AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18402, 8 June 1925, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES. GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. JAMES KIRKWOOD AND MADGE BELLAMY IN -'SECRETS OF THE SIGHT." MARGUERITE COURTOT IX "THE STEADFAST HEART." Those who like to have their minds agitated by mystery, their breathing halted by suspense, and their risibilities stimulated, will find ample opportunity to gratify all of these likes by going to sec "Secrets of the Night," the big Universal-Jewel production which heads the new programme at Greater Crystal Palace for this week, commencing '.o-day. For this photo-play has all of the foregoing appeals to the emotions, and then some more. It is a finely-directed, finolvacted i>icture-play, with a notable list \>f names in its all-gtar cast, the featured plnvers of which are James Kirkwood and beautiful Madge Bellamy. Herbert Blacho directed, and praise should be accorded Gilbert Warrenton, the camera-man, who achieved 6ome fine photography, in the face of the difficulties created by scenes that are enacted in semi-darkness. The story is a sort of serio-eomedy melodramatic melange, with mystery predominating, even in the comedy situations. If hinges about the misadventures that accrue when a bank president tries to get some one of the directors to kill him so that his life insurance may save the bank from ruin, impending because of a bad loan. To gain time exemption from an examination of the bank's books,-the bant examiner is invited to a week-end assemblage in the home of the president. From then on, many things happen to keep one's hair standing up. Kirkwood is cast in the role of the bank president; Miss Bellamy is his ward. They are in love with each other, but he expects her to-marry the son of one of the directors. Both do some fine acting. The comedy roles are in the hands of Zaiu Pitts, Rosemary Thcby, Tom Wilson, and Otto Hoffman. The others in the cast of sixtoen contribute greatly to the picture. Clarence Budington Kelland, who has already given to the screen some wonderful stones, has come forward once more with "The Steadfast Heart," a Selznick attraction, which is the second big' feature on the new programme. "The Steadfast Heart" is the story of a small town, of its hates and dislikes, of its loves and likings, and of its happiness and sorrow. Sheridan Hall directed this photo-play, and, working with an allstar cast, has made a wonderful job of it. In the feminine load is dainty, winsome Marguerite Courtot, who is reaching the high spot of her career.- The young waif is Joey Dopew, a child whose ability causes a stir wherever pictures are made. When the boy grows up, Joseph Striker enters the scene, and the hndsome young hero straightaway wins his way to the hearts of the audience. Besides, there aro Hugh .Huntley, the young Australian actor, William B. Mack, ono of the greatest artists of the screen and stage, MaTy Alden, of world-wide fame, and Miriam Battista.

Besides the two main pictures, there is a third big attraction in tho oiehth. of tho ■world-famous "IMght and Win" stories, starring Jack Dempsey, heavy-weight champion of the world. In this series of pictures Dempsey is the fighting hero of tho ring, and he stages thrilling bouts against wellknown fighters in each picture of the series. Incidentally, there are some uproarious comedy scenes in 0 each picture. In addition to the three pictures mentioned above, there Is a very funny Century comedy and the latest International News film. Incidental to, and in conjunction with, the screening of the various motion pictures, the world-famous Symphony Orchestra, under the distinguished conductorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, will present a magnificent musical programme, which includes the' following classical and papular numbers: —Overture, "Tho .Horse Guard'.' (Rezigade); Schubert's unfinished Symphony; "Egmont" (Beethoven); "Lo Villi" (Puccini); "Meditation" (Glazounow); "Elegio" (Bar* motine); "Sometimo" (Priml) ; "Primrose" (Gershwin); "The Honey Boo" (Somerville)'; "Aussio Song" (Maclean). The box plan is at The Bristol, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Greater Crystal Palace, No. 3758.

