AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17080, 29 June 1923, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

£ LIBERTY THEATRE.

Th« current programme at the Liberty contains two splendid feature films, " Dangerous Curve Ahead ’ and ••The Bond Bay.” “Dangerous Curve Ahead ” certainly fulfils all expectations, and 13 worth all the good things that have been said of it. .A bright comedy. “ Step This V ay. also is shown. The pictures are supported by .an excellent programme of musical numbers.

“ THE SILENT VOICE.”

JR EMARKABLE FILM PE AT l' RIXG GEORGE ARLISS. . AT LIBERTY THEATRE, TOMORROW. The acting of George Arliss in "The Silent Voice, - ' the special attraction in the new programme at the Liberty 'Theatre to-morrow, provides one of those cases where the audience come away with George Arliss first, and foremost in their minds, with the picture as a pleasing background. “ The Silent Voice” is based on the story of a play " The Man Who Played God,” by j tiles Eckert Goodman. Arliss takes the role of a famous American pianist, John Ardan, and the first scene is the interior of a Parisian theatre, with Arden receiving a flattering' ovation from a brilliant audience. Romance enters into the life of the virtuoso, and he marries. Before leaving France for New York he consents to perform before a European monarch. Tragedy ensues, for just as Arden is about lo play, a bomb is thrown and deafness follows. Interest, now centres round Arden’s home in New York. Once kindly-hearted and a lover of nature, bis affliction makes him a misanthrope, a destroyer of beauty, and. cruellest of all, oblivious of the love of his wife. Suicide at first suggests itself, but later he discovers that others have life tragedies greater than his own. He has learned to lip read, and with the aid of glasses is able to interpret the petty dramas, enacted in a neighbouring park. Unknown to his wife, Arden thenceforward devotes his time to helping these derelicts, flow Arden recovers his hearing and the ever-widen-ing gulf between husband and wife is closed, is wonderfully Avell portrayed in a fitting finale. As a public idol, a lover, a, synic, and lastly, a benefactor, George Arliss, by, his powerful and yet subtle acting, stands pre-eminent. The supporting cast is very capable. Edward Karl as Philip Stevens, makes love to Arden’s Avife, believing that she no longer cares for her musician husband. Ivan Simpson has the part, of servant to Arden, a difficult character, in that the player must show emotion while constantly suppressing it. Kffie Shannon, as Arden’s .sister, has a sympathetic role that will, it is stated, endear her to motion picture audiences everywhere. As the great musician's sister she finds it her duty to stand by him in adversity as in hours of success, and her ready, kindly counsel helps to 'bring him out of the shadows and triumphantly back into the sunshine of life. Little Miriam Battista and "Micky” Bennett are also among the players, taking the roles of waifs toAvards Avhotn the embittered musician plays ProA'idehce. The interior and exterior scenery presents everything that is beautiful and artistic. To all for whom motor speeding holds a fascination. "High Speed” the second feature, should be a great attraction. The story concerns the fortunes of a young man who has been famous on the motor track, but Avho lias had his car taken from him. Tt is a simple story, but around it have been Avovcn thrills and excitements innumerable. The incidents of a m<>tor car race arc well worth seeing. Good humour is furnished bv a comedy of the front rank, entitled ‘‘Put and' take." There are also the usual Gazettes. The box plans are now open at the Bristol Piano Co.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE.

The big; pictures at Everybody’s is “ Tho Young Rajah,” which features llodolph Valentino, who va ill be remembered for his very fine acting in “‘Blood and Sand” and “ The Sheik.” “The Young Rajah’’ can he placed upon the same high plane as these t aa - o great successes. The second feature <•11 the programme is “ The Top of Now York,” which is a. most entertaining story. The programme of muse arranged l*y Mr W. -T. Bellingham is a. particularly pleasing

“ TO HAVE AND TO HOED."

