AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 15 June 1926, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

“SO THIS JS MARRIAGE.”—AT THE (IkAMI). The Hobiirt Henley production, “So 'J his Is Marriage,” which comes to the Grand Theatre to-night, ns one of those rare pictures which possess not only unusual excellence m direction, acting, suspense, and plot, but also includes a leaturo —an insert in natural colours of the story of David and Bath-Sheba —that is extraordinarily beautiful and out ol the usual in every way. This sequence, which, includes five, hundred players clad in the vividly coloured garments of Old Testament vintage, is an interlude in an otherwise modern story. r Phe story concerns tho v. ife,'Eleanor Jloardnian, her humdrum husband, Conrad Nagel, and tho .sympathetic bachelor friend, Lew Cody. The remark of the wife to the husband : “Why don’t you earn more money! Other men do,” is significant of the situation that develops between them. After a brief engagement, Peter Marsh marries Beth Merry, a girl of extarvagant tastes. Peter asks lier to economise, but within a few months 'her extravagance is the subject of much gossip. On one occasion Peter takes her to a restaurant, and hears a conversation which belittles her. His anger is aroused, and when they return home a quarrel’ takes place. This .s soon forgotten in the advent < f an addition to the family. During the years that follow Beth remains a spender, running her husband into all kinds of debt, until eventually things reach a climax. Jn the meantime, Beth has made the acquaintance of a. bachelor, who encourages her friendship, telling her that he is always at her command. Following the final quarrel, Beth goes to him for sympathy. He sees by her actions that ■she is still in love with her husband, and subsequently tells her the story of David and Batli-Sheba. Betli is thus brought to the realisation ol her foolishness, and returns to her home, where she makes a radical change in her mode of living. Supports include a charming New Zealand scenic, the “Patho News” ami a lengthy “Screen Snapshot.” Seats may be reserved as usual. ’Phone 486. THEATRE ROYAL. 1 “THE SPLENDID ROAD.” Five years is a. long time for sweethearts to be. separated. But in the real end of reel life everything must be expected. Think bow fond they got of each other! The sweethearts

are Robert Frazer and Anna Q, | Nilsson, eo-fcatured with Lionel Barryj more in “The Splendid Road,” showing lat tlie- Theatre Royal this evening . Five years ago’ Frazer was east foi ! a small part in a picture made ai ■ Jacksonville, Florida, with Anna Q i Nilsson featured. And they wen sweethearts for a brief period in tin story. Neither had seen the otliei .since that time. Although a score oi excellent pictorial efforts have come tc Hit screen describing the perils ol : crossing the vast Western plains, nol i a single story has ever been iilmcc | showing that a large majority of tin - seekers after gold m the Californir - fields came to Sacramento. Taking I advantage of this fact, Frank Lloyc j has pieturised Vingie E. Roc’s story ol | early California, “The Splendid Road,’ I introducing the sea. voyage from the j East to the new country, and has alsc j introduced for the first time tin romaneo and adventure of a womai: pioneer. “The Splendid Road” enjoyed extraordinary success as a nove and magazine serial. ’Transformed intc a living story on tho screen, it bids fair to establish a new standard foi western dramas. “The Splendid Road” has to do with the struggles and success of Sandra DeHault, whe sot out from Boston on the “Colonial Dame” to find fortune and happiness in the new country alone. Pauline Garon and Gladys Brockwoll are also lin the cast. Films in support will ; include; the “English Gazette,” and one of the clever Felix the Cat series, “Felix 'Wins or Loses.” Seats may he booked through ’phone 570.