AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17348, 13 May 1924, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. ■’WOMAN' TO WOMAN” TO-IMY VEST BODAY’S PATRONS DISAPPOINTED. Throngli somf faint in dispatch. til's muct-looked-for picture. " Woman to Woman.” tint not arrive for screening at Everybody's Theatre \e,ierda\;. A scratch programme, with the original second film. "The Fortunes or Christina M.’Nab," as the feature, was shown at both sessions, but the managetn«Bt promise that “Woman to Woman” will be shown to-day. Betty Oompson has outdone herself in “Woman to ‘Woman.” the throobmg photo-drama which will he shown to-dav. Those who have seen Miss Compson in the past remember her exquisite acting, hut nothing she has ever done can compare with her delineation of Deloryse in this picturisation of Michael Murton’s successful stage play of the same name. The leading male role is played by Clive Brook, whose sturdy masculinity i« an admirable foil tor Miss Compson s dainty girlishness, .fosepbine Earle and Mane Ault are most convincing in their characterisations, and add much to tb© reality of the production, Ihu settings are not only magnificent but in the best of taste. As for the story itsejf. it is brimming with poignant appeal. The little Ftench girl, Louise Boucher, dances her way into your heart, and when she becomes the great artiste Deloryse, she not only retains hut increases her grip upon your affections. All in all, “ Woman to Woman ” is distinctly worth while, and no one who really enjoys a really good photo-play can afford to miss it. ' “ The Fortunes of Christina M’Nab” is a pure comedy from start to finish, with .just a little human sentiment naturally interwoven. One humorous incident follows another in quick succession. The point is that tho whole picture is delightfully refreshing, and the staging is a visual joy throughout. Xorah Swinburne, the well -known beauty actress from the legitimate stage, as Christina M’Nab. is the predominating figure in this sterling sixreel picturisation of Sarah M’Naughten’s novel, and her winsome personality comes out from the screen to add not a little to the attractiveness of the story, as her many beautiful dresses do in the general mounting and dressing.

Everybody's orchestra, under the .conductorship of Mr J. Bellingham, F.S.M., will contribute, as usual, a delightful programme of music, including:—Overture, “ March of the Mogul Emperors’* iCrown of India). Elgar: suites, “ Valse Triste ” (Sibelius), “ Grown of India’* (Elgar), “Chant Eligiaque” (Tschaikowskv); song suite, “Three French Songs” (Massenet); entr’acte, “ Madame Butterfly ** (Puccini). Reserved seats may be obtained at. The Bristol, or at the theatre, telephone 4825. ,

QUEEN’S THEATRE.

“THE LIGHT THAT FAILED.” AND “THE BUTTERFLY GIRL.’*

“The Light That Failed” is the title of the chief picture on the new programme screened at the Queen’s Theatre last night. This film is a Paramount attraction, and it is an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s well-known novel of the same name. In adapting the story for the screen, George *Melford. the director, whose previous big attraction was “The Sheik,” has followed the original story very closely. The result is that the film version, backed up by able production, is quite as interesting and entertaining as the novel. The story of “The Light That Failed” is well known, and it need only be briefly stated here. The hero is Dick Heldar, an artist. He is a rover by nature, and the passing years find him in Port Said, an artistic failure. Here he meets with three British war tor respondents who have been drawn there by the prospect of trouble in the Sudan. One of these correspondents. Torpenhow, after inspecting Holder's artistic efforts, makes a flattering proposal that he should go with him to the front to paint pictures of the scenes of the fighting Heldar consents, and his drawings are so good that he makes a name for himself in England. On his return to London, Heldar, one night in a dense fog. meets Maisie Wells, an old friend of his childhood days. The two exchange confidences, and their youthful love is revived. Maisie inspires Heldar to paint a great portrait, and he selects for his model Bessie Broke, a street waif whom Torpenhow has rescued from starvation. As the work progresses Bessie’s gratitude to Torpenhow turns to love, but Heldar advises him to go away and forget the girl. As the picture nears completion Heldar's sight fails, and he learns that be will become blind as the result of a sabre wound received in. the Sudan. Bessie revenges herself on Heldar for separating her and Torpenhow by leading Maisie to believe that she is living with Heldar., Realising that his sight is failing. Heldar works feverishly on the portrait, and at last it is completed. Bessie, however, revengefully destroys the masterpiece. Heldar has become blind, so that he cannot see the destruction wrought on his work, and his friends mercifully conspire to keep the truth from him. Later when Bessie hears of this her heart softens, and she does all in her power to make restitution for her wilful act of vandalism. She succeeds so well that in the pud Heldar and Maisie are reunited, and Heldar still J>elieves that his picture is a great piece of art, and wonderfully done. The story is most capably interpreted bv a strong cast of players. The part of Heldar is well interpreted by Percy Marmont. who is famed for his work in “Tf Winter Comes.” Jacqueline Logan, who takes the part of Bessie Broke, has won fame in several Paramount productions. Other capable players are David Torrence, who takes the part of Torpenhow. end Sigrid Holmquist, who takes the part of Maisie Wells. The second attraction on the programme was ‘‘The Butterfly Girl.” in which Marjorie Daw plays the leading role. It is a society drama full of action, end set amidst elaborate surroundings. A good programme of supporting pictures was shown, and suitable incidental music was played hv I he orchestra, under the baton' of Mr H. G. Glaysher. The overture was “Sunshine and Flowers” fFlath). and the entr’acte “An Tdiotio TTave” (Allen).

