Amusements, Pictures and Theatres

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16923, 23 December 1922, Page 12

Amusements, Pictures and Theatres

GRAND THEATRE. —t ORPHANS OF THE STORM.” ing to the fact that huga crowds »%<fen§ tumble to see this masterpiece of ' I>. AY. Griffith's, the management of "tlie Grand Theatre will screen “ Or.“iHaus of the Storm,” for live nights commencing at the afternoon senshm" to-day. ';"yA motion picture development of a 'scope never before equalled, and presented in a manner far more elaborate than any yet attempted, is what D. AY. Xiriffith says of his latest work. 4 ‘ Orphans of the Storm,” an expansion of -ti’Khnery’s famous old stage classic, ‘■ Two Orphans,” is presented for .~£jg6 tirst time in this community. Air announces he has taken Kate 'daxton’s oft-used version and on a .j»igantio scale added to it characters scenes of the French Revolution. ■v'That Air Griffith has in ‘'Orphans of t-lus Storm,” a United. Artists release, ' tpade every effort to advance the mo‘dbictn picture art to a degree of high ' o iler may be realised from the fact that,-he was more than a year in complecting this work ; that he called tohis aid the leading authorities of the \f6f\d, and sent his architects, artists, FSsearcli experts and others to all parts Europe in search of correct data and authentic information. Tn order properly to picturise old ,JPari> of moro than a century gone Air Griffith obtained print. 3 and maps | -"Wherever available, and in some insglances where rare plates might not be )i»<! outside famous museums and -■'hbrr.ries. got permission to do so, sent representatives to sketch or copy j ' for line. As a result, he has re- ; -built that city, in a Sense, stone upon j ' fstttne. Ten thousand actors were used hv ! Mr Griffith in the making of this pieT ture. The title roles are played by T,iljian Gish and Dorothy Gish. Other .principals arc Joseph Rcliildkraut. Frank Losee, Catherine Emmett. Morfnn Wallace, Lucille Ln A r orne. Monte dine, Sidney K. Herbert, Sheldon bewi.s, Frank Puglia, Creighton Hale, lAwlie King, Kate Bruce, T.eo Kolmer "‘Vid Adolphe Lostina. LIBERTY THEATRE.

“ROMANCE” AND * 1 AA’ET GOLD.” A gripping undersea romance which oristles with thrills from beginning to «*iul is “ AYet Geld,” starring at the liberty Theatre. TJie plot of the story is the search for treasure, at the bottom of the sea. Submarine pirates ha\'e committed the theft and the treasure is located in an old wreck. Cromwell, the leading character, played Tjy Ralph Ince, is one of the escaped victims of the pirates, and he conducts the search for the cold accompanied by plucky Colonel Hamilton and the latter’s pretty daughter, Grace. Be--.fore the hero is triumphant in his quest, he is subjected to many hazards, j which include a severe punishment at v tbe hands of others who are after the treasure, and a near submergence in pucltsand at the bottom of the sea. /here are no dull moments in the whole picture, which is a whirl of action from becinning to end. The second feature on this triple hill programme is “ Romance.*’ starring Doris Keane. “The return of the real story of love to the screen •’ •is «the way in which picturo reviewers #ferywhero have been describing it. Xho picture is full of poetic imagination and charming sentiment, while the love romance of the prima donna and the clergvman is ns novel and unusual as its verv mention suggests. The third feature is a screamingly Funnv Larry Semon comedy, “The Bell Hop.” which is one long laugh from start to finish. Tt is in Larry KemonV. inimitable stylo, and is easily his best comedy to date. OMAR KHAYYAM. The long anticipated screening of the remarkable film. “ The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayvam.” will oako place at the Liberty Theatre, under the auspices of j Selected Super-Films (Australasia, Ltd) on December 30. The scenes of j the “ Rubaiyat ” are laid in Persia, in the time of Omar, the tent maker, the philosopher, and poet of life. Onpassage of the film, where Omar, in a tavern, expounds upon his philosophy of “ Whence wo came . ” nn<l “ Whence we go ... ” gives a remarkably artistic conception of the mystery of life, of tho ascent of the ! spirit through space to Heaven, and j of the desoent to Hell. The results of the technique and the artistic direction ! which Director Earle has brought into 1 play are astounding in their realism. Whole cities, valleys, mountains and plains are over before the eye as the background for the action of the story —here one sees a shooting star in the heavens through the trees of a beautiful garden; there the moon in the heavens casts a splendour over the mosques and temples of a city. It is the kind of picture the spectator can view three, four or five times, and each time see things which had been missed before. The cast is admirably ohosen. Katherine Key, as the daughter of the Sheik, heroine of the plaj*. is a true Oriental beauty. Frederick AA’ard as Omar; Edwin Stevens, os Hassan the Assassin; Pnul Weigel, n§ the Sheik; Raymond Navarro, as the lover; lb Post, as the \ r izier, all handle their mlea with great skill. Hedwick Reicher as Hassan’s wife makes a small but highly important part stand out. The box plan opens at the Bristol Piano Company on AVednesday. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “ IF I WERE KING.” A picture that is said to include William Farnum’a greatest screen effort will be shown at the Queen’s Theatre to day. It is “If I were King,” from the great stage success and novel bv Justin Huntly M'Carthy, and is a William Fox production. Thoee who follow the stage will remember that E. H. Sothern created the role of Francois Villon in this play, and created a great success. As &oon as the picture was finished, Mr Fox sent a copy of it to England, where it was shown to Justin Huntly M’Carthy. The author wasen- " tKiißiastic. “It is wonderful,” he declared. “I never believed motion pictures could make a play so real. And Mr Farnum is splendid in the part of VUloa. During the recitation of the l***fri. ‘lf I were King,’ before Louis, Vqmdd almost believe I was hearing Mr speak. I extend my congratu- • to Mr Fox, to Mr Farnum and tore r war ds. who directed the piothriliimr hand^n g of the crowds Is attraction. “If l Rant novel .nd a a t“ l ; ted fr ° m U 'l name by lu.ti£V“cwly Thlre - ! •- „vjlF-? ' •>*

