On The Screen

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17573, 25 June 1925, Page 5

On The Screen

TH E THEAT KE S . ATTRACTIONS FOR TIIE WEEK. QUEEN'S THEATRE . . THE SHEPFERD XING ” QUEEN'S THEATRE . . “MY HUSBANR'C V7IVE3 ” EVERYBODY'S THEATRE "AS MAN DESIRES - EVERYBODY'S THEATRE ** CIRCE THE ENCHANTRESS ” GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE . . “ THE MAD WHIRL *• GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE . . *• SECOND riDDLE ” GRAND THEATRE •* THE GARDEN OP WEED 3 ” GRAND THEATRE •• THREE WOMEN ” LIBERTY THEATRE . . WANDERER OP THE WASTELAND LIBERTY THEATRE “ SQUIBS’ HONEYMOON ” ETHANE THEATRE “ THE HEART BUSTER” STRAND THEATRE “ I AM THE MAN ” XING'S THEATRE (Sydenham) “THE BRIGHT EIGHTS OF BROAD WAY ” XING'S THEATRE (Sydenham) . . “ THE GRINGO DEVIL ” THEATRE ROYAL LONG TACX SAM PULLERS OPERA HOUSE ... VAUDEVILLE

Xame the Man," is regarded *s one of the big pictures of the year, and proved such an attraction when shown in Auckland and Wellir.gton that the seasons there had to oe extended. In reviewing the picture, which will be screened simultaneously Pt Everybody's and Greater Crystal Palace on Monday, the " Moving Picture World” said:—"At the very top .•( the. list of splendid productions should l»e placed Goldwvn’s * Name the Man.* Taken from Sir Ilall Caine’s story ‘ The Master of Man.' it ;s handled by Victor Seastrom, the director, in a masterful manner that will hold the audience breathless through* its many dramatic scenes. There is no dragging in the action of this picture. It moves along swiftly, with each new climax becoming more dramatic untd the final scenes of the trial. There have been many trial scenes in pictures, but never one more dramatic than this in which the father of the child is-the judge who tries and condemns to death the girl he has betrayed, and who is accused of murdering her new-born babe. Another scene almost as melodramatic is that in which the man, threatened by an angry mob thirsting for vengeance on the man who aided the girl to escape, stands forth and tells them he is that man and also the father of the baby The list of actors is a splendid drawing card in itself. Each one was evidently picked with the character in mind which they were to portray. Besides the strong story, splendid acting and intense suspense of the picture, the photography is especially good and there are a number of unusually imposing sets." *•* “ The Sign of the Cactus,” the second attraction on the programme at Greater Crystal Palace, commencing on Monday, is a Universal production, with the. popular Jack Iloxie as the star. The story is that of the fight on the part of ranchers to obtain water controlled by a big irrigation company which is demanding ruinous rates, and Iloxie is the self-co*nstituled but lawless agent.by which the ranchers finally win. Helen Holmes, famous as a serial star, is Iloxie's leading woman. “ Merton of the Movies,” n Paramount production starring Viola Dana and Glenn Hunter, will be the principal attraction on the new programme at the Grand Theatre, commencing on Saturday. Harry Leon Wilson, u well-known novelist, was the writer of the story, which is a satire on the movies, and tells of the exploits of a movie-struck boy in Hollywood. Some intimate glimpses of the motion picture in the making are shown. The hero of the talc is Merton Gill, who aspires to be a movie star. He goes to Hollywood, but is unable to find work in the studios. Filps Montague, u comedy actress, takes pity on him, but lie fails in his first job. Sooner than get out of th© studio, lie sleeps there several nights. Flips again see him and has an idea. They employ him as a burlesque artist without telling him and lie is a success, but disappointed.

H owever, like all good pictures, everything comes right in the end, thanks to the good-natured persistence of the ever-happy Flips. ••Between Friends,” the second attraction coming to the Liberty Theatre on Saturday with I.ou Tellegen. Norman Kerry, Alice Calhoun and Anna Q, Nilsson in the principal roles.

