AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16738, 20 May 1922, Page 19

AMUSEMENTS.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. “THE SILVER HORDE.” Rex Beach’s most famous story of •Vlaskin life, “The Silver Horde,” lias aeen adapted for the screen as another oi the Goldwyn special productions, and will be the attraction at the Queen’s Theatre commencing to-day. For those who have seen the other Beach-Goldwyn pictures, “The Spoilers,” “The Barrier,” and “The Girl From Outside” “The Silver Horde,” will need no recommendation. Mr. Beach knows his and in his word painting of life in that land no one has ever reached him in the faithfulness of hit portrayals. “The Silver Horde ” is a melodramatic story woven about the salmon industry of Alaska, and tfye capture of these fish fo.r the canneries plays no small part in the picture. Like all of the Rex Beach stories as produced by Goldwyn, there is no particular star in the “ Silver Horde ” although the ca6t has been specially engaged from the best talent available “The Man of Stone” is the second feature. Conway Tearle. the popular Setzijick star has the role of Captain Neville Deering, of the English army. 'This intensely thrilling tale of romance and adventure offers Tearle an ideal setting, and one admirably suited to him. The story is suggestive of Kipling and his “ Soldiers Three,” of “Chinese” Gordon and the Sudan, with all that those pictures resurrect of Eastern colour, mysticism, daring, lore and spectacular back-ground. There will be an excel lent supporting programme.

STRAND THEATRE.

“THE DEVIL -WITHIN.” The latest Dustin Farnum picture “ The Devil Within,” produced by Fox Films, recalls in part Jack London’s story “ The Sea Wolf.” It contains a battle of brute strength against mental strength, and it »s the mental element that triumphs. The story opens with Captain Briggs (Dustin Farnum) of the “Silver Fleece” ruling his crew with an iron hand. The only one that dares oppose the brutal captain is the keenminded. Dr. Philiol, and he is very diplomatic. The Captain obtains a clay idol that the natives of the south sea island hold sacred, and thereby brings down on his head the curse of VishnuThe Caplain retires from the sea and marries. He loses his wife and child and later becomes enfeebled ns a result of sorrow' and ugj. His only interest in life is his nephew Hal. Hal proves to be the prototype of his uncle, and does not even stop at stealing money from the old man. Some heathen natives seek to avenge their idol by killing this sole remaining relation of the Captain. Hal is attacked, but is saved from death by a remedy known to Dr. Philiol, who has been a close friend of the Captain’s for many years. With his strength gone Hal becomes transformed. He wins the love of a charming girl and regains the affection of his uncle. Virginia Valli is the girl in the piece which is by George Allen England. The supporting films include : —“ Love and War.” (Sunshine Comedy) ; “Village Cutups ” (Mutt and Jeff) ; Fox World's News; and Australian Gazette.

LIBERTY THEATRE

“ CARNIVAL.’ “ Carnival.” which is the feature attraction of the new programme at the Liberty, is an English production which has achieved pronounced success whereever it has been produced, even m America, where foreign films are not, as a rule, received with favour Ic is taken from the stage success of the same name, and those who filled the star parts in the stage production, fill the same roles in the picture. They are Silvio. Matheson Lang; Simonetta. Hilda Bayley ; Count Andrea Scipioue, Ivon Noyello “ Carnival ” is unquestionably a masterpiece, whether one judges it from an artistic, a technical, or a literary point of view. The beetle is laid in historic Venice at Carnival time, the gayest time of the year, which begins on the twelfth night, and ends at midnight on Shrove Tuesday. The scenes were actually taken in the romantic old city, which has been the background for so many wonderful plays from the time of Shakespeare up to the present day, and the action takes placo on the Grand Canal. in the Square of St. Marks, w’ith its famous Cathedral, the Bridge of Sighs, the Campanile, and other famous spots. The story takes place during the annual Carnival, the period of merry-making which precedes Lent. Matheson Lang, the great English actor, plays the part of Silvio Steno, a famous Italian player. His portrayal of tlio character forms a piece of dramatic acting that is notable in the annals of the screen. In this story Silvio goes on the stage as ‘Othello.” Then he finds himself face to face with a similar situation in his own life. The action is laid in the greatest riot of colour and revelry ever shown on the screen. Venice at Carnival time; the gondolas on the Grand Canal, filled with merry-makers. The wonderful display of night fireworks, the most sumptuous masked, ball ever filmed ; thousands of merry-makers m the most fanciful, beautiful, daring, grotesque costumes imaginable. An i throughout there runs the sombre thread of the impending tragedy, which fortunately does not eventuate So the thrilling story unfolds in this unusual atmosphere of contrast. Gorgeous settings, beautiful photography and an all star cast make this one of the greatest plays ever filmed.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