STRAND THEATRE. "THE ARIZONA EXPRESS" AND "THE SUNSET TRAIL." Pauline Starke, Evelyn Brent, and Francis Maedohald aro starred in the leading featur'o: in the new programme which opened at the Strand Theatre, on Saturday, "The Arizona Exprassi" . Careering dowji the mouu-tain-sido in a runaway 'freight train, three people wero fighting out a' desperate situation.. Through the rnurdtr of her uncle and the web of circumstantial evidence that surrounded her 'fiance, ' Katherine Keith had fought n grand and glorious fight for'his freedom. And now,.with' tho evidence in her hand that would free her mate from the clutches of the law—and send to. the gallows the worst criminal in the land—she was cornered. It is a wonderful.photo-play and very •melodramatic. William Desmond, in "The Sunset Trail," is shown in support. A happy hobo looks out from under a Fullman car at'd sees Collie King; a youngster of twenty being kicked off. The hobo runs back to the end of the observation car. while the train stand? in ' tho middle of the desert, and saves the boy trim an irate guard; Seeing the action, .a girl on the observation platform .offers to pay transportation for both men. Tho l\obo carries Collie on the train, but refuses toride. The girl throws him a rose. Further along ho meets an old man who falls at his feet dying.' In the dead man's pockets are a bag of real nuggets and a picture of his daughter—the girl of the train—and a few papers.. Constable Hicks, of Gopher, .rides up at- this moment • and- suspects the - hobo of- murder. The hobo hides the picture of >he old man's, daughtor ir- the sand by the track. Finally lie is released, and meets 'Collie, who stepped off'at Gopher. Coljie waits- in town while tho hobo retrieves the photograph. With it is a map of .the mine. Tho two make for the Moonstone ranch, tho home of the dead mau.- Here" follow , gripping adv«"«tures. and a delightful climax. ."Wolves of the North", (episode 7), a comedy, and a News complete the bill.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. "WHERE LIGHTS. ARE, LOW" AND "CURLYTOP:" "Where Lights are Low," starring Sessuo Hayakawa, will open, tho new programme to be presented at the Queen's Theatre to-day. Lloyd Osborne is the author, and Colin Campbell "the director, and the combination Ehoulo be sufficient to' ensure perfection oil the screen. Sessue Hayakawa stand? supremo as an interpreter of. strong parts. His successes embrace many of tha_most notable dramatic productions in the history of moving pictures. .He made his first big hit in "The Cheat,'.' aftor which his career on the' screen was a succession of triumphs. .''Where. Lights are Low" "gives tlie noted star just the sort of part he is best equipped for, and he riseS to the occasion. In this picture-he is seon in the role of a Chinese prince who falls in love with a gardener's daughter. When his illustrious uncle, who has planned great things for tho prince, discovers the state" of affairs he immediately makes plans for-a public betrothal of the prince to the daughter of a wealthy mandarin. The prince rebels, but finds that even lovo must give way to tradition in his country. Ho is sent to England to be educated and to obtain refinement, and then* there takes place a series of adventures that go to make an entertainment of the most interesting kind. The winsome.. and talented, screen star, Shirley Jlas"on, is seen in "Curlytop," the second attraction on the programme. As "Curlytop,' 1 Miss Hason'is seen as a mysterious waif of the' London wharf district, who incurs the enmity of Bessie, who is in love'with Bill Branigan, a character of the underworld. It is remarkable how intensely interesting and- thrilling the story, in vhich the destruction of a woman a crowning glory constitutes" the principal motif, becomes on tho screen. The story is adapted from one of ihe famous "Liinehouso Nights" stories.by Thomas Burke. ... . . , * The supporting programme will include a comedy and the latest Gazette. Incidental music will be played by the Queen's Orchestra. Seats may be reserved at Webley's.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A MAGNIFICENT PICTCRE. "THE SPOILERS." "The Spoilers,"-tho most famous and most exploited story by Rex Beach, has again been transferred to the screen, this time as a big super-feature, produced by tho wyn Co. The picture will be the attraction at Everybody's Theatre for six days, beginning at the matinee to-day. "The Spoilers" is the greatest story about the Klondike gold rush ever written, and one of the most widely read of American novels.. It established Mr Beach's reputation as one of our most virile authors, and started the school of out-of-door writers who have been so popular in magazines and books in.the past decade, a school in which no one has surpassed Mr Beach. Then. too. "The Spoilers" is a true picture of early Alaskan history. Its story of Alexander McNamara, who attempted to jump .the claims of men who discovered and worked the richest mine in the Klondike, with the support of a corrupted court, is taken directly from life. It is a true and wonderfully dramatic presentation of one of the most picturesque epochs in our national life, and an epoch which will never return. No more rugged picture of a sturdy people fight in; against Nature to wrest her treasures from her has been written. When Rex Beach's novel was first picturised, ten years ago, by Colonel Selig, jt was the most talked about and tho biggest financial success that tho films had .ever known. But since that time, motion pictures have made gigantic strides in technique, in direction, in settings and acting, nnd this new screen version of "The Spoilers" is as far ahead of the original one> as that production was ahead of tho other features of that day.

