THE THEATRES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17455, 5 February 1925, Page 5

THE THEATRES.

ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WEEK. STSXYBODT'S THEATRE “ THE SEA HAWK ” X.IBERTY THEATRE . . . . . . “ 813 ” LIBERTY THEATRE . “ THE BLOT ” GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE . . “ THE TURMOIL '* GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE . . 11 SLIM SHOULDERS ” STRAND THEATRE “ FIGHTING FURY ” STRAND THEATRE “ CUPID'S FIREMAN ” "QUEEN S THEATRE “ THE SHADOW OF THE DESERT ” QUEEN'S THEATRE “ HANDLE WITH CARE ” BRAND THEATRE . “WHY WORRY?” BRAND THEATRE “ ROB ROY ” SYDENHAM PICTURES “ 813 ” SYDENHAM PICTURES “ THE NET « THEATRE ROYAL HUGH J. WARD'S COMPANT “ TANGERINE.” FULLER'S OPERA HOUSE BAND BOX REVUE & VATTDEVILLE.

“Let's Go.” a Tvu :.*t pindueLion featuring Richard Taimadg.' and Jvleen Percy. will be screened at Greater Crystal Palace next Monday. The story centres about a young man’s exploits in a sleepy country town where circumstances have brought him in investigating some features of his father’s business. His job turns out to be the showing up of a crooked mayor and bis son. During the working out of an extremely lively plot Richard Talmndge is called upon to champion the sheriff oX the town, who believes in kindness rather than the harshness of the law, and. as the sheriff has a beautiful daughter, you can imagine for yourself what the outcome is for Richard himself. The comedy element has been stressed throughout to splendid purpose and there are as many genuine, hearty laughs throughout tbo picture as there are thrills. “The Rejected Woman.” the second feature coming to Greater Crystal Palace on Monday, deals with the lore of ,a Canadian girl and a wealthy New York youth who meets her in her native environment. She follows him to New York and there discovers immediately that her lack of culture and raiment are insurmountable obstacles to ber marriage to the man. Tu attempting to overcome those obstacles sbe falls into a trap laid for her. Her happiness and that of the hero is wrecked -for a time. They arc extricated from their difficulties in an in-

tensely dramatic climax* Alma Rubens and Conrad Nagel are the featured players. , “Environment,” a picture with a strong human appeal. is a, leading feature in the new programme to be shown at the Queen’s Theatre on Monday. It is. a. picture of sharp conflicts and contrasts. There is the heart interest of the romantic passages as visualised in the open country scenes—in and out of the farmhouse; there is the melodramatic flavour as tasted in the picturesque underworld life if Chicago-—where Chicago Sal practised the profession of stealing. She meets the country youth and through him is exerted an appreciative love——one which stands the test of time and separation. And through the kindly influence of his mother, and the appeal of the child who never gives up his trust. Ihe girl acknowledges the wav of virtue. Alice Lake and Milton Sills have the leading roles. ".Jacqueline.” adapted from James 1 Oliver Ourwood’s novel, which will he screened at the Queen’s Theatre on Monday, is a picture full of thrilling action. The great, forest fire, for instance, is one of the most awe-inspir-ing sights ever witnessed on the screen. Another hrcath-catcliing scene is that depicting a canoe caught in the swirl of the rapids. The cast is a notable one. including tow Cody. Marguerite Courtot. Sheldon Lewis, and Edmund Tlreese. The picture is a wonderful presentation of the difficulties and dangers attendant upon outdoor life in a locality where men to be anything at alj must he able fo stand four square, to all the winds that blow. There is, in addition to the thrills, a charming romance. The practice of sending American stars to England to mix in with English casts is proving a popular innovation. The latest to travel from America to England is Tom Moore, the breezy Irish actor. He went to England and was placed opposite Tsohel Elsom. favourite of stage and screen, in ‘Harbour Lights.” a screen version of George R. Sims’ well-known melodrama, which will be screened at flic Liberty Theatre on Saturday. In the role of a dashing navy lieutenant on leave from the China Squadron, Tom Moore acts convincingly. and daringly too. for he is called upon to perform several hazardous feats. The plot of a dissolute young English squire to separate the naval officer and the girl be loves is the foundation of a stirring tale of the sea. Tlie rescue of the girl’s sister from a precipice over which she has been thrown, the murder of the squire by a halfcrazed soldier; the launching of the lifeboat in a hoavv sea. and Hie. rescue of the hero and his sweetheart’s sister; the rugged Cornwall scenery; and Ihe interesting. life on a. man-o’-war combine to make, of ‘‘Harbour Lights” a. picture to see and remember. The cast L a. splendid one. and in addition to the stars it includes Miss Annette Benson. Miss Mary Rorko fwho appeared in. the original production of the George R. Sims play). Mr Gordon Regg. Mr Gibson Lowland. Mr Percy Standing, and Mr Gerald M’Cart by.