“ The Wise Kid ” will be repeated at Greater Crystal Palace for the last times to-day and to-night, and there will be community singing at both the afternoon and evening sessions. The world-famous Symphony Orchestra, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, will play at both sessions to-day. Heading the new programme for next week, commencing on Monday, is one of the finest mystery dramas ever produced, and as this picture, whieh is'entitled “The Blue Mountains Mystery, ’ was made in Australia and includes in its cast Miss Marjorie Osborne and Miss Ivy Shilling, it should prove very attractive to local theatre patrons. In referring to Miss Marjorie Hill Osborne’s performance in “ The Blue Mountains Mystery,” E. J. and Dan Carroll’s latest production, made by Raymond Longford, an important Sydney newspaper critic writes : —“ This supremely beautiful Australian type, if transplanted to America, would achieve distinction in just the same manner as did Enid Bennett. Svivia H reamer. Louise Lovely and others. Some of the world famed actresses who have visited Australia could demonstrate very little to her.” This is unquestionably high praise for Sydney’s young and accomplished society beauty, who is making Irr first appearance in this attraction M• ti i v and romance are delightfully

mingled in the siorv of “ The Blue Mougtajns Mystery-” This attraction is easily the most ambitious to date. The 1 Who killed Henry Tracey” problem holds the interest tense throughout, and is dramatically solved just before the close of the picture. Unlike previous Australian productions released by the Carrolls, “ The Blue Mountains Mystery ” is essentially cosmopolitan. It is a story of society and its sunlight and shadows. Henry Tracey, a retired squatter, is murdered under extraordinary circumstances in a fashionable mountain hotel during the progress of a fancy dress ball while a gre-at storm is raging outsideMiss Ivy Shilling, the famous international dancer, is seen in an old time gavotte in this ballroom scene, and tifrher provsbfrcufrb trxtist® in the cast include Miss Bernice Vere, Miss Ix>ttie Lyell, Messrs Vivian Edwards and John Faulkner. The second big picture on the long three hours’ programme is a very excellent Universal special attraction in rfive reels entitled “The Scrapper.” with popular Herbert Rawlinson in the star ixi rt. The story of “The Scrapper.” is that of Tri«h folks who have made good in America and is one of the most amusing comedies ever screened at the big theatre. Tt tells liqw Pat Malloy, a young steel construction engineer, finds himself as much interested in Eileen M’Carthy as he is in his job as construction boss of her father’s new skyscraper. Malloy gets into all sorts of trouble which it takes all of his best “ blarney ” to smooth over. The supporting films are : The seventh instalment of “ Winners of the West,” a very good Century comedy, and the latest International News film. Following the usual custom particulars of the orchestral programme will be announced in Monday’s newspapers. The box plan is at The Bristol or seats may lie reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal, number 3758.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE

“ Tt, is a humourous recounting of the frothy experiences of a vain little flapper who believes the world to be her particular oyster.” Thus one critic describes “ Enchantment,” the cosmopolitan production to be screened at Everybody’s Theatre next week. But this story has more than one side to it. Nobody can forget the facing story of “ The Sleeping Beauty,” with the .princess w r ho scratched her finger on tho only spindle in the kingdom and was put to sleep for one hundred years. This charming story is completely embodied in “ Enchantment.” and the princess is Miss Marian Davies. The most cultivating fairyland scenes ever filmed are contained in this production. One setting which produces an unusual --and novel effect, is a silhouette in black and white lighted from the background and showing the prince as an infant. Miss Davies shows us the rend modern “ flapper,” that product of present day civilisation. She is spoiled, but she has ideas of her own and knows how to carry them out. Men are much attached to her. They besiege her with invitations to dinners and dances, and her parents decide she must be “ tamed.” The story tells how this doctrine was carried out. A hidden will, a wild chase after a villain by the heroine, in an old-fash-ioned carriage, a duel between the two principal male characters, a villain who could hardly be excelled in villainy -these are a few of the features of Sir .Gilbert Parker’s Paramount picture, “ The Lane That Had No Turning.” which is the supporting attraction. What is said to be one of the most emotional roles ever assigned to a screen actress, fell to the lot of Agnes Ayers in “ The Lane That Had No Turning.” Throughout the star plays the part of a woman who surrenders her own opportunities for fame and fortune to aid her husband. Theodore Kosloff is the husband, while Mahlon Hamilton is seen in the role of the rival. The villain is played by Frank Cam pea u. Another brilliant musical programme, quite in keeping with the standard set at Everybody’s, will bo given by the popular “ Select ” Orchestra, chief among the items l>eing»the following: —-Overture, “Liberty” (Sousa); violin solo, “Canto Amorosa,” (Mischa Elman), Joseph Mercer; duet, “ Linto (from No. 2)” (Moszkowski), Eileen Morris and Florence Millar; quartette. “ Londonderry Air ” (Bridge), Everybody’s String Quartette; entr’acte' * In Dreamy Araby ” (tj Hagan) ; rhapsody. “ Espana ” (Chalier); orchestral suites: “Meeting of the Camorrists ” (Wolf-Perrari) ' ’ (Guirand) ; “Scene and Valse (Gmrand); “Morris I>anses ” (Granger); “Three Gale Danses ” O'ood); fox trots, “Chong” (Klick“Lonely ’’ (West); slow waltz, When Dreams Come Time ” (O’Hag. an). As usual, reserved seats may be obtained either at The Bristol or by phoning 4925.

