AMUSEMENTS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17350, 3 October 1924, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

THE THEATRES.

ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WEEK— Grand . "Safety Last" Harold Lloyd Grand - “ The Woman He Married ” .... Anita Stewart Greater Crystal Palace . " The Fighting Adventurer ” ... Pat O'Malley Greater Crystal Palace . " The Fog ” Mildred Harris Liberty “ Monna Vanna” Lee I’arry Liberty " Marriage Morals ’’ Tom Moore Queen's , " The Tents of Allah ” Monte Blue Queen's ; " The Hill Billy.” .Tack Piekford Sydenham Marriage Morale ” Tom Moore. Sydenham •• The Three Buckaroos " ... Everybody's "Ashes of Vengeance” Norma Talmadge Strand . ~ "Trimmed” Hoot Gibson Strand "The Trouper” Gladys Walton Fuller's Opera House Vaudevi Theatre Royal Vanbrugh-Boucicault

Universal's great production Th© Hunchback of Notro Dame,” based on. Victor Hugo’s famous story, will b© shown all next week at Greater Crystal Palace and Everybody’s Theatre, commencing on Monday. The company spared no expense in the producing of the masterpiece, the total cost reaching, it is said. 1,500.000 dollars. In constructing the Cathedral of Notre Dame at Universal City an army of carpenters, masons and other mechanics. were employed. The building is an exact replica in every detail as the famous Cathedral looked in 1482. It is declared to l>e an extraordinary feat and an architectural and technical triumph. Tn addition to the Cathedral, other historical sets include exact reproductions of the Court of Miracles, Place du Parvis. Palace do Justice, interior of the Pastille and the seven Noble Mansions. This will give an idea of the care and labour expended upon this great screen picture. Aside from Lon Chaney and Ernest Torrence the cast is one of the most notable ever assembled, including Tully Marshall. Brandon Hurst. Patsy Ruth Miller, Gladys Brockwoll. Norman Kerry, Nigel do Brulier and Kate Lester. Two hundred players, ordinarily programme names played small parts, while the extras totalled in excess of 3500. American and English critics declare that never before has such a remarkable individual performance been given as that of Lon Chaney in the stellar role of Quasimodo, the deformed bellringer of the Cathedral of Notre Dame. His 4 * Quasimodo ” (says one writer) is a real recreation of the original. He has realised the character not only physically. but psychologically. Tt is as though the living man was before us, and not an actor. Never did an actor more completely merge his identitv in a role, or make his audience more fully lose sight of the individual. *.* Headed hv Bebe Daniels, Ernest Torrence, Noah Berry and Lloyd Hughes, the cast of Zane Grey’s ‘‘The Heritage of the Desert.” which opens at the Queen’s Theatre on Monday, is particularly strong and well suited for this type of picture. Bebe Daniels plays the role of a western girl, part Indian and part Spanish. Ernest TWrrence, whose characterisation pf an old plainsman won him world- ' wide recognition, is cast as a Godfearing pioneer, typifying American patriotism. Noah Beery as a bad man of the desert and Lloyd Hughes ps a tenderfoot, complete the featured players.

A picturisation of Peter B. Kvne’s Famous novel, “ A Motion to Adjourn,” which features Marjorie Daw and Roy ?tewart will be screened at the Queen’s Hieatre on Monday. The story is one pf compelling interest, and deals with the sacrifice made by the son of a wealthy man for his young brother. Marjorie Daw is seen as the daughter pf an aid claim prospector out West and Roy Stewart appears as the cider son, who has to suffer many hardships pn account of his brother’s misdeeds.

Seldom have so many hazards been (attempted to film stats as occur in “The Midnight Alarm,” to be shown at the Liberty Theatre to-morrow. A train running to certain destruction unless a badly wounded man succeeds in letting the drawbridge down; a motor-car in collision with a train ; the fireman's valiant and successful effort to release the girl from the vault while the building in which she is imprisoned is a seething mass of flame; and the thrilling jump to safety from a height of several stories. The Vit.agraph producers had a whole block of substantial buildings erected to make everything as effective as possible in the great fire scene. The flames leap from one building to another, and many of the actors are shown to be in dire danger. Features supported by Joseph Kilgour and ed in the cast is Alice Calhoun, who Percy Mnrmont. The picture leaves nothing to be desired in the way of thrills and romance.

