On The Screen

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17570, 22 June 1925, Page 5

On The Screen

THE THEATRES.

ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WEEK. QUEEN'S THEATRE THE’ SHEPHERD XING ” QUEEN'S THEATRE ** MY HUSBAND'S WIVES ” EVERYBODY'S THEATRE “AS MAN DESIRES ” EVERYBODY'S THEATRE •• CIRCE THE ENCHANTRESS ” GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE . . •• THE MAD WHIRL " GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE . . •• SECOND PIDDLE ” GRAND THEATRE „ . "THE GARDEN OP WEEDS" GRAND THEATRE . . •. THREE WOMEN ” LIBERTY THEATRE *• WANDERER OP THE WASTELAND LIBERTY THEATRE . . “SQUIBS’ HONEYMOON ’ STRAND THEATRE . . . . •• THE HEART BUSTS!: STRAND THEATRE “ I AM THE MAN ” THEATRE (Sydenham) . . “ CROONED ALLEY ” THEATRE (Sydenham) . . “ THE LONE CHANCE ” THEATRE ROYAL LONG TACK SAM PULLER'S OPERA HOUSE VAUDEVILLE

LIBERTY THEATRE.

“WANDERER OF THE WASTELAND/’ •SjQUIBS HONEYMOON.' ’ { There is a variety of life ami actio 1 in Zano Grey’s story, “Wanderer of the Wasteland,” and it has lost none of theso characteristics—rather have they been brought about in bolder relief in the transition stage between the written word and the screen. This author lias often dealt with desert life, but in “Wanderers of the Wasteland.” the story also concerns doings in gold country. There is a strong clement of tho picturesque in this, and it. is fittingly expressed in the production, which a coloured picture. In the past there have been a number of experiments in colour photography tor the movies, but the average picturegoer has probably regarded these as oddities, rather than a development which is likely to become general. 'J he colour work in “Wanderer of the Wasteland,” however, is very well done, and is appropriate to the atmosphere of the picture, with its background of vast expanses of desert and stunted growth. Gold, which has been the magnet of all ages, the scenario runs, has been found in the south-west of the United States, and steamboats plied busily on the Colorado. On the edge of the desert there had sprung up a township. With this 'introduction, the characters are launched. Amongst tho townships population ‘are two brothers, Larey Gurey (an inveterate gambler) and Adam Gurey (asfayist in connection with the mining). The latter an industrious worker, is in distinct contrast- to his brother. Ho meets Ruth, daughter of Mrs Yirey, who has come to live in the desert for the sake of her husband’s health. Adam promises to meet Ruth, who is left in a nearby town, whilj her parents make a journey into th* desert. A demand by Gurey for money to pay his debts leads to a quarrel, and Adam believes he has killed his brother. In the course of the dispute he injured the sheriff, who threatened hanging. Adam decides to take to the desert, and he escapes the pursuing posse by a ruse. Then he becomes lost, and is almost delirious from the pangs of hunger and when he is succoured by Dismu«»v, - wandering prospector. In the subsequent two years many tales were tol l in the crowded saloons, and 'round the fireside of Wansfell of the desert, who roamed at will giving, relief to the needy, and avenging misdeeds Adam had taken the name of Wansfell. He had mastered the desert., and it him. A desire to see the man who had befriended him took Wansfell into the wilderness of the desert, and it, was a lucky thought, for he was able to return the service by rescuing Dismuke from the clutches of bandits. The old prospector. who had been very successful, decided to go back to the civilised world, hut Wansfell declared that he must continue to be a roamcr, seeking ease for his conscience. At. this stage he came across a trail, which ho had hardly dared to believe he would encounter again. Before leaving Dismuke enjoined him to keep an eye on two people who were living close by, and investigation proved those lonely dwellers to be the Vi revs. Fron 1 Mrs \ irey ho obtained the address of Ruth. While camping nearby, however. Waiiv fell was the witness of a tragedy. Yirev, whose sojourn in the desert had not improved his mental balance, caused a slide of roc-.k which engulfed his homo. and killed li.'s wife. On that same night misadventure befel \ irey. Adam decided to seek Ruth, and though lie considered his past proved him unworthy ho declared his love for Iter. Ho recounted, too, the quarrel with his brother of years before, and decided to go back to the old mining town to receive .his punishment. The climax to the story discloses a very surprising turn of events. The picture is presented by a very strong cast, including Jack Holt and Billie Dove. “Squib's Honeymoon ” is a very laughable tale of the accidental separation of a young Couple on their honeymoon trip. The subject of marriage and honeymoon couples has provided many burlesques for authors, and playwrights, but the scenario writer has produced a new and entertaining one. The picture, features the charming Betty Balfour. The Liberty Quality Orchestra, under Mr Howard-Moody, provides one of the finest, programmes of orchestra’ music heard in the theatre for some

