AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17471, 3 June 1922, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES. EVEEYBODY'S THEATBE. "THREE LIVE GHOSTS," STARRING ANNA Q. MLSSON. "NEVER WEAKEX," STARRING HAROLD LLOTD. A unique and pleasing Paramount picture is to be presented at Everybody's Theatre all -el wffok. "Threo Live Ghosts" was produced in England by George Fitzmaurice, who has achieved wonders by skilful handling and with artistic settings. Many famous „cd historio spots about London have been •ro.-.derfully woven into the pictures, giving ,; a realism which charms. Anna Q. Nilraon, Norman Kerry, and Cyril Chadwick accompanied Mr Fitzmaurice to London to a«-d the cast. Tho story opens, on Armis-ii-'o. thu whole world has gone mad and tWthr-eo pals who wearily reached Lon-r-n sfv-r three years in a German prison /aVp found the war over at last. There was iiiiiy Foster, an American, who was wanted •- Scotland Yard for a crime he had not •Vsmitted; "Spoofy," who was an enigma w'fcia friends and himsclf-hismind a cotn,,i*W> blank, the result of = hcl , l ' ahock ; nrir a t "d Jimmy Gubbins, a Cockney, reported "end, whoso mother was at that moment in 'r, Whitcchapcl-pub" drinking awaylhelatest instalment of his life insurance. Lncir re Vim from tho dead was unexpected, asi it „-.s undesired, and wee a «S n "l *°* of ewnts, both humorous and thrilling. ■ s c delightful picture throughout, with a strong human appeal. _.. In "Three Live Ghosts," George Fitzmaurice has produced a masterpiece of screen production w-hich took America by storm. K«*spapers in all States devoted columns to nmuingTthe wonderful effects obtained m all departments, and especially pending the director for the artistic and s"«*** ™ aD "" <rt which ho has handled tho pic iuw. The story is an adaptation of the .tool tho same name, which ran £ an entire season on Broadway two years ago. The author, Frederick Steward Isham U » well-known American playwr.ght who "as educated in Europe. He spent some -ears in London, becoming thoroughly famiCwUh that city in all its aspects ana with tho life of its millions. George lit* maurice, appreciating his fact, recognised the value of faithfully reproducing the locality, and spared no effort. to get wj*? took a strong cast, including Anna CJ. mis £n, Norman Kerry, and Cyril Chadwick, across the Atlantic and filmed the entire picture in London, Many excellent shots of <amou» London landmarks were secured and used as a background for actual scenes in the atory. This feature in itself gives the uictcre a wonderful realism. When one remembers the vagaries of the London atmosphere, the photography of "Three Live Ghosts" will be deemed little short of miraculous. Every scene stands out from the eerwn strongly and in complete detail. It is • picture full of human appeal, delicately Wending pathos and humour, without sounding one false note to mar the harmony of the whole. ~ Tho supporting picture is Paramount s fourth special comedy starring Harold Lloyd. It i» entitled "Never Weaken." It is claimed to even surpass hia previous efforts, which were oonaidered by critics to be almost unbeatable. A delightful musical programme will be Given by Everybody's "Select" Orchestra, ■under the oonductorship of Mr W. J. Bellingham, F.B.M. Chief among the items are the following:—Overture, "Barber of Seville" (Rossini); 'cello solo, "Berceuse" (Jarnefeldt), Harold Beck; xylophone solo, "Peggy"( Western), Clarence Crawford; entr'acte, "SerenfV (Widort; orchestral suites, "Etienne MaToel" (Seint-Saena), "Andante" Greig); ballet music, "Parysatis" (Saint-Saens); litcht salections. "Oh I Oh! Delphino" ('Ruben), "Pinafore" (Sullivan); fox trots, "Ain't We Got Pun" (Conrad), "Swance" 'Gershwin), "Margie" (Klickmann). As usual, reserved seat« may be obtained either at The Bristol or by telephoning 4925.