: is a wonderful cast portraying the ap- ; pealing story, and :t is headed by AYi! ham barn urn. The Fox Studios does nothing by halves, but in the history of ; the Studio* nothing more lavish has ; ever boon attempted than tho epochmarking master love story than this . one. Through every heart stirring episode, shining like a golden thread, woven into the warp ami woof of Vil lor’s life, runs a beautiful love story t,f Catherine, the King’s kinswoman, who in the last dramatic scene has to stake ' her life against her love, to save the hero of her dreams. Shall Villon, arch criminal, poet, warrior, patriot, die on the scaffold, or. will the aristocratic j ( at!: rine make the supreme sacrifice i in his stead? 'This feature is told in | nine reels. The supporting programme consists of the ninth episode of “ Fan- ( nias ’ * a cai 'toori and the latest Fox STRAND THEATRE. “ THE MICROBE.” j hi a squalid street of New A'ork, in i front of a Chinese restaurant a fight s i taking place between two gangs of ; ra TCgtd and dirty street urchins. As j usual. “ The Microbe” is in the thick j esc of the fray—for she is ;i waif of ' femininity incubated in the gutters, j and as lusty as any hoy when it comes j lls *ug her fists. Watching the scene | is De Witt Sponce, a popular young I author who lias degenerated in his 1 work. Struck by the independence and pugnacity of ** I lie Microbe,” who is lin tattered breeches, and whom he j naturally mistakes for a boy. lie rescues j her from the police who have inter 1 vened and takes her home. His house I keeper discovers tdie is a girh a fact that rather disturbs De Witt, who re solves to have her educated. This doe - not meet with the approval of Judith A\ inthrop. a young widow with matrimonial designs on the author. De j AVitt, however, keeps tho girl, and soon finds himself taking more than an or and tho “ Microbe ” earning a* scant living in an artificial flower factory, is saving almost ever; cent to repay De AVitt. One. day De Witt receives a strange letter signed “Bianca,” n name totally unfamiliar to him. He is amazed as the epistles continue to come and also at. their contents, which revive his inspiration and set him to work on another book filled, with his renewed fire and enthusiasm. Seeing her chance of conquest. Judith tells De AVitt that she is the writer of the “Bianca ” let tern. Upon the strength of their inspiration. bo proposes to her. That night De AVitt is summoned to a hospi tal. where ho finds the “Microbe very il! from malnutrition. She gives the money she has starved herself to save to the young writer, who at once demands air explanation. Tn this manner he hears the treacherous part Judith lias played. Everything pos sible is done for the girl's comfort and to expedite her recovery. During one of his visits De AVitt learns that the “ Microbe ” is the real author of tho “ Bianca ” letters. Judith is confront ed with her duplicity, and the “ Ali crobe ” is brought back to complete

