AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16497, 6 August 1921, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

LIBERTY THEATRE. *« HEART O’ THE HILLS.*'' In the hills of Kentucky lives Mavis Hawn, a mountain girl. In love with the girl is Jason Honeycutt, whoso father piano to marry Widow Hawn and get an independent fortune from her valuable lands. Jason confides to Mavis that his father’s courting of the Wido Hawn ia for the purpose of gotting control of her property. However, that very day a party of capitalists arrive to undertake the promotion of a scheme for exploiting the coal lands of the mountains. Norton Saunders, ringleader of the capitalists, defrauds Widow Hawn of her land. That night the mountaineers visit Sanders and inform him that he has a period of twenty-four hours in which to leave the mountains. He scoffs at their threats, several shots are fired, and two of the night-riders and Sanders drop dead. Stevo Ho-neycutt tells the Sheriff that Mavis fired the shot that killed Sanders. Mavis is tried and acquitted. Mavis decides to go to school, and six years after she returns to the hill 3. So also does Jason. They find that Steve Honeycutt and the Widow Hawn are married and are living unhappily Mavis is told by her mother that Steve murdered her father. Th© end comes with the shooting of Stevo and the bringing together of Mavis and Jason. Other films of interest are the Path© Gazette, Topical Budget, ‘“A Fresh Start” (Mermaid Comedy), “Tit Bits of Travels ” (New Zealand Film Interest) and “ Scenes in and Around Warburton ” (Australian scenic). In addition to the big picture programme a distinct and unusually delightful de- ; parture from the ordinary form of entertainment will bo made. This consists in the special engagement cf Mr Fred Read© Wauchop and Miss Ruby Wilding, who achieved such a success in the recent production of “A Country 'Girl.” They will present solo and other dances not previously seen in Christchurch, and give exhibitions of some of. the latest dancing novelties. STRAND THEATRE. ' “DYNAMITE ALLEN.” The scenes for “Dynamite Allen” are laid in the mining regions of Pennsylvania. It is a highly dramatic story, tens© and absorbing, with a delightful romance running like a golden thread through many sensational and thrilling situations. George Walsh as the hero is engaged in an attempt to clear his father of a charge of murder, and as a result is himself beset with all sorts of difficulties. Th© entire production •abounds in thrills and sensational features. One of the most astounding climaxes occurs when Walsh, driving a locomotive, plunges through an open bridge, leaping from the cab as the engine sinks in the river- Tho destruction of a large residence by fire is also very spectacular. One of the greatest thrills is supplied when Walsh, trapped in the bottom of a mine, discovers that it is being flooded. A sprinkling of comedy relieves the high dramatic situations. Edna Murphy as Betty Rood supports George Walsh in this thrilling story of life and love. “ The Blushing Bride ” is a farce of show girls, millionaires and dukes, and tells of the experiences of a young girl leaving the Follies to take up domestic life ae the wife of a young millionaire m the homo of his aristocratic parents. They believe her to be related to an English Duke, who is invited to attend the wedding supper, but find her real relative to be their own butler. It is tlhe manner in which she extricates herself from these bmbarrassments that furnishes tho fun of the plot. The role of Betli—the ex-show girl—is an ideal one for Eileen Percy. The picture is full of uproariously laughable situations. Tho supporting films are “ Mutt and Jeff. Hypnotists ” (cartoon), a Fox News, and an Australian Gazette. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “ LIFE.” In “ Life,” a big Italian production, adapted from the novel “ Cosmopolis,” by Paul Bourget, New Zealand picture patrons are introduced to a magnificent ! Italian actress, Mina IPOrvella, who I creates a lasting impression as Alba, ! tho daughter of Countess Stena. Ai- > ! though living in an atmosphere of { j vicious passions she believes the whole ! { world to be pure. After a sheltered [ life of ease, in which her every desire | had been fulfilled, she is suddenly brought down to the hard facts of life , by tho receipt of an anonymous letter which hints only too plainly that her ! own mother is not the woman she had j always thought her. Amidst gorgeous 1 settings and wonderfully gowned, Mina J has given to the world of picture lovers j the triumph of her career. Tho set- : tings taken in are beautiful in tho extreme while the furnishings of the interiors are eye-openers. From the beginning to the end of this wonderful film tho spectator is amazed by the j sheer magnificence of the production, tho beautiful Roman scenerv and world famous architecture, and finally