What to See in Christchurch

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17352, 17 May 1924, Page 22

What to See in Christchurch

STRAND THEATRE. “CROSSED WISE” AND “THE PRISONER.” “The Prisoner,” with Herbert Raw- | linson as the star, is the supporting 1 film. The story is laid in Vienna, and tells of a young American, disappointed in love two years earlier, who unexpectedly runs across the other partv of his blighted romance, stirring things up in Vienna society as the fiancee of a mysterious Prince Ugo Ravorelli and being watched over by her mother Disregarding most of the established conventions and proprieties, the young adventurer finds courage to take the girl of his choice away from the altar just as the marriage knot is about to unite her to the prince, and he holds her prisoner in an ancient castle. Rawlinson is the American, Eileen Percy the girl, and Bertram Graseby the mysterious count. Other pictures are “Phantom Fortune.” Chapter 9,

comedy, Brownie in “Howling Success,” and the International News. “Crossed Wires,” featuring Gladys Walton, the new film at the Stran 1 Theatre, concerns Marcel Murphy, a switchboard operator with social ambitions. One day she listened in on a call from Mrs Bellamy Benson, social j queen, to her secretary, Miss Kemp, and learned enough about a forthcoming function to call Miss Kemp later in the day and say that Mrs Benson had requested that she attend but that she would like a formal invitation. Result, Marcel enters the select assemblage with the air of a grande dame and her subsequent experiences are varied and a combination of drama and hilarity.

GRAND THEATRE. “THE FRENCH DOLL” AND “TILUE’S PUNCTURED ROMANCE.” Never before have motion pictui'e fans had the opportunity to see the inimitably charming Mae Murray in a photopiay so dazzling, so fascinating, bo go;geous and so entertaining as “Tne l’rench Doll,” her newest picture, which will bo shown ut> the Grand 'ineatre to-day. it was produced in tne elaborate style characteristic of her former screen plays, but it is more elaborate than anything which has gone betore. And in it Mae Murray, Known as the best dressed star on the screen, wears the most luxurious gowns ever seen on stage or screen. “ The French Doll ” is a film version of the famous play of the same name, in which Irene Bordini achieved her greatest success. In the photoplay Miss Murray portrays a fiery little French girl of many love affairs, who helps her parents sell antiques of modern manufacture. The family comes to America, New York

and Palm Beach, where they move in high social circles, while beautiful Georgine is the magnet to draw more customers for their ** heirlooms.” In America Georgine finds romance. “ The French Doll ” was adapted to the screen by Frances Marion from the play by A. E. Thomas. It is presented by Robert Z. Leonard and was produced by Tiffany Productions. The second feature will be “ Tillie’s Punctured Romance,” one of Charlie Chaplin’s funniest comedies. An excellent supporting programme will also be given, and the Grand Orchestra will play musical selections. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “WOMAN TO WOMAN” SEASON EXTENDED. “Woman to Woman” will be screened at Everybody’s Theatre till next Wednesday. The success of the photoplay has been great and that with the late arrival ol the picture this week prompted the management to secure an extended season, Betty Compson has outdone herself in “Woman to Woman,” the throbbing photodrama. Those who have seen Miss Compson in the past remember her exquisite acting, but nothing she has ever done can compare with her delineation of Delory se in this picturisation of Michael Morton’s successful stage play of the same name. The leading male role is played by Clive Brook, whose sturdy masculinity is in admirable foil for Miss Compson’s daintiness. Josephine Earle and Marie Ault are * most convincing in. their charqcterisa- | tions and add much to the reality of j the production. The settings are not j only magnificent, but in the best of j taste, and Graham Cutts is to be conj gratulated on his good judgment. As j for the story itself, it is brimming I with poignant appeal. The little French girl, Louise Boucher, dances j her way into your heart and when she becomes the great artiste, Deloryse, she not only retains but increases her i grip upon your affections. All in all. “Woman to Woman,” is distincly worh ' while and no one who enjoys a really good photoplay can afford to miss it. “MAN AND WIFE” AND “CAUSE FOR DIVORCE.” On Thursday. “Alan and Wife” and “Cause for Divorce” will be shown. That “Man and Wife” has a great cast will be readily conceded by one and all who peruse the names of players, the , list including some of the screen’s | luminaries - such as Gladys Leslie, ! Maurice Costello. Norma Shearer, Robj ert Elliott and Ernest Hilliard. Alj though the plot is intricate, the scenes 1 of this domesic drama flow smoothly, due to the excellent continuity and direction. “Cause for Divorce” is another tense mantal drama with Fritzie Brunette, David Butler. Helene Lynch and Pat O'Malley heading a big cast.

