AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17181, 26 October 1923, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Everybody loves n thrill. AA'itb most people, the bigger the thrill the better they like it. Patrons at Everybody's Theatre get something special in the tv ay of thrills, and for that reason, if for no other, vote Goldwyn’s new Rupert Hughes picture. “ Souls for Sale.” one of the best that has been submitted for a long while. Of course, the picture has attributes other than its wonderful climax to place it among the great productions of the studios, but the startling nature of the climax transcends anything else in the film. Of a quite different type is “ Sixt\ r Cents an Hour,” a picture in which Walter fliers quite lives up to the promise to provide sixty laughs a minute. An admirable musical programme is provided by the orchestra. JOHN BARRYMORE IN “ SHERLOCK HOLMES.” John Barrymore has found another arreen role that fits his mimetic genius perfectly in the Goldwyn picture, “ Sherlock Holmes,” adapted from William Gillette’s stage play made from the Conan Doyle detective stories, which comes to Everybody’s Theatre on Monday next, for six days. He is asmuch in his element as the worldrenowned detective as he was in the dual role in “ Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” or as Richard 111., or as Ginnnetto in ‘‘The Jest” on the speaking stage. Young, handsome and magnetic, he possesses in abundance those human qualities which contribute so largely to an actor’s popularity. Mr Barrymore’s screen reputation is going to be greatly advanced by his authoritative acting in “ Sherlock Holmes,” which is one of the twenty big super-features that Goldwyn is making this season. He proves himself as great a screen actor as his previous work had proved him a genius on the speaking stage. Everyone will want bo see Mr Barrj-more as Sherlock Holmes. -The production was directed by Albert Parker, who took the company to England and Switzerland for many of the scenes. Tn the support of the star are such notable screen and stage names as Roland .Young, late star of “ Rollo’s Wild Oats” ; liouis Wolheim, of “ The Hairy Ape”; Alber Bruning, of “Back to Methuselah ” ; Carol Dempster, the R. W. Griffith leading woman loaned for the occasion ; Hedda Hopper ; Gustave von Seyffertitz, noted character actor and stage director; Anders Rnndolf, William H. Powell, Robert Sellable, Percy Knight, Reginald Denny, David Torrance, Lumsden Hare, Jerry Devine and John Willard. “ Sherlock Holmes ” is a mystery story with thrills and suspense and a high-powered dramatic plot, guaranteed to keep everyone who sees it spellbound. It ran for three months at the Cameo Theatre, New York, after having played to record business at the Capitol, the world’s biggest theatre. The box plan is now open at The Bristol.

GRAND THEATRE.

The programme at the Grand Theatre is headed by the First National attraction. “The Dangerous Age,” which can justly be entitled a first-class picture. Tn it the essential elements of humour, pathos and love interest arc cleverly blended, and the whole story is of that well-constructed variety that keeps one in suspense until the end. Lewis Stone plays a leadingrole 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 Richard Tucker. The second attraction on the programme is a William Fox production entitled “Just-Tony.” One of the leading performers in 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 piaster, who of course also has a leading part, somewhat in the shade. There are thrills in abundance. Plenty of opportunity is afforded Tom Mix to show his skill as a horseman and as «% rifle and revolver shot. The remainin'-*-pictorial items are a travelogue film entitled “With Rod and Gun,” and Topical Budget of interesting happenings in other lands.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

The current programme at Greater Crystal Palace has two. big attractions, ‘The Woman Who Fooled Herself” and “ Sawdust.” The misogynist may say that most women fool themselves more or less sooner or later. Few do so to the same extent as Eva Lee does in Air O. A. Logue’s love story adapted for the screen by Mr E. A. M’Manus for the Associated Exhibitors. She finds that, instead of playing with the heart of an enemy, as she thought, she is playing with her own heart. “Sawdust,” adapted for the Universal Special, was written -by Mr Courtney B. Cooper, who, for many years has been associated with one of the largest circuses in America. “Around the World in/ Eighteen Days ” is advanced another chapter. and gives those present another series of pleasant thrills. A Baby Peggy comedy, “Taking Orders.” is an admirable introduction to the big attractions, and the International News contains up-to-date items. There is a particularly attractive musical programme.

LIBERTY THEATRE.

