What to See in Christchurch

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17246, 12 January 1924, Page 22

What to See in Christchurch

STRAND THEATRE.

"THE TRAP*.* AND “ LAVENDER BATH LADY.*’ Universal Films present Eon Chaney (the man with a thousand faces) in " The Trap.” which commences at the to-day. A rugged story of life in the French-Canadian forests—glorious forest scenery—a photographic fUasterpiece with a real story to tell. See the fight with a wolf in a pitchdark forest cabin—learn the simple, Severe code of a hardy pioneer race. A 4e luxe picture, and a film you should hot miss. Another big picture showing is " Lavender Bath Lady," featuring Gladys Walton. The story depicts the life of Mamie Conroy, who danced lightheartedly on the roof between her boardinghouse and the Gregory mansion. The young heiress to the Gregory millions looked out and smiled, and she and the girl of the Bon Ton shop became fast friends. Then one night, two men stole through a window into the Gregory mansion and Mamie saw them. She slipped out of her window and across the roof. Inside, she was grabbed by the men, who thought she was the heiress they intended to abduct. Mamie was rather loud in her protests, and the crooks had to drop her and beat it. Grandfather Gregory and his precious granddaughter arrived upon the scene a moment later. An idea was born in his worried brain, and he told Mamie she was his granddaughter from then on. The papers announced he was to go to his country house. She went and the abductors gathered in full force. So did all kinds of crooks. After jewels, the heiress and a few other things, the gang gathered all at once one night, and Mamie, the Centre of a weird battle of running servants, detectives and crooks, learned that it was an dangerous thing to have millions for even a day. She was even arrested herself as she clutches the family jewels to save them—but grandfather Gregory appeared and Mamie was explained satisfactorily to the young chief detective, who promptlv told her what day she would have to appear—in a church 1 Supports include chapter 9 of “ The Oregon Trail,’* a comedy and news film. SYDENHAM PICTURES. "THE WOMAN IN HIS HOUSE” AND “ BOSTON BLACKIE.” Mildred Harris, daitv and charming, plays the role of a neglected wife in '* The Woman in Hia House.” which will be screened at Sydenham to-night and Monday and Tuesday next. Opposite her is Ramsey Wallace, who has the part of the too busy and materialistic husband and physician. Che theme of this photo-play deals ritb a triumph of mother love, and little Riohard Hedrick has the part of the child who figures in the case. The picture is said to ma’ e a striking comparison between a wife and just “ a woman in her husband’s house.” Many people have read the “ Boston Blackie ” stories by Jack Boyle. Proijably the one with the greatest dramatic interest is “ The Water Cross.” This adventure tale has been produced ft>r the screen by William Fox, and is called “ Boston Blackie.” and is the second big feature on the programme, with William Russel] as the star. Tf motion picture audiences demand thrills and suspense, action and romance, recitals of courage and love, tor their entertainment, then they will not e disapoointed in this picture The change of programme for Wednesday. Thursday and Friday next will be headed bv a gorgeous spectacle of the East. “ The Sheik’s Wife.” The supporting picture will be the Associated Exhibitors* masterpiece, “ Is Divorce a Failure?”

QUEEN’S THEATRE. RODOLPH VALENTINO IN “ THE CONQUERING POWER.” BERT LYTELL IN "THE FACE BETWEEN.” Rev Ingram, producer of “ The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” has a worthy successor to that screen masterpiece in his production, of “ The Conquering Power,” which will be shown at the Queen’s Theatre next week. The action of the picture is again in France, but this time in a small provincial town, where a story of love and greed is pictured with intensive intimacy in an atmosphere of family life. Tt is the powerful story of Balzac’s “Eugenie Grandet,” translated to the screen and superbly enacted by a cast that includes two of the most popular and talented screen stars, Rodoph Valentino and beautiful Alice Terry. Valentino has the part of the Parisian dandy who wins the love of the beautiful country girl, only to bo sent away and not until many years after are their dreams fulfilled. " The story has been given, a most elaborate la setting and many costly scenes are W shown. There are many out door setI tings and those are delightful. The provincial life of the French is admirably shown as well as some of the higher social life. Valentino is as handsome as ever as the Parisian gentleman and in this picture he wears ordinary clothes. The second attraction will bo "The Face Between,” in which Bert Lytell is featured. The story deals with the sacrifice of Tommy Carteret, a New York society man, who to save the reputation of his father, becomes an, exile in the Blue Ridge mountains, turning Iris back on everything that had made life worth while, even giving up the girl whom he had hoped soon to marry. During his banishment a mountain girl falls in love with him, and, despairing of ever being able to return To civilisation, he decides to marry her but she is shot by a jealous lover and Carteret himself is wounded. Bert , Lyttel enacts the roles of both father and son and makes the latter, a ehai--acter of infinite appeal. A cast of unusual excellence supports Mr Lvtell Including Sylvia Breamer. In addition to the above features there will be spler-dM supporting subjects shown.