time. The. synchronisation of every change of action was carefully carried out. Tho entr’acte this week is “Batnbalina.” the song hit from “Wildflower.” and the number was enthusiastically received. A feature of tho “Squibs” picture was the introduction of several of tho most popular Chevalier Cockney songs. These included “My Old Dutch.” “The Old Kent Road.” “The Little Nipper.” etc., an 1 gave the picture the right atmosphere for the opening scenes. A new suite, “English Folk Songs” (Vaughan Williams) introduced “Seventeen Come Sunday.” “My Bonny Boy” and “Somerset Folk Song.” Another number played for the first time in this theatre was tho andante from the Filth Symphony (Schubert!). Tho whole movement received an excellent interpretation. Other numbers included : New fox trots: “Silver Canoe” (Rose): “Ain't My Baby Grand” (King): grand opera, “Girl of the Golden Most” (Puccini); suites “Three Light Pieces” (Fletcher). “The Village” (April). “American Indian Songs” (Cadman) : jazz waltz, “In Shadowland” (Albert).

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE.

“AS MAN DESIRES,” STARRING MILTON SILLS, VIOLA DANA, AND RUTH CLIFFOP . “CIRCE.” STARRING 3 E MURPAY AND JAMES KII WOOD. Captain Milton Sills hr ,s the good ship Drama safely across ie shoals of tragedy once again in 1 latest First National picture, “As I n Desires,” which comes to Evert nly's Theatre to-day for a wee s screening. The salt tang of t' South Seas mingles with the r ysticism of the Orient in this strong- romance, adapted from Gene Wrig .t's novel. “Pandora Le Croix.” Si is and Viola Dana occupy the centre f interest. Unlike “The Sea Hawk.” however, this production introducfs Sills as a British army surgeon in the Indian service. It shows him falsely enmeshed in a. murder by a woman who had failed in forcing her love upon him, and compelled to flee for his life. It picks him up again as a swashbuckling captain - dingy pearl fishing schooner in «iviug two-fist- —- . ' bed rights and mse of the one who bad lim. Then, into his life stepped a dusky, beautiful arid coquettish native dancing girl of Tahiti, enacted by Viola Dana. Driven to the depths of human degradation. Sills marries the sportive creature, contemptuously promising to make a “fine lady” of her. Meantime, however, his name has been cleared of the Indian murder and search instituted for him by the girl he really loves, the daughter of a fellow officer. How they finally meet, and their pathway to happiness is cleared by a bullet which pierces the heart* of bis dancing girl bride comes as a; dramatic climax to the vivid story. Included in the supporting cast are Ruth Clifford, Rosemary Theby, Tom Kenned'- Paul Nicholson. Lon Payne. Hector Sarno. Anna May Walthall, Edneh Alt emus and Frank Leigh. Mae Murray is a truly great, actress and also a great entertainer. “Circe the Enchantress,” her newest Metro starring picture, which is the second feature on tho programme, is without doubt one of the best, pictures in which this beautiful blondo star has over appeared. “Circe the Enchantress” is an original story, written especially for Miss Murray by \ icente Blasco Ibanez, and it was directed by Robert Z. Leonard. Ibanez has based bis story on the mythical! goddess Circe, who. according to legend had the power to turn men into beasts. This legend has been transferred to the screen in all its colourful detail. In tho real story Miss Murray is a modern Circe, who is likened to tho goddess of tho legend. But there is one man who refuses to he swayed by her powers, and from that time on Ibanez has developed a powerful romantic story. A notable supporting cast, including James Kirkwood, William Haines. Charles Gerard, Thomas Ricketts and Lillian Langdon appear in support'of Miss Murray in “Circe the Enchantress.” Under the conductorsbip of Mr W. J. Bellingham. F.S.M.. a fine musical programme will be given by Everybody’s “Select” Orchestra. Among the items are the following: Overture, “La. Fontaine do Jouvenee” (Lautenschlager) : suites. “Hymn to the Sun” (Rimsky-Korsakov) ; “Thais and Tnl-

