AMUSEMENTS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17389, 9 September 1924, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

THETHEA T II E S .

“ The Man from Glengarry.” at Liberty Theatre, is based on Ralph Connor’s famous novel of the same name. The story deals with a lend, between rival lumber camps and the* resulting complications and struggle, which reaches a dramatic conclusion ip a breath-taking battle in mid-stream. In addition to plenty of thrills and action there is a logical plot and a love interest which i< replete with surprises and grips th© attention from the beginning to tho final reel. The photography is of an exceptional character, and the majestic settings and scenic effects filmed on the actual location made famous in the original novel, snpplv a realistic and truc-to-lit'o touch. “ Sisters.” now showing at Liberty Theatre, featuring Matt Moore. Senna Owen and Gladys Leslie, deals with tin matter-of-fact side of married life after all the illusions are gone It faces the difficulty of making this prosaic side of life interesting, without resorting to sensationalism. In this feat, it is an artistic delight. “Singer dim M’Koc,’’ at the Queen’s Theatre, shows Bill Hart ns a devil-may-care fellow who sings snatches of melody even in his most adverse moments. He is partner in av 'mine, which, alter years of working, is found unpayable. The other man lias a young daughter to whom M'Koe is greatly attached. When the partners rob a stage coach in order to give the girl an education, the father is killed by the sheriff and a posse, whilst M’Kce escapes with the girl. Henceforth the singer’s life is devoted to the youngster; he secures work in a mine, and, for some years all goes well. Then, in order to obtain money to enable the girl to hold her place in her set, M’Kce takes part in another robbery. He is captured and serves a king term of imprisonment. After his release circumstances arise which convince him that he has been following a wrong, course.

In “ Re membra, nee.” now showing at the Queen’s Theatre, Rupert Hughes, the well-known American author, who wrote the story and directed thf> production, has done for Father what he did in “The Old .Vest ’’ for Mother. The story deals with just such a family as can be found in any American city—a family that has achieved social and financial success and i.> branching out with an ambitious flourish. Only the father, 44 Poor Old Pop,” the man w lm built up a small business into a successful department store remains unspoiled Pop is expected t* * w ork ami pay the bills while the rest of the*' family have :i good time. This is the situation w hen he collapses under the strain and suffers an illness that threatens his life. Then the family realise what Pop has done for them. 44 Missing Daughters,” an exciting melodrama, heads the programme at Iveerybody’s Theatre. Thrilling aeroplane stunts, and many adventures experienced by three girls, are the features of the picture, which aims to expose the methods of the white slave traffic. Girls arc kidnapped and taken to a disreputable resort by aeroplane. Eva Novak is the star, and the story is of how she loses her faith in a secret service man she lores, and plunges into a whirl of dissipation. Another girl she meets is in the service, and when this is discovered by the gang the excitement commence'. It. is an entertaining picture that will he thoroughly enjoyed.

“The Goldfish.” a First National production, showing at Everybody’s Theatre, brings Constance Talmadge back to the screen after a fairly long absence. The story deals w ith Connie and her various marriages. At the outset she is a piano player at a cabaret, and in love with her singing husband. Jimmy Wotherby (Jack Afulhallh Oil their m linage it is agreed that, in the event of either one tiring of tho other, he or she will hand tho other a bowl of goldfish in proof of the dissolution of martriage. She eventually hands him the goldfish, and then in quick succession engages in three tnhev marriages, one of the husbands being a millionaire who conveniently dies, and leaves her oodles of wealth. In the meantime, the original husband has been very successful in commercial business, and. as time goes bv, the original Mrs W ether by longs for her Jimmy again. “Hollywood,” a Paramount superattraction, now being screened at Greater Crystal Palace, is a most remarkable and novel picture, as it introduces a large number of persons- of note in the film world. The story itself deals with the girl who “ want* to get into the movies,” and shows the difficulties that have to be overcome before this end is reached. The spectator is taken through the studios and given an idea of how* pictures arc made. It is A picture that will appeal to everybody,