A very varied and attractive programme of pictures and music is provided in the new programme at the Liberty Theatre. Pride of place must be given to ‘‘Pay Day,” featuring the ever-popular Charles Chaplin. The story is full of ludicrous happenings from the time Chaplin is seen at “work ” on earth excavations till he is paid off, and his contention with his wife over the possession of his wages affords abundance of fun. A Goldwyn picture, “ The Old Nest.” is the second feature. The theme is that of a mother who sees her six children leave her. All, the joys and sorrows connected with raising a family have been dramatised. 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. An admirable musical programme is contributed by the orchestra.

TO-MORROW’S GREAT PROGRAMME.

AT LIBERTY THEATRE. “ OMAR THE TENTMAKER,” AND “SHADOWS.” The interpretation of the Chinese character has long been a favourite theme for screen plays, but it is seen in an entirely new light in “ Shadows,” commencing to-morrow at the Liberty Theatre. The picture is based on Wilt*ur Daniel Steele’s prize story, “ Ching, Ching Chinaman,” which was acclaimed as one of the greatest stories of 191/. It tells of Yen Sin, a Chinaman, who drifts out of a storm at sea to Urkey, a little fishing village on the New England coast. The narrowminded townsfolk despise and revile him because he does not hold the same religious convictions as they. How he barters his own soul to save those of his Christian associates, forms the keynote of a drama that will astound and grip all who see it. Never has a Chinaman been so portrayed before. The usual run of motion pictures puts the Chinaman in a vindictive light, but Chaney in “ Shadows ” is the sort of Oriental that Confucius, or some other Chinese sage must have been, kindly, benigin and helpful. Lon Chaney has developed, the art of make- - up more than any other person in pictures. He fills the rarest and most difficult types with a perfection born in his own discoveries before his dressingtable. The make-up for the part of Yen Sin was so intricate that it required two hours and a half to don it. All the aids used from Chaney’s paintbox to create the Yen Sin face were his own inventions, and the famous character actor says that the. role is the most satisfactory one he has ever undertaken. The second star feature is “ Omar the Tentmaker,” starring Guy Bates Post. It is a story of the universality of love, and reveals Omar Khayam as a far more interesting personage than we have been led to believe from the Fitzgerald translations of the Persian poet’s quatrains. Throughout the story of the film runs a beautiful tale of the love between Omar and Shireen, whom he loses through the uxorious desires of the Shah of Shahs, only to be reunited after many years, finding happiness together after countless vicissitudes and hardships. A secondary love theme almost as beautiful as this passage binds together the hearts of young Shireen and the Christian Crusader, who had been captured by the Zoroastrian fanatics. Post’s portrayal's of Omar as a youth and as a middleaged man are said to be veritable gems of characterisations, and his leading woman, Virginia Faire, wins new laurels in the role of Shireen. The supporting pictures include a Mermaid comedy, “ Hold Tight,” and a Topical Gazette. Special, musical numbers will be played by the Liberty Quality Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Howard Mood}*. The box plans are now open at The Bristol Piano Company. ODIVA’S SEALS. Theatregoers will welcome the news that Ochva's seals are to return to the Opera House on Monday evening next for a brief season. Those people who saw these clever performers at work on their last visit here some time their return. The whole company is in charge of Captain Adams, who conducts the many astonishing acts that are included in the display. He begins bv inviting bis audience to “get acquainted” with bis family of seals and sea-lions and assures them that no cat or dog about the house could b«' half so kind and gentle as bis pets. At bis command one of the pets comes galloping one of its cage ancl following its master down the steps shakes hands \\iih members of the audience and allows them to freely fondle and caress