made” (a) Prelude, cb); Religious Themes, (c) Love Motif, (cl) Death of Thais (Campbell) ; entr’acte, “Caprice Vienoise” (Kreisler) ; Slavic Dance, “No 10 Opus 72” (Dvorak); ’cello solo. “Berceuse” (Grieg), Miss Doris Middleton; classical dances (a) Pavap.e, (b) T’assepied, (c) Courante (Cbaminade). Scats may as usual either be reserved at Tiie Bristol, or bv telephoning -1925.

QUEEN’S THEATRE.

“THE SHEPHERD KING.” It is said that every groat play and every tremendous novel bad its origin in life somewhere down the ages. The truth of this is splendidly demonstrated in the William Fox production of “The Shepherd King.” which will be presented at the Queen’s Theatre today. The dramatic story of David, the shepherd boy, who finally become a monarch, with its romance and pathos, has been reproduced on celluloid with impressive results. -I. Gordon Edwards. the director, sought, realism and was satisfied only with what he found at the base of the pyramids, where the camera clicked in the sardonic face of the Sphinx. More than 5000 extras, with 500 camels and as many donkeys, form the sorrowful army of the Children of Israel, being led out of Egypt by Moses. This scene tho direefor has used as a prologue, for the reason that from the House of Moses came the House of David. As Princess Michal, youngest daughter of Saul, who eventually becomes the queen of the Shepherd King, Violet Merscrcau rises to the emotional peak of her career thus far. Sho has the support of the cast that made “Nero.” consisting of Continental artists whose work is beyond reproach. Massiro sets and impressive mob scenes add to the spectacular beauty of the picture at every turn. The interiors are remarkable enough, hut the active desert scenes, filmed in the shadows of the ancient pyramids, are even more so. The picture was entirely produced .in Egypt and toox more than a year in the making. Embarrassing moments, many of them, fill the delightful comedy-dram i, “My Husband's Wives,” starring Shirlev Mason, which will bo the second attraction of this big programme. As tho titlo suggests, it is the ex-wives who cause all the trouble in this fast and clever comedy. During the honevmoon an ex-wife happens to he staying at the same hotel. From this point the story takes on many thrilling and exciting incidents and not till Mis? Mason, who is playing the part of the bride, manages to get rid of tho former wife, do things move along in a normal way. Tn addition to the above big features tbierc will l>c attractive supporting pictures and a superb musical programme.

GRAND THEATRE.

