AMUSEMENTS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17528, 4 May 1925, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

THE THEATRES. i ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WEEK. SVBR,YBODY’S THEATRE ■* SINNERS IN HEAVEN ” EVERYBODY’S THEATRE . . “ FRIVODOUS SAD " Liberty theatre “ dangerotjs money ” LIBERTY THEATRE . . “ THE MASK OE LOPEZ ” GRAND THEATRE '• MANHATTAN ” GRAND THEATRE . . FOR YOU MY BOY ” GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE . . “ THE SIGN OE THE ROSE ” GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE -I AM THE MAN ” STRAND THEATRE •• BUTTERFLY ” STRAND THEATRE . . THE CIRCUS COWBOY ” QUEEN'S THEATRE . . “ THE CYCLONE RIDER ” SYDENHAM PICTURES “ THE MASK OF LOPEZ ” SYDENHAM FICTUFvES • GENTLE JULIA ” THEATRE ROYAL CANTERBURY COLLEGE REVUE THEATRE ROY AD THURSTON HADD CO. (CotmuonclitgT May 7) FULLERS OPERA HOUSE REVUE AND VAUDEVILLE

LIBERTY THEATRE. ‘‘ THE MASK UF LOPEZ.’’ “ DANGEROUS .MONEY.” A programme of pictures and music that will meet with the plaudits of theatre-goers of all tastes is provided pt Liberty Theatre this week. In addition to two lirst-class dramas, a vaudeville turn is provided in the shape of an excellent turn by the MacKinnon Hoys. Although it is only six months since the name oi. Fred Thomson was first heard iu connection with motion pictures in tile Dominion, lie has quickly risen to a high place in the favour of patrons of theatres, and his latest success is in “The Mask of Lopez,” the principal picture on this week's bill. Thomson, who lias an Olympic record as an athlete, is fortunate in Jaaving with him an animal actor that

mtmost ranks as a co-star 'with him. 1 *Tho animal is Silver King, the horse | •with *■ a human mind.” In The i ‘ ACa.sk of Lopez,” botli horse and rider | ‘ have ample room to show their | prowess, this being one oi the out-1 standing features of the picture. 'The j locale is in the cattle country of Ari- ■ jsona-, where the crime of cattle steal-j

ing is still in existence, and wl.ero a vur is continually in progress between the owners of the ranches and the thieves. Thomson is cast os Jack

O’Neill, a nephew of the warden of the Arizona prison. Hearing that a noted thief, who previously did the lad a good turn, is about to be released. lie meets him, and for a time assumes his identity. Both obtain positions on the same ranch, which is owned by a very pretty girl, who is worried over the depredations of the thieves on her herds. O’Neill s sus-

pit-ions fall on the foreman, and. with the aid of his ex-convict friend, lie decides to catch the band, ol whom the foreman, in the guise of Lopez, is the leader. AY ithth c ai d o f lvis well-tv ai ned horse, lie rescues the owner of the ranch from almost certain death, and js then rescued from execution at the . hands of the thieves by the horse. Mho horse also brings reinforcements which result in the capture of the thieves. These things are not brought about without a great number of risks being taken hv O’Neill ancl his ex-con~ vict friend, but thev finally prove thenworth. Incidentally, O’Neill secures the hand of the lady of the ranch. Thomson proves all that has been acclaimed of him in the picture, doing some almost deatli-defying stunts.” Hazel Keener is the heroine of the story, and it is she who leads the rescue party when O’Neill is in the hands of the thieves. She is a comparatively new actress to Christchurch picturegoers, but she lias already claimed a place, in their affections. The story provides thrills in plenty. Bobo Daniels, one ot the actresses ysiho seems to have the secret of perr takes the leading role the second feature, “Dangerous

