ENTERTAINMENTS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 556, 10 August 1920, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

LYCEUM PICTURES. WEDNESDAY. Norma Talmadge, in "De Ifxe Annie," the famous stage success, a wonderful characterisation,- a nd a play that, is unforgettable thrills, laughter and tears. The story of "De Luxe Annie" requires no introduction to New Zealand theatre patrons, ft has already been rendered familiar

by Miss Emily Polini. There is no artist on the screen more fitted to portray the role of Annie than Norma Talmadge, and she does full justice to the exacting requirements of the character. A good-looking Jimmy is Eugene O'Brien, the Film equivalent of a matinee idol, and the rest of the caste is on a par with the general excellence of the production. This impersonation of Norma Taimadge's can be reckoned as her best work up to date, and furnished with the ideal settings that the motion picture field can produce, the film play will go further than the stage performance. The picture is in seven parts, and with a topical gazette, runs the whole programme.

POPULAR PICTURES. "FOR BETTER FOR WORSE." Another special Paramount Artcraft picture that has been booked to the Popular Pictures is the production that is claimed by Cecil B. De Mille as by far his best efforT to date. "For Better For Worse," which will be screened at the Oddfellows' Hall next Friday, tells the story of a doctor who stayed at home during the stressing days of the war, and who was branded a3 a coward by the woman he loved. The doctor had thought it all out, and had come to the conclusion that he was needed at St. Agnes Hospital, where there were hundreds of crippled children needing his care and skill. And so he saw the girl of his heart marry her soldier suitor, and saw her turn from him, calling him a coward. How this drama is developed is bet told by Mr. De Mille through the medium of the screen. It is full of appeal, and comes to a resounding climax. Elliot Dexter, Gloria Swanson, Tom Forman, Wanda Hawley, Raymond, Hatton, Theodore Roberts, and Sylvia Ashton enact the principal roles. This big picture is the second of a contract line of specials to' Popular Pictures, and the experiment is being tried of showing them. All at the Rate of One and Sixpence for Adults, and Ninepence for Children.

"THE MIRACLE MAN." WEDNESDAY, AUGUST IS. This is what the Dominion has to say about "The Miracle Man:" Perhaps never, since the King's Theatre was first opened, has a picture been shown there that could rival in grandeur and sublimity the drama that was screened last night. Quite probably the beautiful music which accompanied the screening was in part responsible for the curiously profound emotion that "The Miracle Man" was able to inspire; for all thai it is safe to assert that even in fin' less favourable circumstances Tucker's remarkable photoplay would have achieved unqualified success. Any attempt to outline the story would do the picture an injustice, for it is the innumerable delicate touches with which the outlines are filled in that the genius of the author is revealed. Joseph Y. Dowling plays the part of the old man from whom the production takes its name. His performance is something to be remembered, not for days, but for months or years. The strong, massive head, the •soft white hair, the eyes from which the light has almost departed, the mouth with its expression of infinite compassion for suffering and misfortune are unforgettable. "The Miracle Man" is simple, affectionate and unsuspecting. Destitute of all ordinary means of communication with his fellows, he still feels instinctively the moral conflicts of the dnrkening world about him, and exerts an influence so deep, so irresistible, that before it even the iron will of a hardened sinner has eventually to bow. Betty Compson is indisputably one of the most beautiful actresses playing for the kineina to-day. Staged in surroundings ot great natural beauty, no detail that could add conviction to a wonderful story has been omitted in the mounting. Further information will appear in Friday's "Times." The box plan is at The Bookery.

SKATING. This (Tuesday) afternoon and evening; also Friday afternoon and evening. There will be skating on Friday only during next week, the hall being engaged for every other night.