AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17177, 22 October 1923, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

LIBERTY THEATRE.

CHARLIE CHAPLIN IN “PAY DAY.” "THE OLD NEST" STARRING MARY ALDEN. A very varied and attractive programme of pictures and music is provided in the new programme which was presented at Liberty Theatre on Saturday. There are three feature films and it would be hard to single, any particular one of the three out for •pecial mention. All tastes , are amply provided for. and it can be safely said that nobody attending this theatre during next week will come away with that feeling of regret that is sometimes felt after witnessing an indifferent programme. Pride. of place must be given to “Pay Day,” featuring the. ever-popular Charles Chaplin. Pictures by this king of comedy are not seen so often in this city now as they were at one time, and it was with a certain sense of anticipation that those present watched fojr the appearance of the familiar face crowned by the inevitable bowler hat. The scene opened with a close up of a formidable, foreman of works effectually urging to greater efforts, the work of his gang of men. Then the scene suddenly changes and Charlie is seen creeping through a crack in a paling fence behind the foreman’s back. The foreman spies him just as Charlie takes up his shovel and begins shovelling dirt so vigorously that the unfortunate foreman has to retreat precipitately in order to avoid being buried beneath the fast-growing heap of soil. This does not last long, however, and when the foreman returns Charlie is seen making frantic efforts to lift what appears to be a heavily loaded shovel. After a super human effort he succeeds in raising the shovel out of the hole, and, to the amusement of everybody, it is found to contain about an ounce of dirt. At the end of the day Charlie is paid, but he has scarcely counted it out when it is seized by a most determined looking lady who turns out to be his wife. Pv the exercise of some delicate strategy Charlie manages to remove the greater part of it from her hand-bag. With this treasure he proceeds to the nearest hotel aod with some of his work mates a merry time is spent—as also is the money. Yarious adventures befall him while* still “under the influence” and at last he arrives home at 5.30 a.m.. After much painful effort he manages to reach nis bedside without waking his wife, who has fallen asleep with a rolling-pin in her hand. He has just taken off his • oat when the alarm goes off and wakens his spouse. With great presence of mind Charlie puts his coat on again, kisses his astonished wife and walks out again. In this picture Mack Swain, who was with Charlie in “The Idle Class,” Phyllis Allen. Henry Bergman, Loyal Underwood, John Rand and Allen Garcia aid the star’s efforts. A Goldwyn picture, “The Old Nest.” is the second feature and has been hailed by critics as the most satisfying picture that has yet been produced. The theme is that of a mother who sees her six children leave her. Rupert Hughes is the author of this poignant tale of mother-love. All the joys and sorrows connected with raising a family have been dramatised. The children grow to manhood or womanhood. all with their own individual interests, and then leave the old nest to follow the call of their desires. Only the mother is left in her loneliness and with her memories. Each spring, as the anniversary of her birthday' comes she hopes against hope that one or other of her children will return to her. However, with true mother-love, she finds a ready excuse for their callousness. and is content to accept a present sent weeks after her birthday with a lame apology for lateness. One year, however, the eldest son, who has risen a very responsible position in the Senate, gathers the other members of the family together and a grand reunion takes place. The aged mother, who has been failing in health for some years, makes a wonderful recovery and soon she is fussing around her little ones just as in the good old days that she thought had passed for ever. Mary Alden, invests the role of the mother with a realism that cannot fail to attract attention. “The Cave Girl,” a vivid, pulsating story of youth, romance and adventure, enhanced by magnificent outdoor scenery, is the third attraction. In addition there is a very interesting and instructive topical gazette. During the screening of the programme the following musical numbers were contributed in a very bright and vivacious manner, by the Liberty Quality Orchestra under the direction Mr Howard Moody:—“Fantasie Ballet.” (Gabrielle Pares). “At the Play” (York Bowen*. “Chant Sans Paroles” (Tschaikowsky), “Prologue” (Symphonic Suite) (Grabiel Morel), “To'the Silent Woods” (Maurice Pesse) ; “Unfinished Suite” second movement (Schubert), “Princess Caprice Selection (Leo Fall). “T Love You Sunday” (entr'acte) (Byrne) . “Minuet,” trio • Beethoven). piano solo “Alpine Sketches” (Cyril Scott).