The cast of "The Spoilers" 'is as notable as is the production. It is headed by Milton Sills, one of tho featured players, in the role of Roy Glennlster, which mado William Farnum's' reputation when' it was first screened. Sills is one of the most Popular leading men on the screep, and had achieved notable success on the stage before devoting his attention to pictures. Anna Q. Nilsson. featured in the leading roles of many productions, is cast as Cherry Malotte; Barbara Bedford, a brunette beauty, who haß achieved a striking success in two years time on the screent is seen in tho role of Helen Chester; 'Wallace McDonald plays the Broncho Kid; Robert Edeson, the role of Joe Dextry, the partner of Glennister: Noah Beory in the villainous McNamara; Mitchell Lewis the United States Marshal A orhees. who owns allegiance to McNama/a instead of to the Government; Ford Sterling is the Slapjack Simms; Robert McKim, tho unscrupulous lawyer Struve; John Elliott, the Attorney Wheaton; and Sam do Grasse the Judge Stillman. Tho director decided to entrust tho minor rolos only to actors of long screen experience. Louise Fazonda appears briefly as Tilly Nelson, Kate Price as the landlady, Gordon Russell as Burke. Bockcliffe Fellowwes as Matthews, Tom McGuire as Captain Stevens, Albert Roscoe as Mexico Mullins, and Jack Curtis as Bill Nolan. A brilliant musical programme will be given bv-Everybody's Select Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr W. J. Bellingham. F.S.M. Chief-among tho items are the following:—Overture, "Old South" (Zamschik) ; suite, "Othello" (Coleridge-Taylor) ; incidental music, "Joseph and His Brethren (Schmidt);- overture, "Egmont" (Beethoven); entr'acte. "Popular Airs' (Alford) ; symphony, "G Minor" (Mozart); foxtrot songs, "Spain" (Jones),- "From One Till Two" (Hoover); waltz song, "Sad Hawaiian Sea" (Lee Roberts). • The management adviso intending patrons to book their seats early, as largo crowds aie anticipated. Tho box plan is at The Bristol, and seats may be either booked there or by telephoning No. 4925.

GRAND THEATRE. "THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS-." "GOING "UP." " ' ". Prohibition in ' the United • States, the doings of the cigarette-smoking, jazzy younger set, and the "blind", mother who thinks her daughter the acme of all that is perfect in femininity, and being reared in refined surroundings, are introduced in "The City that Never Sleeps," which opened at Jtho Grand Theatre on Saturday. Somewhat unusual in the treatment of an old theme, the, piqturo contains a- really good story of its -kind, and. affords' complete: satisfaction to thrill hunters. ' The gay, glittering life of the ''playing hours" of New York in and about its pleasure palaces is shown in a startling manner. The Btory was originally written by Lerby Scott, and. th© picture '.is. an adapted version. . . A.,mother's. saarifice on behalf of her daughter's future and. Her subsequent efforts to protect her. from the schemes of a fortune-hunting rascal forms the motif and the plot is admirably portrayed. Mother O'Day runs a '-.bowery cafe; As a result of prohibition, her place„becomes ■ on© i of -' the most popular of jftif' York's night cabarets, where all the pleas-ure-loving set can find full scope. She has a baby- daughter, but decides that the. cafe is no place for young innocence, and comes to an arrangement so that the child may be adopted by a socially-accepted but impoverished Fifth avenue widow. . After some'years have passed, and the girl, Molly Kendall, has grown into a .handsome young woman, her mother finds that she has' fallen into,'the ways of the."smart set," and can smoke a cigarette and- drink a cocktail with any of them. .Certainly not to be wondered at. The mother gets a shock when film finds the girl in her owe cafe. And another thing that causes Mother o'Day.a. good deal of uneasiness is the fact that .the girl has become" engaged to a man whom 'she regards ~as decidedly an unscrupulous person. The mother then soon realises that sho'has gono the wrong way about things in her'efforts to educate her daughter properly, and strives to •extricate her from her somewhat dangerous position. The manner in which she docs it provides some very fine scenes; and calls for a good deal of highly dramatic work. The role of Mother O'Day is played by Louise Dresser, arid) that of the daughter by Virginia Lee Corbin. Other members .of the cast include. Kathlyn Williams, i Ricardo Cortez, and Pierre Gendron. A, man might write a very excellent story about the sea. and yet never havo been aboard a ship. In fact, quite'possibly there are a good •' many successful -- authors who have not actually gone through the experiences they recount, nor havo they > known of. anybody who ever, did. That was the case of Robert' Street. in "Going Up," the second attraction on .the bill. This .feature is packed full ,of great comedy from start to finish, and the audience ' laughed 'with gusto throughout. Street writes a • very successful book on flying, and yet he had never ibeen xip in a-'plane. He falls in love with Grace Douglas, an American film favourite, but in. order to win her hand he must flv-a match, against the greatest of all French experts. . He takes on the contract, and performs amazing feats with his "bus," making the Frenchman look .like a cyclist. After perils well nigh unimaginable, he, wins the girl, and deserves her! Douglas Maclean- plays Street,' Marjorie. Daw is'the girl, and the French aviator is portrayed by Francis Macdonald. . A comedy and a Gazette make up the balance of an j excellent programme. Mr Harold.Beck's orchestra played a good | selection of incidental and t special music, including the Beethoven Quartet No. 5. In the first movement of this popular quartet the solo for'the'.violin is ushered in after J a short opening, and the minuet is in. treat- j ment'like a conversation among all the in- i strumenta. The trio of the movement was J exceedingly effective. "Tho Last Rose of-j Summer," arranged -in a more ' complex i form, was delightfully played. The entr'acte, 'Sittin' in a Corner" (Kahn and Meyer), was received with prolonged applause. Other numbers included quartet arrangements of ''Traumeri" (Schumann), "Cavalina" (Beethoven), arid tho • trio "Valse"- • (Coleridge Taylor). the screening ot the big feature the well-known songs, "That OldFashioned Mother of Mine," "That's What God Made Mothers, For,"" selections from "Wildflower," and several new fox-trots, in- j eluding "Spain," "Titana," and "A Thief j iu Paradise," were played.