LIBERTY THEATRE. Another fine programme to be offered to patrons of the Liberty Theatre to-day and during next week is headed by the triumphant Associated First National success, "The Sign on the Door." "The Sign on the Door" ia an excellent adaptation of the play )ij Channing Pollock, one of the greatest popular dramatic ■uocesses of the speaking stoje. The First National version of the Vlay was directed by Herbert Brenan, one of the most prominent producers of the film world, and -tho picture was directed and enaoted with such skill that it is heralded ** ono of the most successful photo-drama* of a decade. The picture has the unique distinction of being the first stage play which has ever gone to the screen without a change. Director Herbert Brenan lias fol«Iow*d Channing Bollock's stage play scene for scene, situation for situation. "Tfle Sign *3 the Door" is an ideal feature attraction, being ,in. plot one of the most logical and wall constructed dramas ever written. The roio of the misjudged wife, who successfully takes the blame for a murder on her shoulders that she may shield her husband, is One of the best that Norma Talmadge has ever had. Miss Talmadge is presented in ,»b. intensely human and appealing character, which gives her wide scope for the display of 4wr histrionic and emotional ability. Miss .Talmadge ia a atar who has never done a ; bad picture. Her record, instead has been .one big triumph after another. "The Sign >on the Door" is produced on a scale of unusual splendour and costliness. Included in ;the strong cast supporting Norma Talmadge ' are Charles Richmond and Len Cody, both '•tan in their own right, and the dainty ..Helen Weir. Another superb offering is the big all-British Hepworth production, "The .Kinsman," which presents in the stellar .soles two of the most capable and beet iuown English artists, Henry Edwards and •Ohrisaie 'White. The picture is based on the ~famous novel of the same name by Alired Bidgwick. The story deals with the impersonation of t> supposedly dead heir to a large fortune by a distant cousin, and a typical Cockney, whose likeness to the heir is remarkable. The Liberty Grand Orchestra .will play » special and attractive programme.

i; GRAND THEATRE. "POLLYANNA." STSsry Pickford production is an event for 'Christchurch picture patrons to rejoice over, and donbly so whan it ia such a joyous production aa "Pollyanna," the first inuepentfent film of thia great star, which wil} be Bcrsened for the first tin* at the Grand Theatre to-day. Other star* may have apjpawftd in the moving picture firmament sines Mary Pickford first appeared in films, but none has outshone her. There never hat bsan anyone to challenge the high piece she hold ia the minds of the amusementloving people. She has won her place by sheer merit "Pollyanna" is • her fust independently produced picture for United Artist*—better known as the H»g EW—D. W. Griffith, Charles Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks. Xke& Sot release in Now Zealand was "Way Down East," which is still very fresh in Onriatchnrcb memories. Now comes "Pollyanna," with Mary Pickford, "the world's, sweetheart," in the leading role. The play is from Eleanor H. Porter's famous novel of the same name, and is the story of a little girl who, by making it her religion to be always glad, gradually brought home to those among whom she lived the fact that the spirit of gladness is the best pjjiloaophy in the world. Pollyanna Whit. tl«r> first ten years of life were spent in a rude home in the Onark Mountains, where h*r parents had gone in search of health. Her mother did not live long, however, and Pollyanna was raised by her semi-invalid father, whose resources wore very limited, •Ifct iroose love tor her was boundless. From him the child absorbed the characteristics of "gladness," and learned to temper the hardships and sorrows' of life with what they ;c*iUd "The Glad Game." When Poflyinna was ten Tsars of age, Mr Whittle? followed hfc wife to the Great Beyond, and the little orphan then went to live with her mother's sister, Polly Harrington, in the New England village of BeldingsviU*. Henceforward, it is the story of new this little girl, with her habit of always ■soing something to be glad about, won the IjttHa of all the villagers, and finally—] "*J**t task of all—wins over Aunt Polly,' •M'Wfifs to fruition a long buried romance. ' jm » said to be far and away the best flHSflp*!? Pickford has ever done, an* of the philosophy of glad* 3r *° *• e " er medicine than §s%JßJ''W*r tonis. The supporting film mrSSJSSV* *• **** Tolling Bell," feature •HfcSlwlMAiroy and Bruce Gordon. There J»j^»* , # Jfwsmnge daily, and patrons 'HK.tfflf WWPIy do so are advised to at-1 'tUmmsT? i afternoon, as the theatre 'W%>*aF£ crowded each evening.

