QUEEN'S THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17220, 11 December 1923, Page 5

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

“FLAMES OF PASSION” AND “THE BEAR CAT.” The new programme of pictures presented at the Queen’s Theatre last evening was an excellent one. A Fox Corporation release, “ Flames of Passion,” worthily held pride of place. It is a story which deviates from the stereotyped plot and the roles are ably interpreted by a well-balanced cast. In scenic effect alone it ranks among the best, the story having as its locale a lumber camp set among forest-clad country. Grant Whitney, tired of New York Society, accepts a position as manager of the Markham Lumber Company. He finds his task a difficult <?ne as Lew Harkness, a lumberman, is jealous of his success and endeavours, by promoting discord among the men, to discredit Whitney. Jealous of Whitney’s friendship with “Jimmie” Turner, the daughter of “ Brute ” Turner, Whitney stick to his task and eventually wins out. The climax is intensly dramatic the scenes of the great forest fire being realistically detailed. George Larkin as Grant Whitney gives quite the best characterisation of liis career, while Ruth Stenhouse is admirably adapted to the role of “Jimmie” Turner, the winsome girl of the backwoods.

Edward (“ Hoot ”) Gibson achieves yet another triumph in “ The Bear Cat,” a fast moving ranching story. He has the role of Sep Bention and incidentally rejoices in the nomenclature pf “ The Singing Kid.” He gains tile ,goodwill of John May, a rancher, through saving his daughter Alvs from death. He immediately falls in love with her, but before he learns that his love is reciprocated he has many thrilling experiences. Lilian Rich, in the role of Alys May, makes a heroine well worth fighting for. The supporting films included a bright, clean comedy, “ Fool Days,” starring A 1 St John, and a lox news. The Queen’s orchestra under tYie baton of Mr H. G. Glaysher provided an excellent programme of music appropriate to the pictures.