AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18404, 10 June 1925, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "The Spoilers," now attracting large audiences to Everybody's Theatre, is a 6tory of the Klondike gold rush and its consequent "crooked*' dealings. It is above all one of those healthy open-air pictures, which arc so popular with modern audiences. The • struggle against Nature to wrest hertreasures from her i 3 a striking feature of the production. There are two themes running parallel, the greed and struggle ior the yellow metal, and the constant love of a man for the woman of his dreams. Both work to a logical conclusion through a series of startling and stirring episodes. Milton Si'l3 is in the leading role as Roy GlennUter—the rightful owner of the Midas claim. Barbara- Bedford p'ays opposite him a3 Helen Chester, in reality his greatest friend, but who has wrongfully been accused of trying to ruin bim. Anna. Q. Nileson features as Cherry Malotte, a dance-hall girl with a passion for Glennister in which she is destined t» be disappointed. Noah Beery play 3 the part of the villainous McNamara, who is the instrument of Glennister's attempted ruin. R'.bert Edison appears aB Joe Dextry, thn partner of Glennister, while Robert Mdlim is rcen as the 'shark" liwyer. Strove. Th?. supports are "Exit Strange r ," a Cameo production; "Romance of the Rockies:." a charmin? fcenario; and "A Game Lady," a screaming First National comedy. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The current programme at the Queen's Theatre promises to attract big crowds throughout the week. As an interpreter of strong, manly parts, Sussue Hayakawai stands triumphant, his successes embracing many of the most notable productions that have been released. The author of the story of "'Where Lights are Low," starring Hayakawa.'is Lloyd Osborne; Colin Campbell is the director, and such a combination of talent is enough to' ensure the success of any production. Hayakawa has just the ; right sort of role, and he makes the most of it. Briefly, the story is one of a Chinese prince who falls in love with a gardener's daughter. When his illustrious uncle, who has planned great thines for the prince, discovers thisv state of affairs, which is entirely contrary to bis will, he immediately makes plans for ai public betrothal of the prince to the daughter of a powerful and wealthy mandarin. Naturally the prince rebels, but finds that his love must sriyo way to the traditions of his countryT He is sent to England to be educated, and there takes place a series of adventures that combine- in making up an excellent hour's entertainment. Another very good film, and the second attraction on the current, bill, is "CSflytop." Curlylop is a mysterious waif who haunts the London wharf district, the home of all sorts of weird choractors nnd customs. The waif, played by Shirley Mason, incurs the enmity of Bessie, who is in love with'Bill Br,annigan, a leading character of the underworld. A network of scheming and intrigue develops through the bringing together of these characters, and results in an intensely thrilling ond interesting story. The principal motif is the destruction of a woman's crowning glory. '■• LIBERTY THEATRE. "The "Mystery of a Hansom Cab" is drawing large crowds to the Liberty Theatre. As is "generally known,-"The Mystery of a, Hansom Cab", was written by Fergus Hume, a.n old Dunedin boy, about 40 years ago, and hie 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. Mystery, dash, action, and excitement' permeate every scene. Ri°it from'the first flash to. the final fadeout" it holds the audience. "On the Banks of the "Wabash," featuring Mary Catr, Madge Evans, Mary MacLaren, Burr Mcintosh, James Morrison; and George' Neville, is the second attraction on this week's bill. An interesting Topical Budget (the British news film) arida hilarious comedy :round off in. excellent, bill. .. '.'.'..,..■ GRAND THEATRE. The story of- "The City tiat Never Sleeps'' nqyy showing at the Grand Theatre, was originally written by Leroy Scott, and the picture "is.' an 'adapted version. A mother's sacrifico on behalf .of her daughter's future and .her subsequent efforts to protect her from'the schemes of a fortune-hunting rascal form the motif, and the plot is admirably portrayed. The second feature is "Going Up," a very fine comedy, starring Douglas Maclean, Marjorie Daw. and Francis Macdonald. A comedy and a Gazette make up the balanco of an excellent programme. GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. What will be accepted as one of. the, seaeon's most elaborate, most fascinating productions is the much heralded UniversalJewel "Secrets of the Night," which is the headlinor on ' the current bill at Greater Crystal Palace. Any story founded on. a baming mystery is bound to contain popular appeal, and when such a Btory is iortitted with irresistible humour, ono may lmagiuo its entertainment value. "Secrets of trio Night" is,a mystery film with an hilariouß termination, with the ever-welcome James Kirkwood continuing his run of conaisVlt characterisations, and Madge Bellamy as,the •leading lady. ..It is from the pen of Max Marcin. ■• Kirkwood is excellent as the wor-ried-bank president (who eventually, found that "all his worrying was quite unnecessary) and Madge Bellamy, as the president's pretty young ward, -who; in the end, .married him, is fresh and spirited throughout. 'The Steadfast ,-Heart/' -a-Selznick super attraction, is on the same bill. The story is built upon redemption of a-'youth—branded as an - outcast—and it contains a substantial uplifting and spiritual note. • Besides tho two big pictures there is another of the popular "Fight and' Win" series. STRAND ,_. "The Arizona- Express," now. showing at the Strand 'Theatre, is an attractive film. Through the' murder of her uncle, and the -web- of circumstantial evidence that surrounded .her fiance, Katherine Keith had fought a grand and glorious fight for his freedom. And now, with the evidence in her hand that would free her "mate from the clutches of the 'law—and send to the gallows' the worst criminal in tho land —she was cornered. William Desmond, in "The Sunset Trail," is shown in support.-".Wolves of the North" (episode 7), a comedy, and a News complete the bill.