a story which shows that money does not bring everything in the world. .Miss Daniels plays the part of a poor girl, who suddenly finds that she is the heiress to a fortune. The power of nroney turns her head, and she spurns one who has been her lifelong friend and lover. She marries an Italian nobleman, who is a scoundrel, apd it is only after her marriage that she finds that he only loves her money. _\s suddenly as she receives the money. * *lie finds that it is taken away from I her, but she realises then that she has ; not used it as she should have, and is prepared to give it up. Through a * fir© at the hotel her husband loses his life, and she is once more in the I a ' ii.- o' the only man she really loves, who is the real heir to the money. As i« only to be expected, the two ate united, and the money is properly used. Tom Moore is cast in the main support|ng role, and he gives a fine interpretation of the part. There is a lug additional cast, all of whom assist in Ihe production of a good picture. The attendance on Saturday evening could not have too much of the MacKinnon Boys, who give a fine turn, comprising Scottish musk, step dancing, concertina music and Highland dancing. ICach turn was vigorously applauded. and when they finally left

tlie stage the applause was carried on for fully five minutes. The Liberty Quality Orchestra, under Mr Howard Moody, provided a most enjoyable programme of classical and popular music, which appealed to everyone. The entr’acte was the old ballad favourite “ Silver Threads Among the Gold.” The comet solo was tastefully played by Air F. Chap- • man, and received generous applause. “The Shamrock” selection included L such well-known favourites as “ Wear- - mg o’ the Green.” “ St Patrick's i Day" and “The Minstrel Boy,” and s helped to sustain the Irish atmosphere : in the picture “ Dangerous Money.” Another much appreciated item was • ** .Sullivan’s, Gems,” which introduced ; excerpts from “Mikado.” “Penzance.” • * Pinafore.” etc. The seldom-heard • “ King Stephen ” overture (Beethoven) was successfully introduced during the latter part of the slow pic--1 ture. Ollier items included : “ Two ; Tri-li Tone Sketches” (O’Donnel). “ l.iebest’reiid ” (soloist. Mr Arthur i Gordon). (Kreisler); opera. “ Henry . VTT” (Saint Saens) and “Triston and

Isolde” (Wagner) : comic opera, ” Gypsy Princess'* (Kalman) and “ Slavonic Dance ’’ (Dvorak) ; valse, “Mellow Moon” (Hall). GRAND THEATRE. 151 C HA J H) DIX J X “M A Nil A TLA N. “FOR YOU. MY BOY STORY Cl A FATHER’S SACRIFICE. Paramount pictures, with all their care an 4 elaboration, continue to at tract large and appreciative attendances to Lfie Grand Theatre, which secures the best tlie Paramount Studios produce. ifio latest showing on. Saturday, under tlie title “Manhattan,” is a very human story of a study in fact—of a millionaire m search ot adventure. Tired of painting tlie town red, alter tlie way or some young millionaires, he went out to look for real excitement, and got as much of it as lie wanted, and more. He cured himself of ennui, and lie w on a. bride and happiness. 1l was a case o,t love at first sight, in—ot all place* in the world —Hell's Kitchen, tho headquarters of roughs, “crooks” and professional safe-blow-ers. Before the wealthy young idler comes through his round of excitement, lie has to fight a whole gang, to give its chief a terrible druboing, ! and to face iusilades from practised gunmen. A bullet from one ot the chief’s own men “gets him.” This enables the millionaire- to get away with his sweetheart and take her to his Fifth Avenue mansion, wlujre, if tlie story did r.oi end just there, they would he shown settling down to quiet married life. “Manhattan” is notable first because it is a Paramount adaptation of a popular novel, “The Definite Object,’’ by Mr Jeffery Farnol and, secondly because Mr Richard Dix is the pampered young millionaire. iur Dix is an American actor with a wide career on the legitimate stage. .He lias appeared in Goidwyn pictures, hut lie lias been secured by Paramount, w hich is quick to pick up first-class talent, and in “Manhattan” fie shines for the first time as a star. He is endowed with the talents of a dramatic actor, he i.s handsome and attractive, and lie has a pleasing personality, which is reflected on the screen. He, no doubt, will be starred in other Paramount pictures. and certainly will be welcomed . by j lie ture patrons who favour the Paramount productions and the Grand j Theatre. “The girl” m this case is Miss ! Jacqueline Logan. She belongs to I exas, studied lor journalism, went on the stage, and was with the Universal people before Paramount took her and mad© her a star in scores of good pictures. She is described as a grey-eyed, auburn-haired girl. These qualities do not help her much on the screen, but she does not need them with her pretty face and graceful figure. Aii* Gregory Kelly, who takes the part of a member of the gang, acts with so much polish that it is surprising to learn that this is his first picture. Air G. Seigmann is a very good bad man who “bosses” the gang The management of the Grand Theatre. as the principal support on Saturday, screened a touching story