comes from the pen of 'Robert W. Chambers, who is one of America's most admired and prolific writers of fiction. In “ Between Friends,” Mr Chambers has written a story of unusual interest in which suspense rules to the final scene. His leading character, played by I.ou Tellegen, turned bitter against all women through the unfaithfulness of one, is made by C-hamhers to find his revenge plan lo.j terrible to carry to a. conclusion, and the means of accomplishing this furnishes a theme such as might be expected of one so versatile as Chambers.. “The Brass Bowl.” an adaptation of one of Louis Joseph Vance’s popular novels will he the attraction at the Queen's Theatre next week. The story is based on the situation of a wealthy young man, fond of adventure., who succeeds in finding it. The mystery element is supplied by a. noted jewel thief who is the double of the hero, ami is continually being mistaken for him. There is also another mystery which supplies the romantic element, in the person of a girl who is also seeking to rob the hero, and who turns out to bo an amateur who only desires to secure papers that would incriminate her father. Edmund Lowe and Claire Adams arc the featured players. Ernest Lubitsch directed the Rammount picture ‘‘ Forbidden Paradise,” featuring Pola Negri, which will bo screened at the Liberty Theatre on Saturday. The famous Polish star makes a lovely Queen Catherine who loves love and its dalliance and makes herself desirable in the eyes of men by all of the feminine arts at a woman’s command. Her kingdom is one of those small Balkan states where revolutions bubble over every week or so. The story is concerned with a fiery young guardsman, who gets tangled iu one of those miniature upheavals. rides post haste to tell hi-; royal mistress of her danger, is caught by her flaming passion and for a few cloys lives in a delirium of love, and then is cast aside, when another handsome fellow comes in sight. Rod La Rccque is the young guardsman anc. gives a line performance. Adolphe Menjou plays a wily diplomat, does his usual excellent work and manages to inject comedy into his impersonation. “ The Outsider," the record-breaking drama in which the famous Russian actor Maurice Moscovitch and his talented dramatic company will make their first appearance in Christchurch at the Theatre Royal this evening, is highly recommended by success, both | hi England and New York, and more ’ recently in Sydney and Melbourne, where it had a wonderful run in both these two cities*. Written by the wellknown authoress, Dorothy Brandon, with interpretation by the members of this famous organisation, and the added advantage of the personal supervision of Mr Moscovitch, a fine representation of what is spoken of as an exceptionally brilliant play should result. Associated with Mr Moscovitch in this play will be exactly the same cast that appeared with him in the Melbourne and Sydney productions. Matt Moore has a surprise part in “How Baxter Butted In,” a Master Picture, soon to be released by Warner Brothers. Starting off as a “sap.” lie winds up as a reai two-fisted hero.

LIBERTY THEATRE. I here is a variety of life and action in Zane Grey’s story, ‘ Wanderer of the Wasteland,” and it has lost none o! these characteristics—rather have they been brought about in bolder relief-- in the transition stage between the written word and the screen. There is a strong element of the picturesque in this, and it is fittingly expressed in the production, which is a coloured picture. It is prosented 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 in this instance 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 a very fine programme of music.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE j A problem some parents have to face iu their care for their children is the theme of ‘‘The Mad Whirl,” the first big picture on the programme at Greater Crystal Palace. It deals with a phase of modern life which sometimes is described in the newspapers. and which, although incomprehensible to people who have been brought up in the sober atmosphere of the ordinary British home, cannot he denied. "Second Fiddle” is made up of thrills, drama, suspense, human interest, and a grand climax. The story deals with two brothers, one a modern Beau Brummel the other just an “ordinary.” a younger son. a Cinderella in trousers, who stay s at home arid works in the garden in order that the family’s idol mav go to college. A third notable feature is another chapter of Mr Jack Dempsey’s series of two-reel boxing stories. Those three picture items are supplemented by a Century Comedy and an Internationaj News item. The symphony orchestra does admirable QUEEN’S THEATRE. Modern plays are absorbing enough, but there comes a time when change ot fare is desired by many people.' who have a wish to go back to one of the world’* oldest stories for entertainment. Those who feel this mood upon them could not do better this week than go to the Queen’s Theatre, where the principal feature is "The Shepherd King,” a magnificent Fox productionThe plot is the Old Testament >tory of David and his rise from shepherd bov to king. The picture opens with a prologue showing the sorrowful departure of the Children of Israel from the land of Egypt. This is an appropriate introduction. for from the house of Moses came the House of David. Tho Egyptian scene is pregnant and realistic, and is made even more remarkable because of its having been photographed in Egypt, under the shadow of the Pyramids. The picture is brilliantly produced, and the battle scenes in the desert have been staged with realistic, effect. The interior scenes are also splendidly managed. The second feature, "My Husband’s Wives.” is a delightful comedy trammed full of embarrassing situations. It. is the mail’s ex-wives who bring about all the trouble and the presence of one of them at the hotel where he is spending a honeymoon causes most of the complications. The wife and ex-wife soon fall foul of each other, hut in the end the new wife gains a. full decision over her rival. Shirlev Mason, who is starred in the production, does work which cannot, fail to enhance her reputation. The supporting pictures include "Monkey Romeo," a comedy, and the Educational News. A brilliant musical programme, is played by the Queen’s Superb Orchestra. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Of recent years plots of e new char- ( after have been rare, and it is often thought by picture-goers that there 13 little left in the nature of someth Lii£,

now. A great many of the mo lorn pictures have for their themes ideas that have become well known to th-a public. Something new has appeared, and lias been produced in a manner that is unusual and interesting in the shape of •' As Man Desires,” which was the main item on the current programme at Everybody's Theatre. The name of Ibanez has been before the public a great deal lately in view of his attitude to the King of Spain, and an original story of his forms an interesting subject. Apart from this fact, the story, “Circe the Enchantress,” stands on its own footing a r . something out of the ordinary. The story starts in the days of Cree-ian mythology and takes a sudden leap to the twentieth century, where a modern Circe is shown practising her wiles on men. She meets her Ulysses, however, and in a novel way finds that he will not submit , to her machinations. He is her model man, and finally becomes her husband. Mae Murray takes the lead ng role, and carries it through jn he: usual style. The orchestra, under the eonductorship of Mr W. J. Bellingham, provides a line programme of music.