LIBERTY THEATRE. “THE BAD MAN” AND “LONG ODDS ” Everyone has a soft spot for the type of outlaw as described in “The Bad Man” coming to the Liberty Theatre to-night, especially when he is one of those audacious lofty individuals whose polish is such an asset in their many and varied escapades. Such a type is Pancho Lopez, portrayed by Holbrook Blinn, who gives an ideal interpretation of the satirical cattle rustler. The picture is a screen adaption from the play of the same name and is the story of life and love in Arizona. The theme is based on the various adventures of the late Pancho Villa who was so prominent in the public eye a year or so back. It dealt? with a hitherto unknown romance of this well-known Mexican who haunted the laws of the country in such a n:.inner as to bring him into world wide prominence, defying capture and carrying on a succession of impudent lawless cattle thefts and evading capture indefinitely ; in fact he lives as *ie wants to. and does as he wants to. It is delicious humour all the way through, blended with just that touch of pathos that goes to make the production so intensely human. Jack Mulhall plays the part of Gilbert Jones. Enid Bennett as the heroine adds new, laurels to her already long list of successes.

Pictures of the turf are invariably to be relied upon to stimulate and hold the interests of the great British public, and “Long Odds” which is at the Liberty Theatre, is a thrilling racing drama guaranteed to be one of the greatest sporting attractions filmed. Even with those folk who have rever graced a racecourse there is plenty to hold them in this production, and as a thrilling drama it is unusrpassed. Needless to say that to the uninitiated this picture of the turf reveals all the incidents and episodes that are associated with racing, the happy care-free crowds, gay dresses, and beautiful horses trained to do their best and entering with zest into the races. All through runs a pretty love story, and there is a thrill in every foot of film. The suspense and the climax are §o cleverly arranged that long before the final race the audience is excited, and when the great steeplechase takes place enthusiasm abounds. A rule very seldom applied to racing is brought into the finish of this very entertaining attrac

A topical budget containing events of interest which happen in other parts of the world. a screamingly funny comedy with a riot of fun and laughter add to the attractions of this programme, and selections from a varied list of composers and the latest fox trots will be played by the Liberty Quality Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Howard Moody. Beservations may be made bv phoning Liberty No 2366. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “RUGGLES OF RED GAP.” Won from the Honourable George, spendthrift scion of English nobility, Ruggles, a valet, was accidentally introduced to the Western town of Red Gap as colonel. Then the rival social leaders of the town tried to get him in their set. What happened makes the funnest comedy the screen has ever offered, “Ruggles of Red Gap” to be shown at the Queen’s Theatre on Monday. From saloonkeeper’s daughter to British aristocracy is a

