On The Screen

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17564, 15 June 1925, Page 5

On The Screen

THE THEATRES

ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WEEK. BTEEYBODT'S THEATKE •* H* I MAES7 AGAIN ” EVERYBODY'S THEATRE “ THREE WISE POOLS ” GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE . . “ THE HT7K.HICAJC7E KIYI ” GREATER CRYSTAL FAXA.CZ; . . “ DUFYUMG DESTINY ” GRAND THBATRE . . " TONGDEB OT PLAME " LIBERTY THEATRE •• THREE WOKEN ” QUEEN'S THEATRE “ MY - LADY'S DRESS " QUEEN'S THEATRE “ THE BELOVED CHEATER ” STRAND THEATRE •• TORNADO " STRAND THEATRE “ THE VENGEANCE OF FIERRE " XING'S THEATRE . . THE FIGHTING ADVENTURER " XING'S THEATRE .. “ THE TROUBLE SHOOTER ” THEATRE ROYAL XBJESLER RECITAL THEATRE ROYAL LONG TACX SAM AND CO- (CorameAC in# June 17) TUXiXE&'S OPERA HOUSE VAUDEVILLE & REVUE

LIBERTY THEATRE.

* THREE WOMEN.” A WONDERFUL PHOTOPLAY. Always ready io provide the best that eau be offered in screen entertainments, the management of Liberty Theatre have again brought before the picture-going public «cf Christchurch one of the foremost productions el’ the year. Jt is a story with a logical, vet absorbing plot., superbly produced, and combining all the resources of the modern producer. The picture, “Three Women,” was screened on Saturday for the first time in liristMiurcb, and drew a house that was full before the entertainment started.. Coinciding with the picture is music that cicates an atmosphere which helps the spectators to grip tbe theme. 11 is a story of one man and three "omen, lie being loved by the three but being worthy of the love of none ot them. As with everything in this worJyJ, his day of reckoning conics, and it is a sudden and fierce reckoning, but otic that is deserved. The plot, to say the least, is unusual. Of the three women. two are mother .and daughter, while the third is an outsider. The man in the case comes under the heading of what the Americans describe as a gold-digger, one who is attracted anywhere where there is easy money to lie obtained, whether he gains it by fair means or foul. It is first of all to the mother that he pays his attentions. Sli© is a widow, a most attractive lady, with an ample iortune. To her he profeAss his love, and the widow has opened her heart to the plausible scoundrel. She considers him something of a social capture, and is pleased to keep him supplied with money. The suit proceeds apace until the daughter, who has been at a finishing school, arrives home, much, to the annoyance of her mother, bhe is as a new comet on ct dull horizon, for Lnmont, for such is the name of the villain, has tirecl of the mother, and only retains her affections for his own ends. Upon the arrival of the daughter, tbe mother is cast aside, and her spirit of revenge is immediately awakened. The fact that the daughter has a fortune in her own right is a largo factor in the chain of events, and Lauiont makes it his business to get control of the money. With. his polished manners and his suave speech, ho gains the -heart of the girl, and also gains the promise of her hand in marriage. Meanwhile, in her heart, the mother has conceived a burning hatred of the social parasite. Upon his marriage to the daughter, he considers that he has achieved his end, as he lias control of her money, and ho sets out to find fresh fields to conquer. To one so well acquainted with the ways of the world this is not a difficult task, and he is soon to be seen neglecting his wife for another woman. Love for her daughter swells in the mother’s heart, and she demands that J.ainont shall release her child from the bonds of marriage, which lie lias made a farce. In a dramatic scene he refuses. "With thinly veiled sarcasm he suggests that the mother is still in. lore with him. and thaL jealousy is tlic motive lor asking for her daughter’s release. The mother's answer is swift. A shot, and the thing that was Lament is no more. The wheels of the huge machine that is known as the law then commence to move, and the mother finds herself arraigned on th e charge of murder, ftlie faces the jury coldly, expecting justice. nothing more and nothing less. She tells her story to the jury, a net it feels that it cannot convict her on a charge of having deliberately done another to death. She is found not guilty, and leaves the court a free woman, but one much wiser in the affairs of the world. An earlier sweetheart of the girl appears on the scene, lie having made good in his own avocation, and both motjher and daughter face life afresh free from the demoralising influence of Lament. Ernest Lubitsch is the man v. ho produced the picture for the firm of "Warner Brothers, and in it he demonstrates his great ability as a director, lie has selected a cast from the leading personalities of tbe moving picture world. For the role of Lnmont. Mr Lubitsch has chosen Lew Codv, who is widely known for his capabilities as a screen lever, lie handles his role with freedom, yet never overdoing anything. He shows the. depths to which an outwardly respectable member of society can sink. Cody provides most of the dramatic woj k in the picture, although he takes his share in the other portions of the story. Pauline Frederick, who will shortly be seen here on the speaking stage, takes the role of the mother, and with her fine bearing, and undoubted histrionic ability, provides an example of motion picture acting. As a woman who is prepared to sacrifice herself for tbe happiness of her daughter, she has a heavy role to play, but that tloes not mean that she shirks any part of her duties. In the pathetic and tragic scenes at the conclusion of the story she rises to great heights. She is ably supported by May M’Avoy, who app »ais as the light-hearted, care-free daughter, who proves to l>o. tbe unwittjuc cause of a. great deal of the trouble. Miss M’Avoy is naturally adapted for such a part, and carries it through successfully. Marie Prcvost, of whom Liberty audiences have seen a good deal lately, adds another leather to her cap as the third sweetheart of Lament. Although her part is somewhat restricted, she provides some excellent work. Willard Louis, whoso character studies ore well known. Mary Carr, an old favourite, and Pierre Gendron. another fine actor, ell contribute in no small degree to the success of the picture. From the •pectacular point of view, the picture j» y’.ciididly handled. There U. a fine

