AMUSEMENTS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17524, 29 April 1925, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

the theatres. ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WEEK. X.tBERTY THEATBB .. • CAPTAIN BLOOD." liberty theatre .. • tzktuous LIARS." GRAND THEATRE •• CAPTAIN BLOOD.” GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE "TUB TORNADO." GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE . . " AFi'INITIES." BTHA.ND THEATRE •• NO MOTHER TO GUIDE HE JR.” STRAND THEATRE . . •• PLYYING HOODS." QUEEN'S THEATRE . . •• LOVING DIES." QUEEN S THEATRE .. .. " THAT FRENCH LADY.” EVERYBODY’S TJILATRE . . . . *• A. THIEF IN PARADISE." BYDENHAM PICTURES VIRTUOUS LIARS." EYDENHAM PICTURES •• THE BOHEMIAN GIRL.” PULLER’S OPERA HOUSE .. REVUE AND VAUDEVILLE. THEATRE ROYAL .. CHRISTCHURCH OPERATIC SOCIETY —" SAN TOY.”

There are hundreds of interesting personages in the world of the photoplav. but probably none is more interesting than Kate Lester, known as “ the most dignified woman on the screen,” who is in the cast supporting Shirley Mason in her latest starring vehicle, “ That French Lady,” now showing at the Queen’s Theatre. The story is told that a titled English lady, speaking to Sir Hall Caine regarding Miss Lester, said: " Miss Lester has the dignity oi’ an English duchess.” To which Sir Hall replied: “Mure correctly, madame, an English duchess has the dignity of Miss Lester.” Kate Lester really is the daughter of a long line of English aristocrats. She studied dramatic art under that prince of actors and playwrights. Dion Boucicauil. and her career^ reads like a romance of stage and screen. Since devoting her time to pictures, it seems that no pho-

toplay wherein there appears a social leader, a grand dame, countess or lady is complete without Kate Lester. ‘‘Loving Lies,” at the Queen's Theatre. is an adaption of Peter B. kyne's story “The Harbour Bar.” and like most of this author’s works, it is a story <>f the sea and i> market! with ruggedness and virility. There is an abundance of action, and a number of thrilling situations, including a storm at sea and a deal of human interest. The title refers to the lies regarding h s work which the hero toils nis wife, to keen her from worry ing. Monte Blue heads the cast and gives a good characterisation of the red-blooded but too kind-hearted tugboat captain. Evelyn Brent is his leading lady. Some extraordinary scenes are portrayed in ” The Tornado,” which heads the current programme at Greater < rvstal Palace. Perhaps the most thrilling is tiic smashing of a big log jam. Huge logs, and real ones, too, are hurtled through the air. and then ground to matchwood in the turmoil of the log-jammed river, augmented to flood mark by torrential rains driven before a howling gale. House Peters plays the role of a man who seeks by tile terrific endeavour consequent upon a life in the logging camps to deaden the heart pain caused bv what he believes to be the infidelity of the woman who had promised to be his wife when he returned from the Great War. Ruth Clifford is leading woman in the supporting cast. “ -Affinities. an uproariously funny a< c. is considered to be one of the best comedies written by that popular novelist, Mar.- Roberts Rinehart. Colleen Moore and John Bowers arc the featured players. .\ Thief in Paradise.” a First National production with an entirely original theme, is the attraction at Everybody s Theatre The picture is adapted irom Leonard Merrick’s novel. The Worldlings. Doris Kenyon. Eileen Pringle, Ronald Coleman, Claude Giliingwater and Alexander B. Francis head the cast. Referrring to the picture. George < Warren, a leading American critic, writes as follows: ”1 he value of a solid story on which to : ition picture is shown in " A Thief of Paradise.” Ii is based on a novel l>\- Leonard Merrick. “The Worldlings.” a pi >e of real literature, and there is a lulnes oi psychology to>d y splendour ol characterisation that make it completely satisfying. Gnc : it in looking at this picture that there was a realitv about its people often missing in films. Usually the men and women on the screen seem hard!-, more than shadows, or outlines of human beings, without, blood or flesh in actuality. But all of the characters in “A Thief in Paradise” move ilition and have a life that seems apart from the mere storytelling. 1 ‘uptain Blood, ‘ a massive and spectacular picture, based on the famous novel by Rafael Sabatini, is showing At the Liberty and Grand Theatres huge cast is assembled, the chief ' tiui.mLai exs beinjr.Jh Warrexj