big stride gracefully accomplished by Lois Wilson, featured player in the Paramount picture, “Ruggles of Red Gap.” Miss Wilson has the role of Kate Kenner, daughter of the proprietor of the Klondike Bar, one of the show places of the little town of Red Gap. An English earl, in Red Gap for the purpose of rescuing his kinsman, the Hon George Bassingwell. from the clutches of a designing woman, himself falls victim to her charms. The situations leading up to their first meeting and the ensuing scenes are bits of the finest comedy ever screened. The picture is one long laugh, Edward Horton. Ernest Torrence, Fritz i Ridgeway, Charles Ogle, and Louise Dresser are featured in the principal roles, along with Miss WilAn appropriate supporting programme is also to be screened and the Queen’s Orchestra will play another excellent musical programme. SYDENHAM PICTURES. “LONG ODDS” AND “THE GENTLEM A N FR OM A MERICA. ’ ’ Many racing pictures have been pro duced in the past, and many doubtless will be produced in the future, but “Long Odds.” a British Master Picture is in a class by itself. There is a villain in the story, but he is a company promoter, and contrary to custom, he does not try to dope or injure the horse in any way. And the big surprise—which is also the big sensation of the film—is associated with one of the little known rules of the turf, instead of with impossible circumstance. There are several novel effects, and the most exciting steeplechase ever screened. “Long Odds” heads the programme at Sydenham p : ctures to-night and Monday and Tuesday next. Edward (Hoot) Gibson in “The Gentleman from America,” another of his Universal novelty starring vehicles is the supporting attraction. Gibson impersonates an American doughboy

who gets involved in a world of trouble in Europe. Comedy and thrills follow in rapid succession. Louise Lorraine, Tom O’Brien, Carmen Phillips and others have supporting parts. HARBOUR LIGHT THEATRE. Three exceptionally fine programmes will be submitted at the Harbour Light Theatre during next week. On Tuesday and Wednesday the Annette Kellerman picture “Venus of the •South Seas,” which is of special interest locally as part of the story was filmed in Christchurch and Lyttelton, will be screened, together with the second episode of the new exciting serial “Around the World in Eighteen Days.” On Thursday and Friday D. W. Griffiths’s masterpiece “The White Rose” featuring Mae Marsh and Ivor Novello will be shown with special in cidentnl music. On Saturday and Monday, May 24 and 26. “Thunder-gate” featuring Owen Moore and Sylvia Breamer will be screened

FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE. Patrons of the popular Fuller’s Opera House will welcome the announcement of the re-appearance of Mr Con Moreni and his brilliant Musical Comedy Company. This popular organisation made a big success upon its previous visit, a success that has been repeated throughout its tour of the Dominion. For the opening production Mr Moreni will present an entirely new show, “ Catchem and Robbem, Ltd.,” in which Mr Moreni revives his celebrated character of “ Ginger,” iii a new guise. The company includes such well-known favourites as Con Moreni. Dan Weldon. Dolly Varni, Harry Moreni, Will Kenny, Alex M’Allister, Los Austin. "Winnie Edge r ton. Topsy Kay. and the six Winsome Brunettes. A hearty welcome is certain to await this popular company. In the vaudeville section a first appearance will be made by Rice and Elmer, who are recent •arrivals from New York, and who are said to present a novel and entertaining act which is entirely different from anything seen here previously. The main feature of the act is a “trampoline ” performance which is absolutelv unique. The Mirano Brothers will be seen in their sensatoual pole balancing offering. That clever pianologuist, Charles L. Sherman, will make a reappearance with new songs and stories, while Miss Curly Sherwood, clever soubrette, is also billed to appear. The box plan is on view at The Bristol. GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE ‘SUZANNA,” WITH MABEL NORMAND THE STAR. A BIG AND OOLOU RF L L PICTUR E.