| , GRAND THEATRE. Phil Flagg, arch-swindler that he was, had an eye for beauty; but be was no gentleman. He maintained a mansion for the solo purpose of studying his friends. They amused him. He fed them, kept them in fine clothes, provided them with limousines, ami 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 ill partaKi'ng of tho gifts he held out to them, paid dearly in the end, for the toll he demanded was thoir selfrespect. Phil Flagg is the convincing villain in “The Garden of "Weeds,” James Crime's latest production for Paramount, which heads the current programme at the Grand Theatre. “ Three Women ”• is an engrossing talc of a mother who makes a great mistake. She is the victim of a heartless villain, who seeks her hand solely to gain her fortune. Then he finds that her alluring young daughter has a large, bank balance also, ami be decides that she would perhaps after all make a better wife. It is a moving story simply told. The musical programme played by Mr Ilarold Beck's string quartette, is in accordance with the high standard set'by this theatre. FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE. Tho new revue company, beaded by Moon and Morris, with Waller George as producer, drew another hn- e u tendance to the Opera House last evenin-. The ruvim is si aged on mi daborate scale and is based on a wcllsem b I a nee of a plot To il. The whole company, who arc new to Christcliurcli audiences, have made a successful debut, ami their work is worthv of the praise which has been accorded it. Some of tho .situations are verv humourous. and there i* an canal amount of good musical work in the show. On i lie vaudeville side of the programme. Miss Sadie M’Donald does a novel act comprising violin playinrr and gymnastics combined. Tiniest Pitcher’s stories and concertina playing malic him popular with the audience. A newcomer, "ill* - fin© baritone voice, is Alex Kcllaway. who earns the hearty applause that is accorded him. Miss Estelle Rose brings with her n new hatch of stories, and her comic singing is excellent. Bon Bono seems to take his life in his ha nils tor the entertanment of others. His efforts on the trapeze cause the audience to hold their breath, hut no matter how great the risk, he performs each ilumber successfully. MOSCOVITCH. THEATRE ROYAL TONIGHT. “ The Outsider," a tense and virile modern drama, possessing a theme that attacks the conventional and accepted faith and science of the medical profession, will be staged for the j first time in Christchurch this evening . at the Theatre Royal, and will serve ' to introduce a remarkable personality in Maurice Moscovitch, one of the greatest -actors of the present clay. Writing of the piece in Sydney on its

first presentation in that city, the critic of the "Referee" said:-—"‘The Outsider,’ which created a furore of animosity, especially among a section of the community in Melbourne, received its baptism in Sydney on Saturday evening last, and came from the font clean, untarnished and wholesome. Mr Moscovitch is to be heartily congratulated upon his success, for he had the audience with him from the moment he walked on the stage till the final curtain fell, rose, and fell many times, even till long after the National Anthem had been played. ' The Outsider ’ is one of the greatest dramas produced in Sydney, and J. (.'. Williamson. Ltd., is also to be congratulated in its choice of actor to portray such a delicate parts as that of the unqualified doctor whose surgical accomplishments had set the cars of old London ringing with his fame. Moscovitch is a great actor. Miss Jean Robertson, as Lalage Sturdee, is one of the finest leading ladies we have seen. She possesses a lovely round voice, and uses all her grace and charm with teling effect. Another great success was Miss Eileen Sparks, who also took the part of a cripple. She acted with great distinction. The scenic arrangements were excellent, especially in the first part of the last ac t. The plays goes along smoothly. and there is nothing in the general production that calls for other than the most favourable comment." Mr Moscovitch will be supported by an exceptionally strong company, all of whom appeared with him in his successful Sydney and Melbourne productions. The cast will be as follows: William Stack ns Sir Nathan Israel; 11. Mac-kcnzic-Rogan as Sir Montague Tollcmaehc; Nat Madison as Mr Frederick Ladd; Arthur Greenaway as Mr Vincent llclmore; G. Kay Souper as Mr Jasper Sturdee; .lean Robertson as | Lalage Sturdee; Eileen Sparks as Madame Klbst; Maurice Moscovitch as Anton Ragatzy, and Marie Eaton as Pritchard. "The Outsider" will lie si aged for five nights only. Next Wed nesday and Thursday "The Merchant, of enicc " wilf be presented, with Maurice Moscovitch in his marvellous imperst nation of Shy lock, which is said to rank among the greatest the world has ever seen. For the last two night ■ of the season. Friday and Saturdav, July 3 and 4. "The (beat Lover" will be staged, when playgoers will see Moscovitch in his original role of Jean Paurel, as played by him for over twe years in London. The box. plans fo* “ The Outsider ” arc at The Bristol. The plans for "The Merchant of Venice" and “The Great Lover" will open on Monday morning next. The perforin- »

ance this evening will commence at 8 sharp, and patrons are requested to be in their seats by that time.