AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17189, 5 November 1923, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

LIBERTY THEATRE.

" TESS OK THE STORiI COUNTRY.” MARY PICKFORJI’S GREATEST PICTURE.

Eight years ago the original film pro due,,on of 'Teas of tlio Storm Conn try ■ served to make Mary Pickford ai outstanding favourite among nmtior picture stars because of her wonderfu portrayal of the lovable character oi less That photoplay proved so popu lar with picture patrons that ,t iva; exhibited continuously until every prinl was worn out, and then, in response tc thousands ot requests, Miss Pickforc m-cided to recreate the character that /tail brought her such fame. The new version of “Tess of the Storm Coun rrv ” was shown at the Liberty The a tie on Saturday before crowded at tendances, and. judging by the ap proval with which it was received it should prove even more popular than the original production. There ha? neon no variation in the story between the new and the old films, but. thef?* is a remarkable difference in the quality of the two productions. The new ver aion. which is produced bv the United Artists, is on an elaborate scale, full advantage having been taken of all the progress that the film making industry n*s made m the intervening years. But the characters are the same, although m some cases portrayed by different artists Tess appears just as she <lid before, except that she is perhaps a dttle older--an improvement rather than otherwise. Daddy Skinner. Toss's tather ; Klias (h aves, the wealthy and aelfish land-owner; Fred Graves, his son. who tails in love with Tess: Dan Jordon, the voting lawyer who loses his life in the fight against the “ squatters ” ; Ben Lett*, the murderer of Jordon; Tesla Graven, who is befriend ef| by Tess in her hour ol need, and^the nrought to life again in what is a most fascinating story. The theme upon which the story of *’ Tess of the Storm Uountrv ’ as based i« that true Christianity lies in the adoption of an attitude of good will towards other men. Elias Graves realises this after he has caused a great deal ot suffering and has brought punishment on himself as well. Being possessed of great wealth, he purchases a large area of land enclosing a lake, and Guilt a mansion for himself on a hill above the lake; hut on the shore of the lake there has grow n up a humble community of fisher folk who have ** squatted ' on the land makes a number of fruitless attempts to shift the “squatters." and at length accepts the assistance of Jordan, who is in love with his daughter. .lordan finds that it is illegal for the fishermen to use nets in the lake, and accord •ugly the game wardens are called in to seize and destroy the nets. 'less Skinner saves one net. however, and later, when the community is on the verge of starvation, the net is used. A fight takes place between the fishermen and the game wardens, and Jordan is .hot by Ben Letts, who uses Daddy Skin ner s gun. Daddy Skinner is arrested and charged with the crime, and as a result of the efforts of Graves is found guilty on circumstantial evidence. Meanwhile Fred Graves has fallen in ove with Tess. and promises to assist m appealing against the conviction of ter father. Fred Graves then returns -•» college, and during his absence Tess ooks after Tesla Graves’s illegitimate •hild, having given a promise that she a ill not divulge Tesla's secret. On Fred Graves's return he easts Tess iside. hut shortly afterwards B.*n Letts ?or*esses to the murder of Jordan, and Daddy Skinner is given his freedom on Jhristmas Day. The story then moves rapidly to its climax. Tesla dies, and Elias Grave's and Fred Graves seek the forgiveness of Tess and her father, and happiness is brought to the village when Elias Graves hands over the title-deeds to the “squatters” of the lands upon , which their houses are erected, and Tess and Fred decide to share each other's burdens through life. There are many pathetic scenes in the picture, and also a number of humorous pas sages. Mary Bickford’s characterisation of the winsome and rebellious Tess is remarkable for her wonderful artistry The supporting cast, which was selected ny Miss Pickford personally, consists or artists who are thoroughly suited to their varied roles. Lloyd-Hughes plays the part of Fred Graves with great sue cess, while Gloria Hope s in the part of Tesla Graves, wins her full share of sympathy. Noteworthy performances are also given by Jean Hersholt as Ben Letts, Forrest Robinson as Daddy Skinner. Robert Russell as Dan Jordan and David Torrance as Elias Graves. “ Poverty of Riches.” the support ing feature, is characterised hv some exceptionally fine emotional acting by j.eatrice Joy. The story contrasts the lives of two families. One, though poor in regard to money, have wealth of another kind the wealth of a happy home life and children. The other family choose the path of financial power, and, though both are fond of children, they delay having them until they can afford every luxury and convenience. The cast includes, in addition to Beatrice Joy, Louise Lovely. Richard Dix, John Bowers and other popular film artists. An interesting Topical Budget is also included in the programme. The musical items contributed hv the Liberty Quality Orchestra^under the direction of Mr Howard Moody, include the special musical score for “ Tess of the Storm Country.” adapted and com posed by Joseph C. Breil. Other popular numbers are:— ‘‘Meditation” (G. Pares): “Pierrot’s Jealousy” (J. Creusi; “ Kinema Star Selection” iJean Gilbert) . “Tn a Monasterv Gar den ” (A. Ketelbv) ; “ T Wish 1 Knew ” tSpencer), plaved as the entr’acte : Poupee Valsante ” trio (Poldinii. pi a red by Messrs Ellwood. Moodv and Dickson ; and “ Yalse in E Minor.” piano solo (Chopin), plaved hv Mr Howard Moody