but. especially to those who are interested in tho fascinating art of the screen. Thirty real stars and upwards of fifty screen celebrities take actual parts in this massive production, ami the picture is packed with a thrill and a laugh in every foot. A film version of Thackeray’s great romantic novel. ‘ Vanity Fair,” is nowshowing at the Grand Theatre. Mabel Balliu in the role of Becky Sharp, that fascinating flirt brings a vivacity and daring to tho screen that will set her interpretation apart from the best that this charming actress has ever done. Hobart Bos worth, George Walsh, Eleanor Boardman, Harrison Ford and other well-known pla vers, make the famous people of Thackeray’s book live again in real, pulsating life. And to their absorbing story the producer has given a lavish background of beautiful pictures, sets of dazzling splendour, crowds of society men and women of tho gay Napoleonic period “ Love. Life and Laughter.” Betty Balfour’s latest picture, now showing at the Grand Theatre, carries- the joyous message “ Let us live and he happy, for this world is a world of laughter as well as tears.” The picture provides splendid entertainment —fun. pathos, beautiful settings, tho light and shade of high life and low life, combined with excellent acting by a first-class cast. The first production in Christchurch of the Irene Yanbrugh-Dion Boucicaiilt season will be Sir Arthur Wing Pinero’s powerful four-act play. “ His House in Order.” In the original staging of the piece in London- -Miss Vanbrugh was Nina Jesson. the part being especially written for her by the gifted author. “His House in Order” immediately became tho vogue in London ami made Miss Vanbrugh the greatest actress in this style of part yet seen in the metropolis. As a eieator of character parts Mr Dion Boucicault is recognised in London

and America as standing alone. His I portrayal of Hilary Jesson in Pinero’s masterpiece, as an exceptionally brilliant dcliniation is unchallenged. A Mr and -Miss Tree, billed as Australian'. are presenting a capital sec-ond-sight and thought-transmission turn at the Coliseum (writes a London correspondent). The lady, blindfolded and seated with her back to the people, promptly describes every article handed to her partner in the auditorium, ami plays on the piano pieces ot music passed to him on slips of paper. And not .i word is spoken. In that respect their act is a vast improvement oil that of tho Hellers, who pioneered the illusionist business i:i Australia half a century ago. Yet the Hellers were very clever. Heller (real name, Rainier) was a son of the organist at Canterbury Cathedral and was himself a brilliant musician. Tho biggest and most challenging Klondike picture of recent years, ranking with Rex Beach’s “'Hie Barrier,” is 44 Bello of Alaska.” a forthcoming Master Picture, starring Jane Novak and Noah Beery. A bevy of bathing beauties displaying the latest in swimming outfits arc a feature of tho opening sequences of Thomas 11. luce’s new comedy special The Galloping Fish,” a First National release to be seen shortly. i A\ hen J. < . Williamson superintended a rehearsal he insisted on having everything "as at night.” (writes a Sydney “Bulletin” correspontfcint). I recall a dress rehearsal lor the first Australian production of “ A Royal Divorce ” at Melbourne Princess’s. Everything went all right till Julius Superfluous Knight strode on as Napoleon in a neat sac suit and a boxer hat. Then compliments passed between the two emperors-—Jimmy in the stalls and Julius on the hoards. “There’s no need for me to dress for a rehearsal.” protested the star : “ I’ve played this part hundreds of times in England.” But the boss insisted, and the rehearsal w as held up while Julius went aw ay and climbed into a Napoleonic uniform. One Snorkey. a young and unbrilliant mummer, had a few lines to jerk out in the last art. Arriving at the theatre after the costume incident he strolled into the picture as a Bcllerophon tar dressed in his ordinary rtroot clothes and a travelling cap. Williamson made the most of the opportunity with which Snorkey had provided him. and there was a certain fierce joy in his fluent monologue concerning slovenly impostors who called themselves actors. Netta AYestcott, who appears in “ Maytime,” an English picture to be screened here shortly, is known in England as “ the girl with the lwrfect profile.”