LIBERTY' THEATRE.

Much has been written about “ Main Street,” the principal picture now be-

ing shown at Liberty, and many flat toring notices regarding it have boor published. It will he admitted gen ©rally that the praise bestowed on tin

picture is fuily justified. Tn the first place, the story is intensely interesting and genuinely human, and the attention of ths Effectator is held from start to finish. With Florence Vidor and Monte Blue at the head of a strong cast ut players, the acting leaves nothing to be desned, whilst the scenery and mountings are elaborate and tealistic. “ Maui Street ” is an adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’s novel of the Kiuri'i name. The picture follows the hook v ith fidelity. The second big attraction on the programme is the First National picture " I hundergate,” based on Sidney Herschell Small s popular 1 novel " The Lord of Tbundevgate.’ The story deals in a romantic and dramatic way with the adventures of an American in China, who hears a strong resemblance to a young mandarin, and who, through .strange circumstances, is forced to masquerade as this mandarin. Laid in the colourful atmosphere of the Orient, with the magnificence of Chinese temples and palaces as a background, ‘ 'Hiundergate ” offers a wonderful opportunity to a brilliant cast of players to present a thrilling 1 story. The humorous portion of the i evening’s entertainment was supplied i by a Christie, comedy entitled "Take Vour CiiOK-e,” in which that clever | comedian Bobby Vernon is the star | artist. An excellent programme of incidental music is supplied by the Liberty Orchestra under the direction of Mr Howard Moody.

GRAND THEATRE.

"" My Wild Irish Rose,” which is being snown at the Grand Theatre, is adapted for the screen from the , mous play by Dion BouCicauit, known as “ The Shaugnraun.” Pauline Starke and Pat O’Malley head the cast. A special part has been written into the story for *" Mickey” Daniels,” wtio made such a hit in Vitagraph’s “ The Little Minister ” as Aiican Dow. m ;

“ My Wild Irish Rose,” Daniels is cast I as the young brother of Moya, the character taken by Pauline Starke. He is also tho nephew of Father Dolan, j The part of Conn, the Shaughraun, is taken by Pat O’Malley. He provides | a typical version in personality of the \ devii-may-care Irishman. Ine second j attraction is “ Venus of the South Seas,” featuring Annette Kellermann. This film bears the "Made in New Zealand ” imprint, and that, plus the numerous commendable tea cures, makes ‘ Venus of the South Seas ” an outstanding motion picture. It was a big undertaking for Miss Kellerman to come from America with a company of ! camera-men, a director, actors and 1 scene hands, aud make a picture. She j lias come through with flying colours, j Annette Kellerman seems to \>e at ; home under the water, and for that i reason the submarine scenes have been ! exploited so as to make them out- J standing features of the production. The supporting programme is admirable. and includes an extremely funny ‘ comedy, “ Tha Idle Class,” featuring Charles Chaplin, and an interesting picture in slow motion, showing the various golf strokes as adopted by Gene Sara-zen, the famous golfer.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

MISS PRISCILLA DEAN AS WHITE TIGER. POWERFUL DRAMATIC PRODUCTION. Miss Priscilla Dean, perhaps the brightest fixed star in the movie firmament at present, has a strong personality and unusual, probably Unique qualifications for characterisations that demand power. She acts by sheer personality, as much as by her gestures and her actions, not to mention an effective trick with her eyes. She wisely has selected the drama As her field of work; leaving comSdy others. Taking the emotional parts in “ Outside the Law,** “"Reputation,” “ The Flame of Life,” and “ Under Two Flags,” she has gone from one success to another. She excels herself in *" White Tiger,” r Uni versa l-Jewel picture shown at Greater Crystal Palace last night, largely because she represents in it a type of imperious feminity that has a strong mind and a fiery spirit.