Priscilla Dean in “White Tiger,” Wanda Hawley in “Bobbed Hair.” and current successful programme of motion pictures will be screened at Greater Crystal Palace for tlie last times this afternoon and to-night, and the big Symphony Orchestra, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, will play at both sessions. It so happens that the name of Mack Sennett heads the list of comedy producers in filmland because he was shown an unconquerable capacity to sustain creative enthusiasm. His latest production, “Suzanna,” which heads the new bill at Greater Crystal artists was engaged to portray the Palace for next week, is described as the biggest and most colourful screen play he has ever turned out. A carefully selected cast of the screen’s best arists was engaged to portray the principal parts of one of the prettiest stories of love, romance and adventure ever offered to the featured literature of the screen. It is a story filled with old world charm, :’s “Suzanna.” Spanish-California and its glorious history has been immortalised on film, that it may live forever not only in the minds of men, but within their vision. Mabel Normand is the idol, the herone of the plot. She proves herself such after a series of tremendously comic, as well as serious situations. At times the plot interest and story values rise to points of heavy emotional interest, but Mr Sennett is too wise to repudiate the style which particularly identifies him among producers, and has inserted must genuine comedy in “Suzanna.” There is a veritable army of Spanish actors and extras—three hundred of them assembled in a single episode and there are ingenious effects, thrilling demonstrations of horsemanship and characteristic settings, the like of which have been seldom reproduced. The second big picture on the long three hours’ programme is a. Universal all star attraction with Gladys Hulette in the featured role. The story tells how Elsie Lefferts, only daughter of “Old Man Lefferts” ruler of the Southern mountain range, loves Lee Longstreet, only son of a widow whose husband and Lefferts had been enemies. Lefferts finds his daughter and Lee together and whips the boy. He favours Lem Beeman, a telegraphic operator. While hunting in the woods. Lem accidentally kills Harney. Elsie’s brother. Fearing to confess the accident, Lem remains silent. Lee is suspected. Old Man Lefferts and his remaining son - c et out for revenge. Mrs Longstreet bolds them off at the point of a shot gun. The sheriff arrives and takes her son into custody. Lee is tried and sentenced to death. The

night before the execution the boy’s mother rides through a thunderstorm to appeal to the Governor, who refuses her appeal Stormbound on her way home, :»be takes refuge in Beeman’s telegraph shack. Lem at last makes up Ins mind to confess. But the wires are down. Then it is that Lem Beeman finds a way—though it costs him hi* life. His sacrifice reunites two lovers and liea-ls the feud. In addition to the two big pictures, round twenty-three of “The New Leaher Pushers” will be shown: Besides, there is a very funny Centurv comedy entitled “Miles of Smiles’’ starring wonderful Baity Peggy, the fourteenth exciting chapter of “The Steel Trail” and the latest Interna tional News film Following the established custom particulars of next week's magnificent musical programme will he announced in Monday's newspapers. The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats b\* be reserved bv telephoning Greater' Crystal Palace. ‘.\o 3705.

CARTER THE GREAT. ,j FAMOUS MAGICIAN AND ILLUSIONIST. There are few other entertainments that create more interest jdian a magical show . Jt seems to stimulate the inherent curiosity of children and grown-ups alike and for centuries the savage and civilised races have asked the same old questi;#i, How is it done ?” Opening to-day at the Theatre Royal the world’s greatest magician and illusionist, Carter the Great, will commence a session of mystery, and the programmes presented will include only the best of ancient and modern magic, illusions and mysteries created by Mr Carter. Continual travel in every part of the world lias given Mr Carter an opportunity of witnessing the magic as practised in various countries and from these “ miracles ” lie 1 lias evolved many new tricks and I illusions, one of which is the Birth of the Rose, in which a rose tree is made to grow, sprout and bloom, and the real live roses are cut and presented to the ladies of the audience. Cutting a woman in half is a thrilling illusion, perfected by Mr Carter, and it is said to be a remarkable demonstration of bloodless surgery. The Lion’s Bride is a pantomimic romance of the Far East. Not a word is spoken, yet a thrilling story is told. Tito action is exciting, for it is in this illusion that the huge Nubian lion plays a prominent part. A most interesting and immense illusion is the Vanishing Astral Body, in which over thirty tons of mechanism is utilised. Evelyn Maxwell, the psychic marvel, will give a remarkable demonstration which is described as astounding and uncanny. There are hundreds of other magical novelties that keep the audience on tenterhooks all the evening, and with ample mirth there are no dull moments. The box plan is now open at The Bristol.