THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2142, 27 December 1920, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

»THE MAN FROM TORONTO"—TO-NIGHT. Evidently the public taste for good, wholetome comedy is demonstrated by the recent extraordinary success of Douglas Murray's "The Man Troni Toronto," in Australia, lifter a run of two years at The puke of York's Theatre in London, it has proved a remarkable success. It will be presented here under the J. C. Williamson direction, in conjunction with Hugh D. Mcintosh, by Robert Courtneidge's London Company at the Theatre Royal to-night, at S o'clock. "The Man from Toronto" is said to be such a uniform •production that it cannot fail to justify itself. It is spoken of ■s being a really charming comedy interpreted by a company of first-class artists. The main theme of the dainty story is that of a young lady disguising herself as a maid in order to study the manners and Customs of her new suitor. Many line character types, are introduced —two of them, Mrs Hubbafd aud her daughter, arc particularly diverting. George Tully plays the role of "Fergus Wimbush" to perfection, and looks the part to the last inch. Miss Margaret Swallow, as Mrs Calthorpe, proves feerself a very vivacious comedy actress. The "Mr Priestly" of Mr Joseph Graham is said to be especially fine, while Misses Blanche Massey, Marie Rignold, Rosalind Courtneidge, Leslie Lester, Leslie Graham and Mr Ronald Ward are all prominent in the play. "The Man from Toronto" is responsible for a sustained ripple of laughter In the three acts, no end of humour is embodied—a humour that audiences invariably relish to the full. Its key-note is pleasant reality, with a delicious substratum of love and sweetness running through it. The box plans are open to-day at Tapper's lollic store. On Tuesday the plans for the season (eight nights) wili be open gt The Bristol as usual.

OPERA HOUSE. «• At the matinee this afternoon Mr Walter Johnson produced, for the first time in Australasia, a spectacular revue entitled "Bight There," which proved to be the finest effort of the company to date, and set a new standard for magnificence in dressing and scenic effects. The music is of the latest, while the efforts of the popular comedians met with deserved approval. The spectacular finale is something to be remembered, a wonderful effect being produced by the numerous miniature mirrors and other novel effects. In the first half n first appearance is being made by The Cracknells, who present a novel act redolent of the bush entitled "A Drover's Holiday," In which some cleverly-trained dogs take port. Other new-comers consist of Miss Adelaide Taylor, a recently-arrived English balladist, and De Wilfred, premier xyloCnist. New selections are rendered by is W. Bloy. The last five nights arc announced of Hyley and Bent, who appear in an amusing turn entitled "Sailors Don't Care." Seats may be booked at the Opera House confectionery stow. STRAND THEATRE. A holiday programme which makes an Instant appeal to the picture-loving was presented at the Strand Theatre to-day, and should draw crowded houses for the remainder of the week. Featured ns the star film is "Love's Harvest," an excellent production, with the portrayal of the principal character in the bauds of capable and winsome Shirley Mason. The story-tells of a tirl of 15 whose father, when dying, gave er away like a parcel of real estate to a man she had never seen. It is from the novel "His Harvest," by Pearl Doles Bell, of 'which the critics have said, "It is a story of living characters, natural, human and vitally interesting. The character of the heroine is irresistible, quaintly philosophic, delightfully original and altogether lovable." It is a story of the stage, and of a young girl's heart. The scenes arc laid in one of the capitals of Europe, and New York. As a second feature, patrons arc provided with the spectacular picture of the Orient, "The Mother of His Children," Gladys Brockwell playing the part of an Arabian princess in a delightful manner. Dealing, as it docs, with the fascinating artist life of Paris, the film holds the unflagging interest of all. The director of the production has infused the spirit of the East with extraordinary success by selecting furnishings for the Arabian salon of the Princess Yve with the greatest care and attention to detail. These are the rich and exotic fittings with which a cultivated woman of the Levant would inevitably surround herself. The subsidiary films are of Mm Strand's usual high standard. , QUEEN'S THEATRE. The programme at the Queen's Theatre lhis week includes "De Luxe Annie," shown for the first time to-day, with Norma Talmadgc in the name part. The picture was adapted for the screen by Paul West, from Ihe play by Edward Clark, and directed by Rolanc West. Norma Talmadgc takes the part of Julie Kendal, the loving wife of a devoted husband. She is struck on the head and becomes a victim to aphasia,' or loss of memory. While in this condition, she becomes the confederate of Jimmy Fitzpatrick a crook. Ignorant of Jiis real purpose, she evades the detective whom her husband has retained to trace her, and subconsciously flees to the little town in which the summer home of the Kendals is situated. There a surprising but altogether logical chain of events brings her to the house, Where her husband and his friend : Dr Niblo, meet her aud her confederate.' An operation restores her memory, and, with it, the happy family life which has blessed the home of the Kendals before the catastrophe. Also on the programme is Corinne Griffith in "Miss Ambition," a recent Vitagraph feature. This is the powerful story of a girl who climbed the social ladder for ambition's sake, and then went back, sacrificing all that she held dear for love's sake. The lovely young star is seen at her best, appealing and sympathetic in her portrayal. The story reveals a profound study of life, and is produced for the screen in the very best fashion.