of parental love and. sacrilice with the title “For You, My Buy.” This is an I emotional effort, and a very effective ' one. In the story, a, lather clues hio best for his little boy, hut finds that he must stand aside and see the lad grow to manhood without the power to guide him. J.t is not by any mean, a gloomy picture. The boy receives bis heritage, and when he faces the first great crisis in his life, “ e stands up to it in a way that gladdens his old father’s heart. In this way; the father receives at least some compensation for his sacrifices and anxieties. There is nothing farfetched in this story. As a matter of fact those who see it feel that actual experience lias been drawn upon by the producers and the director. This may bo due largely to the naturalness of tin; acting, which leaves nothing to be desired. Amongst the players are Mi Louis Dean. Mr Ben Lewin, Mr Schuyler White, Mr Scott Hinchner, Miss Jean Armour, Miss Matty ltou bert and Miss Gladys Grainger. a splendid team. A comedy and a. more didactic til in helped to make up a- delightful picture programme. j Mr Harold Beck’s string quartet has become part and parcel of the Grand Theatre. Patrons look forward to the .'concerts that 'run with the pictures. On Saturday the principal musical item was the quartet No. b. Opera IS, by Beethoven, the last of a set of six quartets de- . dicated to Prince Lobkovits. The first movement is scored very lightly, and is bright and graceful; the adagio is a movement fuil of beauty, and with almost whimsical passages for each instrument: the sparkling scherzo demands skill and dexterity from the solo violin. Mozart’s trio for violin, viola and pianoforte, given by Miss ! Florence Miliar, Miss A. Ait-ken and Mr Joseph Meroer, was particularly | acceptable. This piece has all the great j master’s wonderful beauty, grace and ! charm. The entr’acte was Godard’s j popular “Berceuse,” from “Jocelyn. J consisting mainly of a beautiful ’cello solo. Ernest Chaussou's “Cantique de St C'ecile.” played in Christchurch for the first time, is written for pianoforte and strings, opening with an unaccompanied ’cello solo, .reminiscent of “Impressions de Italy.” It is short and simple and typically French in style. Amongst other items were Puccini’s “Manon” and Lehar’s “Ovpsv Love.” EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. I TWO “GREAT” ATTRACTIONS » “ SINNERS IN HEAVEN.’ STARRING BEBE DANIELS AND RICHARD DIX. • FRIVOLOUS SAL ” STARRING MAE BUSCH AND EUGENE O’BRIEN. An unforgettable story, plus flawless acting and admirable direction, combine to make “Sinners in Heaven” one of the high-iights among the season’s current films. This Paramount parture will make its debut at Everybody's Theatre t.o-day at the matinee, and will bn continued throughout the w eek. The storx, an adaptation by James Creel man of the prize-winning novel of the same .name by Clive Arden, deals with Baibara Stockley (.played by Bebe Daniels.) and Alan Croft (portrayed by Richard Dix). These two, one a straight-laced little English girl, the other a dam devil British aviator, are the sole survivors, of an ill-fated hydroplane expedition. Cast away on a desert island, they not only have to tight for life against Nature and native savages, but ay; inst their own conflicting emotions. It is a strange, tense, dramatic struggle that takes place there in that tropical island, a million miles from civilisation. the lieart-stirring conflict between love and convention. Love wins, and the lesulting complications provide some startling surprises. ScOn ealiy and photographically the picture is “a j thing of beauty.” j A thrilling story of a pioneer mining j town of the West, in which a girl and a small bov help a man find himself, is the basis of J. K. M’Donald’s latestFirst National photoplay, “ Frivolous Sal,” which is the supporting feature on the programme. The cast includes Eugene O’Brien, Mae Busch. Ben Alexander, Mildred Harris, Mitchell Lewis and Tom Santsclii. “Frivolous Sal” has a scenic background the bke of : which has rarely been f-eCn on the screen in a dramatic production. Rai

