AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11671, 11 April 1916, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

GRAND THEATRE. With a programme consisting of a Metro star film, the sixth instalment of the "Black Box" serial, a George Ade fable, and official views of the work of the British Army in France, it is < small wonder that the Grand Theatre was crowded at, all sessions yesterday from noon onwards. The most ■important item, on the list was an adaptation of- the well-known drai.-m "The.Second in Command," which was the initial production in Christchurch of the celebrated Metro Corporation studios. The story, as .is well known, deals with the adventures of a young British Army officer, who wins the woman he loves, .but loses her again through, a misunderstanding created by his rival, a brother-officer. Everything is eventually cleared up, but not before the lover and his rival have undergone some startling adventures on active service. Mr Francis X. Bushman, the wellknown picture, actor, convincingly portrayed the dashing young British officer, and ho was ably supported by Miss Marguerite Snow and an excellent cast. The photography was almost perfect, the setting of tho story was excellent, and the battle scenes realistically vivid and l iu contrast to the peace and beauty of the earlier chapters. The "Black Box" serial was advanced another stage, and the unexpected appearance at intervals of hands and eyes which apparently formed portion of no human body further mystified the followers of E. Phillip Oppenheim's story. Tho George Adle fable and topical views of the British Army in France, which are shown at the afternoon sessions only, concluded an excellent programme, which will bo repeated to-day. , QUEEN'S THEATRE. " The Deep Purple" headed tho current programme of moving pictures at the Queen's Theatre yesterday, and it was one of the best dramas tho theatre iias shown. Miss Clara Kimball Young made her appearance in the "star" lole, and provided an excellent piece of characterisation, her work being distinctly hish-grade, and better beyond ( comparison with what'she provided in 1 er earlv days with the Vitagraph films. Miss Young plays the part of an innocent decoy, around whom the action of the Inraa is thrown. An unsophisticated country girl, she suddenly finds herself flung into a seething turmoil of New York underworld life. She is'the guileless tool of an unscrupulous band of villains, to whom cheating, deception .md. robbery come naturally. The girl's beiuty, simplicity, loyalty and devotion are well simulated' by Miss Young, who works hard in many trying situations. Her work throughout the drama is deserving of the highest praise, and she is well supported by an excellent company. A fme supporting programme was shown, including the latest. "Gazette." The same pictures will be shown to-day.