GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17218, 8 December 1923, Page 3 (Supplement)

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

XJBAH BAIRD IN “JL& DIVORCE A FAILURE.” GLADYS WALTON IN “THE UNTAMEABLE.” “Trie Merry Go Round” and current marvellous programme of motion pictures will he screened at Greater Crystal Palace for the last times thin afternoon and to-night, and the worldfamous Symphony Orchestra, tinder tlio distinguished oonductorship of Mr Alw tred J. Hana, will play at both sessions; If the many interesting situations and thrills in “ Is Divorce a Failure?’* the Associated Exhibitors’ masterpiece by and with Leah Baird, which heads the new programme at Greater Crystal Palace, commencing Monday, happeued in real life their stories would bo flashed thousands of miles over * the news wire and would find their way on to ♦ho cable pages o{ every newspaper »n the country. Divorce is tvhat starts the drains in “ Is Divorce a Failure?” j and at present divorce is n live-wire ; subject all over the world, because of the many proposals for a uniform mar- j rtage and divorce law. This Reno di- ; vorce, sought by a woman whose hus- j band agreed to the divorce, then j changed his mind and fought the case, ! caused a lot of comment and notoriety. Extra editions have been run off to tell the news of a terrible shipwreck such as this, in which a passenger steamer collides with a derelict and sinks, hun. dreds of people penshing. A yolcanic eruption would be news for the world and camera arists, who would tell of and picture clouds of smoke and flame bursting from a huge crater, steaming lava streaming down the mountainside. , Of world interest would bo the typhoon, j on land sweeping everything before it; ©n sea tossing big boats about like toys. And through the storm coming a rescue ship to bring back to civilisation three prominent members of •ociety given up foi dead! Thefe is said to be a throb in every minute of “Is Divorce a Failure?” which Miss Baird adapted for the screen from Dorian Neve’s great stage play “ All Mine.” The extraordinary- experiences of a girl who possessed a dual personality, a nature that amounted virtually to a dual identity, are presented in “ The Untameable,” the Universal attraction starring Gladys Walton, which is the second big picture on the new programme. The girl’s character existed in two distinct, realms, one good, the other evil. In a way, her life was that of a feminine *' Jekyll and Hyde” existence. Her more natural self was That of a sweet, charming and generous girl, but ahe was afflicted with a terrible temper that occasionally got beyond the grip of her control. In this state of mind she was cruel, selfish and -‘verbearing. 'Through the hypnotic influence of a skilful and unscrupulous doctor, the vicious side of her nature ■was accentuated and her nature bei ame virtually the subject of his will. Her Teal personality became distorted and was eventually almost entirely masked through the strength of the doctor** mental power over her. “The Untameable ” is a screen version of Gelett Burgess’s famous novel “ The White Cat,” and presents a question that is distinctly unusual and dramati-

oally interesting. Herbert Blache directed this tine picture. The supporting films are the sixth big chapter of “ Tho Eagle's Talons,” a very funny Century comedy and the latest International New* film. Following the established custom particulars of next week's magnificent musical programme will be announced in Monday's newspapers. The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats may bo reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 3758.