it- Other seals perform such feats as imitating a baby crawling along, a bird flying, a singer who concludes with an impressive tremolo, and aero b a tics and contortionist. executions without the least difficulty. Another member of the troupe goes in for a good deal of hand-clapping at appropriate points as he watches the performance from his cage. The Odiva girls, who perform graceful evolutions in the huge water lank, aro both fine swimmers. At one stage one of the girls is in the- tank with five of the seals. and they swim round her, daintily taking a. piece of fish from her hand as they pass. It would take too much space to record in detail the many clover and ridiculous things the creatures do in and out of the water. This remarkable act is one w hich must be seen to be appreciated. Intending patrons may reserve their seats at The Bristol. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “ Snowdrift.” the latest production starring Charles Jones, is showing to large and delighted audiences at the Queen's Theatre. The story, which deals with the goldfields of the Yukon, gives the popular Western star an unusual opportunity for some lively, interesting action. A reckless young mining engineer from the States falls in love with a waif known as “ Snowdrift.” In order to take her back to civilisation he has many trials and. fights. The second picture is “ Boston Blackie,'’ a gripping story of prison life. The supports include “ Where There's a Will,” a Sunshine comedy and the latest Fox 'News. 44 IF WINTER COMES.” WHAT THE PLAY ,SHOWS. The many thousands of readers to whom the hook, “If Winter Comes, 5 ’ has given so much pleasure will undoubtedly be drawn to the play to see what the author and his partner in the stage version have made of it. The authors open the first act with a gathering of the principal characters, at Mark Sabre’s house. Mark’s first, entry shows him alighting from his cycle—taken charge of by Low Jinks—the eventual production of the armlet showing his acceptance for the army, and his joy at receiving the first day’s army pay, which produces a rebuff from his wife, and silent admiration from Lady Tybar. Thence the play proceeds by leaps, with two scenes each in acts 11. and 111., taking in Mark’s return home on leave, Effie Bright as companion to Mrs Sabre, Mark again home, but this time maimed and discharged from the army. Effie Bright’s appeal before Mark and Mabel to give shelter for herself and child, Mabel leaving Mark, the eventual suicide of Effie. and the harrowing Coroner’s Court scene- There is some amusing love-making between Mabel and Major Millett, a deal of the dialogue has been selected en bloc. “If Winter Comes ” ■will be presented under.the J- C. Williamson direction at the Theatre Royal, commencing to-morrow evening. It will be interpreted by a specially selected English company, headed by the notable London actor. Mr Garry Marsh, who will have in artistic association Misses Isobel Wilford. Ailsa Grahame and Jane Saville. with a further valuable support in the best of the J. C. Williamson dramatic artists. Owing to the extraordinary success of the book, the exceptional interest that is being shown in the. presentation of the plav augurs well for a splendidly successful season. The company includes many well-known artists. George Blunt. J. B. Athol wood. Sidney Sterling. Arthur Cornell. Reg. Wykeham. Wallace, Arthur Gedd-es. Toma Helms, Lilyan Nightingale and Georgia Harvey. The box nlans for six nights are open at The Bristol.

FULLER’S - OPERA HOUSE.

Bright vaudeville turns are a feature of the current programme at Fuller’s Opera House. An act entitled “ Making Both Er.ds Meet,” introduces a clever contortionist in the person of Jack Birc.hley. Some charming Hawaiian scenes, are presented by the Hilo Duo. The laughable sketches presented by Joe Brennan and Ida Newton are very popular as _ crisp comedy and snappy dialogue quickly appeal to audiences. Ray Kemble does some female impersonations and carries off the part in good style. The Sinclair Bros, equilibrists. Nat Hanley, entertainer at the piano, and Keith Desmond, monolognist, are among others who appear on the programme. Great preparations are being made for the presentation of Odiva’s seals next Monday evening. This is said to be the greatest star act ever imported by the Fuller proprietary. There is no doubt that the act presented by Captain Adams is an outstanding performance and enormous crowds are sure to be attracted to the popular theatre during the season. The box plan is now on view at the Bristol and patrons are strongly advised to reserve their seats.

THE LIEDERTAFEL,

AN “AT HOME” CONCERT. The Christchurch Liedertafel was “ At Home” to its members and friends in the- Choral Hall last evening. The flow of harmony was interrupted at a. suitable stage in order to permit of the- audience being served, with light refreshments. The rattle of the cups and saucers both before and after this pleasing event occasionally made itself beard above the music, but. probably, under the circumstances, such a contretemps cannot be escaped. The concert, taken as ;i. whole, was an enjoyable one, though the Liedertafel has appeared to better ad wantage on other occasions. The choir teas without the services of some of its members owing t-o their indisposition, and such an organisation cannot sustain even a small loss ■without feeling some of the effects. One of the absentees was Mr A. L. Cropp, who had to be replaced both as a soloist and as a member of a quartette. The concert opened with the part song, “ The Long Day Closes,” which was sung as a. tribute to the memory of the late Mr George 8 tee re, a. member, and the late Sir W. Devenish Meares, who was a. founder and past president of the Liedertafel. Perhaps the sombre beginning affected both choir and audi, nice, because in the first' half there was a lack of contact, and the numbers appeared to drag. The glee, “ Triumphant Love ” (Callcott), lacked finish, and was not given as brightly as it should have been. The robust part song, “ Olaf Trygvason ” (Reissiger). was the occasion of a remarkably fine piece of descriptive singing. The tragedy and mystery of the story were splendidly expressed, especially in the fine treatment of the last two verses. Something entirely different was the Cavalier “Marching Along” (G. Banlock). the rhythm and swing of winch' was irresistible Two compositions by the conductor, Mr Arthur Worsley. foilowed. “ Eventide ” is a particularly restful and attractive part song, and it was finely interpreted. “The Yaga-*