supporting programme, including gazettes, comedy, and cartoons. The Liberty t>ualit->* Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Howard Moody, provides an excellent programme of incidental music both classical and popular. The entr’acte is Sullivan’s popular “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes” from “Tbe Gondoliers.” The cornet solo was tastefully played by Mr F. Chapman. Two new fox trots arc “JRock-a-bye Baby Days” (Silver), and “Woop \Voop” (CP Hagen) both snappy numbers. Another item which found favour with the large audience was the Cavatina from “Bober* le Liable” (Meyerbeer). The “andante” from the Fourth Symphony, “The Tragic” (Schubert;), was played for the first lime in this theatre, and the movement throughout received an excellent interpretation. An exhaustive fantasia from Mozart's “Magic, Flute” was another much appreciated item. Other numbers included : Comic opera “ Puppets.” (Novello); suite, “Danse Miniatures.” (Ansell) ; petite suite de concert (Coleridge Taylor); “Thais and Talmaee.” (M’Deod Cambell) ; opera, “La Traviata” (Verdi); Svmpbonv No 5 (Mozart).

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE.'

MOB E “BIG” A TTR A CHON S. “IF T MABRY AGAIN.” STARRING DORIS KENYON AND ANNA Q. NILSSON. “THREE WISE FOOLS,” STARRING CLAUDE GILLING WATER AND ELEANOR. BOARDMAN. Doris Kenyon, former stage favourite, who recently was given a starring contract with First National, will be seen in the greatest role of her career, “If I Marry Again,” a love drama which comes this week to Everybody’s Theatre, commencing at the matineo to-day. The picture calls for a rare type of emotional acting—a type such as can be entrusted only to a. 7 er 3' few players. That Miss Kenyon is ideally cast in this picture is manifest by the observations of tbe critics who have seen the picture and who agree that her characterisation is one of the outstanding dramatic performances of the year. Five prominent players are seen in supporting roles. Frank Mayo is seen as the misunderstood -husband, and Lloyd Hughes is the son who marries against liis father’s wishes. Hobart Bosworth plays tbe father, and Anna Q. Nilsson, Myrtle Stedmau and Baby Dorothy Brock arc also seen in important roles. John Francis Dillon, who directed “Flam,n S Youth.” and “Lilies of the Field,” is responsible for the direction of “If T Marry Again,” which is an adaptation of tli© Metopolitan Magazine story by Gilbert Frankau. A corking good picture is Goldwyn’s film version of Austin Strong’s successful stage play, “Three Wise Focls,” which is the additional attraction on the programme. It lias been directed by Kiiig \ idor with all of bis feeling for actuality in characterisation* in atmosphere and in background. Its story is that of three old bachelors who agree to take charge of tbe grown daughter of the girl who had rejected the love of all three of them in their youth. Comedy complications ensue fast and furiously, and soon become interwoven in a series of dramatic incidents which ate solved happily for all concerned after the girl lias been gaoled on a charge of aiding and abetting three criminals to break out of prison. “Three Wise Fools” has almost everything in it that the most’ jaded picture patron could wish for—comedy, romance, reality, thrills and spectacular moments. Its cast is of the kind that Goldwyn has accustomed picturegoers to expect. Eleanor Boardman, who jumped into screen 1 fame with her acting of the role of Remember Steddon in Rupert Hughes’s “Souls foi Sale.” is the girl -the “three wise fools” are Claude Gillingwater, William IS. Crane and Alec Francis. The cast also includes John Sainpolis. Brinslev Shaw, Fred Esmeltou, William Haines, Lucien Littlefield. ZaSu Fitts, Martha Mattox, Craig Biddle, junior, Creighton Hale and Raymond Hatton. A delightful musical programme will be given by Everybody’s Select Orchestra, under the conduotorship of Mr W. J. Bellingham. F.S.M. Chief among the items are the following:— Overture, “Norembega” (Hall); suites. “Contes dc la Veille” (Godard). “Children’s Suite” (Ansell); song suite, “American Indian Songs” (Cadman); symphony, “R Minor —-unfinished” (Schubert); opera. “Inquisitive Women” (Wolf-Ferrari); entr'acte, “Spain” (Isham Jones); fox trot songs. “The One T Love” (Tafia m Jones), “Sahara” (Horatio Nicholls). Seats may be reserved at Tfic Bristol, or by telephoning 4925.