‘‘ To Have and To Hold.’’ a George Kitzmaurice production, is to be the big attraction at Everybody’s Theatre next week, commencing at the matinee on Monday. Mr Fitzmaurice’s latest production carries with it the sajoc* tire and passion of' “On with tins Dance,” the dash and romance of * The Eight to Love,” the strength c t 4 The Man from Home,” the superb love-making of “ Forever,’* the exotic beauty of ‘‘ldols of flay. ’ and the humour and pathos of ‘‘Three Live Ghosts.” Added to these is a verve, ;• sweep and pulsing excitement which r, ill win for it the cordial endorsement ot the motion picture patrons. “To Have and To. Hold ” is a lavish p.cturisatiou of Mary Johnston’s famous novel. Tt, is a story of Old England in the days of James T., and of Virginia, soon after its settlement in ihe seventeenth century. One sees the magnificence or King James’s Court, and when the scene shifts to the little settlement at, Jamestown, where Cady Joselyn Leigh finds her happiness, one is thrilled with excitement, because of 1 ho visualisation in quick succession m Indian attacks ami pirate onslaught's. 1 1. vs a pic ture of remarkable dramatic power, deep appeal ancl beauty. Hetty Compson. beautiful Paramount star, is featured in this splendid production with Pert Lytell, the latter well known player making bis initial appearance in Paramount pic, lures in this production. Miss Compton needs no introduction iu Paramount exhibitors, lor since her appearance with Thomas Meighan in • Tlte Miracle Man.” her stellar vehicles, such as •' At the End of the World.” ‘‘The Green Temptation,” 4 Over the Border” and “The Bonded "Woman,” have uniformlv been .smashing successes. Mr Lylell scored heavily in “ The Lone Wolf,” and take ir. nil in all, no better co-player could have been chosen. The members of the Para mount stocic company of screen players who portrav ihe supporting roles of ‘‘To Havo and To Hold.” arc thorough artists in their respective line*. Theodore l\osfi ft. famous for liis work iu D**'Mills productions. has an exceptionally strong vole, that of a. suave court gallant and bully. Baymond Hatton, a Paramount, favourite, is seen as the dissolute King James I. W. .7. Ferguson. a character artist, is a servant, r. hilc Walter Long is cast, for a, pirate’s r<*lc an assurance that it will he well done. Other players nl note include

I Claire Dubrey, Anna Cornwall, Free Huntley, Arthur Rankin and Lucie 1 Littlefield. Tho supporting attraction is "Wanda Hawley’s latest Paramount picture eh titled “ Her Face Value.” Tho bo a plan is now open at. Tho Bristol am. intending patrons are strongly advisee by tho management to attend the day session whenever possiblo or book earlj for scats at night.

GRAND THEATRE.

‘•HU:\ rA V UL A RTS ” AX D “ DANGEROUS BUSINESS.” Tho final screening of “ Re Luxe An. nic ” and “ The Song ot tho Wag; Slave,” the two main features in thp esent programme, will take place to night. To-morrow will he screened a new programme) headed by what-is claimed in he one of the most remarkable pictures of :i decade. “ Human Hearts ’ was written-by Hal Reid.- lather of tli a late screen star. "Wally Reid. In the scTeen version House Peters plays the stellar role and the excellence of hiperformance fully justifies his selection lor tho important and extremely difficult part of Tom Logan, who is .i simple, lovable son of the Ozark Mountains, who goes about the world with wonderful confidence in mankind. A woman comes into his life, a city wow .in Aviso in the ways of the world, svbo plans to gain control of his ricn coal lands. She weds him ami then makes his life miserable, -finally eloping Avilh an ox convict. In attempting to stop the pair tho aged father of Tom is killed. Believing his Avit'o guilty, Tom takes tho blame. From this point on the story proceeds to a remarkable climax, the action -marked by the greatest suspense and draruatic interest. The supporting cast is of exceptional. merit, including such players as Edith Hallor, George Hackalliorne, Mary Philbin, Russell Simpson, George AV. West, Gertrude Claire and others. | The other big feature on the programme is “ Dangerous Business.” the most, entertaining of all Constance Talmadge’s comedy successes, lb is from the- original story by Anita Loos and John Emerson, and was produced and directed by Ai r Emerson. The picture • a full of extremely funny situations, .vul everything that goes to make a I really entertaining cornedv. On tho same programme there is- a. highlydiverting Christie comedy, “ Milo >, Minute Mary,” and a Patlie Gazette of the latest pictorial views of the world. The first screening takes place to-morrow, and the management asks intending patrons to book early.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

