AROUND THE MOVIES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1384, 2 November 1916, Page 35

AROUND THE MOVIES.

Globe. “The Woman’s Law,” dealing with the fundamental passion of maternal love, is making a strong appeal to patrons of the Globe Theatre. Featuring Florence Ford, it tells a story of a dissolute young New York millionaire who forfeits his wife’s respect by his infidelities. She centres her affection on her young son, Vance, and withdraws from society. The husband finally commits murder and* is shielded by his wife, and complications arise in the finding of another man who is his double in appearance. The latter is suffering from mental shock, and can remember nothing of his past history, so the wife passes him off as her husband until the stranger’s health returns. He, however, can remember nothing of his past life, and insists on thinking he is the woman’s lawful husband. Complications ensue when the ’after returns. But as the butler shoots him in mistake for a burglar, the way is cleared of difficulties, and all ends happily. “The Shulamite,” a drama with an unusually powerful theme will head the list on Saturday. It concerns an elderly Boer farmer and a beautiful young girl whom he holds in his power. Enters on the scene, an Englishman named Waring, whose wife had ruined him. A 'fierce pity awakes in him for the “poor Shulamite,” a pity which grows into a fervent love, which was returned fourfold. Waring, utterly revolted by the old man’s cruelty, tells her “If he strikes you again I will kill him.” The Boer discovers their secret, and filled with rage, resolves to k : ll the girl. But Providence interposes in his sudden death, and all might have gone well but for the visit of the Englishman s wife. Then commences a struggle between the Shulamite of the veldt and the Shulamite of society for his love —one struggling to keep it, the other to regain it. The conflict has an appeal and heart throb which keep attention at fever point. The end is wholly unexpected. Picture lovers who like something unusual in the way of plot and telling can rely on an invigorating production. s’: * * Lyric. “Maciste,” a romantic modern melo drama of love and adventure, is offered Lyric Theatre followers this week. Maciste, the giant of “Cabiria” fame, is not only one of the most powerful athletes in the worfcl but is a great actor as well. The plot is woven round a g’rl, who, fleeing from a gang of ruffians, takes refuge in a cinema theatre just in time to see the mighty man performing wonderful feats of strength. Acting on impulse, she writes to Maciste to help her. Then the audience sees Maciste whip a whole crowd with a leg torn from a table, tear up a tree trunk and block a road with it, push his wayup through a floor and ceiling v ith his shoulders, and, bound hand and foot, push the life out of a villain with his feet. A clever ruse brings about a thrilling climax, and with it the love of the girl as reward for doing her good service. ... * * Princess. Winsome Mary Miles M'nter is well suited to the leading role in “Lovely Mary,” a Metro romance showing at the Princess Theatre. Mary Lane and her worthless cousin share the title to the broad acres of the Lane property, the value of which is nil owing to the swampy nature of the ground. Two speculators, aware of its possibilities if drained, resolve to buy the property. The tactics of both make up an intensely interesting story, in which love takes a hand. One resorts to fair means and the other to foul, but right wins in the end, and the heroine and the land fall to the right man. Thomas Carrigan, as the hero, wins ardent admirers with his manly acting. “ One On Henry” gives scope for Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Drew to express their comedy bent. “Children of Chance” is a fascinating drama added to the programme.

Queen’s. The popular Australian actor, Mr. George Cross, who has toured New Zealand on many occasions with the George Marlow Dramatic Company, takes the lead in “The Mutiny of the Bounty,” the star film at Queen’s Theatre. Mr. Cross portrays the role of Captain Bligh, and the thrilling story of the ga’lant commander and h‘s companions is presented with wonderful realism. This tragic episode of the early Austral’an days forms one of the most sensational incidents in the h’story of the Southern Hemisphere. * s? T * Grand. “The. Snow Cure,” a Triangle Keystone comedy leads the way at the Grand Theatre, and is responsible for the h’larity which attracts the pass-ers-by. The merriment is set go ng by the doings of a nervous individual who goes to a sanatorium located h.'gh above the snow-level. A chase by a black bear over a snow-field affords a riotous interlude, and soon cures the patients of any lassitude. Not the least amusing part is the love theme. The supporting programme is of standard merit and includes a fine scenic study, “In the Basque Ccuntry.”

Grafton. Mr. J. Wylie Gray, the newly appointed manager of the Grafton, states that the theatre is now controlled by the Dominion Pictures Co., Ltd., who have secured the sole rights of the ‘William Fox Photo-plays supreme” for Auckland. These will be shown exclusively at the Grafton Theatre, a fact, which, considering the superla tive excellence of Fox productions, should mean overflowing attendances. “The Plunderers,” “Carmen” and “The Two Orphans” have indicated the high standard to be expected, and the present attract’on, “Samson,” is on a par with its predecessors. “Samson” is not a Biblical story, as the title might suggest, but a strong human story told in the Wm. Fox inimitable style. It is worth noting that Wm. Fox owns and controls no less than 19 Picture Taeatres in New York alone, and he, finding so much difficulty in getting uniformly good pictures to show in his own Theatres,

decided to commence operations in the Camera Arena on his own account. The “Wm. Fox photo plays supreme” are the result, and it is his proud boast that his productions must satisfy the patrons of his own theatres before they are passed on for universal exhibition.

Everybody’s. “The Feast of Life,” a drama seething with passionate romance, holds pride of place at Everybody’s Theatre with Clara Kimball Young vitalising the leading part. The picture was taken in Havana and was directed by the producer of “Les Miserables” (Albert Cappelani). It is the story of a pure, beautiful Cuban girl who is persuaded against her will to become betrothed to Don Armada, a wealthy Cuban. She loves Pedro, a youngfisherman who lives with his uncle, Father Vantura, and Celida. The latter has been secretly stealing to Don Armada’s villa, but is cast off by him on his engagement to Aurora. How this story is beautifully developed, and the real lovers come to their own, forms one of the greatest dramas of the Latin Lowlands ever produced.