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE HOLLYWOOD,” A REMARKABLE PICTURE. MARIK PREVOST IN HER NIGHT OF .NIGHTS.” I he glitter and glamour associated with Hollywood are reflected in the first big picture shown on the fresh programme at Greater Crystal Palace last night. The famous little city, tho outgrowth of the latest art, and the most popular one, has been used by the Paramount studios for a movie story that has absolutely unique features. These make the story, in some respects, one of the most remarkable ever screened. in the first place in it almost every notable personage in the movie world is represented. Here are all the favourites—all the heroes and the heroines, all the “ crooks ” and the villains. in addition to them, there are many people who seldom appear on the screen, but who supply the brains and the. genius that enable movie stars to shine so brightly. Air Cecil De Alille, who lias produced ’some <if the Paramount’s greatest successes, is shown at work, as in actuality, selecting stars for productions. The theme of 44 Hollywood” is the experiences of a girl, one of millions, obsessed with the craze to become a movie star. Her progress in the proi fession shows the triais and tribulations that beset actresses before they become fixed stars. There seems to bo no royal road to success in the movies, any more than anywhere else : and tho lesson “ Hollywood ” teaches is that a. girl's happiness is not wrapp«4 up in fame, hut in marriage. Th<> principal players in this outstanding production are : Hope Droun (Angela), Luke Cosgrove (Joel Whitaker), G. K. Arthur (Lem Lefferts), Ruby La Fayette (tho grandmother), and Eleanor Lawson (Margaret* YY’bitaker). Amongst the still more famous stars cleverly introduced arc Owen Aloore. Baby Peggy. Viola .Dana. Nita Naldi, Anna Q. .silsson. May Al’Avoy, Pola Negri, Jack Piekford. Thomas Meigluin, \\ ;u-----ren Kerrigan. Marv Piekford. Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin. Eileen Percy, .Lois Wilson. Lea trice .Joy Ruby La. Fayette, Noah Beery and William S. Hart. The producer is Air J. CTuze, who made 44 The Old Homestead ” and 44 The. Covered Waggon.” The story, apart from its interesting setting, is strong in the romantic element, with a touc h of drama and something more than a touch of genuine h umour. 44 Her Night of Nights,” a Universal comedy-drama, is made notable bv the fact that the star in it is Miss Marie Prevost, a talented young American actress, who is well and favourably know n at Greater Crystal Palace. The story of 44 Her Night of Nights” deals with New York City, its cafes, fashion shops, unregulated clubs, and night life, and. by way of contrast, its quiet suburban atmosphere. The last chapter of “ Beasts oi Paradise ” was shown, and other pieces were a Century comedy and an International news film. The Symphony Orchestra opened a delightful programme with 4 ' Zainpa ” (Herold), which was played brilliantly, the opening particularly so; tho andante was ably phrased by the wood wind ; the accelerando from the andante to the allegro was .made gradually; and the last movement, a staccato for strings, was played delicately. .The first movement from .Mendelssohn's 44 Italian Symphony ” was a notable item; all the intricate passages were well played. " Whirling Dervishes ” (Godowski) is essentially a piece arranged for orchestra, and is difficult, but was given with marked ability. By request, 'the orchestra played “ Caprice,” by Miss Edmonds, ol Christchurch. This piece gains in popularity every time it is played. Amongst- the lighter pieces were " Can You Forget ” (Frev), 44 .Sally 5 (Kern), and 44 Alary ” (Hirscli). EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The first film in the current programme at Everybody’s Theatre is 44 Missing Daughters,” a tense drama which exposes the terrible me ihods of the American “White Slave” traffickers. It is a picture which really has a high moral purpose ii people are pains caking enough to search it out, but apart from that it has value as an cutortaininent. because it shows something ol life, albeit on the dark, unsavoury side. Life is always entertaining, and great lessons are to lie learnt from the ob serration of it. It cannot fail to arouse the people because of the subtle way in Abie!’ me various eieun nets arc* I'lciidccl. Tho second film, “The Goldfish,” stars Constance Talmadge in one ot her goo,d old-time roles. It is a rollicking Comedy developed in an original way. The programme is completed by a. short comedy and a gazette. Everybody’s orchestra, under Air W. J. Bellingham. F.S.AL. plays tho incidental music in an artistic way. LIBERTY THEATRE. Tho first film on this week’s programme at Liberty Theatre i~ 4 ‘The Alan From Glengarry,” au Ernest Shipman super-pro-duction. The picture is an excellent adaptation of Ralph Connor’s famous novel of the same name. The adapter has adhered well to the text, and tho iesult is a picture full of life and quick action. Connor is the one man who lias caught the real atmosphere of the Canadian timber camps, and he car. always be relied upon to tell a vigorous story. The screen version ol' the story is set amid magnificent .surroundings, and the great rushing waters are never absent. "Water and logs are the background against w hich a mighty drama is played. The second feature. “Sisters,” is an adaptation of Kathleen Norris’s novel. Its therm? is the necessity for “give and take” in marriage, and it shows hew a life’s happiness can be blighted by tho ignoring of this rule. An interesting New Zealand Publicity Film is that showing Dr Elizabeth Gunn’s health camp for children in tho Wanganu i-Taranaki education district, which Is held at Turakina for fivo weeks in the year. As an interlude, Maurice Vancam. the man who is about to complete his walk round the world for a wager of U7OCK), gives a little address, in which he tells of some of his most amusing experiences. The programme is completed by “Where Am I,” a delightful comedy. The Liberty Quality Orchestra under Afr Howard Moody plays the incidental music in an admirable manner. GRAND THEATRE. The value of the films as a medium for recounting famous stories by wellknown writers has long been demonstrated, and in the doing the movie public has been presented with many entertaining photoplays. Now patrons are introduced to the characters in Thackeray’ 5i renowned story. “Vanity Lair.” True, the written words are