QUEEN’S THEATRE.

“MY LADY'S DRESS'’ AND "TIIE BELOVED CHEATER.” A great programme awaits patrons n f . the Queen's Theatre this week. Leading pictures of exceptional entertainment have been secured, together with well varied supporting subjects. There w ill fie two big attractions. Loth being classed as super-features. First and foremost i.s "My Lady’s Dress.” It u declared that seldom in pictures is the public given such an acting treat, in combination with such a superb production as happens in this film. It is baaed on the stage success l.»y Edward

Knoblock, and is described as a riot of richness, beauty and variety. “My Lady’s Dress ” is really five plays skilfully woven into one. Two of the leading players enact five different parts each, and another plays four i parts. Estelle Taylor has. the feminine lead. She plays the grand lady, a French weaver, a crippled girl of the slums, the unfaithful wife of a Russian fur . hunter and a beautiful model in a ' fashionable dressmaking establishment. All are difficult parts, and Miss Taylor does them all equally well. Marc , M’Dcrmott plays opposite her in all the scenes. lie is her wealthy husband, her rejected sweetheart, her sister’s beau, her husband in the Russian scenes and her cruel employer in a fashionable dressmaking establishment. The story shows the extent to which some woof their friends and admiration in the hearts of men. Finally the woman is shown crushed with remorse. She casts aside her folly and bows to the wisdom of her husband, who has patiently waited for her awakening to a sense of her extravagance. The second attraction is “ The Beloved Cheater." in which Lew Cody is featured. This picture shows the pollished actor at his very best.. The story is a romantic drama of society life. The supports include a screamingly funny comedy and the latest Fox News. Incidental music will be played by the Queen’s Orchestra, under the direction of Mr 11. Ellwood.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE

lIOOT GIBSON IN “THE HURRICANE KlD.'’ MONTE BLUE AND IRENE RICH IX “DEFYING DESTINY.” Hoot Gibson's beautiful new horse, “Pal,” comes in for a big share of footage with the star in The Hurricane Kid.” his latest Universal special production, which heads the new programme at Greater Crystal Palace for this week, commencing to-day. “The Hurricane Kid,” was directed by Edward Sedgwick, maker of the recent Gibson successes, and is laid entirely in western atmosphere, combining the inimitable characterisation 4 of Gibson m comedy roles with the fancy riding and saddle tricks which have made him famous. In the story he is a wanderer of the saddle, finally arriving at a certain ranch where a beautiful young lady, just returned from college, rescues him when he falls from his horse and suffers a broken arm. Being fond of the ladies—in spite of a bashfulness which keeps him from putting this Jiking into action —his thoughts centre around this girl. When the ranch foreman, a bully, insults the girl, she is powerless to tell her father, for she feels certain that the foreman will shoot first and argue later. There is interesting action in these occurrences, especially when the newcomer brings his fists into play. There is a big race in the story, in which the ranch owner and his nearest neighbour put up their best horses with their entire ranches as the purse. Suspense is well handled in carefully directed scenes and the cast as a whole, including Gibson, Marian Nixon, Harry Todd, Arthur Macklev, William A. Steele and others, gives commendable performances. Exceptional scenic photography was obtained by Virgil Miller. In photoplays, as in everything else, there are degrees of comparison even among those that call forth favourable criticisms. There are many good productions, a few that arc better, and very, very occasionally one that is best. Of course the superlative motion, picture is as rare. as a flawless emerald, and every whit as precious. Such a gem is “Defying Destiny,” the eib chanting screen drama which is the second big picture on the new programme. The story, which was written by the greatly gifted Grace Sanderson Michie, at one time the highest paid scenario writer in the United States, is like 5 a raihbow, delicately colourful, which touches the earth ,-of reality at one end and > curves into the horizon of romance at the other. Yet it is never fantastic or unnatural. The characters are genuine people and the adventures which befall them are such as might happen to any of us. The love theme which dominates the entire plot is charming at all times and. unduly sentimental at no time. Monte Blue and Irene Rich have the leading roles, and they are admirably supported by Tully Marshall, Jackie Saunders, Russell Simpson and other notable screen artists. Besides the two main pictures there is a third big attraction in the ninth of the world-famous “Fight and Win” oictures starring Jack Dempsey, heavyweight champion of the world. These stories were written especially for the champion by Gerald Beaumont, famous “Saturday Evening Post” author. They :.rc essentially comedies, but are crammed with thrills. Dempsey trained faithfully for the making of these pictures and in each one of the series he is seen in action in the ring. In addition to the three pictures mentioned above there is a very funny Century comedy and the latest International news film. Incidental to and in conjunction with the screening of the various motion pictures the world-famous Symphony Orchestra, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Buna, will present a magnificent musical programme, which includes the following classical and popular numbers;—Overture, “Hamiltonian March” (Hall); Symphony, “ The Scotch ” (Mendelssohn) ; Ballet. “ Coppclia ” (Delibes); “ Famous Pictures ” (Haydn Til Wood); “Intermezzo” (Wolf-Ferrari); “ l>rame a Florence” (Fauchey) ; “ Toni ” (Finck) ; “ Sleepy Afternoon) ; (Kenny); ‘ Follow Yvette” (St Helier) ; ‘ Turn Up ” (Williams). The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, No. 37-58.

GRAND THEATRE.

TWO GOOD PICTURES. “TONGUES OF FLAME” AND “ON THE BANKS OF THE WABASH.” “Hellfiro Harrington” was in a fix He’d never kissed a girl before, arid now, just after bis return from the Great War, ho found himself deeply in lore with two of them. The experience was novel. It thrilled him. But still it didn’t seem right. One girl, he knew, was enough i'o»- any man ; but which one ? Labette was pretty, vivacious and’coy; Billie was an indolent, but withal charming little daughter of a millionaire. B Harrington had been a fortune-seeker prepared to turn a blind eye to the domestic qualifications of his prospective bride, lie would assuredly have taken Billi* io the nearest minister while Vic had

the opportunity, but uc d;dn t care much for nionev. “ Hell fire” is really Thomas Mcighai*. handsome, virile star or “Tongues of Flame,” the big production which heads the current programme at the Grand Theatre. He was a lucky fellow to have two sweethearts, and the problem which confronted him in deciding which he should make his wife was i perplexing one. On the score ot beauty their qualifications wore about equal. But there were other things that ho took into consideration. lie might not have been a past-master in the art oi love-making, but he thought lie knew bow to pick a wife. Last) wires wer© all light for those thit , liked them, but he did not. He did j not cherish the prospect of getting up ; from his bed on winter mornings and i ! going down to a breakfast of tinned ! meat. He did not like tinned good-,, and wanted a wife who knew the use of more culinary articles than a canopener. Like the shrewd man he was. he did not go up to each of the girls i in turn, and ask them just what tney j could do about the house. But he kept ; his eyes open, and being a patientman be watched for a long time un - it must be said that he was a little off the track before he began to think seriously about his position. Billie was ! was a s]>Oj t : looked nice in evening dress, and knew how to use tin. radio. That was about the sum total iof her qualifications. Now, even the most tolerant of husbands, no matter ) how small his appetite, needs something \ more than pretty scenery for the eye and sweet ballads for the ear to keep him alive. And. though making love to Billie all the time, the man was finding these things out. Lahlette was neglected. He liked Lahleete, but did not tell her. He knew she loved him too, for one day while he was lying down, his eyes closed, and apparently asleep, pretty little Lahleete came and kissed him. Up wasn't asleep at ail, but he kept his eyes closed, (or he thought she might do it again. Lahj lette felt annoved with herself and walked away. How Harrington learns -. which is the more worthy of the two ■ girls froms the nucle.us of a charming photo-play. 11 is in every respect a noteworthy production, and is marked jby that happy spirit that is always picture in which Thomas Mcighan ap pears. Life in a smajl town, where petty wranglings amongst neighbours holds sway, is the predominating note in “On the Banks of the Wabash,” the second attraction on the programme. It teds of the trials of a mother who, deserted by her husband, strives to firing up her children in a community where the tongues of -scandal are wagging from daylight to dark. Brimful of funny and highly dramatic incidents, just mixed in their right proportions, the picture makes a tremendous appeal. The supporting programme includes a comedy and a gazette. Brilliant incidental music is played by the Grand Orchestra under the direction of Mr Harold Beck.

FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE.

THE NEW - PROGRAMME. Another delightful programme of attractions is promised to-night at Fuller’s Opera House, when a reappearance will be made of an old favourite in Ernest Pitcher, who has recently arrived back from a most successful tour of South Africa. His medley of music and comedy is said to Vie more amusing than ever, and it is certain that he will receive a hearty welcome to-night. A newcomer to New Zealand is Miss Sadie Macdonald,- who presents a combination of violin-playing and acrobatic dancing which is unique and original. Elsie Yideau and Walter Kirby have a new' act Ho offer, which they entitle “ The Double Turn,” which is said to be full of exceptionally clever fun and Koine brilliant dancing. The Kentucky Four have a new routine of plantation harmonies, all of which are said to appeal to the musical ear. The last six nights are announced of George Storey and his new Revue Company. This talented combination of popular players have been very .successful throughout their recent tour of New Zealand, and it is only because that they arc wanted in Australia that they are leaving. For his last week Air Storey is reviving "Chase Me," a delightful fun fantasy which gives all the principals a chance to display their abilities, Tt will be a long time before such a popular crowd is seen here again, including as it docs such favourites as Mabellc Morgan. Ada Scaddan. Dulcie Milner. 1 red Monument, Frank Ilaining, Marie Erickson, Richard Butler, and the winsome ballet. The box plan is now on view at The Bristol, and patrons arc urged to reserve tlicir seats.

LONG TACK SAM

The box plan, opens this morning at the Bristol for the coming season of Long Tack Sam and his new company. Since’ his la. t visit here this famous Chinese artist has spent considerable time in China, where he selected an entirely new company to support himself, Madam Long Tack Sam. and the two daughters, Misses Poldi and Mina Long. The act is described by a critic as “a spectacular speciality of juggling, balancing, magic, Chinese clown juggling, contortionists, water spinning, and novelties.” Supporting Long Tack .Sam are a company of international vaudeville acts selected from the cream df vaudeville from J. 0. Williamson theatres in Svdney and Melbourne. Direct from France are the Noyelle Bros., two musical acrobatic clowns, billed as two loving birds, in a quaint and artistic act. Their impersonation of the wooing, quarrelling and reconciliations of two birds is described as “marvellous.” Direct from London is Chris Charlton, the Royal Illusionist, who is assisted in his act by Dorothy Browne. They present an- act entitled “Deceptions of 1925.'' From the Moss Stoll circuit of English theatres are Errol Addison and Gertrude Mitrenga, speciality and classical dancers. From the Palace Theatre. New Y'ork. are Moran and Wiser, billed as the hilarious hat spinners, ip a sketch, “All-.in Fun." Ilats do all sorts of impossible things, flying away up to the gallery and returing to the head of the artist on on tbe stage. The orchestra is under the direction of Mr A. G. Frost. The company’s Auckland season has been a wonderfully successful one. The critic of the “Star” says; “It takes a lot to stir an Auckland audience to a pitch of enthusiasm at the theatre, but last night at Ilis Majesty’s Theatre the people came right out of their shell, and at times the applause was so loud as to completely drown the orchestra. Some good things have been produced here, but never anything better than this great show.” The Christchurch season commences at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday evening wjth Matinees on Saturday and Wednesday, June 20 and 24.