nicr National .Park, in North-\\ cste n Washington, and the great mini ;g region of Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene were chosen as locations. Except for o few excursions of scenic photographers, no motion picture camera has ever before recorded the majestic beauty of Mount Rainier. Some of thA story’s most important action takes place in a huge cavern that a stream of melting ice has carved out under the famou- Nisqoallv Glacier, near the top of Mount Rainier. Amid tlie.se marvels of Nature the tensely dramatic love story of “Frivolous Sal,” beautiful girl of the pioneer mining camps, :vnd her sweetheart, a stranded actor, has been I filmed. There is thrilling action from ' the start, with a climax in which two men battle for the love of a girl while suspended from a wire tramway over a deadly gorge. A magnificent musical programme will be given by Everybody’s “ Select” Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr W. ; T. Bellingham, F.S.M. Chief among the items are the following:— Overture. ‘‘The Gladiator” (Sousa); [ suite. “ Woodland Sketches ” (Mac-

Dowell): rhapsody, “Hungarian (No. 1) ” (Liszt) ; opera. “ Tannhauser : ’ (Wagner) ; entr’acte. “ Romance ” (Gershwin): songs, “ Chanson Jndoue”-(Rimsky-Korsakov), “ A Lover in ])amascus” (Woodford-Finden) : fox trots, “ (Fisher). Rock-a-bye Baby Days ” (Silver). Reserved seats, as usual. ujav he booked either at The Bristol or b-y telephoning 4925. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “ THE C YC LONE RIDER .” J The programme selected for screen- ! ing at the Queen’s Theatre this week i is one that should meet with the ap- ! proval of picture-goers. All the world j is seeking thrills, and no one knows i it better than Lincoln J. Carter,; author of “ The Cyclone Rider,” which j will be the outstanding feature. This j

author has been writing stage plays for a great many years, so many that his name was a household word when the moving picture industry was in its infancy. Some time ago he was induced to join tlio Fox staff. That his genius for turning out scenarios is every, bit as great as his genius for play-writing was proved in the success of his first two screen entertainments, te The Fast Mail ’ and “The Eleventh Hour.” “ The Cvclone Eider” is da.mod to ht far great or than Ms pro-