HARBOUR LIGHT THEATRE ** The Soul of the Beast/” fea.tr.Ting Madge Bellamy, is the chief attraction at the Harbour Light Theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday and FTiday, “ Night Life in Hollywood.” will he screened. On Saturday and Monday.. January 19 and 21, ‘ ; Tho Bright Shawl.” starring Richard Barthelmess. and Dcrrothy Gish will be ihovn.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE DEMAND’S DOVES AND PIGEONS FIRST OF THE BIG VAUDEVILLE ACTS. At to-day’s matinee Mr V. M. Beebe, manager of Greater Crystal Palace, will present the first of a senes or Musgrore’s Celebrity vaudeville acts, which it is intended to make a permanent feature of the entertainments to he given at the big theatre hereafter. The attraction is Oswald Bemand’s trained doves and pigeons, said to bo the great est bird act in vaudeville. There are over twenty of the birds, all beautiful J creatures, and apparently fearless. They hop on lamps, stand shocks Pill carry out every given order. Their flight from the back of the dress circle to their trainer is quite exciting. These vaudeville acts will be presented each week in addition to the usual programme of motion pictures and orchestral music. All of the vaudeville acts are “ top-line ” attractions from the Tivoli Theatre, Sydney, and should prove a big attraction to local play goers. In addition to the doves and pigeons there will be presented for the last times this afternoon and to-nitht “Drifting,” “A Clouded Name” and current euccessful programme of motion pictures, whilst the world-famous Symphony Orchestra, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz. will play at both sessions. For next week, commencing Monday, “ The Covered Waggon.** Paramount’s greatest picture, will be the main attraction, and the trained doves and pigeons will be continued on the same bill up to and including Friday. The weekly change of pictures will be made each Monday as Usual, but owing to trans portation arrangements the vaudevile acts will be changed each Saturday. The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats m*v he reserved bv telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 3758.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. THE PARAMOUNT MASTERPIECE, “ THE COVERED WAGGON.” Presenting an all star cast, lt The Covered Waggon,” which commences at Everybody’s on Monday, is one of the few features nowadays which may be said to live up to the vivid and varied descriptions by the publicity merchants. A large sum of money was spent in its composition, and one can believe this after witnessing the picture. As almost every picture patron knows by now, the story deals with the early days in America. Jt »s based upon historical facts and introduces to us those pioneers who paved the wav for the mighty cities that have since risen in the wake of these intrepid explorers. Whilst the historical aspect has been well maintained. much of its interest lies in tlio introduction of a charming love story. This latter element is not free from intrigue, as may be imagined. The rivals to the hand of Molly Wingate are ultimately brought into conflict in a real rough-and-tumble, and this fight is one of the stirring incidents in tl>e production. Other outstanding incidents are the fording of the river by a waggon train The feat of the men who braved the dangers of the Oregon trail in the pioneer days are duplicated in the filming of this scene. Two hundred waggons, drawn by horses, mule and ox teams, ford the rushing stream, the waggon boxes lashed to logs that they might float the running gear. rf 'h“ train is driven into the 1 river, while the outriders with whips torce the leading teams out into the swimming water. A most realistio prairie fire is also witnessed, and an attack on the Wingate camp by Indians, with a subsequent rescue by those of the Banion outfit. The trials and tribulations of the pioneers are graphically portrayed as the picture nroeresses, and it is very true in its realism. The cast, a verv strong one. has Warren Kerrigan and Lois Wilson as leads, but the most convincing characterisation is that of Jackson, a guide. This, in the hands of Ernest Torrence, is a classic in its way. TulJy Marshall us Bridger. a trapper also stands out prominently in the cast. A good supporting programme will also be shown. The box plan is now open at The Bristol, or seats may he reserved by telephoning the theatre.

