AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12409, 29 August 1918, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

THE GRAND THEATRE. The excellent programme that’ marked the re-opening of the. Grand Theatre on Monday attracted large audiences at all sessions yesterday, and at the evening session the increased seating space of the theatre was taxed to its limit. The chief item was the powerful drama. “ Revelation,” presenting the gifted Russian actress, Alla Nazimova, who plays the part of a cabaret dancer and artist’s model by the name of Jolino. The central theme of tlie story is the spiritual regenerntionol this girl, and tho manner in which this is IVrought about is of allabsorbing interest. The, acting of Miss Nazimova is of the highest order, entitling her to rank amongst the most famous screen artists of to-day. Many of the scopes of the picture are of great beauty, and the settings throughout are very well done. The comedy element ig supplied by a, laughable. Charlie Chaplin film, entitled “The Count;’ which presents this popular comedian at. his best. The initial chapter of what promises to be a most interesting and enthralling serial, “'The Great Secret,” is also shown. The leading roles in this story are filled by Francis A- Bushman and Revcrley Bayne. A. film, which is bound to appeal to all lootballers and followers of the game, shows n series of clear and graphic -scenes of the recent Christ’s College ami High School match. The Grand Theatre Orchestra., which has been enlaigcd to a membership of seven, under the of Mr A. L. Sutton, played a suitable selection of music at the evening session. The programme wih bo repeated at all sessions to-dav, commcmug at noon. QUEEN'S THEATRE, The Queen’s Theatre is noted for the high-standard pictures that are invariably screened there. In every respect the current programme, which lias attracted large audiences all this week, maintains this reputation. The chief film, “ Man and Beast,” is a, most original production in that many of the central figures of the story are animals. The story itself deals with the life of two settlers, an Englishman and a Dutchman in South Africa. For a number of years a fierce feud exists between these two men, but finally it is settled in a rather novel fashion. However, the chief interest of the picture centres round the animals. A big elephant plays a very ' effective, part, ■"hue a chimpanzee make an excellent actor, because many of his actions are almost human. The lions, the leopard. the tigers and other animals of the jungle are shown in their native haunts, and some very exciting huntin'* scenes bulk largely in the storv. The picture is one that should appeal to all. hut especially to the children, who aio sine to he delighted with the animals. Ut almost equal interest is a fine threereel Mustang drama, “The Ranger of Lonesome Gulch,” which shows how a number of exciting incidents of life in tlic great West lead up to a stirrin" climax. “.Hi s Idle Boast,” a Vogue comedy of the best variety provides an abundance of wholesome fnu, thus.affording an excellent conclusion to a good all-round programme. . At the evening session, which was very well attended, an attractive programme of music was played by the “Dainty” Orchestra, under the leadership of Mrs Middleton. The same programme will he repeated at all; sessions to-day and this everting. The first session of the day commences at cloven o’clock. LIBERTY THEATRE. The well-known actress,' Madge KciV-’ lied}’, may be seen at Liberty Theatre this week as the heroine of the Golden comedy “ Nearly Married.” The Tvork of Miss Kennedy in this picture is exceptionally good, and many conv potent critics are of opinion that it is the best and most convincing of her career. The picture is produced on that lavish scale, for which Goldwvn productions are renowned, and uq expense has been spared to procure realism in the scenes and beauty in the settings. Besides the story told is of a most interesting nature. It is full of humour, and contains a vein of pathos; the acton is swift, the plot is well constructed, and the ending is of the usual happy order. The supplementary features worthily sunport the star film. A Vitagraph version of O. Henry’s story. “The Gift of the .Magi, is a good little drama in small- space whilst the ever welcome G.turnout Gazette ” shows many interesting events in other lands ' yho same pictures will be screened to-day, THEATRE ROYAL, n m', rc wns another large audience at the Theatre Royal last night, when the •I. C Williamson Company again preseiited the popular revue, “ the'Bing ois Airi Here. The many striking -stage eftects, the great wealth of new and catchy songs, tip- manv pretty dances, and the abundance, of variety afforded throughout the production were received with frequent tokens oi approbation, and Jack Cannot, .Minnie Loie and Leslie Holland wore especially avoured in the matter of popiilarit ■ i l ’) un, W ri C iUKI beautifully devised Chu Ghm Cliow scene, with its novel and effective use of slanting ladders 1 was heart!iv applauded. The revue wj to eight. On Saturday a matinee perIwScE 11 bo2i ””' Tit CRYSTAL PALACE. “The ilononj- System,” the, i nmro . sive Mill,am Fox film dealing Vi t ?n miwlaui social question ol' pn , V Ul la ace yesterday. The film id •, jcus ana taking two and a half hoars to screen, but it deals with the mS Problem in Mich an absorbing manner that never once docs the interest of VfoVVlVi'l Ti ,' e stor - v 'infolded storv tLt iroUK V tl,c ."“dinm of a stoir that the problem is presented—is ol intense dramatic interest, and is so interwoven with romance, .trao-edv pathos and humour, that it constitutes one. ot the most powerful dramas over depicted on the screen. The beneliciaV results accruing from the “ honour svsUnl ot prison government, which re. cogms.es the principle • that criminals tu l icform under humane treatment only, are shown side by side and in striking contrast to the dire results of that system of government, under which the prisoners arc ruled with the mailed fist.' It j s j n tin's contrast hat the educational value of the film lies, tor no quo who sees the picture can doubt which is the better system both for the criminals themselves ami for society m general. The picture j s in every respect true to life. It j s a statement of .facts and not a production ? f t-h« imagination. I n its presentation lb am Fox spared neither time nor expense, and ho is to be congratulated on the result., for there is littlo doubt the picture- will do more to brum about prison reform wherever it is needed than all the books that have ever been written on the subject. In addition to “The Honour Svstem ” a Mutt and Jeff” cartoon and a gazette of topical items wore screened at the. evening sssion de luxe, which commcnced at 7.30 with the overture Mn-eHa (Gounod) by the Crystal t alaco Orchestra. The same sessions 'vili bo liebl io-ilny. Soils for the* session do luxe may be booked at The Bristol or at Crystal I’aiaco.

OPERA HOUSE, The current vaudeville and revue programme at the Opera House attracted another largo audience last night, and the unanimous verdict was that it was an excellent one in every respect. The big act bu the bill..was the musical comedy, • “The Grand Hotel,” staged by Walter George and his Sunshine Players. The vocal numbers, humorous situations, ballets and dances are all’ distinctly good, mainly on account of the fact that the principals are peculiarly gifted for , the parts that have been allotted to them. Those wlio have enjoyed the previous pieces of the Walter George company will certainly appreciate this one, and those who have not yet seen .the players would be well advised to make their, acquaintance. The remaining acts on the bill were of the vaudeville variety. Wallace Brownlow, the operatic baritone, who has earned a world-renowned reputation, had a great reception. A most humorous turn was contributed by : Hnghie Ogilvie, the brilliant Highland comedian, who has a rare sense of Scottish humour. Burns and Le Clerc repeated their clever dancing act, which met with popular favour. A valuable contribution to the lighter turns on the programme was made by Bessie Lester, the dainty little American comedienne. A comedy acrobatic turn by Wells and Wells completed the programme, which will bo repeated this evening.