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

MAY A TiI.ISON AND ROBERT ELLIS IN “THE WOMAN WHO FOOLED HERSELF.” GLADYS WALTON IN ‘SAWDUST.” "The Woman Who Fooled Herself” heads the new programme at Greater Crystal Palace for this week, commencing to-rlav. and it is a big photoplay that claims many interesting distinctions. In the ’ first place, it is the first of a series of pictures produeed for Associated Exhibitors by Edward A. M’Manus from original stories by Charles A. Logue. Secondly, it co-features May Allison for the first time with her husband. Robert 7*;iis. Also Miss Allison plays her first heavy dramatic role, proving that sh:> is as great an emotional actress as she Is a comedienne. And last, it was produced on the beautiful tropical island of Porto R.iro, which is virgin soil for photoplay production, and therefore offers to the screen, some m?w scenic beauties. Eva Lee. a vivacious chorus girl, is “The Woman Who Fooled Herself.” a conclusion she arrives at after playing with the heart of an enemv and finding that she loves him. The locale of this fascinating atopy of love and intrigue is New Yr.rk and Porto Rico. Scenic features of the production are the tropical storm and various phases of plantation life. Six months were spent on the tropical island producing this big feature, and the elite of Porto Rico loaned arc treasures for the picture which were valued at. more than £200.000. M hen a small American town decorates itself for a holiday it does it with entire abandon. And circus dav is one of the biggest holidays of the year to the folks who live in or near a small town. Such an occasion is portrayed realistically in “Sawdust.” the thrilling Uni-ersal Special attraction starring Gladys Walton and which is the second big picture on the new programme. Circus day in a small Virginia town, embracing everything that goes to make up a true picturisation

of a village under the magic spell of the Big Top is shown in the play. Miss V alton has the role of Nita, the tight-rope walker around whom the threads of the story are woven, and tho part affords her an opportunity to dis-3 play he-' athletic skill as well as her comedy and dramatic ability. The picture presente her in her strongest role, perhaps, since her appearance “ Pink Tights.” another story of cirrus life in which she snored a tremendous hit. “Sawdust’’ was written by j Courtney Riley Cooper, and adapted \ to the screen by Harvey Gates. Mr i Cooper has been long associated with I one of the biggest circuses in the coun- j try and has put ouch of the spirit | and atmosphere «• be life, with which • he is so farnili* o the story. The ! picture retains be flavour of the j original storv. has a deep svmpa- j thetic appeal. It was produced under \ the direction of Jack Conway. The supporting films are. a very j funnv Bahv Boggy Comedy entitled, j “Taking Orders.” eleventh, and j last chapter but - of “Around Tho M orld in 18 Days.’ and the latest In- I ternational News film. .Incidental to and in coni notion with the screenine of the various motion pictures the big Symphony Orchestra, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz. will present a i magnificent musical programme, which i includes the following classical and i popular numbers: Overture. " Hu- I moresque " (Alfbrd ); suite, Meloclique" ( I'riml > ; “Gems From South j America ” (Schmid) : “ Popular Songs” \ 'Square); “Arcadian Festival” (Rickett) : “A Runaway Girl” (Caryll); “By the Swanee River” (Mvddletonj ; “ Gipsy Pictures” (Mallory); “Madam Boniface ” (Lacome) ; “ Sun-Kist Rose ” (Cal de YolD ; “ When Love Dies” (Leopoldi) ; “Lonely” (Watson). The box plan for to-night’s performance is at the theatre, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 3755.

QUEEN’S THEATRE.