‘‘Th© Grub Stake,” which will he shown at the Liberty Theatre to-mor-row. is one of Nell Shipman’s latest achievements. She gives a remarkable characterisation of a girl beset by triaU almost beyond endurance, who, by sheer pluck and grit, overcomes the circumstances into which fate ha« ■thrown her. In addition, there are the amazing animals without which

no Nell Shipman picture would be complete. “ The Isle of Lost Ships,” which comes to the Grand Theatre on Saturday, introduces to the screen that mysterious portion of the Atlantic. Ocean known as the Sargasso Sea. which is supposed to have an extraordinary attraction for tie relict ships. Maurice Tourneur is the producer and he has succeeded in making a most entertaining picture. The three survivors of a shipwreck drift into the Sargasso Sea, and there, to their amazement, they find not only a collection of derelict vessels, but a sort of republic formed by passengers and members of crews of various derelicts which have found a resting-place in the shallow, weedy waters. Escape is impossible, as no way out of the marine growth can he found. Milton Sills is one of the trio who reach this strange colonv. and Anna Q- Nillson is another. Their experiences provide a series of events that make most excellent entertainment. “ A Gentleman of Leisure,” coming to the Grand Theatre to-morrow, is a rapid-fire comedy-drama in which Jack Holt on a wager becomes an amateur burglar. He gets a professional in the game to help him win the wager, and this starts a series of exciting and humorous situations. Die cast also includes Casson Ferguson, Sigrid Holmquist and Alec Francis. ” A Society Scandal.” featuring Gloria Swanson and released through Paramount, is said to he one of the best society dramas that have been procured this year. Miss Swanson lias the role of a young society beauty who, involved innocently, in a compromising situation is sued ‘ for divorce hv her husband. On the stand by her husband’s lawyer, a handsome, young and over-zealous attorney tears her reputation to shreds. Whereupon it becomes the fair divorcee’s one aim in life to humiliate the voung lawyer in some way for the ruin wrought upon her socially. The piquant manner in which she accomplishes her purpose and the surprising results are pictured in a most engrossing manner. Rod Le Rocque. who, has been making rapid strides to fame, gives an excellent performance of the lawyar Ricardo Cortez plays “ the other man.” A floating forest steamed into Las Angeles harbour recently. Jt»s manifest showed its entire cargo to he made up of tropical vegetation collected in the Amazon region. There were seventyfour varieties of tree and plant in the collection. They were for use in the filming of the spectacular Conan Doyle novel, ‘‘ Die Lost World,” for First National.

“ Trailing African Wild Animals ” is said to he a remarkable picture of its kind. Air and Airs Martin Johnson, American explorers, spent two years in the heart of Africa to get these pictures.

“Pandora la Croix.” a First National production, is an exciting story of Indian Army life. Alilton Sills plays the principal, role. Adopted by a Navajo squaw during the filming of Zane Grey’s “ The Heritage of the Desert,” which will bo shown at the Queen’s Theatre on Monday. Bebe Daniels now possesses full right to the ancient privileges of the tribe. While th© company of three hundred players was on location in southern Utah Miss Daniels became prime favourite with the tribe of Navajo Indians, and adoption followed. Henceforth she will he accorded the protection of the Navajo medicine men aginst sickness, evil spirits and the designs of her enemies.

“ The Swan,” a Paramount production will bring Elsie Ferguson hack to the screen after an absence of nearly two years, her last appearance being in the Paramount production “ Outcast.” Since her temporary retirement from the screen. Aliss Ferguson lias been appearing on the stage in New York.

Blanche Sweet has the title role in the picturisation of the famous “ Tess of the D’Urbervilles ” from the novel of that name by Thomas Hardy. Tess is a heroine whose. fate is entirely in the hands of men, and the star is supported by Conrad Nagel. Stuart Holmes, George Fawcett and Joseph Dowling.

I GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE I I Mr Carl Laemmle, president of Universal Pictures Corporation, who » seems to have many flashes of inspira- | lion, hit upon th© happy idea of offering a scholarship prize, equivalent to \ 1000 dollars, for the best movie story written by a college student. Air W. E. Oliver, a student of the University of California, was the winner, and “The Fighting Adventurer” was the result. Air Laemmle’s object was to : raise the standard of movie pictures. His success is demonstrated at Greater Crystal Palace. Quite different in theme and treatment is “ The Fog.” a Aletro production. Somewhat strange in construction, it is a fateful story of a man and a woman who. apart, are sunk into the depths of black misery and despair, hut who. on meeting, find that the fog is dispersed by the sunshine of love anrl happiness. The supports are the third chapter of “ The Fast Express.” a Century comedy, and an International news film. The Symphony Orchestra supplies a particularly bright programme. I FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE. The current all-vaudeville programme is attracting large, audiences at Fuller's Opera House. Fred M’Donald and Vera St John present a sketc h entitled “ Son and Heir,” which is typical of life in the backblocks of Australia. Bert and Evelyn Dudley appear in a humorous sketch. The. patter of the pair is fresh and original and they ring pleasingly. Harry Claff and Winnie Wager stage a new scena. “ The White Knight.” which is equally as good as their last week’s offering. Eileen and Alarjorie, a pair of wonderful girl acrobats, continue to delight the audience with a series of head and hand springs. Don G. Merle again succeeds in astonishing everybody with his amazing sleight-of-hand tricks, while Wright and Hartley win favour with their at- , tractive singing and patter. A number of pleasing selections on saxophone and concertina mark the offering of Cecil I and Jennie Astley, who are bright favourites, as also are Vaude and Verne, patterists, and Togo, the clever and amusing Japanese juggler. THEATRE ROYAL. “ AREN’T WE ALL?'’ “Aren’t We All?” Frederick Lonsdale’s brilliant three act comedy, which is being presented by the Vanbrugh-Boucicault Company is delighting large audiences in the Theatre Royal. The play is a well-construct-ed one that develops upon logical lines, and is full of brilliant dialogue and subtle humour. There is a splendid climax that nobody could say was anticipated. The play is full of amusing situations, and the charactersare set in skilful and diverting contrast with each other. One of the things that goes far towards making tlie play tlie success that it is, is the fine way in which it has been produced by Air Boucicault. He has paid great attention to detail. As Lord Grenham, the producer does a brilliant piece of acting which proves him to be a master of his art. Aliss Vanbrugh has a s.r.all part as Lady Frinton, hut her presence is all that is necessary on the stage. Other parts are taken by Janet Eccles. Lena Hallidav. Ethel Welleslev, Alartin Walker, Reginald W.vkeham and Pirie Bush. “Aren’t We All?” will he presented to-night. Die season will close on Saturday evening and the company will leave for the south on Alonday morning by special train. GRAND THEATRE. Die current programme of pictures at the Grand is well up to the standard that the public has grown to expect from the discriminating management of the theatre. Comedy and drama are well blended, and in that way every taste is catered for. The first attraction is a Afaster Picture, starring the popular Anita Stewart, who has not been seen in Christchurch for some time. “ The Woman He Married ” is the title of the picture, and it is one that must make an audi-

ence thankful that Aliss Stewart is still working for the screen. 'Hie story is a variation of an old theme, but a pleasant variation. The second big picture is the Harold Lloyd comedy, “ Safety Last.” This picture ran all last week with record houses night and day, and for that reason th© management has decided to keep it on for a second week. Its popularity shows no signs of diminishing. The supporting programme includes a ATermaid comedy ” Neck to Neck.” The Grand Orches-

tra. under Aliss A. Shearsby, plays excellent programme of inciden

“ THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.” At Everybody’s Theatre next Monday will be held the local premier of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” the piotiirised version of Victor Hugo's classic which has come down through the years with untarnished lustre. Aside from the natural interest in the screening of such a notable masterpiece, there is a general interest to see the production which required more than a year to film and on which more than £300,000 was expended. Liberties were taken with the story --being defended on the ground that a production intended for all classes could not afford to offend any particular religious denomination—but whil* many shook their heads ami predicted dire failure as a. result, the changes were all approved by the New York critics after the world premier in the Astor Theatre. Certainly all the elements of success are contained in the production--Uni-versal had the story, the title, the cast and unlimited funds. The selection of Lon Chaney for the title role of “ Quasimodo. the Hunchback.” was a logical one. His amazing ability to portray characters such as he played in “ The Miracle Man.” “ Outside the Law.” and “ Shadows,” roles which required contortion ability as well as unusual dramatic training, is well known. It is claimed that Chaney required four and one-half hours daily to don the makeup of the deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame. The Cathedra! of Notre Dame was constructed in its entirety at Universal City for the production, as were eight tqiiares of Parisian streets of the period of Louis XT. A special musical score will be given by Everybody’s “Select.” Orchestra. The management urge intending patrons to book early. The box plan is now open at The Bristol. LIBERTY THEATRE. “THE MIDNIGHT ALARM” AND “THE GRUB STAKE.” One of the most spectacular scenes ever screened, will he seen in “The Midnight Alarm” at the Liberty Theatre on Saturday. A complete fourstorey office building is burned down to give spectators thrills in the film. The “Midnight Alarm” is a story of a plotting business man, Silas Carringford, who slays his partner to obtain his wealth. Airs Thornton is driven to death before an onrushing train in trying to escape from. Carringford in an automobile- Susan, her daughter, is tossed to safety, and is picked up lost by Airs Berg, who raises her as her own. Air and Mrs Tilwell, her grandparents, and Carrington! keep up an intermittent! search for the child, who is now known as Sparkle. Oarringford learns she is alive, and seeks to destroy evidence of her identity so that she cannot claim the estate left to her, which on her death is to go to Carringford. Chaser, a lovable crook, played by Cullen Landis, and Harry AVestmore, a fire captain, impersonated by Percy Afarniont, save the heroine after many daring adventures. The fire scenes are claimed to be the best ever shown in any photoplay. Percy Marmont, Cullen Landis and Joseph Kilgour deserve great praise for their remarkable character impersonations. George Pierce as excellent ns th© hardened father, while Kitty Bradbury gives a pathetic touch as Mrs Tilwell. Maxine Elliot Hicks plays the part of Aggie, crippled waif, charmingly. Few pictures are destined to make a wider appeal than “Die Grub Stake,” the second feature on the programme. The story is about Faith Diggs, who makes a precarious living for herself and her invalid father, “tlie Skipper.” In (Seattle she encounters a gambler, Alark Leroy, who makes a business of procuring girls