r I he big feature film at Crystal Palace this week is “Driven.” a powerful drama with its setting in tho mountainous regions of tho southern part of the United States. In this wild country live the lawless family of Tollivers,. who eke out an existence .by various methods which should rightly bring them under the long arm of tho jaw. Into this wild and lawless family is horn the hero of the story, Tommy Tolliver. Tommy is tho one tiling his mother lives for, and she brings him lo realise tlio perilous path trodden by tho rest of tho family. Essio Hardin, a homeless orphan, is “ adopted ” by the Tollivers and is daily pestered by the obnoxious Lem, who finally announces that ho intends to marry her the next time the circuit minister comes their way. On the day lie fore the marriage, however, Tommy’s mother .decides upon a desperate move. She seeks out a revenue agent and offers to reveal the hidingplace of the long-sought Tolliver still if he will give her enough money to take Essie and Tommy to the city and happiness. Thereafter follow a series of exciting incidents, but needless to relate, there is the inevitable happy ending. The second feature film is “ The Hidden Code.” It is safe to assert that few more exciting pictures than this have been, screened in Christchurch. A further episode of “The Leather Pushers ” introduces some most diverting bouts of fisticuffs. The supporting films are “ Peg o’ the Movies.” a Baby Century comedy; the 12th chapter of “ Perils of the Yukon.” and the latest International news film. The orchestra provides a delightful programme of music.

STRAND THEATRE.

It is the fascination of the mysterious which grips ail who see Paramount’s big picture, “-Find The Womau,’’ now being shown at the Strand. Alma Rubens is seen as Sophie Carey, one of three women, who. together with half a. dozen men, is mixed up in a mystery which all the detectives in New York giv« up all their time for some days to elucidate. The second feature is “ Two Weeks with Pay,” starring Be be Daniels. 'lTiis is a delightful comedydrama. Supports include “ A Trip to Paramount Town,** and an.'American Gazette. .

EMELIE POLINI’S RETURN.

MY LADIES’ DRESS.” At. the Theatre Royal, on Saturday. July 7, J. Williamson. Ltd., announce the re-appearance of the noted English actress Ernclie Pol ini, who wi'.l inaugurate a season A\iih the fir-t staging here of “Mv Lady’s Dress,” a drama in three acts and niuo scenes. from the pen of the world-famed author Edward Knoblauch, who'wa-s re. sponsible for “ Kismet ” and “ Milestone. 5 ;.” Other plays to be staged during the season are “The Lie,'’ “.French Leave” and “The Flaw.” Sime this lemons actress made her rc-appcarance on the Australian si age carl;, last year, she scored a serio® o, dramatic successes in the above-men-tioned pieces. “My Lady’s Dress ” isaid to provide a remarkable stud a «_■» live’social anti industrial system, anti the .principal parts are acted by Miss Polini. This brilliant actress, who T host remembered by her acting in Eyes of Youth.” gives clever «'nd convincing characterisal ions in 11 •<: numerous rotes in Avhicu she appears in j this production. Like ■“ Eves of Youth.” the. play in reality is ;; series of plays, each distinct in itself although connected with the principle story. Each act. and in fact, each scene, is complete itself, although i-elated to the general theme. Interest ing. exciting -and tragic scenes niac adventures’ are associated Avitli th= ■work of “My Lady's Dress.” whiel: the heroine of the story wishes t< wear so as to impress n man whose influence is io secure her husband * high social and lucrative position. A ; can be in; a jjfinerl from the brio! synopsis of the piece ample opportune i’, provided for the display of Mis-' Polini’s wonderful artistic talent APisatility. As the society lady, ti t Italian girl peasant, tho Avife of tb weaver, the Dutch girl, the poverty stricken and deformed Londoner, 1L