health and happiness when ahe is told by De AVitt of liis love for her. Supports include Elsie Ferguson in the Paramount special attraction, “ lootlights, ” a Mack-Sennet t. comedy, Love’s False Faces,” and an English Illustrated News. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “IS MATRIMONY A FAILURE?” The question isn’t answered in the new Paramount special comedy of that name, which comes to Everybody’s Theatres next Tuesday, but it is dis cussed in some of the most delightful laugh-provoking episodes that have been seen for some time. The fun is wholesome, and tho story shows just what would happen if through some legal technicality about 50 per cent of the married men of a town suddenly discovered that, after having lived half of their lives as husbands, they are not really married at all, and are as freo as tho birds of tho air. The successful stage play, 44 The Open Door,” by Oscar Bluementhal and Gustav Kadelburg, was the basis for the picture, which was filmed under the direction of James Cruzo. Mr Married Man! AVhat would you do if, after several years of married life, you suddenly discovered that you were not legally bound to your wife, and you could go and come as you pleased ; stay out all night if you cared, and resume the status and rights of a single man? This question is au-

swered for tho average husband of long standing in “Is Matrimony a Failure?” The roster of “Is Matrimony a Failure?” strikes a high note in the register, and for the purpose could not conceivably be surpassed. AVheu you turn to the cast, you’ll find the lamous names in a cluster, but meantime read just a little about why their qualifications naturally fitted them for being cast in this marital gale of laughter. Lila Lee and Lois AVilson are two prime favourites with Paramount audiences. Miss Lee is cast as one of the two points of the storm centre, while Miss AVilson plays a quite efficient housewife. T. Roy Baines is a happy go-lucky comedian who is as refreshing as a sea-breeze. AValter Hiers, the rotund fun-maker with the expansive smile, is in the cast. And then the others, all very popular, and each with a decidedly large personal following cf fans. Such names as Tully Marshall, with innumerable screen appearances L < his credit, and every one a success: Adolehe Menjou. remembered for his fine work in “The Faith Healer” and “ The Sheik ” ; Otis Harlan, Arthur Hoyt, Lillian Leighton, Zasu Pitts, Sylvia Ashton, Charles Ogie. Ethel Wales, Sydney Bracey and Robert Brower. Alary Miles Minter, who is an enthusiastic motorist, as well as an adept horsewoman, has never had a chance since she started making pictures for Realart to display her skill at the wheel. She has frequently rowed, climbed, jumped, ridden horse-back, and shown her skill at archery and shooting in several of her Realart pictures, but “ Don't Call me Little Girl ” will show her at the wheel of a big touring car, speeding away from a pursuing traffic policeman. The star’s role in this lively comedy is that of a defiant young tomboy who insists that she is grown up, though her mother dresses her like a little girl and tries to keep her very much in the background, in order to appear younger herself. The pictures will l>e shown as the second attraction. A fine musical programme has been arranged by Mr AV. J. Bellingham. F.S.M., for Everybody’s ‘ ‘ See let ” Orchestra. Chief among the items are the following:—Overture, “ Light Cav alrv ” fSuppe) : suites. “ A’alse Pi- • mantes ” (Coleridgo-Taylor) : “Suite '“Orchestra (Guiraud) ; musical comedv, | I “Sally”: (a) “ AVild Rose AValtz.” (b> “ J’en ai Harre ” (Jerome Kern) : | songs, “From Italy” (Friml) ; entr’acte. “ Tn Old Manila” (Earl): waltz. Lazy Honolulu ” (Clayton) ; fox trot. ‘ Julio” (O’Hagan). Reserved seats may he booked by telephoning 4925.