bond.” which is full of the spirit of the happy wanderer of the highways, is just as lively and reckless as it should be. The choir numbers m the second part included the now familiar choral ballad, “The Phantom Host” (Hegar), “A May Night” (in which the incidental solo was very sweetly

sung by Mr C. R . Williamson), “ The Dawn -of Love” (Wilhelm), “I’ve a Secret to Tell Thee ” (a characteristic and pretty Irish folk song), and the humorous part song, “ An Old Rat’s Tale.’’ It may he said that in the second part of the concert there was a, more cordial and appreciative atmosphere, for which the supper may have been partly responsible. It- is pleasant to be able to commend all the soloists, hut that is not unusual in the Liedertafel concerts. Mi O. R. Williamson, who has a delightful light tenor voice, was overweighted by P. Kahn’s “ Are Maria.” hut with the violin obligato by Mr R. Clark, it made an acceptable number. Mr Williamson was more happily suited in Furrell’s “Destiny.” which he gave as an encore. Mr G. E. March is a vocalist of great experience, and he was quite successful in his two sougs, “ The Drums ” (A. Mel©) and “ Thou’rt Like a, Lovely Flower ” (Schumann). Tn his very best form was Mr W. J. Trewem, who sang the familiar “ O Vision Entrancing ” with much artistic fervour and splendid spirit. His encore was “I Wept, Beloved.” a. song by Georges Hue which, needs to be known to be fully appreciated. The place of Mr A. L. Cropp as a soloist was filled by Mr J. H. Cooks, who delighted the audience with his fine rendering of “ Harlequin ” and. “ Dream Tryst ” (Cadmau). Mr Cocks is always artistic, and his interpretations are invariably appropriate. The quartette party consisted of Messrs W. G. Cookson.' R. T>. Vincent, G. E. March and S. Hawker, the lastnamed taking the place of Mr Cropp. The performers were not exactly happy in “ Tell Me. Charming Creature ” (Netberclift), hut made a better showing in the well-known “ When Evening Twilight” (Hatton). An instrumental duet, which wat> much enjoyed, was given by Messrs J. 8. Bowie (flute) and A. Worsley (piano), the selection chosen being a Bach Sonata for flute, and piano. Mr Bowie produced a fair tone, and showed a good deal of facility in execution He was inclined, however, to he unduly modest in the volume of tone, and the duet would have been improved if he had been a little more asser, tive. However, it was distinctly a pleasant number. The accompanist was Air L. Lewin, who was, as usual, entirely adequate. GRAND THEATRE. COMMENCING TO-MORROW, “THE OLD NEST” AND “PAY DAY.” An old proverb says, “ A mother’s heart is always wth her cbldren.” From our own lives we know this to be true, and now we have a screen story whch tells us the old truth agan. It is “The Old Nest,” one of Rupert Hughes s stories, and if ever life, as it really s, has been portrayed on the screen, it is in this picture. It is not melodrama to sicken you ; it is not tragedy to appal you ; it is life, and life now, here, your, mine! Being almost drowned alive jn a bath tub full of water is Charlie Chaplin’s experience after celebrating bis : “pay day” not wisely, but too well. Finding things too chilly, he turns on the hot water tap, just to warm things up a bit. “ Pav Day ” was written and directed bv Chaplin, and marks his first picture for many months. The cast includes Edna Purviance. his leading lady in ‘‘The Kid,” Mack Swain, who makes an excellent foil for Chaplin. and Charlie’s brother Sydney, in the role of a bachelor friend.