for the Monte Carlo dance hall in Dawson. Faith’s dreams are of the North, and she begs Leroy to give her a grub-stake that she may make a fresh start in Alaska. Leroy gives her the money, and on the way North pretends to marry her. this, despite the fact that he has a wife already. Faith, believing she is meeting the elite of the town, is introduced as the new “Queen of the Yukon.” From Dawson Kate, a woman of the dance hall, she learns the truth about Leroy. Guided by Afalamute Mike, an old prospector, Faith takes Leroy’s dog team and with her father, strikes out into the wilderness. The spring thaw overtakes the travellers, the sled is stranded, the supplies gone, and “the Skipper” delirious. ATalamute Alike takes them to Dawson Kate’s cabin, where her son Jeb is working a mine. Faith goes in search of firewood, is frightened by a cougar and becomes lost- Befriended by a. bear, she wanders through the valley and encounters the forest life of the place—porcupines, heavers, badgers, deer, coyotes, skunks, elk and scores of other animals and birds until she is swept into astonishing adventures which culminate in a breath-taking thrill. Nell Shipman plays the part of Faith Diggs, and she is ably supported by Hugh Thompson, Alfred Allen. George Serrell. Walt. Whitman. C. K. A 7 an Auker and Ah Wing. There is also a good comedy entitled “Dogs of War” featuring the youngsters of “Our Gang.” The censor for Np# Zealand films Air .Toliffe, when reviewing this picture, declared that it was one of the most amusing comedies lie had ever seen, and that he laughed heartily from beginning to end. This is high praise from one who see pictures all day and most days. The Liberty Quality Orchestra under Air Afoody, plays a delightful musical programme. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “ Ashe? of Vengeance.” the principal feature of the current programme at. Everybody’s Theatre is a strong picture, and it requires a strong cast. Thoughts of the present fade out of the mind when watching it, and one is taken back to the France of th© sixteenth century, when tli© Queen mother, Catherine, ruled th© country with th© steel of her barons’ swords. Unlike most dramas dealing with th© days that are gone, “Ashes of Vengeance” is strong in plot as it is in spectacle. As a member of the old nobility, Norma Talmadge is cast in a part in which she has to love and to hate, to b© tender and he scornful. She portrays all these, yet never once. loses her personal charm, which holds a grip on the audience. Supporting Miss Talmadge is Conway Tearle, who does admirable work. Under t.he baton of Mr W. J. Bellingham. F.S.M., the orchestra give their full measure of assistance to the successful screening of the story. QUEEN’S THEATRE. The desert, with its peculiar glamour and mystical tribes, is the setting for a striking drama. “The Tents of Allah.” which heads the new programme at the Queen’s Theatre. Die story has for its locale the wild sandy wastes of Morocco, and vivid glimpses of the life of the desert nomads are given. Tli© star player is Monte Blue, a comparatively young actor who has become a firm favourite with the picture-goers of Christchurch. The second feature is a story of the feuds of the Kentucky hills. where rough justice is meted out to evildoers ;> Tt is entitled “ The Hill Billy, ’ and tells of a young man’s fight against land stealers in order to protect his mother's property. Although apparently beaten for a while, he eventually wins through after a terrible fight on a raft. Incidentally he wins the hand of the girl he loves. Jack Piekford takes the part of the wild bare-footed mountain boy, and the story is packed full of excitement, romance and quick action. The Queen's Superb Orchestra gives its full support to the pictorial programme.