“ JOHNNY, GET YOUR GUN.” THEATRE ROYAL, BOXING NIGHT. On Tuesday evening next, at the Theatre Royal, Mr Louis Dennison and •J. C. Williamson’s specially organised comedy company will make their them appearance here in the comedv drama, • Johnny, Get Your Gun.” Mr Bennison appeared in the leading role of Johnny Wiggins (cowboy and gentleman) for over three years in the principal theatres of America, and again he scored a most emphatic success in Sydney, also in Melbourne he was greeted by crowded and delighted audiences. J. C. AVilliamson’s company supporting the star includes many of the best known people on the Australian stage. “Johnny, Get You’’

Gun ” is a comedy drama of love, laughter and thrills, and affords scope for the. wearing of a number of attractive costumes and frocks by the ladies of the company. The play, which is full of variety, is described oy various Australia n papers as follow s: —-Ihe “Age” said: “‘Johnny, Get A our Gun’ is the last word in farce comedy.” From the “Argus"* There is no reason why ‘Johnny, 005 A our Gun’ should not beat all previous comedy records.” The “Bulletin” also joined in the chorus of praise of both Louis Benni&on and J. C. WiL 110l 10 ? 1 ! 011 ’* ex ceptionally line company. Johnny, Get Your Gun” will be produced on the same lavish scale as in Australia. The company supporting Mr Bennison includes many of the hesr. known artists in Australasia, the principals being George Blunt, Marjorie J ennett, Dorothy Seacombe, Robert E Humans Leslie Victor, Roger Barr/, k ry “ n L Eaton, J. IL Athol"ood, Nellie Mortyne, Gwen Bur roughs, H. H- Wallace, Lou Yernou, A ‘ Lillian Nightingale, Vernon Edwards, Edw ard Moncrieff Waliv Wallace, Sybil Tubia, Phyllis and Len Nugent. Tha box plans for the five performances of “Johnny, Get Your Gun” are on view at Thi Bristol till noon to day. Afterward* the plan for Tuesday, the opening night, will be at the Theatre Royal confectionery. The company’s second production will be the romantic dramj, • The Ladv. of Mv Dreams,” followed b\ “ The Great Lover.”

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

First in the current programme at Greater Crystal Palace is a Hodkinson adaptation of Ralph Cbnnor’s wellknown novel, “The Foreigner.” The title chosen for the picture is an apt one, “God’s Crucible.” The tale centres round a young political refugee who, with his sister and faithful old family servant, goes to Canada to escape the persecutions ol : bis father’s oppressors. Gaston Glass, who jumped into such prominence by his work in “ Humoresque,” takes the part of the young violinist, Ivan Kalmar. It is an arduous role, for it portrays the making of a man, or the testing of a man, in a raw, wild land beset, with inhospitable strangers. It is a sad tale, on the whole, lit by exquisite flashes of humour. There are three overwhelming scenes: the wild storm in the forest (magnificently assisted in effect by the orchestral work), an attempt to blow up a mine, and a race to the land office to claim a valuable mine. There is a very cleverly woven love interest, which is never obtraded and is kept half hidden till the most satisfactory finish. Next on tho list comes “ Onughb Bluffing,” containing some neat cameo sketches of virile characters who live and move in the wastes of Alaska. This is indeed a rare picture with a captivating charm. Of the musical programme one cannot be too enthusiastic. Mr Buna, the distinguished conductor, has again provided bis best, and his musicians fulfil their duties with that success which has made this orchestra renowned. SYDENHAM PICTURES. “ Orphans of the Storm ” will be shown at the Sydenham Picturo Theatre to-night. The way Griffith has woven in the elements of passion, love, brutality, sisterly affection and unredeemed ferocity shows the master mind clearly. The piece is based on that fearful time when the oppressed poor of France turned under the heel of aristocracy and later gained the power to wipe out their ancient grudges. Tho leading characters are taken by Lilian and Dorothy Gish. It is an outstanding picture. FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE. Everyone has been delighted with the bill of fare at Fuller’s Opera House this week. This afternoon a matinee will be held. Heading the list is Charles E. Lawrence, who is humorous, and always refreshing. Lola Stantonne has secured high favours from successive audiences, and success is sustained by Les Baus Malagas. Taouis Bloy, Shipp and Kenny, Rosa Loader and Tom Lanev, Mr and Mrs Kennedy Allen and Le Roi are also contributors to a lengthy and bright programme. Great interest has been aroused by tbe announcement of the first appear, ance of the English Revue Company next Tuesday. This is a new organisation which has been a big success in Dunedin. Heading the cast are Doddy Hurl and Harry Evans, two prominent London comedians who are said to be exceptionally amusing. A very strong I cast will be seen in support while the chorus and ballet are said to be remark, ably good. “ The Wishing Well,” which is the opening revue, is full of good fun and bright music. A special holiday matinee will be held on Boxing Day. _____________