by the l # compelling power of the story itself, and the interpretations of the Continental artists who make up the ons f . Tho second feature is “ Shore Acres,’’ a six-reel Metro production, starring Alice Lake. The story is laid on the New England coast, and concerns the family of Martin Berrv, tho h" h thou so keener near Bar Harbour, Maine. It is a verv fine picture, in which sensation, tragedy and pathos are mingled with a ski’] which compels the cor centra ted interest of th** audience. Tho siiTv»orti">£r fil ws are Chapter 9 of “ Bride 13.” "Topical a cartoon and a scenic. GRAND THEATRE, “ MADONNAS AND MEN.” One cf the strongest programmes yet presented at the Grand Theatre will ; * s.unvn to-day The principal feature will be the sensational picture, “Madonnas and Men,” with an allstar cast of exceptional merit. It is similar to the “ Sign of th© Cross,” hut is adapted in plot to modern times. One© in an age there comes a drama of the screen which teaches some great moral theme. “ Madonnas and Men ” is such a, picture. The story turns on the age-old truth that a. nation is known by the way it treats its women. It shows, as was the ease with ancient Romo, that the greatest nation may totter and fall when it loses its respect for the most beautiful of God’s handi.ork. Woman. It likens the ancient lusts and pleasures of Rome to the modern day lusts of a great city in a * manner which carries with it a potent f significance. Tho product]op as a whole

is tremendous. The playing of the allstar east and the many magnificent end sensational scenes, such as the throwing of the Christian martyrs to the lions to make a Roman holiday, the Broadway cabaret and the modern scenes in the home of the millionaire and the dressing-room of tho “ Follies,” require to be seen to bo appreciated- On the programme is another star feature, “ Her Son.” starring Miss Violet Hopson and Stewart Rome, both English artiste of note. Lovers of English plays will be delighted with this excellent production. The supporting programme is one of great merit, and includes topical and comedy items.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE FIVE STAR PTCHTTRES AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. “ Ilame of the Desert,” and the current excellent programme of music and pictures will bo presented at Greater Crystal Palace for the last times today and to-night, and the big Symphony Orchestra will play at both sessions. There nr© fire star pictures on th© lengthy bill for next week, and the famous Symphony Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Buna, will present a magnificent new musical programme. Particulars of tho musical numbers, which will comprise many classical and popular pieces, will be announced in Monday’s newspapers. The first of the big five-reel features is a Universal production of outstanding merit, entitled “ Th© Magnificent Brute,” starring “ the hero of romance, popular Frank Mayo. This is one of the most beautiful out-doors pictures ever filmed, and all the scenes are laid in the snow-bound and frozen wilderness of the great Canadian North "Woods. The story is full of action, suspense, and thrilling moments, which are'said to Jiold the audience 6pellhound for more than an hour. The second big five-part production is a captivating story, full of glowing laughter, and is also from the worldfamous Universal City Studios. It is entitled “Rich Girl, Poor Girl,” and stars captivating Gladys Walton, who is most popular with Christchurch nudieences on account of her excellent work in “ Pink Tights ” and “ Ail Dolled Up.” There is also a fine Century Lion comedy, and a very interesting and instructive International News Film, whilst the fifth picture is the first sensational chapter of “ The Diamond Queen,” the big screen magazine story with beautiful Eileen Sedgwick in the featured part. In “Rich Girl, Poor Girl,” Gladys Walton plays a dual role, in which she characterises a child of the slums and an heiress to millions. In the story the two girls, who look exactly alike, change identities. The rich girl goes tOo tho slums and the poor little waif of the gutter arrays herself in fine clothes and goes to the palace. According to an agreement between the girls the deception is to last for an hour, but "a strange fate overtakes the rich girl in the sordid poverty belt of the great city, in which they live and alters the course of two lives. In bringing the story to its climax, Harry Harris, the director, packs the concluding scenes with furiously fast action. Gladys Walton’s artistry is emphasised by the unusual good cast which will b« seen in her support. The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats may be reserved by ringing up Greater Crystal Palace, telephone 3758. Despite the fact that it is Grand National Week, there will be no advance in prices.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE.