OBEATEB CEYSTAL PALACE. A BIG PROGRAMME OP MUSIC AND PICTURES. Nazimova, in "Madame Peacock," Frank Mayo in "Tracked to Earth," and present big programme of pictures will be ehown at Greater Crystal Palace for the last times this afternoon and 10-night, and the worldfamous Symphony Orchestra, of more than twenty solo musicians, under the dietinguished oonductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bima, will play at both sessions. A big programme is announced for next week, commencing on Monday, when all the fiims on the long throe hours' entertainment will bear the renowned Universal City trade nia-.k. Heading the ne.v bill i« » very excellent five-reel masterpiece, entitled "Playing With Fire," in which the star part is taken by vivacious und brilliant Gladys Walton, who seems to bo gaining in popularity all over the world with every tick of the clock. As Enid Gregory, »n "Playing With Fire," Miss Walton plays the piano at a music ehop, and through her beauty and charm is practically responsible fir all of the business that is done in the melcdy shop. She lacks refinement and education, but only realises it when ehe meets Janet Fcnwick, a society girl who is hiding from her friends tijrough her father's financial disgTace and ultimate suicide. Enid befriends Janet and gets her a situation in the son»-shop. Janet, in return, teaches Enid a lot and awakens ambition in her, which, after many exciting and humorous experiences, leads her temporarily into the social whirl, much to the disgust of her boyhood sweetheart. The photoplay is beautifu'ly and luxuriously mounted, and during the telling of the delightful story there is a huge fire, which is said to be the most thrilling ever screened. The second big picture i 3 claimed to be the Bwiftest photo-corned/ drama that has ever come from the famous Universal City studios. It is called "Headin' West," with pupular Hoot Gibson as the star, and beautiful Louise Lorraine in the girl part. The opening of this fine comedy is unique and novel, and Gibson breezes into the picture »y jumping from an aeroplane and landing on his old home in a parachute, must to tho consternation of the natives and huge herds of cattle, horses, etc., with which the big ranch is stocked. All through the big picture there is a succession of thrill 3 and excitement, so that the audience is kept in constant suspense as to what is goint; to happen next. Tho supporting films are the -ninth instalment of "Winners of tho West," which was adapted to the screen from* the evergreen novel, "Tho Pathfinders." an exceptionally amusing Century comedy, and the latest International News film. Following the established custom, particulars of the orchestral programme for next week will be announced in Monday's newspapers. The box plan is ;it The Bristol, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 3758.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. "THE HOAD .TO ARCADY." "The Road to Arcady," which will be screened at the Queen's Theatre, commencing to-day, takes a high place nmong eareen productions of sterling quality. In genuineness of theme, in excellence of cast, and perfection of photography, it takes its place among the best pictures over produced. The famous beauty actress, Virginia Lee, has the leading part in thiß picture, and she gives a portrayal that has charm, naturalness, and appeal. The story deals with two great factors in human life, love and ambition—a faleo ambition that would sell a daughter for wealth and position. Interwoven with intimate glimpses of New York's glittering society life is one of the most exquisite love stories ever depicted on the screen. How that love ie saved from the greatest catastrophe which threatens modern society forms a theme that is gripping and tons© in its earnestness. The second attraction will be "At the Villa Rose," a magnificently produced picture, and a picturisation of the novel by A. E. W. Mason. It is a detective story, and is very exciting. A fine supporting programme has been arranged. Two topicals will be shown, as well as a scenic and a comedy. A specially arranged programme of incidental music will be played by the orchestra.

STRAND THEATRE. Two special attractions are included in the big programme which will be shown for the> .first time at the Strand Theatre to-day. These are "Treat 'Em Rough" and "Smiles Are Trumps." In "Treat 'Em Rough," Tom Mix, whose daring feats have won for him the title of "Fearless Tom," is said to have his greatest role, that cf Ned Ferguson, the two-gun man. A cattle stampede, in which Mix "bulldogs" a steer, is the big exciting scene. Over two thousand panic-stricken cattle are following their leader. The only way they can be stopped is to throw their leader. This the hero of tho story da=9 successfully for the first time in the history of pictures. It is an inspiring sight that makes one' tingle with excitement. There is also a delightful romance in the film, which is probably the best all-round picture of cowboy life that has been screened. Maurice Flynn is the star in "Smiles Are Troimpß," which ia described as a mile-a-minuta romance—a railway story that has all the speed of a light engine going down a forty per 1 cent, grade. The film provides exciting action, and some remarkably clever situations. Perhaps tbi most sensational incident ia the leap which Flynn makes from one .\. ceding locomotive to another, which is it on a parallel line. Maurice Flynn achieves a distinct success in this picture. He is ably supported by Ora Carew. The other pictures on the programme are a Mutt and Jeff cartoon and a Fox World's News.