AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17183, 29 October 1923, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

LIBERTY THEATRE. TWO MAGNIFICENT FEATURES. “ SHADOWS ” AND “ OMAR THE TENTMAKER.” “ Shadows ” and “Omar the Tent'maker,” the two feature attractions in the new programme screened at the Liberty Theatre on Saturday, are both of such outstanding merit from an entertainment point of view that it would be difficult to say which is the better production. Together with the delightful musical programme, which harmonises perfectly with the scenes depicted on the screen, these two wonderful pictures constitute what can only be described as an ideal entertainment. The pictures are entirely different in theme and the story iu each case has a fascination that holds the interest of the audience throughout the screening. •* Shadows” is a gripping story delightfully acted by a particularly well selected cast, and with a surprising climax that is reached at the end with great suddenness. It is a pioturisation of Wilbur Daniel Steele’s story, “ Ching, Ching, China.man,” and it has been produced by Preferred Pictures, the producers of “Rich Men’s Wives ” and other outstanding successes. The principal character, that of a heathen Chinaman, is portrayed in a remarkable manner by Lon Chaney, who does some of the finest work of his career. Others who take leading characters are Margarette do la Motte as Sympathy Gibbs ; Harrison Ford as John Malden, a young minister; John Sainpolis as Nate Snow, Malden’s best friend; Walter Long as Daniel Gibbs; and Buddy Messenger as the bad boy. The story opens with the inhabitants of the little village of Urkey, on the New England coast, facing the tragedy of a fishing settlement —a terrific storm that has wiped out the fishing fleet. After a night of prayerful watching, bits of spars are cast up. a fisherman and an aged Chinaman drifting in with the wreckage. Among the first lost was Daniel Gibbs, skipper of the fleet, arid husband of Sympathy Gibbs. The Chinaman, Yen Sin, refuses to take part in a prayer for the souls of the lost because he is a heathen. Later be sets up as a laundrytnan in a, barge near the shore. About the same time the new minister, John Malden, arrives. Malden meete Sympathy Gibbs and friendship loads to love. They are married in due- course and Nate Snow tries to forget his own lore for Sympathy in his friendship for Malden. Malden is called away to attend an important conference just as a daughter is born to Sympathy. But his happiness is turned to horror by the arrival of a note, which/is signed “ Daniel Gibbs ” and demands a loan of 500 dollars as compensation for keeping out of the way. Malden confides his terrible news to his friend, Nate Snow, who agrees to take the money to the tree designated in the note. Malden then hurries hack to his wife and makes an excuse for living away from her. The following Sunday, however, lie breaks down in the pulpit and resigns. The climax is precipitated by Yen Sin, who falls ill and calls foi- the minister. In his dying hours he unravels the mystery, which had brought much unhappiness upon the village, and the story takes a. surprising twist that ends in M a.Men and Sympathy being (reunited without the ghostly spectre of Daniel Gibbs present in the background. “ Omar the Tentmaker ” is a delightful blend of romance, drama and spectacle. It is a colourful story of Persia in the days when Omar Khayyam wrote the Rubaiyat. As a stage play it met with remarkable success. Guy Bates Post, who appeared in the titular role on the speaking stage for over four years, has the same role in the silent drama. With him are two very beautiful actresses, Virginia Brown Fair© as Shireen, and Patsy Ruth Miller as Little Shireen. Miss Faire has mj»de her wav to stardom with great rapidity. Three years ago she won a heautv contest, and she, quickly climbed the ladder of success. “ Omar the Tentmaker” reveals Omar Khayyam as a philosopher, poet and scientist of the highest order. Throughout the story runs a truly beautiful tale, of the love between Omar and Shireen, whom he loses through the intervention of the Shah of Shahs, only to he reunited after many years, finding happiness together after countless vicissitudes and hardships. Adventure and romance abound ni the film and there lire many touches of quaint humour. Post’s portrayal of Omar as a youth and as a middle-aged man are splendid characterisations and the work of the other members of the cast is also of r very high order. An interesting Topical Budget is also included in the programme, which is of great length on account of the two principal pictures being of eight reels each. Under the direction of Mr Howard Moody, the Liberty Quality Orchestra provides a thoroughly enjoyable musical accompaniment to the pictures. Among the items contributed arc “Ballet Egyptia!u ” (Liugini) ; “ Reve d’Orient” (Ropy); “Algerian Nights” suite (Gregh) ; “ Kismet” (Henlere) ; “ Pause Orientale ” (Cady) ; “ Nocturne ” (Nouges) ; “ The Mikado ” .election (Sullivan); “ Priere aux Ftoiles ” (Maurice Pease) ; “South Sea Isle*.” as an en’tracte (Geishman) ; “Orientale.” violin solo by Mr Harry Ell wood (Cui) ; “An Island Spell.” piano solo bv Air Howard Moody, (John Ireland). QUEEN’S THEATRE. One of the most thrilling storms at tea ever shown on the screen will be seen in the new William Fox special production. “The Face on the Bar-room Floor,” which will be the featured attraction at the Queen's Theatre commencing to-day. The scenes were taken off the rocky coast of Maine during a gale that destroyed more than a score of fishing and other craft. The boat from which the scenes were taken seemed threatened with disaster on more than one occasion, according to those on hoard. “The Face on the Bar room Floor.” which was directed bv Jack Ford, who will be remembered ns the director of “The Village Blacksmith.” and other Fox successes, features a notable cast of screen artists, including Henry B. Walthall, “The Little Colonel” of “Birth of a Nation ” fame ; Ruth Clifford, star of both serial and regular features; Alma Bennett. recognised as one of the most beautiful and talented actresses in motion pictures; Harry Gribbon. for years a star in various comedy productions and numerous others of equal fame. The picture, it is claimed, is replete with thrills, including, in addition to fhe terrific storms at sea. a sensational outbreak among the prisoners in a penitentiary; their thrilling escape over the prison walls; the daring leap for life of one of the fugitives, and numerous other exciting scenes. The second attraction is ‘‘ Merely Mary Ann,” featuring Shirley Mason. Supports will be “ The Mummy.” a Sunshine comedy and the latest Fox New a.