decessors, and to possess a great deal of romance and humour which they lacked. ft was directed by Thomas Buckingham, who has always excelled in productions of this type, and it features, in the title role, a young mau named Reed Howes, who was specially selected for his acting ability as well as the many hair-raising situations he performs. As James Kent, a young engineer, he has many chances to do breath-taking “stunts” on swinging cables, and on steel construction poised hundreds of feet in the air. the reason of most of the heroism being a girl named Doris Howard, played by Alma Bennett. The big scene, and the biggest thrill of the picture, comes in the automobile race. which he enters, hoping to win five thousand pounds. Doris’s father lias decreed that lie shall earn this amount before he can win the girl. And then, with the race practically won. a child wanders out across the track, and he is obliged to wreck bis machine to save her. This gives an opportunity for the picture to run on into even more thrills. After this everything moves af a rapid pace Even the wedding at the finish is not an ordinary wedding in any sense.' The hero arrives through the window, swinging on a steel derrick beam, in time to prevent Doris from marrying a blackguard, and then, since the minister was there and everything ready, lie marries her himself. In addition to this great picture there will be a splendid and well-varied supporting programme, including comedies. educational and topical subjects. Incidental music will he rendered by the Queen’s Orchestra, under the direction of Air H. Ell wood. GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE j LIONEL BARRYMORE IN l AAI THE AIAN.” GEORGE BEBAN IN “ THE SIGN OF THE ROSE.” “I Am the Alan," which heads the new programme at Greater Crystal Palace for this week, commencing to-day, offers Lionel Barrymore one of the greatest acting parts of his career, and he is said to take full advantage of the opportunity offered. Lionel Barrymore has long been considered one of the best actors not only oi the screen, but of tlie stage as veil, and he proves his right to the title of “America’s greatest actor’ by his work in *• I Am the Alan. " A J strong supporting cast helps io make j this production oue oi the most in- j teresting pictures seen in some time. I and it has proven one ot the year's j most successful photoplays. Among those who do excellent work are Seen a j Owen, Gaston Glass, Flora Le Breton, ! Martin Faust and Joe Striker. “I j Am the Man ” is a story ot a strong mam who lias always beeu able to gratify his every wish and who took j what lie wanted. A power in finance and politics, his every wish is law. and j it is only when he falls in love witu I a woman who does not reciprocate hi.-, j affection that he learns that there vre j some things that money and power - cannot buy. How he works out the greatest problem of his life makes a ! most interesting picture, and it is! hoped that the Chadwick Picture Cor-j poration. who made “ I Am the! Alan,” will continue to make such 1 worth-while productions. * An event of first magnitude in this

year’s screen programme is George 1 Jieban in “ "J’he Sign of the Rose,” the 1 second big picture on the new pro- ] gramme. Known wherever motion i pictures are known, and popular in ; every city and town in which he has j appeared on the stage. George .Behan < lias a following eager to greet him ] and enjoy the art he brings to the cul- 1 ruinating achievement of an active 1 career in “The Sign of the Hose.” « Unlike some popular stars, he has not i exhausted that popularity in a series i of pictures hurriedly produced and 1 rapidly released one after the other. < Beban lias been content to appear at i long intervals, and from each produc- 1 tion lie has acquired valuable inform a- c tion, all pointing to what the public <

really wants. Painstakingly lie built the story of his latest production, basing it on the stage success that brought him fame. Always he had dreamed of screening “ The Sign of the Hose.” and always he refused to do it until lie could produce it under the most favourable auspices. At last that time came, and in. his new picture George Behan proves that the chance was worth waiting foi. .Tack Dempsey, world's heavy-weight champion, and latest picture star, says that fighting before the camera is even harder work than in the prize ring. His battles, staged in the new series. “Fight and Win.” now playing at Greater Crystal Palace, he says, cost him more effort than knocking out an opponent. 41 I suppose because T knew the camera was on me T hit harder and worked faster.” he explains. His opponents testify to his natural method of fighting—none lasted longer than three rounds. A notable cast supports Dempsey, the most prominent being Hayden Stevenson, who played the fight manager in “ The Leather Pushers.” Esther Ralston, Carmel ita Geraghtv and Chuck Reisner. In support of the two main films '.here is a verv funny Century comedy