Mine to Keep,” the second feature on the new programme at the Liberty Theatre, commencing on Saturday, gains its title from the attitude of a newly-married man towards his bride, whom he declares is “ Mine to Keep.” Ilis jealousy almost wrecks the happiness of both, but in the end true love triumphs. A great cast includes Bryant. Washburn. Mabel Forrest, Wheeler Oakman, Laura La Yarnie, and Francis Ford. “ The Ten Commandments.*’ which will be screened at the Grand Theatre on Saturday, is a picture that will long be remembered, chiefly on account of the magnificent settings and the marvels of modern photography embodied in it. The picture opens with a Biblical prologue, which embodies some of the most marvellous feats of modern screen photography, the most outstanding being that which depicts the Red Sea parting in order that the Israelites might pass safely through from the hosts of Pharaoh, who follow and are engulfed. Theodore Roberts has the part, of Moses, and he gives a. most convincing portrayal of the roic. Charles He Roche plays the part ol Pharaoh. The second portion of the story has a modern theme, showing that the Ten Commandments must be obeyed, no matter what the period be. Leatrice Joy, Xita Naldi. Edythc Chapman, Estelle Taylor and Rod La Rocque are featured. “The Enemy Sex,” which will be screened at Everybody’s Theatre next

Monday, deals in an interesting way with some aspects of the social problems of to-day. The main character is Dodo Baxter, a young and successful actress who is out to enjoy life, and as a means to that end recognises Broadway as a playground. Her career is varied, and when the opportunity to mix with high society offers itself, Dodo is quick to take advantage of it. In the course of her career she encounters two men, one a Judge and the other a young man who ic rapidly drinking a fortune away. Dodo resolves to save the young man from himself, and, in effecting his salvation, refuses advances from the Judge. The conclusion of the story is brought about in a happy manner. Betty Compson takes the role of Dodo, the actress, and is supported by Percy Marmont as the foolish drunkard, and Sheldon Lewis as the Judge. “ The Silent Watcher,” which comes to Everybody’s on Monday next, teils of a young secretary to a political candidate. who wins the favour of his employer, and feels himself bound to repay the kindnesses he has received. The murder of an actress with whom the candidate has been in close assol ciation threatens to ruin his chances -. at the election, and the young secre- ! tarv allows the crime to be laid at his ! door. I his is made all the easier owing 1 to the fact that the murder was com- | mitted in an apartment rented by the I young man and with his own gun. ILs sacrifice means the loss of home, wife and reputation, but in the end a happy conclusion is reached. Bessie Love and Hobart Bosworth are in the leading roles, and the cast also includes Glenn Hunter and Alma Bennett. A show which once employed me was helped to keep going by a’ queer fend between some well-cashed Maoris (writes a Sydney “ Bulletin ” corres•pondent). The first I knew of the bitI terness was when a Maori stuck me up in front of the hall at Taihape and asked whether I recollected the visit of another member of the tribe, whom he described, to the show at Wanganui, and if so how many tickets he had bought. Scenting money from home, I replied that Horan, whom T recollected perfectly, had taken two front seats; whereupon Henare promptly asked for three of the most expensive variety.. He had hardly gone in to occupy one of them when another Maori, recognisable from the description as Horari. loomed from the shadows and demanded to know how many seats Henare had purchased. Then he bought four seats, and with his three empty chairs beside him glared in triumph at Henare. But the latter beat him by stealing out and buying two more seats before the box-office closed and while the emptiness was still available. At Mangaweka. Horari arrived first, and Henare had to buy six seats to regain the advantage; but Henare got in first at Hunterville, and his purchase of the whole centre row knocked Horari out in spite of a managerial offer to let the loser have the whole block of seats at a discount in order to keep the competition alive. We left the profitable pair behind us with real regret. Their quarrel—started, I understand, by Horari’s boasting about his munificence as a patron of the drama—paid us well while it lasted