Kerrigan, .lean Paige, Allan I'orrest, Otis Harlan and Jack t'urtis. The picture is crowded with spectacular and dramatic episodes. Port Royal. Jamaica, Bridgetown, Barbadoes and Tortuga, the earliest settlements in the West Indies, are reproduced with historical accuracy. Waterfronts and harbours were especially constructed according to data supplied by historians. Architecture and costumes are of singular beauty. ft is a romance of the sea in the days when buccaneers ruled the Spanish main. The galleons of the ocean marauders with castellated prow and stern have been reproduced in full size, .and in one of the greatest naval battles ever*'screened these ships are shown in battle array and in full action. In addition to the. sea portion of i !tc story, the life of the planters in the * West Indies, and the terrib'e sufferings of the slaves on the plantations, arc

shown, as well as the customs of the day in those Tar distant British colonies. The whole cast contains a total of more than 4000 players, some twen-ty-five of them being already prominent on the screen. J. Warren Kerrigan has the male lead, and Jean Paige impersonates the chief female characThurston Hall, who with his company will visit. Christchurch shortly and present the comedies. ” So This is London and “1 he Broken Wing,” will be remembered for his appearance on the picture screen as the handsome policeman in “ The Midnight Patrol.” Beauty may be only skin deep, but, lacking that depth, many a giri has found her dreams of life crumble in the ashes of neglect. What hap pens to a plain - looking girl who refuses to let her lack of physical charm act as a detriment is shown in the Master picture, ** The Dark Swan.” the screen version of Ernest Pascal s novel. The cast is headed by Monte Blue, Marie Prevost, Helene Chadwick and Arthur Rankin. hires <>t Fate.” a Master picture, is based on the story written bv Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, first published as a novel under the title of “The Tragedy I of Korosko.” The late Lewis Waller afterwards presented it as a stage play I l V ldcr . the title ot ' “ Fires of | I ate. The story is founded upon 1 l»ct, the main incident being the massacre by Dervishes of a party of tourists up the Nile, which occurred while the author was a newspaper correspondent attached to the staff of Sir Reginald Wingate, Sirdar of the Egvptian Army. The life of a movie actor is not all honey. During the production of “ The lentil 11 oman, a Master picture. John j Roche was in a scene with “ Buddv ” j Post in which the two came to blows. A slight slip up, a blow 100 hard, and Roche had a broken rib. Manner Bros, have one of the biggest , sets ever built in Hollywood in " Mv Mile and I. a forthcoming Master picture, in winch Irene Rich is starred. H measures ISO it in length bv 60ft wide, and contains all the different r<'onis perl inen * to a modern h<ime. I dii ing room alone will seat sixtv persons. A young woman walking da/.edlv into a bachelor's apartment furnishes the start of the action in " The Narrow Street.” the Master Picture version of N orris s novel. Dorothy Devore heads the cast, and Matt Moore plavs the male lead. Because of his sleek hair, serious eve and fearlessness, the fans arc calling Rin-Tin-Tin ’.he Valentino of the dog film actors. A canyie sheik is a new mot ieland. Ile appears in “ The Lighthouse by the Sea,” a Master picture. Beverly Buvne lias returned lo the -ilciii drama as the feminine lead in Her Marriage Vow*’ a Master Piclure. I*or the past few seasons the .talented actress has been appearing; ojj d ijA 3ta^p. ,