LIBERTY THEATRE. "In Search of a Sinner," Constance Talmadge's spiciest aud liveliest comedy to date, was presented for the first time at the Liberty Theatre to-day. This is the inimitable young comedienne's latest First National offering, and is based on the amusing story by Charlotte Thompson, the screen adaptation being by the famous scenarioists, John EmcrsDn and Anita Loos. "In Search of a Sinner" is a lively and irresistibly amusing story of a perfectly nice girl who was married to a man who turned out an old "fossil." Then the girl started out In search of a "wild" type of man, and, needless to say, she found him. The fascinating Constance Talmadgc in her role in this film adds yet another triumph to the already long list of notable achievements that have placed her among the foremost favourites of the screen. The picture was directed by David Kirkland, aud the amusing complications, together with the star and staging, make the picture one of the most satisfying and entertaining yet screened. The principal supporting part is played by Radcliffe Fellows, who is well suited to the role. Variety to the picture entertainment is provided by George W. Stevens, who appears in the following humorous character monologues: "The Student," "A Chapter of Accidents" and "A Polyglot Speech." The excellent .supporting programme of interesting short films includes the Pathc Gazette, Topical Budget, Episode 10 of the Vitagraph serial, "Smashing Barriers," and an especially fine Goldwyn comedy, "In a Pinch." Special incidental music is played by Liberty's compact, artistic and bright orchestra. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Photo-play patrons who recall the luxurious beauty of Gloria Sw ; anson in !"Male and Female," will hardly recognise her in the opening scenes of the ParainountArtcraft Royalty masterpiece, "Why Change Your Wife?" which is the attraction this week at Everybody's Theatre, commencing at the matinee to-day. Miss Swanson has the role of a too wifely wife, who neglects her beauty for her home, wears unbecoming clothes and horn-rimmed spectacles, and can't keep her husband home at night> Later, however, after the husband, played by Thomas Meighan, has wandered oir with a designing siren, she realises what has lost him, and forthwith blossoms like a rose into the bewitching Gloria as we usually know her. Gowns that for beauty and style out-rival anything ever seen on the screen are a feature of "Why Change Your Wife?" Designed especially for this production by one of the world's premier designers, these' costumes are the final word in fashion and beauty. Gloria Swanson and Bebe Daniels, who play the leading feminine roles, display gorgeous negligee, simple and dignified house dresses, and magnificent evening gowns. A scene in the shop of a fashionable modiste and various hotel and ballroom scenes furnish opportunities for the display of many fascinating gowns of every variety. In addition to the above attraction, the popular actress Dorothy Dalton is seen in the latest Paramount drama, "His Wife's Friend." It is a story of love and life, interwoven with mystery and suspense. Everybody's Select Orchestra provides an entirely new musical programme. Reserved seats may be booked by ringing 'phone 4925. SYDENHAM PICTURES. At the Sydenham Pictures this evening a splendid double bill will be offered. In "A Fugitive from Matrimony," featuring the accomplished H. B. Warner, and "The Man Beneath," with Sessue Hayakawa in the title role, patrons are offered pictorial gems which cannot fail of appreciation. In addition, the special engagement is announced of Cecil Verne, a comedian, with a way all his own.

GRAND THEATRE. Patrons of the Grand Theatre this week will enjoy a unique programme of mystery and pictures. During the past fortnight there has been much controversy in Christchurch regarding spiritualistic phenomena, mysterious messages and psychic photographs. Interest is now heightened by the appearance of Lcvante and Kcech, worldfamed mystery men, who present an entertainment of a highly diverting nature. The programme consists of magic to mystify, spooks to make one laugh, and mnemonics to cause wonder. The principal performers are ably supported by a strong company of skilled assistants. Lcvante, the magician, is a performer of strong personality, and his running lire of remarks keeps an audience in roars of laughter. Levantc has with him illusions aud mysteries new to the Dominion. His latest spectacular illusion is the cyanishment of Princess Asra. Cecil Kcech has given many demonstrations of phenomena which have met with appreciation, and he has exposed the methods of producing fraudulent phenomena. In his performance Kcech demonstrates methods used by mediums. He will also present the seance of the Thomson Brothers, of Wales, a materialisation which-to the uninitiated would appear very real, and perhaps convince them even against their better judgment. "The Valley of Doubt," a virile drama of the Great White North, with Arline Pretty in the Chief role, is the hendlincr on the pictorial side of the programme. In addition there is another exciting episode of "The Great Gamble" serial. There will be two sessions in the day and two at night. GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. Fresh, clean and commodious, Greater Crystal Palace was opened to-day after a week in the transforming hands of an army of workmen, who were busy night and day in carrying out the demands of a new management bent on catering for a critical public. The opening programme featured the first of the famous Universal Jewel super-pictures, "Blind Husbands," in eight reels. This is a brilliant society drama, created with an all-star cast amidst the glorious Alpine scenery of Switzerland, and is "especially recommended as a lesson

to those husbands who nrc so wrapped up in their own sports and pleasures that they neglect their wives until serious difficulties ensue." This picture is classed by the leading motion picture critics of England and America as one of the greatest masterpieces ever produced. Many of the situations are intensely dramatic, whilst a strain of humour runs right through the entire eight reels. A special feature of Greater Crystal Palace entertainments in future will be a symphony orchestra of more than 20 players, under the conductocship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz. It is stated that this is the first time a full symphony orchestra has been engaged by any theatre in Australasia, and it is also the largest employed by any theatre in Christchurch. The management is to be congratulated on its enterprise.