’ “SNOWDRIFT” AND “BOSTON BLACK lE.” I “Snowdrift,” the latest William Fox ' production starring Charles Jones, will j open at the Queen’s Theatre to-day. , This story, which deals with the gold J fields of the Yukon ,gives the popular Fox star an unusual opportunity lor some lively, interesting action. The picture was directed by Scott Dunlap from the story by James B. Hendryx, who is well known / fo r his tales of the land beyond the Mackenzie River. including “The Promise,” “Tho Gold Girl” and “Connie Morgan in Alaska.” The story concerns a renegade mining engineer from the States who falls in love with a waif, known only as “ Snowdrift” and believed to be a halfbreed. His love for tho beautiful daughter of the north changes the life of the engineer, who successfully battles with Indian bands, the crew of a whaler, ruin runners and northern blizzards for the love of the girl. Subsequently, it iR discovered that the girl is the daughter of white parents who lost their lives in the far north, and the girl was then left i n the care of an Indian squaw, The supporting cast includes Irene Rich, Dorothy Manners, G. Raymond Nye, Colin Chase, Evelyn Selbie, Lolo Kncinos and Lee Shumway. The second attraction is “ Boston Blackie.” This story deals with prison reform, denouncing the sort of punishment practised in some gaols. William Russell is the featured star and iR supported by Eva Novak. A splendid selection of music has been chosen by Mr H. G. Glaysher. and includes “ Jolly Robbers,” “ Somewhere in Venice,'* “ Sampson et Dalila.” “Patience,” “Dove of Peace” and “Hungarian Fantasia.”

FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE

The Con Moreni Musical Comedy Company finished their season on Saturday night in a blaae of triumph. What was easily a i?cord number of floral and other presents were banded over the footlights to the members of this popular company. To-night the programme will revert to vaudeville, when a very welcome re-appear-ance will be made by two of the most successful entertainers ever seen here. Joe Brennan and Ida Newton will present some more of their delightful musical comedy items. First appearances will be made hr Ra v Kemble, who is described as the “Giddy Deceiver.” the Hilo Duo or Hawaiian specialists and tho Sinclair Bros. After an absence of many years a re-appear-ance will be made by that brilliant ventriloquist. Carlton Max, while others due to appear include Billy Elliott, the “King of Black-faced Comedians,” Jack Birchley, the clever contortionist, and Mable and Malfe, delightful comedy couple. The last two nights are announced of Keith Desmond, the clever rnnnologuist. and Nat Hanley, the entertainer at the piano. A special holiday matinee will bo held this afternoon. The box plan will be on view all day at the Opera House confectionery store.

DIVERTISSEMENTS.

Slav dances, with all their traditional fire and abandon, tarantelles from the sunny land of Spain, vigorous Russian gopaks—all arc to be danced at Miss Madeline Vyner's “ Grand Ballets Divertissements.” a well selected pro gramme of dancing specialities which will be presented at the Theatre Roval on Wednesday and Thursdav evening. Miss Vyner has had much actual experience of ballet work under the tuition off Madame Astafieva, and has brought the knowledge she gained to bear on the present dancing revue. The dressing is said to be particularly lavish, and the colours are blended to form the most charming stage pictures. All the performers, with the exception of Miss Vyner's partner, hail from Christchurch. Some of them. Miss Gytha Owen. Miss Audrey ('racroft Wilson and Miss’Marjorie Frostick, for instance, are already known to the ptublic as clever dancers. Among the members of the corps de ballet are several prima ballerinas in embryo, aged four, five and six years. These clever youngsters figure prominently in the divertissement section, which is replete with novelties and attractive solo numbers. Prominent features in this portion of the programme are Jazz specialities and a “Dance Paienne” by Miss Vyner and her partner. The most striking of the larger ballets are “Les Sylphides,” first danced here by Mile Adeline Genec and M. Volinin, a woodland revue of nymphs and fauns, and an "Oriental drama in mime, in which handsome dancers pose with eastern grace before an exceptionally fortunate sultan Thp whole production. which is under the personal supervision of Miss Vyner and -he. stagemanagement of Miss Ngaio Marsh, is to be presented in aid of the orphanages of Christchurch. The box-plans are now opened at The Bristol.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. J