TWO EXCELLENT PICTURES. “THE GARDEN OF WEEDS” AND “ THREE WOMEN.” Phil Flagg, arch-swindler, that he was, had an eye l’or beauty; but ho was no gentleman. He maintained a. mansion for the sole purpose of studying his lriends. They amused him. He fed them, kept them in fine clothes, provided them with limousines, and let them swim in his bathing pool. Phil Flagg was not a psycho-analyst—just an over-generous scoundrel. And those foolish people who saw no harm in partaising of the gifts lie held out to them, paid dearly in the end, for the toll he demanded was their selfrespect . Phil Flagg is the convincing villain in “ The Garden of Weeds,” James Cruze’s latest production for Paramount, which heads the current programme at the Grand Theatre. There was very little that might be said in his favour. Ho was suave of manner, glib-tongued and confident, and theso attributes he used to the full in tho course of his “ business.” But lie did not spend all his time fleecing those people who allowed themselves to be talked into bis bogus schemes. Phil was something of a Romeo. His income from various questionable sources was sufficient to enable him to maintain ten or fifteen young ladies at that mansion of his at Oakland?. He called it tho Garden of Weeds; and knew that it was a garden of grafters No person entered Phil Flagg’s palatial home, but did not leave it a wiser being. For bc-(ite-o.fh t that suave personality there was a tigerish soul. He looked upon the “weeds” in his gardien as so many puppets each playing its part, to his manipulations of the strings. And he demanded their all, in return lor those worldly goods that he bestowed with so lavish a hand. So when pretty. unsuspecting Dorothy, out of work and friendless, accepted an invitation to spend the week-end at the homo of this society scoundrel she was taking a step for which she was going to pay very dearly. If she had had any sense she would have packed up her box and got out of it just as soon ns sho found out. what sort of a fellow Phil Flagg really was. But Dorothy was a fool unversed in tho ways of the world, and she stayed. That, however, did not prevent her from falling in love with a good-looking young fellow up town. He had heaps of money, a motorcar, and in fact everything ha wanted except a wife. His name was Doug. Dorothy liked men of that name. And when ho asked her to marry him she said sho would. Sho had forgotten all about Phil back homo in the garden of weeds. Whav if Doug should learn of her past life? The thought troubled her. She feared to tell him lest ho should think her unworthy—so ishe procrastinated ; put it off from day to clay until at last her hand was forced For Phil Flagg had vowed that he would get wren. He. wanted Dorothy for himself, and when he saw that she belonged to another, be stormed and menaced and threatened to do all sorts of dire tilings. He did too. But he learnt that it was not always wise to meddle in other people's affairs, and ’* getting even ” cost him liis neck. There are many little points that combine to make “ The Garden of Meeds ” a charming photoplay. It i® brimful of exciting and highly dramatic incidents relieved by splashes of hilarious comedy. And the acting is all that could bo desired. Betty (Tompson, star of so many recent successes, makes a delightful Dorothy, and Rockliffe Fell owes scores a. triumph as the swindler, Flagg. "Warner Baxter is tho lucky man who wins Dorothy's love. “Three Women” is an engrossing tale of a mother who makes a great mistake. She is the victim of a heartless villain, who seeks her hand solely t(, gain her fortune. Then he finds that her alluring young daughter has a largo bank balance also, and ho <le-

tides that she would perhaps after all make a better w ife. It is a heart-rend-ing story simply told, and one that had an appeal for every type of moviegoer. The musical programme played by Mr Harold Beck’s string quartette is in accordance with the high standard set by this theatre. The quartet gives inimitable interpretations of M'Ewcn's , ‘ I.a Recleuso.” and the beautiful j’’ Cavantina” by Beethoven. The | entr’acte, ’* 3Toon. Dream Shore,” has : been arranged by that master of jazz music, Zamechik, while prominently featured in this programme is the com- ! pleto ballet suite from “ For amors.’’ by [ Rubinstein, two valscs by Dvorak, the i first of which is very popular with ! pianists, and tho Finale from the New’ World Symphony ” by Dvorak. Miss Aitken plays beautifully Hie “ Liebestraumc.” A number of now fox trots are a delight to listen to as is also “ A Heart of a Rose,” which is featured extensively throughout the big picture. i

i GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE I

’ MAY M'AYOY TX “THE MAD WHIRL.” GLENN HUNTER and MARY ASTOR IX “SECOND FIDDLE." ' “ The Marl Whirl,” Universal Jewel all-star production, which heads the new programme at Greater Crystal Palace for this week, commencing to-day, is a colourful vehicle in which players in very evident accord with their roles give an excellent portrayal of presentday life, thanks to William A. Scitcr. The men and women who arc portrayed in “ The Mad Whirl ” arc young for the most part, and unmarried, but they indulge in a form of pleasure that a few years ago would have been loudly condemned. namely, hearty indulgence in beverages forbidden by the eighteenth amendment. Also, their openness of displaying ardent affection for the opposite sex has become known as ” petting.” There is comedy, straight nar- . rativc of a feverish sort of tale, and j well conveyed drama in “ The Mad j Whirl,” which is by way of being the j screen version of that sensational story j “ Here's How,” written to the conster--1 nation of many by none less than Richard Washburn Child, former American Minister to Italy. As a matter of fact, i the story and the picture tell the story ; of a father and mother, possessed of great wealth, who believe that they can safeguard the young folk of their acquaintance by joining in their jazzy parties. Consequently the summer cs- , late of the Harringtons becomes an oasis thronged by glorious youth, with . bathing suit parties, highballs, and the I like. The contrast is contributed by j a former saloon-keeper and his daughter. The latter falls in love with the Harrington heir. But her father deJ spises them all. and tells her so It is here the fine drama of the story begins. May M’Avoy has the feature role in a cast of unusually noted players. The male juvenile is well cared for by Jack Mulhall, and the others are Myrtle S-tcd man, Barbara Bedford, Alec. B. Francis, Ward Crane, George Fawcett, Marie Astaire and Joseph Singleton. Thrills, suspense and human interest abound in “Second Fiddle." the second big picture on the new programme, featuring Glenn Hunter, Mary Astor, and. other popular screen celebrities. The fact that clothes do not always make the man is most interesinglv portrayed. Have you ever been caught in a rain storm while you were out driving in an automobile and endeavoured to put up one of those proverbial oneman tops? If you have you can sympathise with Mary Astor. the feminine star in “Second Fiddle.” Miss Astor encounters a similar difficulty in the picture, and her efforts in extricating herself constitutes an amusing and enj tertaining bit of corned}'. A short time ago newspaper readers jas well as all sport lovers were surprised to read that Universal Pictures had signed the most celebrated boxer j of our times to play the stellar role in ‘ a series of ten two-reel stories to be written especially for the champion, Jack Dempsey, by Gerald Beaumont, famous “Saturday Evening Post” author. The last of this series is also on the new programme, and it is the best of the lot. Those who have not vet seen Dempsey should take this opportunity of doing so, because, apart from being the heavy-weight champion of the world, he is an actor of promising ability. | Besides the three main pictures, there is a very funny Century corned}’ and , the latest International News Film. I Incidental-to and in conjunction with 'the screening of the various motion pictures the world-famous Symphony Orchestra. under the distinguished conduetorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, will present a magnificent musical progrogramme which includes the following classical and popular number's:--Overture, “Jolly Robbers” (Suppe) ; “Symphony No. 7’’(l) Vivace. (2> Allegretto. (3) Presto, (4), Allegro Con Brio (Beethoven): “Morning” (Speaks); incidental music “Faust” (Coleridge'; Taylor) ; “Floreal” (Jardin) ; “Chiquita” (Fernandez); “Lassie” (Hesse); “Love's W ilfulness” (Barthelcmv) ; “Crvstal , Palace March.” new (Ilorne); “If I j Get Money” (Rule). , The box plan is at r \ he Bristol, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater (. rystal Palancc, number 3755.

FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE.

THE NEW PROGRAMME. Jo-night the first appearance is announced of the Moon and Morris Revue Company at Fullers’ Opera House. This is an entirely new combination that has only just got together, villi tho result that Christchurch is to sec the premiere performance. The producer as Mr Walter George, whose reputation is so well known as to need, no further introduction. Those brilliant comedians, George Moon and, Dan Morris, will play the principal parts, while their support is said io be really excellent. Included in the company are Lily Foster (soprano). Vera. Sewell (contralto), Lily DenviJle (soubrette), Jean Keith (solo danseuse), Sidney Burch all (baritone), William Beresford (tenor), Claude Holland (light comedian) and a ballot of six, ihat have been specially chosen for this combination. Rehearsals are now in progress, and the opening, production. which is entitled “A King for a Day/’, promises to be something out of the ordinary. The dressing will he on tho sumptuous scale which is usually associated with Mr Walter George’s productions, while special attention has been paid to the scenic effects. The supporting vaudeville. programme promises to he exceptionally strong. A recent arrival from London is Miss Estelle Rose, who is described as an “ international impressionistc in character songs and studies.” She is said to l>e on 0 of the most successful of Sir Benjamin Fuller’s recent importations, and seems certain I

of a big success in this town. Alee Kclleway. a really good baritone, is another' new comer ' from England, who will he heard, in a selection of new, and isongs. One of tiie most sensational acts seen in the Dominion of recent years will ho that ■of Ben IJeno, who is said to offer a most thrilling exposition of aerial feats. Thai, popular comedian Ernest Pitcher will he heard in a now selection of amusing stories s while Miss Sadie M’Donald will continue i«> entertain with her acrobatic violin playing. The box plan for ibis delightful entertainment is now oil view at Hie Bristol.