SCREEN and STAGE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17178, 23 October 1923, Page 5

SCREEN and STAGE

NOTES ON CURRENT AND COMING SHOWS

The various picture shows did good business yesterday afternoon and evening. and the Opera House was also accorded liberal patronage at both afternoon and evening performances. "The Woman Who Fooled Herself.” showing at Greater Crystal Palace, shows May Allison in a. very favourable light as a. high grade dramatic artist. There is some good scenery in this picture. which was taken on the island of Porto Rico. "Pay Day” (Charlie Chaplin), "The Old Nest” (Mary Alden) and ‘‘The Idle Rich ’’ (Bert Lytell) will be shown at the King's, Sydenham, for the last time to-night. To-morrow’s programme will include ‘ The Cave Girl” (Teddy Gerard) and "The Man Under Cover” (Herbert Rawlifikon). ‘‘lf Winter Comes ” will he staged at the Theatre .Royal on Saturday night by a -T- C. Williamson Company of "English and Australian artists. This play had a, long run in both Sydney and Melbourne. The company will also produce ‘'The Cat and the Canary” during their season here. With a. background of magnificent scenery and a plot crammed with suspense, ‘‘The Cave Girl,” showing at the Liberty. is a photoplay of high merit, one that can bear comparison with everything that has been suid about, it in advance. Teddie Gerard, famous on the English stage, returned to her native America, for the express purpose of making her debut as Margot. the young lady who plays the title role. Miss Gerard’s acting is capable and she is very charming. ‘The Cave Girl ” is her first appearance before the

That original stories tor the screen can l?e just as successful as adaptations of famous hooks and novels is demonstrated by the popularity of “The Dangerous Age,” a First National attraction produced by John M. Stahl, now showing at the OrandThe story is decidedly novel in theme, and is filled with suspense and thrills of a. high order. “The Old Nest,” featuring Mary Aklen, now being shown at the liberty, has been warmly praised by critics wherever it has been shown. One American writer stated : “ We doubt if ever the screen has had upon it so real, so genuine, so extraordinary a masterpiece, contrived from simple, every-day and almost humdrum fragments -into complete and definite emotion.” Charlie Chaplin takes the.-' water cure, humorouslv speaking, because in his latest comedy, “ Pay Day,” lie is submerged in a bathtub in which he falls asleep. For film followers the latest comedy from the Chaplin studios is a gem of humour in which novel situations and eccentric characters are combined to provide the fun. “ PayDay ” is being shown at the Liberty.

‘‘ Boston Blarkie,” showing at the Queen’s, is a highly interesting story of prison life in America. William Bussell enacts the. leading role in very capable fashion. A trade screening of “If Winter Comes ” took place in Christchurch last. week. Tt is a very fine picture which will. Jmwever. not be shown ill Christchurch till early next year. The remarkably clever acting of Tom Mix’s intelligent horse Tony is being greatly admired by patrons of the Grand this week. “Just Tony,” a Fox production based on tho novel ‘‘ Alcatraz." featuring Mix and his famous horse, is one of the leading attractions at. that theatre. In “Sawdust.” showing at C*renter Crystal Palace, Gladys Walton Iras the role of a little " tight rope ” deuicer in a circus and the part requires 0 considerable athletic and gymnastic ability as well as dramatic skill. Motion picture fans who remember the little Universal star in " Pvak Tights*” another story of the “Big Tops.” in which she scored a big hot, will enjoy her in this latest production. The Fare on the Barroom Floor.” to be hhown at the Queen's next week, deals with a famous artist who was forced down the path of life until lie drank the dregs from the bottom of the cup and how he finally fights his way hack to happiness, success and to a woman’s heart. The role of the artist is played by Henry B. Walthall. “The Little Colonel ” of a ‘‘ Birth of a. Nation ’’ fame. He is capably supported by Ruth Clifford. Alma Bennett and others who have scored unquestioned success in. recent productions.

An interesting departure from the usual run of musical pro grammes?* will be made at the Queen’s all this week. During the playing of the entr’acte ‘‘ Somewhere in Venice ” slides will be shown on the screen, adding greatly to the musical effect. Other items arranged for the orchestra by Mr H. G. Glaysher are the overture " Jolly Robbers, “ Samson et Delila,” “ Patience, “ The Dove of Peace,” Scenes Pifcboresque ” and ‘‘ Hungarian Fantasia” Eleanor Boardman, who has the leading role in Rupert Hughes’s new Goldwyn picture “Souls for Sale”' showing at Everybody’s, is the newest of the screen luminaries of first magnitude. She is a Philadelphia girl who was ambitious for a stage career and appeared in a number of Broadway attractions. While rehearsing in Laurette Taylor’s "The National Anthem,” she lost her voice and was one of two thousand girls to apply at the Goldwyn office for a, picture job. She was sent to the Goldwyn Studios a year ago and after appearing in Rupert Hughes's ‘‘ Gimme ” was cast for important roles in ” The Strangers’ Banquet ” and in “ Vanity Fair.” She was then selected for the lead in ” Souls for Sale,” and given a long terra Goldwyn contract. In his latest comedy “ Sixty Cents an Hour,” now showing at .Everybody’s, Walter Heirs is called upon to play the part of a soda fountain clerk. His first attempts to mix drinks were ludicrous. But the real climax of the day came when Mrs Hiers. Walter's newly wed wife, returning from town, decided to stop at the corner drug store and have a soda, since she had been through a busy shopping afternoon. Walter had failed to explain to h<jr that he was to seek a little experience. so she was surprised and shocked to find her husband, a motion picture star, working as a, soda clerk. Tn bis confusion. Mr Hiers accidentally pressed too hard on the water faucet, and thoroughly wet everybody and everything in that end of the store.

The all-vaudeville programme presented at- the Opera House last evening

was welcomed by a crowded house. and the turns were all thoroughly enjoyed. Jack Birchley proved himself a wonder ful contortionist, performing suck feats as double dislocations. The Hilo Duo won popularity by playing ukeleles and steel guitars, and the lady also contributed a hula hula dance very neatly. Carlton Max. a ventriloquist well known in these parts, was accorded a good reception for a clever turn. Joe Hrennau and Ida Newton, well known artists per medium of J. C'. Williamson comedy companies and pantomimes provided one of the most enjoyable acts of the evening, their patter, singing and dancing being all lively and most entertaining. Ray Kemble succeeded in deceiving many people in the audience with his very light/ voice, and there were expressions or surprise when he removed his wig at the end of his turn. The. Sinclair Bros, exhibited some very fine feats ot hand balancing and the like, and the neatness with which they v ent through their work evoked general admiration. Billy Klliott’s turn consisted chiefly of a talk at the expense, of the other artists. New items were given by Keith Desmond, ntonologuist. Mahle and Malfe, sketch artists, and Nat. Hanley, comedian at the piano. Odiva’s Seals will appear at the Opera. House on Monday night next Their return is being awaited with much interest bv -ill lovers of intelligent animals.