AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12408, 28 August 1918, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. ■I lio excellent vaudeville and rev no programme staged for tho first tiino at lie <Jpcr:i House on Monday attracted another largo audience last night, and, as at its initial presentation, tho entertainment was heartily enjoyed. Tho lust, half of the programme was devoted to vaudeville acts. Baritone Unllaco Brown low was very popular nntli his vocal numbers, winch suited his voice admirably. Burns and Lo Ljore repeated their success of tho previous evening with their dances, interspersed. with' amusing burlesque turns. Hearty applause rewarded the turn of Bessie Lester, the American comedienne, who mingles a little pathos with her humour. Hughio Ogilvio also added to _ tho merriment of the evening with his clever Scottish burlesque work. clover acrobatic act by Wells and Wells concluded the vaudeville portion of the bill. Tho second half was occupied, by Walter George and lus Sunshine Players, who repeated their fourth musical comedy, “Tho Grand Hotel.” This is a capital little production, tuneful and humorous. The principals are all well cast, and they sustained their parts very well. George Storey was the chief funmaker, and he was ably supported by Georgie Marton, a vivacious little lady, who makes an excellent partner to such a versatile comedian. Hylda Shannon, the charming soprano, was heard in a number of excellent songs. Vocal numbers were also given by Holly Leslie, a basso of some quality. Polly M’Laren again scored a success with her dancimg. Milton Owen Barry Hitchings, Walter George and Dulcie Milner also played prominent roles with success. Tho same programme will be repeated this evening. THE GRAND THEATRE. The 'New Grand Theatre was very well attended at all sessions yesterday, and many expressions appreciative of tho beauty and comfort of the enlarged auditorium were heard from patrons, iho programme also was heartily appreciated. The star film of this programme is a sevon-reel Classics—Metro pi eduction under tho titlo of tion,” presenting tho talented Russian actress, Alla Nazimova. This arasu is comparatively new to the screen world, but her great ability has already won for her the right to bo called “a star of the first magnitude.” The drama, in winch she plays the part of heroine, is one of unusual power. The heroine is introduced as a cabaret dancer and artist’s model. Whilst posing in the garden of a monastery as the Madonna she is mistaken by a monk for a 'celestial vision. In a very wonderful way this mistake of the monk’s brings about the regeneration of the heroine, who thereafter devotes herself to good works and finally becomes a Red Gross nurse. The piece ends happily with her marriage to a wounded soldier in the old monastery garden. Tho chief item in tho supporting programme was the first instalment *of the serial “The Great .Secret.” This story opens well with a promise of thrills and excitement in abundance. A film of local interest was one depicting tho recent Christ’s College and Boys' High School football match, ffho inimitable comedian, Charlie Chaplin, is seen in a most laughable comedy. At the evening session

the enlarged Grand Orchestra played a well-selected programme, which was heartily enjoyed. The theatre will be open continuously to-day, when the same pictures will he screened. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Some striking animal studies are presented in “Man. and Beast,” the star film on the current programme at the Queen’s Theatre. The scenes of tho picture are laid in South Africa, and some very beautiful and realistic views of the wild jungle lands of that country are shown, together with excellent studies of tho many animals that inhabit the jungle. A number of highly trained animals play prominent parts in tho story. For instance, there is a huge elephant which acts as a gobetween for two young lovers by carrying letters from one to tho other. On one occasion ho even carries the girl to -a clandestine meeting with her sweetheart. Then there is a hig chimpanzee, who is perhaps tho queerest of all the animals. His actions are uncannily human, and in one scene he is shown tenderly nursing a little oliild. The Hons, the leopards and tho tigers are the central figures in many stirring incidents in tho jungle. Some excellent hunting scenes are shown, in ono case a fine hon being trapped in a rope net by a band of Kaffirs. Of course tho picture is also concerned to some extent with tho doings of human beings. Tho story it unfolds deals’ with two settlers, English and Dutch, who after a four years’ feud are brought together on friendly tonus by the marriage of the son and daughter of the respective households. Eileen Sedgwick, Park Jones and Kingsley Benedict play the leading roles with success, thus greatly enhancing the value of the film, which is one that should bo seen to he appreciated. The ever welcome comedy element