AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18413, 20 June 1925, Page 17

AMUSEMENTS.

PICTURE HOUSES.

LIBERTY THEATRE. "WANDERER OF THE WASTELAND."' BETTY BALFOUR IN" "SQUB'S HONEYMOON." Coloured motion pictures tire join? to crupy the same place in the film world that coloured printing is taking in the publishing field. The time is rapidly coming when there will he a public demand for coloured films. They will be classified in the minds of picture patrons as the art product of the industry, and the resulting competition will brine; about their widespread use. Many prejudices have retarded the development of coloured pictures. There has been the impression that they were tirins on the ryes, that they detract from the interest of •he story, that the colours are not true to life, and that there are expensive (clinical difficulties in the nclti.il handling of the film in exchanges and theatre?. That these defects have now been satisfactorily overcome, all who see "The Wanderer of the Wasteland," Zane Grey's novel in picture form at the Liberty Theatre to-day will be readily convinced. The outstanding features are the all-colour photography and the (lawless acting of a superb cast. This Zane Grey story has lost none of its Titality by its transfer to the screen. A* a matter of fad, under the capable direction of Irvin Willat, the picture brings out with effective vividness all the dramatic strength of the story, .lack Holt's characterisation of the title part is a notable one. Billie Dove fit* perfectly into the picture: Noah Beery does a splendid bit of character acting, and Kathlyn Williams, as usual, does very good work. -.The second feature is "Squib's Honeymoon," featuring Hetty Ha If our. 3" "Squibs" Betty Balfour has created a lovable Cockney figure that has enthroned itself in all hearts. Perhaps w-hat has made her more popular than anything else is that most often bhe appears as the spirit. of vivacity, yet never lacking in winsomencss and whimsicality, and with queer ways which only appear so queer because the virtue ot unselfishness is so uncommon. On the same programme there is an excellent comedy, "The Mvstery Man." featuring Snub Pollard. The Liberty Quality Orchestra, under the able, condurforship of Mr Howard Moody, will provide a fine programme of incidental music, intending patrons are strongly urged to book their seats at (he -Bristol Piano 00. _For telephone reserves ring Liberty Theatre SOC6.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE,

HAY McAYOY IX "THE MAD WHIRL

GLEXX HUNTER AXI) MARY ASXUIi IX "SECOXD FIDDLE."

"The Hurricano Kid," "Defying Dealiny," and current fine programme of motion r>ic-' litres will bo shown at Greater Crystal Palace for the last times this, afternoon and to-night,, 'and tho world-famous Symphony Orchestra,, under the distinguished conduciorship of Mr Alfred J. Bunz, will play at' both sessions.