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “ The Sea Hawk” is such a remarkable picture that there is not the slightest doubt the management of Everybody’s Theatre acted wisely in deciding to show it for another week Christchurch. “ The Sea Hawk ” is undoubtedly one of the L-esr and most magnificently produced pictures that has even been shown in this city. It is a unique film, right away from the usual run. As is generally known. it is founded on Rafael Sabatini’s famous novel of the same name. ft is a powerful story of the sea in the days of good Queen Hess, and Mr Frank Lloyd, the producer of the picture. has succeeded in a remarkable manner in transferring the atmosphere of the story to the film. In fact, tho greatest fascination in “ The Sea Hawk” lies in the surprising way in which the. tang of the sea, in an age when those who went down to the sea in ships faced hardships and perils undreamt of in these days, is caught. , The musical score, specially written hy Mr W. J. Bellingham, 'is a telling and effective accompaniment to tho picture, the atmosphere of the various scenes being enhanced by music of an excellent standard, so chosen as to appear to have been specially written. GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE Some of Mr Booth Tarkington’s profoundest studies in human character ,'ire sketched, with all that writer’s remarkable skill, in “ The Turmoil,” the story of the family life of a powerful, stubborn, arrogant American millionaire, who bends to his iron will an arristic son and a charming daughter. “ The Turmoil ” is something more than a mere story with which to wile away an idle hour; and the screen adaptation of it, shown at Greater Crystal Palace, is something more than mere entertainment, although, from that point of view alone. Mr Carl Laemmle and the Universal Studios have made it all that even tho most fastidious picture patron can demand. “Slim Shoulders” is a drama of a girl’s steadfastness to her father; of her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness to save her father from ruin. A Century comedy of the extravaganza type, highly diverting and funny, and a particularly interesting and informative International News item are shown. The Symphony Orchestra provides an admirable programme. GRAND THEATRE. The first lest match between Australia, and England is a feature on the current programme at the Grand. The immense crowd of tens of thousands of spectators is shown, as well as the cricketers of both countries. “ "Why Worry?” is hardly the most suitable title io Mr Lloyd’s latest elaborate comedy. “Why Not Laugh?” would, be a better title. “Boh Bov” has been produced with careful attention to Sir Walter Scott’s novel, and t.o its dramatic possibilities from the picture point of view. The supporting items include a Mack Sen nett comedy. “ Pit ialls of a Rig City.” featuring Mr Ren Turpin, who is as amusing ns ever. The Grand Orchestra provides an excellent musical programme.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. r The star feature at the Queen’s Theatre is the magnificent Fox production, “ The Shadow of the East.” a sequel to that popular picture, “ The Sheik.” It is an adaptation of Miss TO. M. Hull’s book. The picture is a mighty drama of the desert and moves along passionately and ruthlessly to its predestined end. The second feature is a comedydrama, “ Handle With Care.” The story concerns a popular girl who selects an earnest young lawyer for her husband. lie is chosen from many suitors, but soon after the marriage he becomes A-ery absorbed in his work and neglects his wife. She grows tired of the treatment and threatens to get a divorce. In the end the woman sees how foolish she has been and the husband realises that he, too, has not been faultless. There is a. good supporting programme consisting of a. Gazette, an educational film and a comedy called Dumb and DaflFv.” A fine, programme of incidental music is played by the Queen’s Superb Orchestra. LIBERTY THEATRE. T lie bill of fare at Liberty Theatre is varied and entertaining. The chief pictorial item is a film entitled ”813,” which unfolds a story of Arsene Lupin, the AVPII-known character created by the French author, Leblanc. Lupin is a clever criminal who entirely baffles the police by assuming the dual personality of criminal and criminal hunger. in other words, he helps to solve the mystery surrounding crimes that he himself has committed or is suspected of commit ting. The second attraction is a Master picture. ‘‘The Blot/’ featuring Claire Windsor, who is supported by a very strong cast. “The Blot” is quite different from the usual type of screen story. A film of greatinterest is one showing views of the first test match between England and Australia in Sydney. A vaudeville turn is given by Wendy and Alphonse, two clever entertainers, who have, just concluded a successful tour of Australia. The Liberty Quality Orchestra, under Mr Howard Moody, provides a fine programme of music. SAVOY HAVANA BAND AT LIBERTY THEATRE. Of this combination a northern critic says: London’s loss is New Zealand's gain, for Bert Ralton’s Havana Band (from the Savoy Hotel, London), which beads the new company, is London's most- popular jazz hand, and is also the favourite dance band of the Prince of Wales. The Havana Band is probably (by means of the gramophone) the best-known band in the world, for few homes are without some of its jazz records. Bert Ralton is recognised in the musical' world as the most truly musical of all dance leaders. His orchestra has reached a wonderful level of excellence, and has carved out a position in the world of music in the