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. WONDERFUL “ CARNIVAL ” PROGRAMME. M A DAUGHTER OF LUXURY ” STARRING AGNES AYRES. "NANCY FR()M NOWHKRI*; ’’ STARRING BERK DANIELS. A wholesome, entertaining comedydrama is “ A Daughter of Luxury.” Agnes Ayres’s latest Paramount starring vehicle, which js to he presented a* the main attraction for Carnival Week at Everybody’s Theatre, commencing at the matinee to-day. 'F'he picture conveys no moral message, hut it fulfils the prime purpose of any good picture entertainment anti amusement of its audience. It runs smoothly, and by nature of its treat-

ment ts not overdone or too illogical 11 he convincing. The story has situations that might easily he interpreted as melodrama, hut they are so handled as to keep them in the lighter vein. Miss Ayres has a unique role as Mary Fenton, a girl brought up in 'uxury, who is left destitute She searches in vain for work and finally is turned out of the'cheap hall bedroom she has taken because she has no money to pay the rent Mary is in the street hungry, when by accident she meet* a man named Owen, a stranger- When hf- invites her to his hotel apartment to have tea- -the dining-room being closed- Mary is forced to choose between propriety and hunger. She accepts Owen’s invitation, and thereupon there follows a series of rather astonishing exjieriences for the young woman, who is placed m several highly embarrassing situations. She is forced to pose as a wealthy heiress, and adding to her troubles there is a jewel burglary in which she figures. The supporting .cast is admirable, including Tom Gajlery. leading man, Edward Martindel. Sylvia Ashton. Zasu Pitts, Robert Sellable and Clarence Burton. Be be Daniels is in a purely romantic role. the wonderfully sympathetic character of the abused littie girl who runs away from her oppressors, finds the love she craves, and then finds that j she has to renounce it and go hack to the cruel foster-parents- Then- -hut that’s the surprise finish, and mustn’t * be told. Cebe Daniels in the most appealing role of her career- not the j “ good little had girl,” the mischievous | hoyden that you know, hut a badly I abused and wistful little good girl—j that is what you will see in “ Nancy i from Nowhere.” tJio_second feature on i the programme. Here is young love in i an idyllic setting, tears and laughter, I a heautifullv sympathetic character, I and Be he Daniels to make it all convincing. The combination of Douglas Dotv, Hie scenarist. Chester M. Franklin, the director, and Belie Daniels, the star, has resulted in a kinematic gem, a real jewel of a picture, its flawless facets reflecting every quality of human interest. sympathy, suspense, and surprise that a picture should have. In “Nancy from Nowhere” Miss Daniels has as her leading man Edward Sutherland, who played the same role in a May M’Avov picture. *’ Everything For Sale ” ; Mvrtle Stedman. lately leading ’ woman with William S. Hart in “ The Whistle.” has an important role. Edward Martindel. who was seen in “ You Never fan Tell.” Vera Lewis, and .Tames (Jordan complete the cast of : principals, with Helen Holly and DorI othy Hagen in smaller parts. A brilliant musical programme has j been arranged by Mr W J. Belling- ! ham. F.S.M.. for Everybody's Select i Orchestra. Chief among the items are j the following Overture. “Poet and Peasant ’’ (Suppe) ; suites —“ Suite I D’Orc hestra ” (Giraud). “ Serenade ” I (Mosskowski); waltz suite. “Germania ’’ (Brahms) : grand opera, j " Henry VIII." ( Saint-Saens > ; entr'acte. “Can You Forget?” (Frey): foxtrots. “ Venetian Moon ” (Goldberg). “Tell Me AYith Smiles” (Hirsch), “Swinging Down the bane” (Kahn); waltz. “Moon River” dice David). A slight alteration has been made in the booking arrangements for Carnival Week. On Tuesday and Saturday next the box plan will remain at The Bristol until 11.30 a.m. only, afterwards at the theatre ; on Friday ir will he at Everybody’s Theatre only. All other days as usual.

