ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 18847, 12 June 1920, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

' ‘ POPULAR PICTURE PALACE. 1 Another excellent programme has been secured for to-day and the next three nights. The principal attraction is a fivereel drama, “The Man Beneath,” featuring the Japanese genius, Sessue Hayakawa, assisted by beautiful Pauline Curley, the attractive little lady who appeared frequently with the late Harold Lockwood. The big situation in the picture hinges about the love story of Kate Erskine, a Scotch girl, and a young Hindu scientist and philanthropist, with the woman playing the part of the conscientious objector. It is a story’ of the deepest mystery and compelling attractiveness. The supporting pictures include “Petrified Forests” (travel), “Victoria, British Columbia.” and a rattling two-part comedy, “Swee.die .and the Double Exposure.” “The Railroad Raiders” wdl be presented to-day and to-night only. The theatre is heated throughout and patrons are assured of a high-clasa programme in the greatest warmth and comfort CIVIC PICTURES. WILLIAM FARNUM MASTERPIECE. In the comfortably heated Municipal Theatre to-night, the Civic management will present to Invercargill picture-goers one of the very strongest programmes that has ever been shown. F'ollowing an excellent number of the English Topical Budget is the stupendous Fox masterpiece in seven thrilling reels, entitled "The Heart of a Lion,” and starring the celebrated William Farnum. When William Farnum pulls - off his coat and roll.- - up his belligerent sleeves, all the barometers in the neighbourhood indicate «n impending storm. They're not wrong. Big Bill is just about the stormiest person on the screen at present, and his spirited fisticuffs are always a delight to see. In “The Heart of a Lion.” which is founded’ on Ralph Connor’s widely rear! novel, “The Doctor,” Mr Farnum plays - the Vole of Barney Kemper, a farmer who is disappointed in love and seeks the solace of the great forests. There he meeds his brother, who had once sinned against him. He meets also a rough forester who is doing his level best, to see that Barney's brother is put out of the way. The conflict between these three men, with two women embroded in its complications, makes one of the fastestmoving pictures ever shown in Invercargill. The second feature introduces Bert Lytell in the new Metro comedy-drama “Easy to Flake Money.” The aim of this offering is bright, clean entertainment, with the inimitable Lytell in another of his remarkable character creations which have made him one of the most popular stars of the screen to day. The story is one of a young fellow who, departing from the paths of speed and spending embarks on a newer and cleaner life in a most unusual manner and with the most unforeseen results. A good anti particularly amusing comedy, entitled “Every Inch a Hero,” completes the bill, which should not fail to draw a packed house to-night. Specially selected and appropriate music by the Civic orchestra will accompany the screening. Scats may be booked at Begg’.s music shop. A special William Farnum matinee will be held this afternoon at 2 o’clock when a most suitable programme will be screened. ALBION THEATRE. CYNTHIA STOCKLEY'S POPPY. In addition to the super-drama 1o be .-'Crceued at iho Albion theatre to-day, arc a number of film subjects of particular interest to the young folks. Cynthia Stockley’s “Poppy” Ls the slur feature, and is 8000 ft in length. “In my career before the camera I have never experienced such a fascinated interest in a character as 1 have for the pathetic little child of destiny, Poppy, the heroine of Cynthia Stockley’s famous book,” said Miss Norma Talmaugc about her latest picture. "When I lir.-l read the book I did what every other girl has done, cried myself almost sick,” continued Miss Talmud gc, “but it wasn’t until I got down to studying in dead earnest for screen purposes that I appreciated what a wondreful creature the novelist had conceived.” The more 1 studied "Poty” the more I admired the breadth of under:-!ending of the author. She has penetrated to the very depths of a woman's soul and employed material there obtained in a manner that is positively aweinspiring. ' Coupled with the above is the latest episode of "The Man of Might” and other feature-:. Special nuHc has been written for lids picture and will be rendered by the Albion Symphony Orchestra. Seats may lie reserved by telephone at the Aioion.

“ n lid ROTTERS.” The Allan Wilkie Company, on Monday evening, will present for the first time in New Zealand. IT F. Maltby’s famous com-cdy-tiruma “The Rot tors,” which is described* as the most laughable play staged for many years past. It was lirst introduced in London four years ago, and has been revived three limes with extraordinary success. The principal character in the plot is Clugstun, a self-made man, who has risen to the middle-cla ,: s of provincial North of England. Mr Wilkie will appear as Clugston's ctinulTcfr. a young man who comes of a good family, hut has become an outcast. Mi.-s Frediswydc Hunter-Watts will take the par! of the daughter. Mr .1, Castle Morris, formerly of the C. Williamson Co., now i’Pi caring with I lie Allan Wilkie Company, besides being a mummer of extensive experience, has had a remarkable career as, a soldier of the Empire. lie went to the Boer war with ih." litst Queensland contingent, t ink part in many engagements, had a horse fail on him, and another siiot under him. He fought right through the Zulu rebellion with RoysbmV. Horse. On returning to Australia in 1910 hr played important parts with the Ethel Irving Company, with the .1. C. Williamson Companies, and subsequently with various companies in Australia and South Africa. In September, 1914, he joined the 13th Victorian Light, Horse as lieutenant, ami on arrival in Egypt was selected as troop leader in the brief campaign against the Sonussi, and had a horse shot under him. After a lengthy period in the trenches in Trance he was invalided medically unfit through the strain and hardships endured. He arrived back in Australia in 1918,, and after a spell on the land joined (be Allan Wilkie Company. The second production on Tuesday will be the great naval drama, "The Luck of the Navy.” For nearly two years this play ran at the New and Queen’s Theatres, Ijondon, to tremendous business, and Is now appearing at the Manhattan Opera House, New York, before packed audiences nightly. The plot, which is reported to bo of a most ingenious character, follows the adventures of Lieut. Clive Stanton, V.C., R.N., of lI.M. Submarine 3a, who has to contend with a clique of Hun spies in England. Plans arc developed for the capture of a secret code from the hero, anti the Kaiser’s secret agents also scheme lo carry him away a, prisoner to Germany in an aeroplane. Some thrilling situations are evolved, and the action moves rapidly. The drama will be staged on a lavish scale; and the scenery has been specially prepared from photos of the original London production.