at the Opera House last evening. The various items, comprising almost the whole range of vaudeville fare, blend in an entertainment which may fairly be claimed to be one of the finest presented in Christchurcli. Hall and Menzies, billed as "clever English sketch artists," made, their debut, and , quickly won their way into the popular esteem. "Photo Bits," a well-exploited sketch, served as a vehicle for Miss Hall's I undoubted genius for characterisation, and the male performer supplied a fund of witticism. The New-comes received a very warm reception. The popularity of Helen Charles is undiminished. Once more the audience encored her persistently for her snappy stories, interpretations of Cockney character, and child impersonations. Her intimate sketch of "Emma, the Flower Girl," was complete in detail and earned rapturous applause. Carlton Max, the ventriloquist, makes his pal 'Merry" say much that is i'unnv during his 15 minutes on the stage; while Eileen O'Neill dispenses excellent music by means of the cornet and violin. Ella Airlie appears in a number of delightful songs at the piano, but equally appreciated are her "child" songs, which never fail to appeal. She is a clever mimic. "Three of a Kind" is the title of a humorous playlet, in which Ernest lirinkman and the Steele Sisters figure with success. The male performer is a comedian of the clean and clever order, and his partners lend him invaluable assistance in placing the audience in a good humour. Ward and Sherman present a ludicrous and clever Jewish turn. Louis London, a comedian of the boisterous type, warbled in bis own inimitable, light-hearted way. and had to extend his time before the footlights. Herbert Joy made brave music from a variety of instruments; and Curly Sherwood sang about Virginia. A capable orchestra under the baton of Mr A. Bidgood helped considerably in making a capital show go with a swing. LIBERTY THEATRE. A well-selected programme is being shown this week at the Liberty Theatre. The chief feature is a masterpiece of screen production, "Back to God's Country," in which the beautiful swimming actress, Nell Shipman, appears. It is the simple and appealing story of a child of Nature who, brought up in the woods, is protected by the beasts of the forest from men who are worse than beasts. The scenes were laid in the frozen wastes of Canada, and the photographing of the region is excellent. Many of the indigenous animals have been introduced into the picture, which thus provides an interesting nature study, as well as a good story. The Curwood-Carver Producing Co. produced the film, the story of which was written by James Oliver Curwood. The other feature is a lively Charlie Chaplin picture, "Sunnyside," In which Charlie has the irresistible role of a farm hand whose amours provide opportunity lor much good comedy work. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Everywoman" was given another successful screening at Everybody's Theatre last evening, and was well received by the large house. The plot shows the course a woman may take in life in the search of true love. In the beginning of the film, pictures arc shown depicting youth and beauty. Everywoman is surrounded by her companions, Youth, Modesty, and Beauty, and her maid is Conscience. Flattery comes on the scene with Wealth, Passion, and others. Everywoman is captivated by these, and in turn loses Modesty, Youth, Conscience, and, finally, Beauty. Ere it is too late, however, she finds Love in the more humble surroundings in which she first met'him. The picture is far above the standard of ordinary plays. The orchestra of 12, under Mr \V. J. Bcllingham, renders delightful incidental and cntr' acte music. GRAND THEATRE. The clever actress, Elaine Hammerstein. stars in a Selznick production at the Grand Theatre, "Greater Than Fame." It is a film adaptation of the well-known play by S. J. Kaufman, and gives the star excellent.opportunity to demonstrate her histronie ability. The story carries a deep human appeal, and conveys a wholesome lesson. Elaine Hammerstein takes the role of Margaret Brooke, who goes to New York to

study for a career, but eventually finds that a happy heart is greater than fame. William Russell appears in the other feature, "The Lincoln Highwayman." SYDENHAM PICTURES. The current programme at the Sydenham Pictures embraces two big feature films, "A Broadway Saint," with Montagu Love in the leading role, and "Through the Wrong Door," starring Madge Kennedy. FAREWELL CONCERT. Apart from the special circumstances connected with it, the farewell concert to Mr Hex Harrison, which is to be held in the Choral Hall on September Ifi, will be interesting from a musical point of view. Mr Harrison will sing a number of his best songs, including Schubert's "The Wraith," and "Erl King," by Beethoven. Madame Gower Burns will sing two charming arias from modern operas, one of which lias never before been presented to a New Zealand audience. Miss K. Cresswell, the talented pianist who is leaving for England shortly, Messrs W. J. Treweni (tenor) and Vere Buchanan (violinist) will also contribute items. The box plan opens at Milner and Thompson's on Friday next.