and the latest International News film. Incidental to and in coinjunction with the screening of the various motion pictures the world-famous Symphony Orchestra, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred .1. Bun/., will present a magnificent musical programme which includes the following . classical and popular numbers: Overture. “Morning, Noon and Night" (Suppe) ; “Symphony in E Flat" (Mozart) : “Samson et Dalila” (Saint Saens) ; “ O for the Wings of a Dove" (Mendelssohn'; “Nazareth" (Gounod*: “Florentine'’ (Godard): “Two Irish Tone Sketches" (O’Donnell); "f.e Reveil Des Fleurs" (Flament) ; “All Alone’’ (Berlin); "It Ain't Gonna Rain" (Hall). The box plan is at The Bristol or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 3758. BIG LAUGHING SUCCESS. • so 'l l 1 is IS LONDON." "So This is London.” the wonderfully successful three-act farcical play to be staged for the first time in Christchurch by the distinguished comedian, Mr Thurston Hall, and a powerful J. G'. ’Williamson supporting company at the Theatre Royal next Thursday evening, has made as strong an appeal to the British as to the Americans, for it had the phenomenal run of over fifteen months in London. and fourteen months in New York, with Thurston Hall in the leading role. It is said to bo a screamingly laughable comedy of delightful humour and quaint character type*-, with well-defined story to maintain the interest. and with a charming love romance included. It has a charm all iis own. Playgoers will be afforded the opportunitv

to see in real life the celebrated star they have watched on the screen in many notable film productions—Thurston Hall, an actor of striking appearance and individuality and brilliant acting ability, The motive of this clever comedy is to remove the wrong impressions that exist in the minds of tlie British concerning the eccentricities and defects of the American character, and to apply the same lesson (o the Americans. On the material furnished by the two countries, the author lias founded a pretty plot; one that is clever from the point of construction as from the crispness of its dialogue. M bat really happens is that an American boot manufacturer travels to London with a view or purchasing an oldestablished English concern. On the boat crossing the Atlantic tlie American’s son rails in love with a charming young girl, who turns out to be the daughter of tlie Englishman. With an intense hatred of everything British, the fai her refuses to consent i-o a union. but. through the wiles of Lady Amy Duckswortli, love triumphs over all obstacles. File various scenes between the fathers of the young couple give plenty of scope for line characterisation. The dialogue illustrates graphically the exact opposite of types, and Air Thurston Hall. who. to the finest detail, impersonates Hiram Draper, senior, never loses his grip on the audience. Mr Reginald Carrington, who plays with excellent restraint the ! role of the dignified Englishman, j makes a natural toil to liis more vigorous rival. Between them they contribute the greater part of the fun of the evening. Christchurch playgoers will see the piece staged on the same scale as in Melbourne and Sydney, where it achieved a. remarkable sueeess. running tor over six months. “So This Is London” will be staged for five nights only. Tlie second production of 'the brief season will lie “The Broken Wing.” described as the most laughable and thrilling cornedvdra nut staged in New Zealand for many years. I he box plans will open at the Bristol to-morrow morning. FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE. ■ ( H A N G E O F I»R OG 11A M M E. Ihe regular weekly change of programme, to he staged by the Fuller management ai the Opera House this evening, is to include live vaudeville acts, headed by Fuller's Eleven Won- j det-s. These clever children are spoken highly of by Opera House patrons, and well they deserve it, for theirs is undoubtedly a delightful performance. The talent ol the combination is not confined to one or two members, but each and every one has a part to perform. and does it wonderfully well.

clienne, is to submit some new songs and danCes. The clever English entertainer. Maxwell Carew, will be seen in another of his London successes. Jimmy Norton commences his season to-night, and the Alullaney Bros. ill present a routine of their amusing comedy and simultaneous dancing. Air George Storey and his Musical Revue Company are to fill the second part of tho bill with their latest musical extravaganza. “Sign. Please.” This is n galaxy of beautiful girls, gorgeous costumes, tuneful choruses and abundant humour. The scene depicts a large departmental store, with George Storey as the over-ambitious assistant who maintains a continuous round of merriment throughout. The mannequin parade by the “ Super Six ” is said to be an outstanding feature, while the “Lingerie Ballet.” cleverly performed and costumed in a gorgeous manner, displays the very latest in those dainty creations so dear to the hearts of the tender sex.