GRAND THEATRE. 44 DR JACK ” AND “ SLANDER THE WOMAN.” Harold Lloyd as Dr Jack dispensed his laughter prescription for curing the blues very liberally at the Grand Theatre on Saturday night. The merriment caused was uproarious and spontaneous. There is not a. dull moment in “Dr Jack ’ and it is crammed full of fun from start to finish. There is laughter in every foot of the five reels. “Dr Jack ’ can just be -described as a super-cojped.y and in it Harold Lloyd is seen at his host—which is saying a lot. Dr Jack is the local medical practitioner in a small country town. His income, like the town, is small, but his practice is large and his hours are .from 7 a.m. to 7. a.m. However, in spite of everything lie keeps cheerful and he believes in trying to cure his patients by making them cheerful too. His methods of effecting cures are not quite orthodox. but thev invariably achieve their object and they are extremely amusing. Then bv a curious and humorous train of circumstances Dp Jack is engaged as a consulting specialist to advise a physician on the case of the only daughter of a millionaire. This physician is quite unscrupulous and by pampering his patient and playing on ' the fears of her father he makes everyone think that she is a chronic invalid. Dr Jack quickly sees that all that the patient needs is sunshine, fresh air, cheerfulness and a bit of excitement, hut the physician of course does not want the young lady to get well because Ihat would mean the disappearance of his fee, which, according to one of the sub titles, “looks like the German war debt.*’ Tint l>r Jack rather spoils his chances of dointr the girl any good by falling in love with her and kissing -Jier v in the presence of her father, after a few hours’ acquaintance. For such audacious conduct Dr Jack is informed that he is dismissed and must leave by the first train in the morning. However. T>r Ja«k is determined to assist the girl if he can. That night an opportunity presents itself. Two asylum attendants arrive at the house stating that they are looking for an escaped lunatic. The whole household is roused and Dr Jack conceives the idea of impersonating the lunatic and giving the girl the excitement ho thinks she needs Suitably attired he leads the household a—pretty fiance for an hour or so. Upstairs and downstairs the chase goes, waging faster and more furious all the time. The girl enters into the chase with a zest that is surprising from one who is supposed to be .# confirmed invalid. .Of course the result is that, the girl is completely cured, and the unscrupulous physician gets his marching orders from the girl's father, whose eyes are at length opened. The part of the girl is played by Mildrej Davis and she aids Harold Lloyd charmingly in the sentimental vein of the comedy. The other characters are also capably and faithfully portrayed. The second feature on the programme was the First National attraction. “ Slander the Woman." in which Dorothy Phillips plays the leading role. This picture unfolds a powerful storv which shows how. by the use of the machinations of the law and by the judgment of man. a woman is robbed of hep good name. Deserted j bv her friends the woman flees to the | wild and lonely countrv round Hudson Bay, Canada and there, in the wilderness. seeks solace and peace. But the man. who was mainlv responsible for faking a wav her good name, at length realises the great wrong lie has committed and follows her in order to make amends. At first she hates him with a hatred that, knows no love. Finally love awakens in her heart mid grows until it becomes the one powerful and nil conquering emotion. The acting is particularly good.