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE The Universal Studios are tamou.s lor the splendid settings of their pictures. Th© best that Nature oilers iu Hie way of forests, rivers, mountains and valleys. and of .sunshine and storm, is used as a background lor stories that take in the most emotional arid dramatic elements in human life, in “The Tornado-," these studios have excelled all their previous efforts, making possible. what previously seemed impossible. Contrasting with th© high dramatic tone of “ The Tornado ” is an adaptation of one ul .Miss .Mary Roberts Rinehart's with the title “ Affinities.” There is no drama whatever in this Selznick release. I! is unmixed tun, and it caused ripples of laughter as long as its six reels of film ran through the projector. in the “Fight and Win” picture. Mr Dempsey fights a good fight, out in the open, and during several rounds in drenching rain. A Century comedy, and an international News film are shown, the whole mailing a very outstanding programme. The 'Symphony Orchestra, provides a varied and brilliant programme. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The leading picture at Everybody’s Theatre is the dramatic production entitled “ A Thief in Paradise,” in which Doris KeHyon, Ronald Column and Eileen Pringle take the leading parts. It is a most thrilling drama and quite outside the usual lines. The. story openo in the China. Seas, in “ The .Island of the Lost.” On this island are congregated many of the wrecks of humanity, included in the number there is the prodigal son of an American millionaire. With him there is an Eurasian woman who is faithful to him mainly because she expects that lie will eventual! v inherit bis father’s monev. Another outcast on the island is an Englishman who has come down in the world. A ery dramatic situations develop. and in its final stages the story becomes most interesting. One must see th© picture in order to appreciate how good it is. The supporting programme is a. strong one. It includes a couple of delightful comedies entitled ‘‘The Limit” and “ Ocean Swells.” There is also a scenic film dealing with that great resort of tourists. Switzerland. and a Gaurnont News film showing happenings of interest in other parts of fiie world. A de!i giltful programme of incidental music is played by ihe orchestra under the. baton of Mr Bel I i ngham. LIBERTY THEATRE. Perhaps the greatest of ITalao) Sabatini’s novels, “Captain Blood” tonus exhibited in Cliristchurch for a considerable period. The story commences in the days of Monmouth's rebellion in England, when hundreds of simple country fellows paid with, their lives lor following an ill-fated cause. Peter Blood, a country doctor, is captured while attending to one of the rebel leaders, and despite his protestations of innocence he is brought before the notorious -Judge Jeffreys, who orders his deportation as a. slave to the West Indies. As a slave, his knowledge of medicine proves valuable, and fie is appointed by the Governor as his doctor. One of the few things that make life as a slave bearable is the fact that, lie has fallen in love with the niece f of his master. Colonel Bishop. When the .‘Spanish attack ihe town o' Port Royal, he manages to rescue the niece of his master from one of the Spanish raiders, and 'ater during the battle which ensues, he. with the aid of n. number of fellow slaves, captures a Spanish galleon and turns pirate. By means of a ruse, ho captures another Spanish ship, and later rescues the British Admiral from a burning ship. With Ihe Admiral is an officer with a commission from the King lor Blood, but he refuses to take it. On nearing Pori Royal be finds that th ,A French have launched an attack against the town, and as Ids former master, now Governor, lias sailed away in the fleet in the opposite direction, he decides to accept the commission, and after a spectacular battle defeats tiie French, saves the town, and is appointed to the position of Governor. The action in the picture is rapid, and one. thrill follows another in quick succession. A story of a woman who was deserted by her husband, and who achieved greatness, forms' the second picture, Virtuous Liars." The .Liberty Quality Orchestra, under Mr Howard Moody, provides a fine programme of music. GRAND THEATRE. If a plebiscite were taken it. wouicl probably be. found that the romantic type picture pleases the public k-st. There comes a time when the people have a surfeit of problem dramas, so they turn inevitably towards something which tolls them a story of adventure. This is one of the reasons which may be said to account for the popularity "I Rafael Sabatini s book, “Captain Blood. ’ There is no disputing the. success of the book, and taking a step further there can be no disputing the .success of the film version of the hook, which is being shown at the Grand Theatrr. Peter Blood, a country doctor, is deported ns a slave to the West Indies. As ;i slave, his knowledge of medicine proves valuable, and lie is appointed by the Governor as his Hotter. One of (lie few things that makes lilo a-, a slave bearable is the fact that he has fallen in love wiili Ihe I'iece of his master. Colonel Bishop. Mi th the aid of a number of fellow slaves, lie captures a ‘‘ i>anish «>-a!leon. and turns (lirat<•. ot her Spa ni.-h ship, a d hui r cuct* ihe British Admiral from a I,.lining ship. ()u nearing Port. Royal. |,e finds i hat the French have launched an attack against, tin- town. Alter a spectacular battle, he defeats tin- French. the position of Governor, in place of Colonel Bishop, whom Blood has to Uv on a charge of n< glccting hi-- duty. The climax. where Blood. with his two ships attacks the whole French flee I . is one <>l ihe linei film scenes pr tod. \ fine musical programme i' provided by the orchestra. QUEEN’S THEATRE, The programme at the Queen’s Theatre this week is a very strong one, iu fact, it is one of the most interesting to the average picture theatre goer that lias been screened there for a long time past. The leading feature is “ Loving Lies. a United Arris;.- production, based upon Peter B. Kyne's story “The iii-a-chonr Bar-' 1 Just as this u.uiiior'**