LIBERTY THEATRE. EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT. MTSTERY, ROMANCE, ADVENTURE. Excellent entertainment is offered the public at the Liberty Theatre this week. On Saturday night, when tho new programme ■""as presented, the theatre was packed to the doors shortly after the advertised startwg time, and- largo crowds of intending patrons were unable to gain admission. Tho playing of tho theatre's Quality Orchestra considerably enhanced the pictorial., portion of the programme. "Tho Mystery of a Hansom Cab," a Ivi-amul picture, is the headliner on tho current bill. Even though the familiar Master Picture sign'is popular at the Liberty Theatre, the hundreds of peoplo who witnessed the Pyramid Picture mystery drama on Saturday night thoroughly enjoved the change. As is • generally known, "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab" was written by iergus Hume, an old Dunedin boy, about 40 years ago, and his remarkable novel is still being read by thousands to-day. In adapting the novel to the screen, "Arthur Shirley, the well-known Australian producer, has modernised it in almost every way, and brought it right up to date in every detail. of "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab" is not founded on fiction, but on the facts of one of the most startling cases of crime. Mystery, dash, action, and j excitement permeate every ecene. Right from the first flash to the final fade-out it holds the audience. .The tale, unwoven in aa enthralling style, tells how the body of Oliver a wealthy gentleman, is found in a hansom cab by the old driver •on arriving at. a place called' St. Kilda, whence he had driven Whyte from a club. No one saw the crime committed, but a young fellow, Brian Fitzgerald*, was suspected of it. He could save himself only by exposing the girl of his heart. The producer keeps the mystery well cloaked, and the audience is kept guessing a« to who actually murdered "Whyte until the startling climax is reached. Grace Glover, Cora Warner, Vera Remee, Isa Crossley, Isa Millett, Arthur Shirley, Carlton Stuart, Gqdfrey Cass, Ron. Stavely, Leslie Woods, Sid. Sterling, Win. Morton, Frank- Barnes, Arthur Orbell, and Charles Vincent are the featured players. They are all Australians.

What will be accepted as one of this season's best films is the much-talked-about picture, entitled "On the Banks _.of the Wabash," featuring Mary Carr. Madge Evans, Mary MacLaren, Burr Mcintosh, James Morrison, and George Neville, which i». the second attraction on this week's bill. Hie/' story is an interestine one, and is told in a simple manner. Tho picture-has al! the old-fashioned scenes peculiar to qurint, out-of-the-way• villages. The realistic storm scenes, tho huge floods, and the sweeping ,fires and terrific explosions are thrilline. Indeed, "On the Banks of tho Wabash" is in a. class of its own, and tho management is to bo congratulated upon sparing it.

An h'tewfrting Topical Budget (the British news film) and a hilarious comedy round off an excellent bill. . ,

Iho entr'acte this week is "Annabjl'c," a 'ox trot which is becoming a fine fcvoiiviio with dancers. A Fantasia on the. most pomilar airs from Chabrier's \<>i.era, "Layuli," was played for the first time in Christchurch. Two now fox- trots, pV.'p'l tii'3 week are "Follow the Swallow" (Henderson), and "When Will the Sun Shine For Me?" (Silver). Other include :—"Carnival" (Guirand), •Tho Pearl Gi'l" (Tablot), Manfred Overture (Schumann), "Pelleas and Meliaande" (Sibelius), "Othello Suite" (Coleridge Taylor), "Figaro" (Morart).