Competent critics consider that in this picture Miss Phillips has done the finest work of her career. The supporting pictorial items were a highly entertaining Christie comedy entitled “Ocean Swells” and a topical budget depicting happenings of inter-, est. in other parts of the world. A suitable programme of incidental music was supplied by the Grand Orchestra. The entr’acte was the piccolo solo “The Wren,” by Mr Dobbie. This was warmly applauded.

| GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE j BIG CAB NT VAT- WEEK PRO GRAMME OF MUSIC, DANCING AND PICTURES. The manager of Greater Crysta Palace, Mr V. M. Beebe, announces s big holiday programme for carniva week, commencing to-day. when the new hill will include a charming dance recital by Miss Madeline Vyner, and a score or so of her best pupils. All of the dances will be gorgeously costumed and staged with beautiful lighting effects. The dancing numbers will include: •‘The Butterfly.’’by Juno Wilson; Valse ” (C.'hopinJ. by Madeline Vyner; “Jack-in-the-box.” by Betty Dodds, Faina Gibbons, Ophir Bromley, Valma Walker, Florrie Hill and Kathleen Macready; “The Rosebud.” by Lorna Jackson; “Cupid.” by Desmond Wilson; “ A Ragtime Ballet.” with little Betty Dodds as soloist dancer ; “F.astorn Dance.” by Miss Vyner; and the charming ' Blossom Ballet,” by June Wilson. Lorna Jackson. Valma Walker, Edna Gibbons, Kathleen Maeready and Marion Grose. ' Women Wlu> Wait.” a PlaygoersPathe super-feature, heads the pictorial portion of the new programme, and is presented with an nil star cast, which includes Marguerite Clayton, Creighton Hale and George MarQuarrie. It' is a story of the sca - the sea that is sometimes calm and peaceful, oft’ynes storm v and tempestuous. but always beautiful and cruel. The plot is the triangle of two' brothers in love with one girl. The stronger one wins Tier by lies and

tricks, hut .his treachery and jealousy work his own undoing and. in the end, the winners are the man who was true and the woman whose love waited. There is strong, virile drama in the conflict between the brothers. There is potent, poignant love that knows sacrifice, heart ache, suffering and the joy that follows sorrow. There is rare, delightful atmosphere in the seacoast locations, and the quaint.-homely characters. There is drama as sweeping and mighty as a stormy sea in the thrilling, breathless climax. There is entertainment that lifts you out of yourself in every foot of this vibrant drama of life. The inimitable Hoot Gibson, star of many rollicking western comedy dramas. is the featured player of 1 ‘ Shootin' for Lore.’’ the -Universal picture which is the second big feature on the new programme. “ Shootin’ for

Love ” is a story of much human interest, appeal and dramatic action, and particularly suited to the popular star’s ability. The horsemanship and nerve that have iron for Gibson the distinction of being the world’s greatest cowboy are well displayed in the production. Laura La Plante, well known heroine of the screen, has the leading feminine role in this fine photoplay of outdoor life, and others in the cast are William Steele. Arthur Mackley, W. T M’Oulley and Kansas Moehring. Supporting the two big pictures are the first chapter of “The Eagle’s Talons.” which is said to be the most ! fascinating and super-thrilling romance of the air ever screened, even as good ! as ‘‘The Great Air Bobbery,” which I was screened at Qreater Crystal Palace over a year ago; a very funny Century comedy, and the latest International News film. Incidental to and in conjunction with the dancing and screening of the motion pictures the world-famous Symphony Orchestra, under the. distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, will present a magnificent musical programme, which includes the following classical and popular numbers .--Overture. “A Musical Switch, Part I” (Alford); “Symphony No. 5” (Beethoven) ; “ Siegfried-Idylle ” (Wagner) ; “La Boheme ( Puccini) ; “ Aubade Printaniere “ (Lacombe) ; Suite, Where the Rainbow Ends” (Qtiilter) ; “ Reconciliation ” (Fletcher)) ; Suite. “ Cyrano ” ( Rosse > ; “ Scene et Yalse ” (Guiraud); “I Wish I Knew” (Spencer) ; “ Tennessee ” (Meyer) ; “ Eleonore ” (Chantrier) : “ No, We Have Some Lovely Monkey Nuts” (Forbes). The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 3758.