stories »>l the sou. have delighted thousands upon thousands ut ] people, so will this sea drama please everybody who sees it. As one of the sub-titles states. " In every man's life comes a conflict between love and work.” The second picture on the programme is “ That Kremli Lady,” a Fox production adapted from the stage play. ‘‘The Si range Woman.” The story concerns chiefly n young French writer. Inez Piert'ciond. who in a book expounds the theory of love in a manner which creates a sensation in Paris, Briefly, the picture deals with a society problem in interesting fashion. Shirley Mason, one of the most popular of present-day film actresses, is in the leading role, and she is supported by a very able cast. The supporting films include an educational subject and the latest gazette. The Queen’s Superb Orchestra, contributes an enjoyable programme of music FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE. A brilliant vaudeville act by Fuller's Eleven Wonder* and an entirely new musical programme by the George Storey Jttevu& Company are the outstanding features of a line programme which is being presented at the Opera House this week. The work of all the Wonders is beautifully clean and neatly performed. .Rena Rudd, an English comedienne, makes her first appearance anil os a skipping-rope artist scores a great success. Song and patter by the Mullanoy Brothers meet with approval. Their impersonation of classical and ballet dancers is very popular. The Alton Sisters in rope tricks and Maxwell Carow’s songs conclude the first portion of the programme, the second portion of which is devoted to George store* and his revue company, whose offering this week is a magnificently-staged musical comedy. Each of the seven scenes is well produced. An interesting , plot runs through the story. Mr Albert Bidgood’s orchestra, contributes in no small degree to the success of the vaudeville acts, and of one of the best musical comedies seen a: the Opera House. VISIT OF FAMOUS ARTIST. THURSTON HALL. " Si« This Is London, ’ the screamingly laughable three-act comedy to be presented for the first time in Christchurch by the famous star ■ ■ median, Mr Thurst< m Hall, ■ and .1. C. Williamsons powerI ful supporting company at the | Theatre Royal on Thursday. May 7. is a play ridiculing the misunderstandings between the “Britisher and the Yankee " as they are respectively misnamed by the untraveiled masses, whose prejudices arise from want of personal acquaintance. The pla> is by Arthur Goodrich, and after its wonderful New York success reached London early last year, and was accepted there with the same tolerant good humour which had marked the attitude of American audiences. Messrs J. U. M illiamson. Ltd., engaged Thurston

Zealand to interpret the role of Hiram | Draper, whose portrait he diaws with- * out exaggeration as a handsome, like- l able, easv-tempered chap, who makes friends everywhere, and in doing so throws his prejudices overboard with a much better grace than does his stiffnecked opponent. The reception of this clever comedy in* Sydney and Mcl- J bourne was entirely favourable, the j Press and public alike unanimously 7 proclaimed it to be the funniest com- - erly in years. Speaking of the first ! performance in Sydney recentb . the critic of the " Morning Herald ” said : " As Iliram Draper, sen.. Mr Thurston Hall achieved a remarkable success, whilst the Sir Percy Beauchamp of Mr Reginald Carrington was sufficientlystarched and dignified. The play is decidedly different from the usual run of comedies, and should be immensely popular. Its central idea, incidentally 1 , is a tribute to Scotland, for out ot Scotland came the genius of Burns. The play expresses in three hila ficus ... t what the poet crystallised into two immortal lines, concerning the * power and the gittie. Ihe various scenes between the fathers of the young couple engaged to be married give scope lor fine characterisation. The smart dialogue illustrates graphically the exact opposite of types, and Mr Thurston Mali, who. to the finest detail, impersonates Hiram Draper, sen., rarely iusus his grip on ihe audience. Mr Reginald Carrington, who plays with excellent restraint the role of the digmhea Englishman. makes a natural ion to ins more vigorous rival. Between these, two fint arti ts they conlubute the greater part oi the fun during the play-” jMiss Gladys Webster, who will also be making her. first appearance here, is said to reveal an excellent sense ol humour, combined with grace and charm, as Mrs Hiram Draper. An excellent supporting com pan v will include 11 den or I3ev;m, Madge North. ioa.-i Georgina lia u Ba ric. Kenneth Brampton. Caricton Stm.r; Herbert Leigh Felix Bland Vlonl l \\ olf and Roy >»©• n < * j his is London ' wiil be staged ioi live nights only, and will be Pillowed another big London and New York comedy success, “The Broken Wing.' The box plans for "So finis Is London" wi!l open at The Bristol next Tuesday