AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12404, 23 August 1918, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

—, ' OPERA HOUSE, V or George and his band of Suns!u,i.' players arc in, the third week ol their season at the Opera House, and tho current production, “Tho Orange Girl,” is proving as successful as did tho tiro previous musical comedies staged by the company. Tho music ol tho piece is bright and tuneful, the vocal numbers arc considerably above the average, the humorous situations are. farcical but not vulgar, tho stage sotting, are beautiful, ail'd the principals arc all artists of merit. In a word, . the production is of all-round excellence. Tunis by a number of talent- ■ ed vaudeville artists occupied tho first t portion of last evening’s programme, liughie Ogilvie, tho Scotch comedian, ; who has scored a wonderful success ; here, repeated his songs and stories, i much to the delight of tho audience, i Liberal applause was bestowed upon the efforts of Phil Pcrcival, the come diah ami pianist, and of Brull and Hemsloy, and of Cromer and Amokl • two talented comedy sketch teams i JhirnOj the trick cyclist, and Wells and Wells, comedy acrobats, mere alsc popular in turns of an athletic nature. The same programme, will "be presenterl this evening. At tho matinee performance to-morrow Bessie Los tor, an American comedienne of note, will make her first appearance. CRYSTAL PALACE. A stirring tale of Californian mining days during tho groat rush of ’l9 is told in the seven-reel drama. “ A Bern a ace of the Redwoods,” which was shown on tho double star programme at Crystal Palace yesterday. Mary Pickford is the loading light in this piece, and tier work in the. niauy dramatic situations, with which the .story is crowded, is something that 'must ho seen to be appreciated. Miss Pickford lias a big and important part to play, and tier many admirers will bo more than satisfied with the way in which she acquits herself. In fact the young actress shows that she has other abilities of a histrionic order besides those which have already made her famous. At tho late afternoon session, and again at tho session de luxe iu the evening tho William Fox drama, ‘‘ Tile Devil's Daughter,” was screened in addition to “ A Romance of the Redwoods.” This film is a version of the story of La Giaconda, by Gabriolle D'Annunzio. La Giacdndn was a woman of -tho most pronounced vampire type, who travelled about tho world- seeking to wreck the lives and happiness of those with whom she camo in contact. In many cases she was all too successful, and many blighted hopes and broken lives strewed the path -that led her on to an end terrible but just. The story is very well told on the screen, and its value is enhanced by the fact that Theda. Bara, the great emotional actress, plays the leading role. A topical gazette and a Travelogue film completed the programme. At tho evening session de luxe Madame Johnston 'ioplis sang “ Angels Guard Thee ” and “My .Hero.” The same pictures will bo screened to-dny. and at the evening session do luxe, which commences at 7-20 p.m. with the overture iroui “ William Tell.” bv the Crystal lalace orchestra, -Madame Johnston iophss will again sing. f. ? - LIBERTY THEATRE. Marriage for money and the eternal inanglo have formed the central pivots lor so niauy plots that it sems almost impossible lor an entirely new plot ( 0 bo constructed round them. Marriage lor money with its evil consequences is the theme of “The Strong'Wav.” 'be star film of the bill at Liberty iiioaire .ms week, but, thanks to tho .skill vith which the writer has used Hie old materials and clothed them uitb now ideas, the story can justly daim to bo original, if not in theme at least m method of treatment. The splendid acting of -lime Elvidgc in the principal role adds a peculiar fascination to tho picture. . The other items ar ® a Pfthe scenic, I be Cathedrals of Old England.” and n comedy,* “Her Marriage failure. ’ At the evening pood selection of music is” played hr the orchestra. The same pictures will be shown to-day. Xexfc week the star film will be a. Goldwyn picture entitled “ Voarlv Mnn-jod.’- featuring: Madge Kennedy in a delightful comedy role. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Jim programme at the Queen’s Jbentre, bended by Ibe five-reel Mutual photo-play. “The Stain in the Liood,'_ attracted large audiences ata I sessions yesterday. Edvthe Sterling plays the leading role in “ The Stain in the Blood,' mid her work marks' her as an actress of great ability The part she takes is that of a girl'whose brother inherits criminal tendencies. Such an inheritance brings all manner ol trouble in its train, and tlm girl passes through many painful experiences bet wo the happy climax is reaeb- ■'( . Another interesting item on the f ' Vf ’iT oM ,y>'Haug drama, r n ht i f1 n ■° f c, ( ’ ,0! .- v ' Tl ’° story unfit b. cd in tins film is full of excitement and altogether it w an.Ncdieiit ami complete romance ... short compass. Uio final instalment of the serial “ \ Lass of the Lnmbcrlands,” shows how he tangled skems o tb c plot ami coun-ter-plot arc unravelled and bow Ws landing accounts arc satiMacloriKsettled. Tim comedy olemenVis 4* plied by a him entitled '< R„ffl bts programme will be repeated" to day at all sessions.

“PEG 0’ MY HEART.’* The English Comedy Company, under the management# of Messrs J. and N. Tnit; which is plqying that popular comedy. “ Peg o’ My Hear-t.;” at the King’s Theatre, has well established itself in the favour of Christchurch, audiences, and last evening a full/* 4 house” gave frequent evidences of its appreciation of the fine acting of the various characters in a distinctly notable production. Especial approval was shown of tho performances of Sara, Allgood iu the role of Peg, her charming brogue and all-pervading vivacity well suiting the part. In the earlier part her acting provoked continued merriment, but lator, when the -emotions touched from gay to grave, her hold upon tho ;iuctionco was forceful. “ Peg o’. My Heart ” will be repeated this evening. A matinee performance will bo given tomorrow. SYDENHAM PICTURES. \ At the Sydenham Picture Theatre last evening a largo audience witnessed the screening of “ Shirley Kaye,” featuring Clara Kimball Young. The supporting programme included the eleventh episode of “The Mystery of the Double Gross.” The same films will be shown this evening.