"LIBERTY" THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12101, 1 September 1917, Page 9

"LIBERTY" THEATRE.

,—4 1 OPENING NEXT SATURDAY. "Liberty" has been aptly chosen as the name of the handsome edifice erected in Cathedral Square West, next Warner's Hotel, as a picture theatre. It is but fitting that as the project was initiated and carried to fruition during the great world struggle for liberty now raging, and as home for liberty of expression in Ark—without which Art must succumb—that the selection of a name should serve to commemorate New Zealand's share in the war and the stirring times in which the theatre was built. A "Star" repreesntativa went over the building this morning with Mr Henry Hayward, managing di< rector of the Kaywafd's Pictures, and Mr W- G. Sutton, the Christehurch manager. The impression of solidity winch is conveyed by the style-of architecture adopted in the front elevation is heightened by study of the interior. From end to end the architect has secured the dignity of siminlicity. There is no undue ornamentation, but just sufficient embellishment to 6often the massive beams and pillars and to obtain the best effect from marble and white plaster. From the main entrance, planned on liberal lines, a wide staircase of easily ascending white marble, with terraced balustrade, leads to the " dress circle, flanked at the foot by black marble pillars, which will support brilliant lighting effects. Simplicity has led naturally to hygiene. The theatre is designed so that there shall be a minimum of lodgment area for dust—th e marble obviate© the need for carpets, etc. —and the ingenuity of the designer has been exercised to intercept and prevent draughts. The result is ; -.. that despite its huge size—it is thelargest picture theatre in the South Island—it will be cosy and comfortable, and restful to the eye. "The best chair in any picture theatre in the Dominion," said Mr Hayward. " Made of oak and real leather, plenty of seat room, a fat man's chair, you might call it. And thel £ pace between the rows of chairs is the ._ widest I know of in the country." The chairs are undoubtedly comfortable, and the reduction of the seating accommodation from a possible 1700 to 1400 maizes it possible for people to move in - comfort past already occupied seats, a point that will be fully appreciated by picture-goers., whilst it also increases . the supply of fresh air pier patron. Tha ventilating system is believed to be just about perfection, and the great elevation makes a vast amount of air space available- The: extension of the ciffcie to the proscenium, with numerous bbx&i and a couple of flanking balconettes, ail beautifully finished in ornate fibrous piaster in pure white, has effectively removed the bareness so often associated with interiors of these proportions. The balconettes are for use as well as ornament, and vocal numbers in support of super-features will be given from there. The Gaumont and Simple:: projectors will throw the pictures on to a screen of 800 to 800 square feet, but not the whole extent will be used, in order to obtain the sharpest delineation. An orchestral wall is to be draped in saxe blue velvet, and this is th c one note of colour in the interior decoration, whilst ruby and whrUj lighting will be used. Heating apparatus is provided. Messrs LuttreJJ Bros, were the architects. The public will have an opportunity of inspecting this beautiful and highly comfortable theatre next Saturday September S, when the opening prcn gramme will include a Greater Vitagraph s-jper-feature film, " Clover's Rebellion," starring Miss Anita Stewart, the most rapidly rising star in the fihn firmament to-day. And, to show that we are not downhearted, Charlie Chap-: iin will appear in "In the Rink," ons of the new Chaplin features. Miss Florence Scapini, who was associated with Paul Dufault, will be the leader of thq orchestra-, which is intended to be th«( best in Christchurch.