Inst, but m Hugo Ball in’s adaptation, tho characters which the author portrayed with such a line detail and : power of description live again, and bring out realistically the little foibles of human nature* which Thackeray was wont to discuss. Mabel Ballin gives a line study in the role of j Becky Sharp, and another splendid J figure is the Marquis of Stoync. In this character Hobart Boswortb docs excellent work. The Master picture, ‘‘Love. Life and Laughter,” is based on an attachment which grew between two young people in poor ' circumstances, and which lasted despite the fact that one rose to fame while the other had not left the garret. Included in the supporting programme is a delightful corned v, “Dough and Dynamite,” with the old favourite, Charlie Chaplin, as the fun-maker. An appropriate 1 programme, of music is contributed by the orchestra QUEEN’S THEATRE. “SINGER JIM MR EE ” AND - REMEMBRANCE.” The programme screened at the Queen’s Theatre yesterday for the first time included two big pictorial attractions. They were “Singer Jim M.Kee,” a Paramount production, and “ Remembrance," which was produced by the Goiclwyn Company. Both these com- 1 panics 'have a reputation for good pictures and their latest productions are well up to standard. “ Singer Jim M Kee ” is .a tense drama of the modern West, in which the popular actor William S. Ilart plays the leading part. The opening scenes of the story are laid in the early years of the present century. Two miners, Singer Jim M’Nee and Buck Ho!den have worked three years on a claim without success. Holden has a little daughter, but in | their present circumstances there seems no prospect of giving her a proper education or a proper upbringing. In order to get money the two partners hold up a stage coach and rob the passengers. 1 he}- are tracked to their hut by the sheriff's posse. Singer Jim escapes with Holden’s little daughter, but Holden is shot dead. Then the story takr'S a jump of fifteen years Singer dim is a* a father to Mary Holden, who lias developed into a beautiful young ! woman. But again money is scarce and Singer Jim is unable to supply Mary with all the luxuries he would like. lie remembers the incident of fifteen 3-cars ago and decides on equallydesperate measures. Stage conches have given place to motor charabancs, so Singer Jim holds up one of these and robs the passengers. But the coming of civilisation has made it more difficult for those who break the law to get away than was the case fifteen years before. Singer Jim is apprehended, convicted and imprisoned. This, however, is not the end of the story. Impossible as it may seem, the ending is quite happy, a clever series of incidents being introduced to lead up to a satisfactory finale. The second attraction, “ Remembrance,” unfolds a most human story that is sure to make a strong appeal. The story is interpreted by a fine cast, including tho winsome actress. Patsv Ruth Miller. Tho supporting programme includes a, comedy, * : Tliu- Bill Collector,” .1 travelogue, 4 *ln Old Madrid,’’ and a Paramount news film. A good programme or incidental music is supplied by the orchestra under the baton of Mr H. G. G-laysher. FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE. VAUDEVILLE- AM) KEVUJS I'or close on three hours cure did not have a chance of -showing up its head at the Opera House lust night, "lien a new programme of vaudeville and revue was presented. The programme was a splendidly varied one, and made up an entertainment that never slackened off from curtain rise to curtain fall. The vaudeville portion was almost monopolised by now arrivals, and a fine band they were, too. For delightful foolery it would be an almost impossible task to find a turn that would excel the one put on by I iery Jackson and his partner. Fiery's act is culled “A Complete failure,” and it is without doubt tin; drollest failure one could over hope to see. Laughter. loud and heart v, was the only possible response that his work could draw forth. lie sets out as a juggler, and every little thing ho endeavours to Jo has a “catch” in it. lie is the prize muddier, but philosophical withal, and amusing. Lyons and O'Moore arc a couple who have an original way oi doing comparatively old things. They sing, dance arid banter with each other on orthodox lines. The lady is a good comedienne, and there i.- something fascinating in the methods that she uses. -Jock Mills, “the real tiling in Scots humour,” eomes with a reputation from the Foiled Kingdom, where he was a well-known figure in most of tho music halls. He has a pleasant voice, which was heard at- its .best in a good sentimental number. He then told a sheaf of amusing stories which proved that the Scot is not as humourless as his enemies would have us believe. Frank "Wilson played tho saxophone and kindred instruments in an inspiring fashion. Maud Courtney and the not inconsiderable Mr G. made their final appearance after a. successful season, and they sang several songs in the way which they have made their own. Mr C. however, providing an interlude in the shape of some good breezy stories. Howard and Wyndham continued their sea-son of song and dancing, and the dancing wa.s truly delightful. Tli© fictionary adventures of a fictionarv prince in Os tend was tho pretext for the revue which George Storey and his company presented. It is aplay with plenty of humour in it. aided on by music and dancing. The solos were sung by Frank Haining. Fred Monument, Mabel 1© Morgan and Mark Erickson. Phyllis White Jaw, a member of the ballet, sang a pleasing little number which showed that she is well equipped for good revue work. The Burglar Ballet, with a solo dance by Dot Ryder, was one of the best dancing ensembles in the revue. George Storey carries the bulk of the comic cargo, and he was assisted by Richard Butler. The incidental music was played by the orchestra under Mr Albert Bidgood . -

ATTRAC Greater <‘ryatal Palace . Greater Crystal Palace . Queen’s Grand Liberty Liberty Everybody's Everybody’s Strand Sydenham Sydenham Fuller’s Opera House . . . riONS FOR TH1 Hollywood ” Her Night of Nights' Singer Jim MoKee ’* .. Henv'mlirance ” E A VEEK— . . Special Cast . . William S. Ilart . . Special Cast Love. Life and Laughter” . The Man from Glengarry ” .. Betty Balfour . . Special Cast Missing Laughters ” . The Goldfish ” . . All Star . . Constance Talmadge The Man from Glengarry” The Streets of New York ” . . Barbara Oast Won itevue and Vaudeville.