GRAND theatre

The new programme at the Grand theatre )s headed by “ The Golden Snare,” which is based on a James Oliver Cur-wood story bearing the same title. Ourwood takes us to the far frozen North where roams a half-bred man, Bram Johnson, who i s supposed to be identical with a man wanted by the police. Sergeant Home of the Mounted Police, is detailed to make investigations. He finds a rabbit snare made from the golden strands of a woman’s hair. While seeking .protection from a blizzard he is joined by a girl, who is accompanied by a pack of wolf-dogs. Raino catches the glint of her hair, and decides that the hair from which the snare is made came from her head. The pair readied Johnson’s home to find that Black Dawson, an outlaw has endeavoured to persuade Johnson to give him the girl and has been soundly thrashed. While Johnson is away hunting, Dawson and liis gang attack his house. The girl is carried off and Raine injured. The subsequent events leading up to the rescue of the girl., and the deaths of Dawson and Bram are full of quick moving scenes and excitement. Lewis Stone has the part of Raine Ruth Renick that of the girl, Celie* and Wallace Beery that of Bram Johnson. The second .picture is ‘ The Family Honour.” The story is the romance of a Southern girl, wonderfully portrayed by Florence Vidor, whose parents die, leaving the family impoverished. She struggles to put her Iwvff&er through college, only to find out he is a waster. Eventually, alter a hectic career of vice and gambling he is accused of murder, when an unexpected circumstance proves his innocence. Although there is tragedy in tho story, it is also filled with love and romance and crowned with happiness, and contains a trenchant lesson t-o weak .parentswho neglect to exercise control over their children. Admirably produced there are many beauty spots in its five reels, which never fail to grip the attention from first to last.

SYDENHAM PICTURES

James Oliver Ourwood’s absorbing North Country story. “ The Golden Snare,” with a splendid cast headed biLewis S. Stone and Ruth Renwick, will be the feature filni offering at the

Sydenham Pictures to-day. This production was made by Associated First National Pictures. Many of the scenes were filmed; in some of the most picturesque locations of the Canadian North-west, and the spirit of the Ourwood tale of a man hunt in the frozen wilds and the finding there of a fair-haired beauty is said to have been well caught. In the supporting cast are Wallace Beery, Melbourne MacDowell and Wellington Playter. Another fine picture is ‘‘ The Plunger,” featuring George Walsli and concerning the New York Stock Exchange. Chapter 3 of the “Adventures of Tarzau. ” will also be shown and there will be the usual supporting programme-

OPERA HOUSE.

The bright vaudeville programme that is being provided, at the Opera House this week was enjoyed by another large audience last evening. Gladys and Frank Alber were again prime favourites, their varied turn including almost all classes of legitimate vaudeville. Emerald and Dupre, burlesque artists, added to their laurels. Hal liaie ‘accompanying himself on the piano, sang ballads and contributed some delightful humour. The two Darrnghs, in the genuine old-time vaudeville style, held the attention of tho audience for some twenty minutes. Thev were particularly successful with their songs, vocal and instrumental duets, recitations, smart sayings and witticisms. Lloyd and Raymond had fresh patter, songs and duets. Charles Anoaster made a ludicrous juggler who had looked on the wine when it was red. Selboni gave fresh sensational gvmflastic displays, and Pagden and Ganiev sang humorous songs. The * Fullerscope ” supplied the world’ll sews interestingly.