I QUEEN’S THEATRE. ‘ 'STEPPING' F A ST.'’ Tom Mix scores' official qualification ' as a champion trick automobile racer ! in his latest William Fox offering, "Stepping Fast.’’ which will be shown at the Queen’s to-day. In this highly charged melodrama of ; thrills and sweet romance, Tom enlists j the l*. S. A. and China for his ex- | citement locale. He nnd the lovely j heroine escape from a dungeon in darkest < hina. when Tom lassoes a mouse and ties a “help message 5 ’ around its neck and puts it out of the window. Rack across the Pacific they dash in a speedy yacht and race : the blackguards to the hidden treas- 1 ure. Here it is that the versatile Tom qualifies as a. champion trick racer. Tim heavy, on horseback, attempts a ( get-away, but Tom, flinging himself j into his prise racer, corners him by a 1 skilful and scientific exhibition of driving. The day is saved, the heroine won. and Tom smiles broadly for the final happy closeup -the first he has found time for during the run-of the picture. The supporting cast is headed by Claire Adams, leading lady, who is a charming foil for the lively star, i The others in the capt. include Donald i M’Donald. Hector Sarno. Edward Pei!, George Seigmann. Tom S. Guise and Ethel Wales.. The second attraction is “Fair and Warmer “ a bright comedy drama featuring Mary Allison. A comedy, Gazette and a brilliant musical programme complete the entertainment.

THEATRE ROYAL. •THE CAT AND THE CANARY.” The popularity of first-class, possible detective stories, apparently . is the excuse for staging; “The Cat and the Canary.'' It is a mystery drama, to be eschewed by people with hypersensitive nerves, but enjoyed by normal j people who like to feel their nerves all atingle, and their minds pleasurably alert in anticipation of solutions if problems. Frankly, it is a bant boozier. It defies conjecture, every incident, almost, bejnc an utterly unexpected mo. The work pul into it is so skilful and adroit that these violent transitions. so far from being jolty, seem piito natural. The large audience m die Theatre Hegai on Saturday night

s found tself passing at one bound fron 3 terror to laughter without experiencing the slightest mental dislocation or ever * inconvenient mental detachmeut. Thu 7 effect often is producer! hy some trivia 1 cause, such as a few incongruous words a gesture, or a quick, unexpected move, k ment. From these points of vi etc, I from which the piece must be judged, it is one of the best, placed on the t Christchurch stage. It compares favourably with “The Bat” and “The Thirteenth Chair.” but in several respects improves on them. The timehonoured practice of characterisation has been almost completely deleted from it. A mass of situations is wrapped up in a cloud of mysticism, which is not dispersed until the end is reached. To disclose what that end r is would he a breach of faith with the management, and would spoil enjoyment of the piece for all who have, not seen it. Amongst the machinery used bv the author are an old house, an old, creepy Indian woman who lived alone, in it for many years, and who speaks of an evil spirit, sharing it with her. the reading at midnight of the dead owners's eccentric will, slaty-blue lights, secret panels, a gloved hand, and. generally, the atmosphere that Wilkie Collins successfully introduced into his Mid-Victorian melodramatic novels. Those who produce ‘‘The Cat and the Canary,” as long as they are in front of the footlights, are perilously close to tbe borderland of absurdity. The talented company who delighted the Christchurch public last week with If Winter Comes,” it might he presumed safely, could be entrusted with this queer mystery play. They took their parts on Saturday night so well that they gave to every incident an air of actuality, if they did not altogether make the impossible seem possible. In any case, they gave many people a very pleasant, evening, a fit-