“ BREWSTER’S MILLIONS.” “ Brewster’s Millions ” has been read by hundreds of thousands of lovers of good fun and literature. They have chuckled over the misadventures of the hapless young man whose experiences have made one of the most delightful pages of American reading. George Barr M’Cutcheon’s book from which tliis play was written wa3 only one of dozens that are equally popular. The book was dramatised by Melville Stone and Winchell Smith, and as a stage production proved as popular as the book. "While most of us are struggling along trying to lay a few pounds on the shelf for a rainy day, along comes a fellow who suddenly receives a gift of a million. So sooner has he recovered from the shock of that surprise than another interested party offers him five million if he will spend the other kind gentleman’s donation within a year, and is broke at the end of that time. This is one of the most unique situaI tions of “ Brewster’s Millions,” which j will be shown as the main attraction : next week, with Roscoo (Fatty) Arbuckle, the noted comedian, in the starring role. Betty Ross Clark is his leading woman in this Paramount picture. The promenade deck of the Cunard liner Celtic, furnished the location for tho final scenes of “The Price of Possession,” Ethel Clayton’s latest Paramount picture, which will be the supporting attraction. The filming of the picture marks the return of Hugh Ford to directorial duties in America after six months in England. Among tho well-known screen favourites who appear with Miss Clayton in this picture are: Roekcliffe Fellowes, leading man ; Reginald Denny, Maude Turner Gordon, Clarence Heritage and George Backus. 1 An excellent musical programme has been arranged by Mr AY. J. Bellingham for Everybody’s “ Select ” Orchestra. Chief among the numbers are :—Overture, “ Lustsp’el ” (Keler Bela) : orchestral suite, “ Casse-noisette Ballet ” (Tschaikowskv), part 1, (1) Overture Miniature, (2) Danse Arabs, (3) Danse de la fee Dragee, (4) Danse Russe, “ Irepae ” ; part 2, (1) March, (2) Danse Chinoise, (3) Hanse des Merlitons, (4) Valse des Fleurs; ’cello solo, “ Romance ” (Debussy), Francis Bate ; trio, “ Andante ” (Papini), Florence Mi”ar, Francis Bate and Dorothie Bellingham ; grand opera selection, “ Thais ” (Massenet), introducing the famous “ Meditation,” which will be played bv Irene Morris as a violin solo ; entr’acte, " By Heck ” (Henry), a five-minute prologue description of a Bacchanalian revel at about four o’clock, in tho morning, introducing special effects by Clarence Crawford; light selections, “ American Suite ” (Th urban), “Tea Leaves” (Chinese fantasy) (Whiting), the latest American novelty fox-trot just issued, and to hand by last mail direct from the publishers; and by special request for the third time in six months, “ The Passing Show of 1915 ” (Loo Edwards). Reserved seats may either be obtained at The Bristol or by telephoning 4925. SYDENHAM PICTURES. Patrons of the Sydenham Picture Theatre will be regaled with several first-claas attractions in the new pro- j giammo to be presented to-day. The chief'film will be 13- A. Rolfe’s great production, “Madonnas and Men,” »

picture dealing with one of the most potent moral questions of the day. The film is an elaborate and massive production that likens the amusements, desires and lust of ancient Rome to those of modern times, and has scored one of the greatest hits in the history of motion pictures. Violet Hopson and Stewart Rome, two distinguished English artists, take the lead in “ Her Son,” a romance of two young people in which final happiness succeeds many trials. * OPERA HOUSE. A crowded attendance at the Opera House last night thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of the week’s programme, which will be presented again this evening- Newman and Wynne presented a coster skit entitled “ ’Arf a Quid,” which was of distinctly high standard. Phil Newbury was again given an excellent reception, and his singing of “ The Anchor,” “ Land of Dreams ” and “ Songs of Araby ” was warmly applauded. An extraordinary performance was given by Pinto, the contortionist. His feats were as amazing as they were weird. Clive Olivalli again put his clever dogs through some surprising acts, and l * The Smart Set Diggers ” repeated their entertaining performance, in which Charles Holt and Fred Whitlow poore heavilv with “ Rose of Washington Square.” Tho turn of “ Cestria,” a quaint eccentric, was well received.