AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17470, 2 June 1922, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES, GRAND THEATRE. This afternoon and to-night will see the final screenings of the his British masterpiece, "Carnival,' and the accompanying feature, "Her Social Value," featuring Katherine Mac Donald. This programme has grown steadily in popularity during the week, and a big attendance is assured for to-night. •TOLLYAXXA." Tho history of the motion picture would have been quite different had it not been tor the ineffable charm of Mary Picktord, wuo has always been an inspired urtut, , wlt '' out rival There never has been, nor will there ever be, anyone to challenge the high place she holds in the minds of the amusementloving people. She has won her place by sheer merit. "Pollyanna is her first independently produced picture for United Artists-better known as the isig Four"—D. W. Griffith, Charles Chap in, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks. Their first release in Xew Zealand was >N ay Down East," which is still very fresh in Christchurch memories. Now comes "Pollvanna," with Mary Pi-.kford the world's sweetheart," in the h-admg role, ine play is from Eleanor H. Porter's famous rovel of the 3ame name, and is the story of a little girl who, bv making it her religion to be always glad, gradually brought home to those amon,-r whom she lived tho fact that the spi:it of gladness is the best philoFo-hv in the world. Pollyanna Whittier's first ten years of life were spent in a. rude home in tho Ozark Mountains, where her parents had g~ne in search of health. Her mother did not live long, however, and Pollyanna was raised by her scmi-inyalia father, whose re3-urcc3 were very limited, but wdiose love for her was boundless. From him the child absorb.d the characteristics of "gladness," and learnccl to temper the hardships and sorrows tf life with what they called "The Glad" Game." When Pollyanna was ten year 3 of age, Mr Whittier followed his wife to the Great Bb- , yond, and the little orphan then went to live with her mother's sister, Polly Hairington, in the Xew England village of Bcldingsville. Henceforward, it is the story of how this little girl, with her habit of always seeing something to be glad about, won the hearts of all th? villagers, and finally—hardest task of all—wins over Aunt Polly, and brings to fruition a long buried romanoc. This is said to be far and away the best tiling Mary Pickford has ever done, and her exposition of the philosophy of gladness is said to be better mdicine than any ordinary tonic. The snpportng film is "The House of the Tolling Bell," featuring May McAvoy and Bruce Gordon. Screenings of this programme commence to-mor-row, and patrons are advised to hook early.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Oh! Lady, Lady," a. delightful comedy, is the main attraction at Everybody's Theatre this week. Bebe Daniels plays the leading part of Rilla Rooke, who gets into an amazing series of complications, all in the course of one day. How she meets a man, lunches with him, quarrels with him, and promises to many mm within twelve hours is tlie basis ot a picture wnich is full ol the- sheer joy of living. Bebe Daniels has never appeared to better advantage, and Harrison iord gives her eviery assistance. Walter Hiers has a prominent part iu the comedy, and his acting is excellent. In "White Oak" the star is William S. Hart, who gets through a lot of shooting and a little lovemaking in remarkably clever fashion. The Select Orchestra plays the popular 'Chong," specially arranged by Mr W. J. Bellingham, as the entr'acte. Other items of . a wellvaried programme are: —Orchestral suites, "Une Journee a Capii" (Sudcssi), "Pagoda of Flowers" (Finden), "Proserpine" (SnintSab'ns); grand cpera, "Manon Lescant" (Puc.cini); light opera, "Merrio England" (German), "Yeomen of tho Guard" (Sullivan); iox trot, "Sweet Melinda" (West).

