AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16426, 14 May 1921, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

LIBERTY THEATRE. “ ALF’S BCTTON.” The story brings back Alf 'lggins,_of ” Better ’Ole” famo, tli© role being splendidly played by Leslie Henson, one of England's foremost comedians, and the discovery that ono of his buttons on his new tunic has the magic qualitios of Aladdin’s Lamp, leads to many amazing adventures on the part of Alf and his pals. When giving his buttons their first clean up, the moment his toothbrush touched the second button i Alf was appalled to see an enormous j Genio rise out of the earth, and hea,r him say, “What wilt thou have, I am tho slavo of the button?” Alf in abject terror could only exclaim il Gorblimv, strike me pink!” The Genie, sur- . prised at this strange request, nevertheless granted it and disappeared. Alf j afflicted with a new disease which when j afflcttd with a new disease which, when j reported to the MO. caused great con- | sternation. Alf might have remained i in this condition had it not been for the Genie, who restored him to normal again. Besides many other adventures, the limit is reached when Alf asks tho Genie for the prettiest girl in London, meaning his own donah, but the Genie letches a flag-selling aristocrat sweetheart of the platoon commander. Late, the Genie transports Alf and his pal j to Blighty; and Alf with his unlimited j wealth, is attracted by the idea of mari rying the beautiful aristocrat. But, finding that she loves the platoon commander. and being impressed by the fact that liis home of Oriental beauty, which the Genie had brought (and beauties) is making trouble (and scandal) in tho village, he tells the Genie (of whom he always complains that lie did things “ so, ’olesalo ”) to make tilings as they were; and goes back to his donah. “ Alf's Button ” abounds in skilful characterisations of the British soldier, giving it a human interest as well aa providing shoals of the hu- § mour that is typical of the breed. STRAND THEATRE. I “TWINS OF SUFFERING CREEK.” | “Twins of Suffering Creek” is a a fine Western drama, bulging with i thrills and romance. The story, which H is laid in the mining town of Suffering g Creek, revolves around two men—one i Jim Pemberton, a bad mau and a S gambler, and Bill Lark (William RusI sell). As a result of a dispute these » two men draw cards to sec who shall i shoot first. Lark loses, and is given S five da vs by Pemberton' to live. The i scenes reveal most dramatically how a i Bill I/ark lived up to his agreement 8 i with Pemberton. Ho defeats a band of a robbers who hold up the stage coach, I and wins a bride and the right to liveK Louise Lovely is the leading woman. H The second feature, “ Beware of the a Bride,” opens with the sub-title, | “ When a man turns his honeymoon 3 trip into a business trip, let him beware jl or his bride.” This introduces tho fact d that Mary Emerson (Eileen Percy) the j| bride of a month, learns that the adoru J mg husband is summarily called back to business- She prepares to go with him, and taking advantage of his absence whilst preparing for the trip, goes m to a masked balk The fun starts befl'oro the ball, when Mary agrees to at the ball, and identify him by a suit i of armour. Mary is forced to dress in j tho apartment of her partner to the : dance, and help herself to his absent. 1 wife’s silk hose and Parisian slippers. | When tiie wrong man gets the only suit | | of armour available, and in it-appears I at tho ball, the fun quickly becomes I uproarious, and continues at high speed 1 to the end. I Tho supporting films are: “ TighttI rope Romance” (cartoon), World’s | News, and an Australian Gazette.

QUEEN’S THEATRE.

“ FABIOLA.” Something of the genius that created those two great pictures “Quo Vadis” anti “ intolerances ” lias gone to the ■ making of “ Fabiola,” a tale of the early Christian martyrs. The lady after whom it is named is one of the great patricians in the City of the Seven Hills. Imperious, headstrong, and at times cruel, she is the very antithesis of the gentle Agnes, her cousin, who has long been a follower of the Christ and- His kindly teachings-. Among the devoted band to which Agnes belongs are Sebastian, the centurion, Quadratus, the gigantic soldier of the Imperial bodyguard, and the youthful Paneratius. At times these gather secretly with their sisters and brethren to worship in the catacombs. At a banquet, Fulvius, a Syrian ad venturer, is smitten with the beauty of Agnes, and makes violent love to her. Meanwhile Corvinus, son of the prefect of the city, besieges Fabiola with his suit. Continued reverses embitter both Fulvius and Corvinus, and Fulvius finally denounces the sect of Christians as sedition-mongers, hoping that Agnes may fali into his hands alien the persecution begins. When Agnes is taken, Eurotas, the slave of Fulvius, denounces her, she is slain. There is a splendid scene at her condemnation. Sebastian is accused along with her. and Quadratus is ordered to lay hands on him : but Quadratus ranges himself by the side of his comrade. The final story of the picture, portraying the redemption of Fulvius and. the conversion of ~ Fabiola, is powerful and impressive. The scenes throughout this moving narrative are of the loveliest, and such careful attention has been paid to every detail of the production that one receives the impression of an actual glimpse into the life of the period depicted. Every character stands out clear, while the wonderful scenes make this one of the most memorable productions ever seen. The supporting films include Chapter 15 of “Elmo, the Fearless,’’ “Some Tec” (Nordick comedy), “Old King Cole ” (cartoon), and Topical Budget. THE GRAND. OLIVE THOMAS IN “ DARLING MINE.” The excellent bill of fare to bo screened at tho Grand Theatre to-day and to-night should commend itself to all picture patrons. There are the usual two star features. “Darling Mine” shows Miss Olive Thomas m wiiat is described as the best part of her brilliant career- It is a. superb Sola nick play and Miss Thomas is seen as a charming Ilariison Fisher girl in a “ Peg O’ My Heart ” story. The story is a fascinating one and as this is" the last of the Olive Thomas productions, patrons should ,not miss seeing it- “Darting Mine” will be shown until Friday next. The story concerns an Irish girl’s visit to America. Events move quickly and the climax is a most extraordinary one and must be seen to be appreciated. The other feature “The Whisper Market” illustrates how tho web of scandal wrecks lives- Miss Corinno Griffith has never had a more suitable vehicle to show her art, and the piquant charm of this radiant star was never set in more beautiful surroundings than in this exciting story of intrigue and high ' social life in Rio de Janeiro. Gorgeous gowns to feast one’s eyes on and tho dazzling beauty and grace of the j charming star are accentuated by the wonderful creations made specially for her in this striking picture. Then there will be another exciting episode, of “The Moonriders ” serial. The box I plan will bo at Tho Bristol until noon • to-dev, and afterwards at the Grand Theatre, ’phone *2031