The title of the story is fanciful, hut not inept. Sylvia Donovan, the White Tiger, is queen in a trio of “ crooks," not by any means the common class of “crooks ’’ whom the police chase into the courts, but big-gam**, international “ crooks,” with boundless courage and first-class intellects. In spit© of this, they live ip. an atmosphere of sordidness and of reciprocal suspicion that leaves no room for the romance novelist’s love to weave into the lives of men and women in the underworld. The members of this precious trio have as much honour among themselves, as much respect tor one another, as .much comradeship, as might be expected from so many rattlesnakes. Each mistrusts the others, and all sit. for sleepless flays and nights watching the loot, expecting treachery, and ready to give it. Looking at the world through their own spectacles, thev regard an honest meddler, who wishes to lead the White Tiger from her career of crime, as another scoundrel, trying to share in stolen loot. The aram.atic climax is reached when the White Tiger, in a storm of passion. stabs one of the men with whom she consorts, and who, she then learns, is her brother. He recovers and turns oyer the proverbial new leaf; the White Tiger marries honest Dick Longwoxtli, who had tried to save ner and the ihird “crook, 5 * a tinsel count, flees into the blackness of the night. Those who saw Miss Dean on the screen at Greater Crystal Palace last night will not be surprised to learn that “White Tiger” was written by her. Mr Tod Browning, who also produced ‘‘ Outside the Law,” worked i into the present story the elements in j which Miss Doan finds her best materials. With her in the leading part, it was necessary to have other stars, w'ho vould not be completely outshone, and the Universal Pictures Corporation engaged Mr Wallace Beerv, hero of “ The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” Robin Hood,” and “ H e Flame of Life ” ; Mr Raymond Griffith., who makes a third and sinister ” crook ” ; aud Mr Matt Moore, the villain in “ The Storm." In many I respects—in all respects—“ White | Tiger ’’ is an outstanding picture, certainly the best of its kind shown at Greater Crystal Palace. Miss Deau’s presence in it is sufficient guarantee that it is far above the raiiK -and -file of movie pictures, but its intrinsic qualifies alone place it on the high est standard. Bobbed hair seems lt» be coming into fashion again. There may be doubts as to whether it always is attractive, but it certainly suits Miss M'antfa Hawley, who, in the second big picture at Greater Crystal Palace, takes the pa.t of a girl who runs away from home nnc! joins a friend in a futuristic art colony, where she wears unconventional clothes and bobs her hair. “ Bobbed Hair is a satirical comedy, light and bright, with the requisite balance of dramatic interest. Miss Hawley is a vivacious actress, well suited to the part of an impressionable young girl, wishing to marry the man of her choice, iother than the matter-of-fact business man selected for her. The cast lias been selected carefully. Amongst Miss Hawley’s supporters, the honours go to Mr W. P. Carleton, well known at Greater Crystal Palace, who takes tho part of the futuristic artist. Mr W. Boyd takes the part of Dick, the genuine lover. “Bobbed Hair” is n. merry Realart production, which can be enjoyed by people of all tastes in movie pictures. “ The New Leather-pushers ” serial still is very popular at Greater Crystal vide good fun as Kid Robertson. Oil

this week’s programme there are. also, another chapter of “The Steel Tiail,” a Century comedy, and the latest International News’film. The Greater Crystal Palace Symphony Orchestra supplied a very 'delightful musical programme, which several times called forth applause from tin large audience. The overture. which was particularly well like.rl was Balfe’s “Bohemian Girl.” played brilliantly, with conspicuously good work by'the violins. In Mendelssohn's '* Fingal’s Cave,” the undulating figure of the viola and ’cello contrasted with the sustained notes of the other strings; the crescendo passages, representing waves on the rocks, came in with a scene in the pictures. Hadley s “ Azora ” opened with a trumpet, call, and later the wood-wind had delicate work in the chromatic passages. Luigi ni’s bp l let suite and Beethoven’s storm music were gtven at the special request of a hoy of fifteen, who is a regular patron at Greater Crystal Palace, and who has asked for other classics. In Grieg’s “ Norwegian Dames.” the oboe effect, was in keeping with the hut scene in “ White Tiger.” Lemare’s “ Andantino,” was playeci on the ’cello by Mr F. Bate. On the lighter side_a notable was a new ragtime “Um Urn I>a Da. in which the xylophone was conspicuous, and amongst the fox-trots were Rose s “ Linger Awhile.” Cowley’s ‘ Easy Melodv,” and Brady’s “ Rose of Monteucy.'*

FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE,

SEW PROGRAMME. There was a very large audience at the Opera House last evening, when a new programme was presented. The bill was opened by Victor the Great, who, with the assistance of a lady and. young girl, presented a ventriloquial act of some merit. The girl proved herself a very fine exponent of the art. The turn earned the performers hearty applause. Miss Nell Crane sang “Whoop’s a Daisy,” and then gave a good comedy number, entitled • Bride 13.” After a couple of child impersonations she concluded her_ contribution with “I’ve Built, for You a Desert Home.” The Folies Bergeves Quartet gave a change of items which proved immensely popular. The violinist© was warmly applauded for her playing of “Gundagai.” Then- followed a flute solo, sweetly played. The playing of “musical milestones,” or songs that will never die, brought forth storms of applause. Amongst the “milestones” were such well-known favourites as “The Merrv Widow,' “Loch Lomond,” “Roses of Picardy,” and “Love’s Old Sweet Song.” The quartet’s very enjoyable act concluded with a cornet and flute comedy duet, “Gallagher and Shean.” Chas. E. Lawrence quickly won his way to favour by telling funny stories and giving humorous monologues. One of his best stories concerned a well-known make of motor car and a donkey. “Houses to Let” was a cleverly selfcomposed monologue. The Mirano Brothers against staged their flying torpedo act, with which they thrilled one and all of the patrons. Signor "William Mirano also repeated his feat ;of swinging right over on a trapeze. The second portion of the programme was given by George Wallace’s Revue Company, who entered upon the last five nights of their season. “Athletic Frolics” was the title given to the new production, and it . proved quite as entertaining as any of its predecessors. Incidentally, the finale served to introduce all the members of the company in a new role—that of acrobavs. George Wallace was. as usual, responsible for much merriment hv his taljv and antics generally , and he received verv good support from Tom Lincoln. Marshal Crosby, Jack White, and Kyrle Sylvauey all filled their parts most creditably. Misses Marie Wyman. Sadie Tilhurn. and Bebe Scott performed pleasingly, while nothing hut praise can he bestowed on the assistance the Six Rascals gave their principals. Attractive musical numbers were given as follows:—“California and Hiram B’ (Sadie Tilhurn), “My House is Haunted” (Tom Lincoln), “A "Kiss in the Dark” (Marie Wyman), “Coal Blaoc Mammy” (Kyrle Sylvaney). “The Deathless Army” (Marshall Crosby), and “Mother, Speak to Ethel” (George Wallace). The last number was given by request. The Six Rascals san.»

“Meet Me at the Station Down in Dixieland,” and danced -in unison in pretty frocks. In a speech which he delivered in his best Australian, "Mr Wallace said that as the company’s season was drawing to a close, he wished to take the opportunity of thanking the audiences for the splendid receptions they had accorded bis little band during their stay here. Personally, he considered f hristchurch the best town in New Zealand theatrically and socially. The comedian was warmly applauded at the conclusion of his remarks.

THEATRE ROYAL,

“SALLY.” The successful Christchurch season of “ Sally ” will be brought to a close to-night. The production is very strong from a musical point of view. The mounting of the piece is carried out on a lavish scale, and there are a great number of very beautiful ballets. The work of Miss Josie Melyille in the title role is decidedly pleasing. In actual comedy work “ Sally ” is one of the strongest companies which have appeared here. George Gee and Dan Agar are masters of their own particular line of work. The Butterfly Ballet, is one of the most beautiful, artistic- and effective ever presented in Christchurch.

“ WHAT HO!”

COMING WEDNESDAY. This production, which promises to be one of the best Canterbury College students have yet staged, will lie given at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday, j Thursday and Friday of this week. The revue will be staged in three “ spasms,” and the serious will be mingled with the burlesque in a manner which should appeal to all theatregoers. The scene in the bachelor’s flat is full of possibilities which are made the most of by the characters. The central figure in this “ flutter,” is Reckless Reggie (Mr M. J. Bums), who devotes his attention to Bebe, ’ the charming daughter of Colonel CX>r- ’ dite. “ Hebe ” is played by Miss O. ; Owen, while Mr W. B. Harris will be • seen as Colonel Cordite. “ Stiggles,” ! the butler (Mr P. D. Hall), will also j have a large share of the comedy work 1 Alj A. A. G. Reid, who will be remerni bered as the janitor in last year’s re- : vue, plays the part of the Rev Horace ; Hiccup, vicar of Merry vale, with great j effect Mr W. Price will play the part ; of Vodka, the Russian art student, j while Mr L. R. Palmar will be seen ns Major llooit, and Miss N. Biltcliff ns Pamela Rooit. Some delightful musical numbers and some of the lat-e.-d choruses will be given in this art. ‘ “ Peace,” a burlesque by George

Calderon, will be rendered in the second ag±. the leading characters being Messrs C. E. Beeby. A\ . 13. Harris and L. C. Stephens. Then the curtain will open on a Persian scene iu all ite grandeur. The costuming hero is particularly effective, with some attractive ballets. Miss Ruth Jefcoate will render the vocal numbers. The final scene will be a night cabaret. The plot will be concluded from the first “ flutter,” and some attractive vocal numbers and choruses will bo Much solid work has been put into this production, and there are a largo number of students taking part. Air C. A. Rendle, the producer, and Mis-. Ruby Wilding, who is directing the ballets, have spared no male* under the conductorship of Air Sydney Williamson. The plan is open at The Bristol.