lighter vein which no other organisation of its kind has yet occupied. When the Savoy Havana Band plays, we hear syncopated melodies rendered with beauty of tone and a really musical sense.” The band will appear at Libei-tv Theatre for n week’s season, commenting on Saturday.

“ THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.” The shouting: of the captains, the rattle of the sword in the scabbard, the racing chariots, such is the scene that the spectator beholds when he is introduced to the fighting episodes of The Ten. Commandments.” Paramount’s great picture which is to he screened at the Grand Theatre, commencing on. Monday next. Tt is declared that never before in the. history of the screen has there been constructed a picture that portrays such massive sets as this phenomenal epic. Never before has there been seen anything so inspiring as the pursuit of the Israelites across the desert, the parting of the Tied Sea at the command of Moses, the destruction of Pharaoh's hosts, and the giving of the commandments to Moses on the mountain. “ The Ten Commandments ” is not merely an entertainment. It is a living document with a message to humanity. Tts theme is that man cannot break the commandments and get awnv with it. Sooner or later retribution. and the hand of God will step in and exact full toll. Such is the theme of the modern story of the “ Ten Commandments,” wherein . a young man and woman set out in the world with the direct object. of dcfving the laws of Moses. Vivid is the manner in which their downfall is depicted, and finally where the woman is brought bark to God. cleansed of the worship of the i:«: r erial gods of the world. FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE. A bright production forms this week’s effort of Mr Gavle Wycr’s J3and-I3ox Revue Company, which is at present responsible for the revue portion of the programme at Fuller’s OperaHouse. It is entitled ‘‘The Lady Buccaneers.” and tells of a crew of sailors, all of whom are members of the gent- > ler sex. Messrs Wver. Cornock and Perryn are responsible for a great deal of the laughter of the play, while the lady members of the company sing a ' number of enjoyable songs. On the vaudeville side of the programme. Miss Hollander, a very fine contralto singer, provides three songs. She is assisted by Mr Arthur Sand ford, who acts as accompanist: He also contributes a couple of pianoforte solos- Miss Jennie Roy sings a number of catchv songs, while the duets and palter of Carlton and Ptosslyn meet with the approbation of the audience. John Moore is heart- : ilv welcomed in a sketch in which he ; gives an idea, of the joys of the. sea from an engineer’s point of view. A versatile artist, J. E. Sutton, entertains the audience with songs and monologues. The orchestra, under NTr | Albert Bidgood, assist the entertainment with satisfactory accompaniments.