RUPERT HUGHES’S SENSATIONAL STORY, " SOULS FOR SALE.” "SIXTY CENTS AN HOUR,” STARRING WALTER HIERS-

Picture-goers of Christchurch are in for a real treat when Goldwyn’s new Rupert Hughes picture. “ 'Souls for bale, is shown at, Everybody's Theatre tor six days, beginning at. the matinee to-day, for this production affords a glimpse into America’s great wonder city of make-believe, Hollywood- It has been adapted to the screen by Mr Hughes himself from his novel of the same title, and lias been, directed, edited and titled by him. Although the Story deals with life and events of the motion picture* colony. Mr Hughes has not forgotten hoy ‘to he easv, natural, and human in the telling of his tale. Tt, possesses an abundance of all those qualities which have endeared him, botn ns a novelist and motion picture author-director, to the American public. In addition to the to-be-expected and greatlv admired qualities of Mr Hughes, one may find in “Souls for Sale” his conception of what the screen spectacle should be, revealed in the destruction by fire and storm of a great modern circus, covering eleven acres of ground. This forms the dramatic and highly romanjtic climax of this realistic story of motion picture people. Mr "Hughes was givqn a cast of players which is second to none which has ever appeared in any Goldwyn picture. Chief interest will, perhaps, centre in Eleanor Bonrdman, who portrays the leading role. In the brief space of a year, this actress has risen from film extra to star. Her beauty and magnetic charm have had but ‘little to do with this sudden rise to fame- It, was her excellent work in “ Gimme,” ‘ The Strangers’ Banquet” and “Vanity Fair ” which won for her the leading role in “Souls for Sale” and a long-term contract with Goldwyn. Five other important roles in the film are acted by capable and experienced players. Mae Busch. Barbara La Marr, Frank Mayo. Richard Dix and Lew Cody. There is a score more actors in the cast, the majority of whom are known to the film fans. John ATesc all, Mr Hughes’s cameraman, deserves high praise for the clearness of his photography and the cleverness with which he has caught and photographed the ' ideas of Air Hughes. The settings of Cedric Gibbons are marvellous in their realism and in the dramatic atmosphere which they lend to the productionAs compared to fifteen years ago, the purchasing power of a dollar to-day shows a tremendous decline. All this is brought out to excellent advantage in Walter TJiers’s new Paramount stellar vehicle. cl Sixty Cents an Hour,” which will he seen as the supporting attraction. Twenty years ago it was possible for a. young man to live comfortably on less than seven dollars 50 cents a week, but try .and do this now. as Air Hiers does in this picture, and see how far your money goes. How does Hiers manage? See the picture and be amused. Walter Hiers has an exception ally strong supporting cast, Jacqueline Bogan is the

Featured player in the leading iemimne role, and others are Ricardo Cortez. Charles Ogle, Lucille Ward, Robert Dudley, Guy Oliver, Clarence Burton and Cullen Tate. A specially selected musical programme lias been arranged bv Air W. J. Bellingham, F-S.M., for Everybody’s “Select” Orchestra. Chief among the items are the following; Overture, “William Tell Me” (Schwartz). suites, “ Prelude ” (Debussy), “ Cortege et Air de Danse ” (Debussy). “Petite Suite” (Debussy); ballet music, “ Hamlet” (Thomas); Symphony. “La Foret Enc.hantee ” (D’lndy) ; entr’acte, “Siren of the Southern Seas ” (Weeks); latest foxtrots, “Can You Forget” (Frev), “ South Sea Isles ” (Girshwin), “ Ka-la-a ” (Kern). Owing to “ Souls for Sale ” having created unprecedented crowds in Auckland and Wellington, the management urge intending patrons to book their seats immediately. either at The Bristol or.by telephoning 4925-

GRAND THEATRE,

“THE DANGEROUS AGE” AND “JUST TONY.” The “ full house ” sign was up early at the Grand Theatre on Saturday night, when a new programme headed by (lie First National attraction, “The Dangerous Age,” was screened. “The Dangerous Age” cap justly he entitled a first-class picture. In it the essential elements of humour, pathos and love interest are cleverly blended and the whole story is of that well-constructed variety that keeps one in suspense until the end. What is the dangerous age for man /and woman? That is the question that*? the picture answers. There are many’different answers that could conceivably he given to the question, but after seeing the picture one feels convinced that the light answer has 'been supplied. Doctors say that round about forty is a dangerous ago for man from a, health point of view’. The picture demonstrates that this is also the dangerous age for a man and his wife from the point of view of domestic happiness. The story tells of a husband and wife at “the dangerous age.” For the wife the romance of marriage life seems to have ceased hut not so for i the husband. Business calls him to 1 New York, but in that city he appears j to have plenty of time on his hands, and so ho mixes business with pleasure. '■ Tn the social round of pleasure he ! meets a joung lady. The two become i intensely interested in one another. 1 The man has found romance, and he | follows it until ho. falls in love with the girl. Then he writes to his wife | asking her to give, him his freedom, but almost immediately after posting the letter bo learns that the girl has enough to be her father and that she is already engaged. Then the man wakes wiLli a start to the position into which, romance has led him. He just misses the train carrying the letter to his wife, and be sets off in a motor-car to beat the train to his home town and intercept the letter before it reaches his wife's hands. He succeeds | in getting home in time but not in ; intercepting the letter. Tt would be ' hardly fair to those who have not yet seen the picture to give away the climax. Suffice to sav that the story develops most naturally and convincingly to a fitting and happy conclusion. In the selection of the cast for “The Dangerous Age ” John AT. Stahl, the noted producer, has more than fulfilled the promise implied by “All Star.” Lewis Stone plays a leading role and among the other members of the cast are. such celebrities as Edith Roberts. Ruth Clifford. Helen Lynch, James Morrison, Cleo Madison, Myrtle Stedman, Edward Burns. Lincoln Stedman and Riclmnd Tucker. The second attraction on the programme is a AYilHam Fox production entitled Just Tony,** One of the leading performers i u the picture, is Tony, the famous horse belonging to Tom .Mix. Tony plays a very big part in this picture, and in fact puts his master, who of course also has a Jead-