LIBERTY THEATRE. "Stardust," the fine film which heads the bill at the Liberty Theatre this week, and the rest of the big programme will be shown for ihe last time this, evening 1 . "THE SIGN OiN. IhE DOOR." "The oign on vne uoor,' me success of iLfii biage, \viii be pitociiWu ou lUto feCi't»ll Uii 1116 i.Uv<llii.ti 10-iUOiiOvV ill tils) mini oi an rust jNaUoiiui aitraciivn. 'J.ui3 luuiuiiiu'iii mm is emliauctd. by the oi tii-> mcoinparuine aiaiuatio aiiiaw, i\oima xaimuaye. j.iic picture iti a screen vision oi onannlug jcoiiucit s lumai'icauue stage aiid wua air«ci.ed by xuerueit Bienou, one ot the master proaucers oi uie scieen arums. It has tiie unique distinction oi being the hrst play • whuah Jiaa ever gone to the screen witnout a. «hange. Diiectar Brenon followed Uhanaing l-'oiiock's play scene lor scene, situation iox situation. "i'he bign on the Jjoor" presents -Norma, Talmadge in a role of intense human appeal. Jlus3 Talmadge has the part of Arm Hunniwell, a beautnul young stenographer, whoso marriage to a man of wealth and excellent character, is followed by a tragic chain of events which culminate in an unexpected happy climax. The picture shown tho clever star at her very best. Miss Talmadge has the support of a number of prominent favourites, headed by the distinguished Charles Kichmond as Late Hegan, Lien Cody, Frank Devcreaiur- .David Proctor, Colonel .Gaunt, Helen Weir, and Helen Regan. Another attraction of unusual excellence is ths superb English offering, "The Kinsman," presented by Hepworth, and starring two of the most popular screen celebrities, Chrissie White and Henry Edwards. The picture is adapted from the famous novel of the same name by Mrs Alfred SidgwiHi. There will b* a strong supporting programme. GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. In accordance with the invariable custom of the management, there is a delightfu' programme of pictures r.nd music at the Greater Crystal Palace Theatre this week, ilio piciuie pio s ii>u*uio i* uy uie wondeiiul .Uussiau actress, i\aziniova, in "jUaaame PeatocK." Aawmovaa appear-; auuJS in cniiatcnurch are omy too quent, and iur 6 « ui,a a.s.nio.mg at ureater Crystal ±-aij,oo mis w«.c* to tte uer in uer latest aiiu oucceos. la um story sne piays a auai rcis-mai of wothei and daugncer—with conspicuous suowss. As Jane Goring the uclicm, who tnrows away her chances ot donustic happiness lor tho lure of public appuiuse, xwmiova pimply £s the part, ana impresses all vnthvne grace and fire oi her acting. i rant Mijro fppears as the star in '■Xracfeed to Earthof the West, which is. full of swi t action. The musical programme by tue Greater Crystal Palace Symphony Orchestra, under the oi Mr Alirea ture, "Zampa" (Herold); -Popular Songs (D'Hardelot); "Where the Rainbow Ends Ro-er Quilter); "Yellow Jasmine" (Cowen); "Melody in F" (Rubinstein). QTTEEN'S THEATRE. The two features, "The Way of a Maid" and "The Hole in the Wall," will be finally screened at the Queen's Theatre to-night Th 6 first-named picture is a delightful comedy drama featuring Elaine Hammerstein while the second is a mystery drama, with Alice La*e in the stellar role. "THE ROAD TO AKCADY" TOMORROW. Marked by elaborate sets indicative of the atmosphere oi wcalrh in whiclr the story is &d, '■' lhe Ko l d l ° Arca «V U built on the theme ot the rivalry between an old but weathy man and an ambitious voun- man, for a girls hand. It is an absolutely clean aociety drama, and aps been given a most elaborate produciion. The story is interpreted by a splendid cast that is headed by the iniernational.y famous beauty. Virginia Lee. The second attraction will be an all-British feature, "At the Villa Rose," a pictiuisauon of the novel by A. E. VV. Mason. It is a.detective story tiat is lull of suspense and'dramatic surprises. Splendid supporting subjects have been ■ selected. STRAND THEATRE. To-day will see the last screenings of the current big programme at the Strand Theatre. The Leading picture is "Fighting for Gold," a story of Wild West liie, in which swiftness of action and the vividness of the plot are characteristic features. Tom Mix has a part for which he is eminently suited. Peggy Hyland is the star in th>3 second attraction, 'The Girl With Ko Regret-" '