wife of the Siberian . t rapper, or the mannequin, she is said to ho equally effecti\-c in her characterisations. Mr Frank Harvey is also said to excel ii. tho many different and difficult pacts he lias to perform during the j»erlormance. An exceptionally strong J. C. Williamson company are in support o: the two principals. Mr George D. Parker is the producer, while the gorgeous costumes were designed and executed by Madame Brook, of the J C. Williamson modes. “My Lack's Dress” will he presented for the first six nights. The Box Plan will he opened at The Bristol Piano Co., on Th u rsday next. (j

4 * JUBILATIONS,”

COLLEGE REVUE TO NIGHT. I'inal rehearsal? of the sparkling College revile, “ Jubilatipng,” have brought it right .up to concert pitch, au.d interest, in the first production tonight is liecoming very 'keen. There has been a steady demand for seats, aWd those desirous ui‘ seeing the revue should visit The Bristol to-day. A great antidote, for cold weather, “ Jubilations ” is guaranteed to stimulate aiid to please. Gaiety is naturally tho keynote of the revue, and tho carnival atmosphere inseparable from student performances is bound to moke a wide api>eal. Among tluose taking part in the revue are :—First scene; Chairman, F. T>. Hall ; Squeers, L. D. Page; Lou g tots. A. T. Bell ; Rev Wobbley, A. A. G. Heed: Col. Bangs, A. AY. Brown; Registrar,. J. R. WilfordPressmen, U. Lncena and F. W. Petre ; Typist.?, Miss M. Wilkinson. . Second scene: To 11 a Koo (yoijng Maori chief). AN. S. Harris; Isaac Tinkleetein. A. Baumo; .Leader of pjj grfms, J. R. Wilford; Col. Bangs (a Pilgrim), A. TV*. Brown: Maori Princess, Alisa R. Toy lor; Maria, (wile of Colonel), ’G. Pickles; Hiram Purchase (interpreter). M. J. Burn*. Third scene : Ophramisba MacSliggins (matron of Bunkum College), J. Pickles: Samuel I’iffs (janitor), A. A. G. Reed : Pereiral Augustus Highball. M • A., . etc- (Rector), A. AV. Brown; Arthur A Come ter (Professor), C- Mih 1 ; Monica, (Smith. AH?k G. Owen. The production of the revue is m the capable hands of Messrs N W. Brow n. L. AN . Gee, and Misses M. Buck hurst nn d <i . Owe 11, with 5i rG . A. G. Coin" na 1 as business manager. It ran bo safelv affirmed that this year's revue w ill' ho equal, if hot superior to. airy of its predecessors. There is pii ahundauco of bright comedy and tuneful music, arid the costuming is on a laA*ish scqle. Tiipieal - hits are main- nnd y«ri«d, h'*it there is more than Ihe usual amount of continuity in the of tho revue. The r.cvue will be produced to-night, to-morraAV night, and Monday night, and there is no possibility of a fourth ]>eiformance this year owing to the ' postponement of the revue to so late a date. Day sales for stalls, and gallery open this morning at nine o’clock ;it the Theatre Royal confectionery,.&tpre. and ■kberaiter dijjfy from tha. : t hour. CarnjAal prograrmpes are also op ale at’ the Ror al confectionery shop, and 1 . patrons are urged to obtain programmes outside the theatre. The an- , noun cement in tho programme that a , collection Avill ho taken up is erroneous, as there Trilj lx* no collections of any . kind taken up-at the theatre.