ing part, somewhat in the shade. The part that Tony plays is that of a wild mustang, the leader of a desert herd in the “wild and woolly ” West. The mustang is captured and his master is a brutish man who attempts to break the mustang’s proud spirit by cruelty. He fails and the mustang at last turns on his cruel owner and kills him. The mustang rejoins his herd and then the story goes on to show how he is again captured, this time bv a, cowb.oy whose part is played by Tom Alix and how he is tamed by kindness. This briefly is Tony’s share in the picture. He plays his part admirably and shows clearly what a well-trained horse he is. Tom Afix is. of course, not only concerned with chasing mustangs and taming Tony. There is a love theme in the picture in which he plays a very prominent part. There are thrills in abundance. Plenty of opportunity is afforded Tom Mix to show his skill as and as a rifle and revolver

The remaining pictorial items were a travelogue film entitled “ With Rod and Gun.” and a Topical Budget of interesting happenings in other lands. Tn addition at the day sessions Chapter 3 of the Universal serial “ The •Social Buccaneer” was screened. At the evening session on Saturday a suitable programme of incidental music was contributed hv the Grand Orchestra. For an entr'acte the orchestra played the fox trot. “So Now You Know.” The same programme will be presented to-day and to-night.

“ IF WINTER COMES.”

A DRAMATIC EPIC,

Christchurch is t-o see, commencing next Saturday evening at the Theatre Royal, the. first production of the dramatisation of the most popular novel of a decade, “ Tf Winter Comes,” the Australasian rights ;of which were secured in London recently bv Sir George Tallis for J C. Williamson Ltd. This play, which is based on the phenomenally successful novel by A. S. N. Hutchinson, has a. fare combination of comedy and dramatic power, whilst the characters are- remarkably lifelike. Afr Hutchinson dramatised the book himself, and has produced, it is said, an exceptionally fine play. It is said that this fascinating drama is splendidly played by a specially selected English company, prominent amongst whom are Afr Garry Marsh .and Alisses Jane Saville., and Ailsa. Graham. Of the play the critic of “ The Sydney Morning Herald” writes: “Tho success of *lf Winter Comes ” was a foregone, conclusion before the curtain rose, and its firstnight reception was fervid enough to confirm this idea. It created a distinct sensation. It is a particularly strongly written play, one of the best scenes being that of the inquest. The adaptors have been exceptionally happy in having admirably succeeded in evolving from a complex story a vivid and intensely human play.” The book, which, has rone into hundreds of editions, is still widely read. Air Garry Marsh will make his first appearance her© as the Don Quixotic Alark Sabre, and. it is said, by his fine acting and personal charm is ideal in this supremely difficult role. A number of other excellent artists will he found in a long east ; these include Messrs Sidney Stirling. George Blunt. Leslie Victor. J. B. Athol wood, Reginald Wykebam, H. H. Wallace, Robert Geddes, and Alisses Georgia Harvey. Lorna Helms, and Lilyan Nightingale. Miss Isobel Wilford as Effie is said to have made a big personal triumph. The box plans for six nights open on "Wednesday morning at the Bristol.