GRAND THEATRE. | RICHARD BARTHLEMESS IN "THE BRIGHT SHAWL,” TOM MORE IN “LORD AND LADY ALGY.” The management, of the Grand Theatre will screen for the following week, commencing to-day, "The Bright. Shawl;” It is indeed fortunate that, such a superb picture will have another week’s run in Christchurch, fer many picture patrons have not as yet had the opportunity of seeing it. "The Bright Shawl,” which features Richard Barthlemess, is a film version of Hergesheimer’s popular story, and deals with the days of Spanish oppression in Cuba. In order to obtain the proper j atmosphere, a large part of the story j was filmed in Cuba, the balance being ■ made in New York. John S. Roberti son, responsible for such productions as | “ Dt Jekyll and Mr Hyde ” and “ SenI timental Tommy,” was the directorial , genius behind the camera. Bartkel- | mess has perhaps the most romantic ! role of his entire screen career, that of an adventurious young American ! who take*? uj> the cause of the rebels and incidentally falls in love with tho | daughter of a rebel leader. The complications which ensue when La Clavel,

a Spanish dancer, the favourite of the most despised of Spanish officers, becomes infatuated with the young American, who encourages her so that he may gain information of value to the rebels, are said to make this one of the most absorbing photoplays of a decade. Supporting the star are Dorothy Gish, as La Glavel, the dancer; Mary Astor, as his screen sweetheart; Anders Randolf, as the Spanish tyrant, Santacilla; Jetta Goudal as La Pilar, female spy; Andre Beranger, E. G. Robinson, Margaret Seddon, Louis Alberni, William Powell and George Humbert. ‘‘The Bright Shawl” has been filmed on a most elaborate and colourful scale. The big supporting attraction is a Goldwyn production, entitled “Lord and Lady Algv,” and features those two popular stars, Tom Mooro and Naomi Childers. Tho production, a highly interesting comedydrama, deals mostly with racing and connection thereto. It is a highly colourful and well directed picture, and will appeal to the most discriminating of critics. A strong supporting programme is also bring screened.

LIBERTY THEATRE. “ THE SHEIK’S WIFE ” AND “ THE WOMANS IN HIS HOUSE.” I In order to get atmosphere for an Arabian production, one must go under j the tropical sun of the Arabian desert where real Arabs and Mussulmans live in their natural environs. HenryRousell, the eminent French director, has produced a picture of unusual merit in ‘The Sheik’s Wife,” which commences at the Liberty Theatre today. Real Arabs jerform Jeats of horsemanship known only to their race. The production is unique and noteworthy. It is the living document of life as it exists under the sun of Arabia —a picture made in the land of horses, coffee and desert sands. Interiors of real harems, where the legal wives of the Sheik live in seclusion from male view are shown. The picture deals with the experiences of a white girl who married a Sheik, and teaches a lesson in roiceful and dramatic manner. It is a picture that grips the interest and remains with the spectator for days. In fact, the more one thinks of this strange story i the stronger it grips and holds. The ! atmosphere, customs and traditions of 1 the desert are well brought out in the production. This is due, perhaps, to the fact that the film was actually taken in Arabia, and with a few ex- i ceptions, most of the players are Arabs. ' The scenes in the cities show the natives in their natural environs. Aside from being an exceptionally fine and gripping story, “ The Sheik’s Wife ” is a travelogue of unusual interest, as the scenes on the desert, the oasis, the temple of Isis, and those scenes taken within the city of Akaba are exceptionally fine from an artistic and scenic viewpoint. The traditions and customs of the Arabs, their camp life and home life aro brought out . fully in a number of sequences.