is supplied by a two-reel film entitled " His Bogus Boast.” A stirring Mustang drama, 11 Hie Ranger of Lonesome Gulch,” completes the programme, which is well worth the attention of all picture patrons. At the evening session a pleasant selection of music was contributed by tho “Dainty” orchestra, consisting of Mr Middleton (conductor and pianist), Mim Cadenhead (violinist). Mr George El brood, (’cellist), and Mr A. W. Hutton (flautist). The same pictures will be screened 1 continuously from 11 a.m. to-day. LIBERTY THEATRE. The diverting Goldwyn comedy, “Nearly Married,” proved very popular with the large audiences that attended Liberty Theatre yesterday. The story shows how a young bride, by refusing to go on her honeymoon, nearly upsets the matrimonial “ apple-cart.” In fact, she goes so far as to begin divorce proceedings against her husband, and this m spite of the fact that she still loves him. One day tho pair meet accidentally, and, being still in love, they decide, to elope. However, they have hardly started on their belated honeymoon when the divorce is granted. The news of this catastrophe is quickly. followed by the arrival'of a number of relatives, who, being lawabiding people, wish to see the decree of the law caried out. But tho two young people decide that no law shall come between them, and they accordingly beat a. 1 hasty retreat. The ensuing chase is very exciting, and also very funny. In the end, however, the couple elude their pursuers,, and so the story ends up happily enough for them. In support were shown a film version of 0. Henry’s story, “ Tire Gifts of the Magi,” and the two latest numbers of the “Ganmont Gazette.” The same pictures will be screened at all sessions to-day and this evening. THEATRE ROYAL. “The Bing Boys arc Here,” the revue produced under the J. 0. Williamson management, was repeated at the Theatre Royal last evening before another very large audience. Jack Cannot, Minnie Love and Leslie Holland were particularly successful in their respective songs and specialities, and the many catchy tunes and songs and the dances associated with the production were much appreciated. • Especial admiration was expressed for the niany elaborate scenic spectacles provided, tho most popular of these proving to be the Chu Chin Chow ,scene, the trellis scene and the firelight fancies scenes. The revue will bq?).repeated- 'this evening, commencing at '7.45. •’’ On Saturday afternoon a matinee: performance will be given. CRYSTAL PALACE. The education value‘of-the moving picture is great, but the films designed to instruct the public, especially along the lines of social reform, ar© few. There is little doubt that in the future their numbers will increase. At present the people of Christchurch have the opportunity of seeing a picture that deals with one of the greatest social problems of modern time. This picture. which is being screened at Crystal Palace, is entitled “The Honour System,” and th§ problem it deals with is that of prison reform. Many books have been written concerning the best ways and means of reforming criminals, and many able men have made the problem the subject of earnest consideration, In'his picture, “The Honour System.” William Fox vividly depicts the most modern ideas of prison reform, and these ideas are presented m such an interesting manner, through the medium of a powerful story, that they cannot fail, to appeal to the audiences Further, he throws these ideas into bold relief by contrasting them with the old ideas of prison government, under whiqb the unhappy criminals were cruelly , treated. Mr box’s picture created a great-sensation in America, and it bids fair to create au equal sensation here, as tho question of prison reform has been much before the public of New Zealand of late. _ Apart from its subject, the picture is well worth seeing. It unfolds a most interesting story concerning a 3’oung man who is condemned to imprisonment for life for a crime of which he is innocent. The prisoner is sent to a gaol run under n most brutal system. After great trouble and at pave personal risk, the young man bnngs the condition of things under the: notice of tlio Governor of tho State, flic result, is the introduction of “The Honour System,” which is shown in i operation. Tho story does not- end nere. There are opponents of “The Honour System,” who strive hard to have it abolished. How the young man eventually gives his life to save the system iovnis a very dramatic and touching conclusion to the story. The picture is one that can be recommended o all. As supplementary features more ar e screened at the evenin'l- - d r e , luxe a “Mutt and Jeff” cauoon film, and the usual weekly Cn-^!i tt( p , Th^ m , mi ? su PPlicd by the ] r a aC ° orcb( r strft nlsQ forms a le hx? fe . n . T, re u tho or | nin E session tie nixt The Honour System ” w>ll T” 1 to 'f ay - A ® the d«mitronJ Soa i ts - T ’ h ? av -V, intending at Iho Vtv? , :U } Vlsy to book their seats 41 Ut ™ol or at the theatre,