ting ending to a splendid holiday ; and that, after all, is the main thing. The parts have been distributed amongst members of the New English Company with judgment. No other member cpuld take the part of sometimes a hero, sometimes a fool, sometimes determined, sometimes weak and flabby, with the skill Mr Garry Marsh has put into it. His acting mostly is humorous, the quiet, unforced humour that comes from genuine talent in that direction. The heaviest work in “'Hie Cat and the Canary ’ falls on the lady members of (the company. N.ot-a-ble amo.ngst them is Miss Tsobel Wilford a* Annabelle AVest, the ‘canary.” the gir? who “is not afraid”,—not until she is properly scared, ns for instance, when she goes to bed in the haunted bouse, with the knowledge that, in the same building there are strangers who will benefit if something happens to her. or when a warder from a. mental hospital in the vicinity rushes in j to report the escape of a mental defec- ! tiye. who. believing that he is a cat, wishes to tear people to threads. The significance of this untoward development is evident when it is remembered that the estate goes to Annabelle on condition that she shows no strain of the insanity which lurks in the family, and which seems to have been lighted up in the testator. If Annabelle goes that "wav the whole estate goes to another heir, whose name is in a sealed envelope in the pocket, of the family lawyer. It is to the interest of a crop of heirs that Annabelle should go oft her head, and most dastardly plots are hatched to bring that /about. Miss I Wilford’s most effective effort is in the incident that has suggested the , title for the play. This is where Annai belle, in hysteria, flutters and shrinks j into a corner, like a caged canary, I terrorised by a cat at the bars. Miss Jane Savile, as Susan Sillsbv, a dis- | tracted, gabbling gossip, who insists upon saying awkward things, supplied a fan share of the humoui. Mr Sid- ! ney Stirling, as Roger Crosby, the family lawyer, acted with more than the average ability, and - made more ! than a passable stage lawyer. It is ! Miss Georgia Harvey, ns the old Indian i woman, however, who has the heaviest work of all- She pervades the play, and gives it a good deal of the stamp it bears. Mr A. Cornell. as the withered old physician, has been aptly described as af mixture of Svengaii and the Silver King. His make-up certainly is clever, fitting in with the general weirdness of the plot and the setting. Mr R. Wykeham is good as the ill-conditioned poor relation, Harry Blythe. The other characters are Cecily Young (.Miss Ails a Grahame). Charles Wilder (Mr R. Geddes), and Hendricks, the warder (Mr G. Blunt). “ The Cat and the Canary ” will be repeated to-night.

FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE. A very strong programme is promised for Carnival Week at Fuller’sOpera House. The last six nights are announced of Odiva’s seals, under the direction of Captain Adams, and patrons who have not vet witnesesd this wonderful act are. advised to reserve t-heir seats as soon as possible, as this will be their final appearance in this city. The return of Fuller's Sunbeam Revue Company will be welcomed by patrons as one of the most successful revue companies that have ever been seen here. Those favourites, T>oddy Hurl and Harry Evans, will do their best to provide plenty of fun in a clever revue, entitled “Special Mixtures, '* and they will he supported bv a strong company including Pat'sie Hill, Billie Jones, Madeleine Dormer, Vernon Sellars, Victor Dyer, A 1 Mack and the Sunbeam Six. The vaudeville section will include I»es Warton. an established favourite in his brilliant coon studies, Aston and Marshall, operatic duettists, Carlton Max, ventriloquist, and Ray Kemble, female impersonator. Seats may now be reserved at. the Bristol.

PEEP INTO THE WILDS. One of the principal attractions at ! the Metropolitan Show this year will ! be the performing lions owned and i worked by Mr Dare T. Meekin. Among the performing troupe are included a ! great variety of animals. Rhodesian lions. Arabian lions and Nubian lions, j also a number of babv cubs Also there | is ' Maudie.’’ the untamable lion- 1 ess," weighing 7cwt. the animal that severely mauled Captain Lindo. the ! lion breaker and trainer, at Lismore (New South Wales), in November last. > The show includes Simon, the high j leaping lion cub. twenty months old, | who jumps nine feet through a hoop j of fire, and there are lions which play j sec-saw and walk tight ropes. The proprietor. Mr Meekin, is not a stranger to Christchurch, having visited here in the past with Tom Thumb, the Turkish midget: Donald M’Cregor, the Scotch - giant ; Daisy and Violet, the Siamese twins; Patrick O'Connor, the Irish giant: and the giant New Zealand ox *• Tiny." Visitors to the show will see a lady in the lions’ den. Bonita Espanioln. the little Cuban lady, will guide the lions through various difficult tricks.