What may truly be termed one of tho most powerful, moving and human photoplays is “ The Woman in His House,” tlio second attraction on the programme. In it a gripping story is admirably portrayed by an all-star cast, which includes such screen celebrities as Mildred Harris, Ramsey Wallace, Gareth Hughes. Winter Hall and littlo Richard Headrick- Mildred Harris is seen in the leading feminine role as the neglected wife. Ramsey Wallace portrays the part of the too busy husband, a noted physician, so engrossed in liis work that he neglects his own wife and baby. The scenes are laid on the rugged coast of Eastern Canada and in New York, where the story of mother love is unfolded. The supports will include a comedy and the ever-interesting gazette, which depicts all the important happening* abroad. The box plans aro now open at Tho Bristol.

WIRTH’S CIRCUS. LAST NIGHT TO-NIGHT Under the big canvas opposite the railway station, Wirth’s Circus had another large crowd to watch the diversified programme yesterday afternoon and evening. Everything that gees towards making a circus of the best has been gathered together for Wirth’s. There are roaring lions, tiger's, elephants and all the animrds of the jungles; daring equestrians and equestriennes; acrobats, humorous and sensational, from many countries, and the indispensable clowns. The principal artists are:—Captain Zapf, with the lions; Muldoon; Flying Lloyds; Alired Clark: Evans and Perez, equilibrists; Prince Guiseppe Bignoli, " the smallest rider in the world”; Mim and Loue, pedestal equilibrists: Eugenie Pearl, rider: Miss Williams, tight-rope walker, and the Alfredo Egochargo troupe of burlesque artists. FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE. Next Monday will see what is possibly the strongest programme presented at Fuller’s Opera House for many yea rs. Heading the bill is that brilliant combination, St iffy and ALo, who have become such enormous favourites during their season here. This week they will appear “ In Society,” a revue which is said to be one of their greatest successes. The principals have been allotted good parts, while the music and dancing is of the latest. Jn tho vaudeville section a first appearance will be made l>v Limi Smith’s Royal Jazz Band. This is a corntination which was organised by the

Fuller Proprietory to demonstrate the ability of Australasian musicians, and it has proved an enormous success everywhere Limi Smith presides at the piano, and he ‘is assisted by a saxophonist, violinist, trombonist and drummer. lt is said to be an ideal jazz combination. Several other brilliant vaudeville acts will also be included, amongst them being Harry North, the concertina sw aggie, and Charles E. Lawrence, the brilliant entertainer. Seats may now be reserved at Tho Bristol. MISS GERTRUDE ELLIOTT. “WOMAN TO WOMAN.” An important theatrical event is tho first performance here at the Iheatre Royal on Thursday evening next of the famous Ijondon actress. Miss Gertrude Elliott (Lady Forbes Robertson), and her complete English company. The opening production is a drama with a grip and thrill by Michael Morton, entitled “Woman to Woman. The “Herald,” Melbourne, under the heading of “A Brilliant Performance —Lady Forbes Robertson’s triumph” said: “If there has ever been a greater emotional actress than Miss Gertrude Elliott in Australia it was not my good fortune to see her. Her success on Saturday night was instant and overwhelming. By sheer emotional force and sleverly disguised artistry of her work she grips and holds one’s attention and dominates every scene.” “Woman to Woman’” is a play that, it is said, has captivated New York, fascinated London, enthralled South Africa, and in Australia scored an instantaneous triumph. The story is a simple, unvarnished one of everyday life. There is nothing of the superhuman about any of its characters. The hero and heroine are just a real man and woman with the frailties and defects that are common property of the greater portion of mankind. The company supporting Miss Gertrude Elliott includes many English artists who have been associated with the .star’s success in the leading cities of England; America, South Africa and Australia. Prominently appearing are Mavne Lvnton, William Mollison, Lilias Waldergrave, Athol Forde, Herbert Milliard, Gertrude Boswell. J. B Rowe, T. AT. Ollif, Milton Brooks, lan M’Lean and Anne M’Ewen. “Woman to Woman” has had an exceptionallv I fine reception bv theatre goers in both I Auckland and Wellington, and judging from the following from the Auckland ! “Herald” is a most satisfving evening’s entertainment for theatre goers: ; “An unusually enthusiastic welcome ; was accorded Miss Gertrude Elliott fLadv Forbes Robertson). A large audience witnessed a magnificent performance.” The box plans for five nights, and one matinee of “ Woman to Woman” open on Monday at the Bristol.