"Tho Mad Whirl,". Universal-Jewel all-atav production, which heads the new programme at Greater Crystal Palace for next week, commencing Monday, is a colourful vehicle in whkh players in very evident accord witli I heir roles give excellent portrayal of present day life, thanks to William A. Seller. The men and women who •are portrayed in "The Mad Whirl" are young for the most part, and unmarried, but they indulge in a form of pleasure that- a few years ago would have beer, loudly condemned, namely hearty indulgence in beverages forbidden by the Eighteenth Amendment. Also, their opcmiebs of displaying ardent, affection for •tho opposite sex has become known as "petting." There is comedy, straight narrative, and well conveyed drama in "Tho ' Mad Whirl," which ia by way of being the »crecn version of that sensational story, "Here's How," written to the consternation' of many by'none less than Richard Washburn Child, - former' American Minister' to lU'y.' As- a matter of fact tho story and the picture tell the story cf a father and mother, possessed of great wealth, who believe that they can safeguard the young folk of their acquaintance by joining in their jazzy parties. Consequently, the summer estate of the. Harringtons becomes an paais thrc'nged by glorious youth, with, bathing suit parties, highballs and all the like. The contrast 13 .contributed by a former saloon keeper and hie daughter. The later falls in love with the Harrington heir. But her father despises thorn all and tells- her .so. It is here the- fine- drama of tho story-' begins. May- McAvoy has the feature, role in .a. cast of unusually, noted pla.ver3. The male juvenilo ia well cared for" by Jack- Mulhall, and the othors arc Myrtle Stedman, Barbara Bedford, Alec. B. Francis, Ward Crane, GctTge Fawcctt, Marie Aetaire and Joseph Singlctom Thrills,.' - suspense and human interest abound in "Second Fiddle," the second big picture •on the new-programme, featuring Glenn Hunter, Mary Astor. and other popular screen" "celebrities. •..'lite, fact that clothes "do 'not-..always' make, tho man is most' interestingly portrayed.;.'- Have .you ever been • caught in a rain storm while you •were- out driving, in an automobile and endeavoured to.,put. up one of those pro: vcrbral one' man tops? if you have you can sympathise with Maiy Astor, ; tho feminine star .in "Second Fiddle." '_ Miss Astor encounters a similar difficulty in the 'picture, and -her ■ efforts in extricating herself constitute an amusing and entertaining bit of -comedy. , ■ ■ A little while ago, newspaper readers as well '»3. all sport - lovers were surprised to lead Hint Universal pictures signed the mist celebrated boxer of our times to play the stellar role in a scries of ten twereel stories to bo written especially for the champion, Jack Do-m'psey, by Gerald Beaumont, famous "Saturday Evening Pest author. Tho last- of thi», r.eriea is also on the now" programme, and it is the best of the lot. Thoso who have not yet seen Dempsey should take tlu3 opportunity of doing so,, -because, apart from being the heavy-weight champion of the world, he is an actor- of promising ability. Besides the three main pictures there is a very funny Cc-nlurv c-medv and tho latest International news film. Following the established custom, particulars of next week's magnificent musical programme wit Ibe announced in Monday's newspapers.. The box plan is at Tho Bristol, or seats may be reserved by telephoning Greater Crystal Palace, number 37SS.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. "THE SHEPHERD KING" AXD "MY HUSBAND'S WIVES.'

It is said that- every gieat p'.ay and every licreendous novel had its origin in life somewhere down the ages. The truth of (his is splendidly demonstrated in the Wiihaw Fcx production, "The Shepherd King," which will be presented at the Queen's Theatre next Monday. The dramatic story of David, the shepherd boy, who finally because monarch, with its romance and pathos, has been reproduced on celluloid witti impressive r«3uus. J. uordon Edwuxua, the cli-.-ecl.ov, sought reft'.ism and was satisfied onlv with what hj« found ftt tho base of the Pvrimicls, where the camera, clicked in tho sa-.donic face of the Sphinx. More than 3COO extras, with 500 camels .and as man) donkovs, form the sorrowful ' army 01 the children of Israel being led out ct Egypt by Moses. This scene tne director has used, as a, prologue for the reason that from the house oL Moses came the houso of -David. As Pri-icess Michal, yo.ingcst daughter ot Saul, who eventually becomes the queen of the Shepherd King, Vklet Mersercau rises io the. emotions', peak of her career. She has the superb support of the cast that luade Nero," consisting ot continental artist-* whose work is beyond reproach. Massive sots and impressive mob scene* add to tho beautv of the picture at oven- turn, the interiors "are remarkable, enough, but ho desert scenes, filmed in the shadows of the rr.cient pyramids, are even more so. The n-cturo was entirely produced in Egypt and took more than a- year in the making. Embarrassing moments, many ot them, fill the delightful comedy drama, My riusband s Wives." starring Shirley Mason wh.eh will b- the second attraction ot this big programme. As the title suggests, it is the exwives who cause ail the trouble. ,n «"«/•»* and clever comedy. During tho honeym.-on an ex-wife happens to be staying at tne Eame hotel. From this point the story takes on'manv thrilling and exciting incidents and not' till Miss who is playing the r, art of the bride, manages to get rid of tile former wife, do tilings move along in a normal Tray. In addition to the a.l*rte bi» feature, there will be an attractive supporting and * superb musical rpogrammc.