ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17094, 25 February 1919, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE.

A violinist of uncommon ability and decided temperament, Romaine, appeared at the Opera House last evening for the first time. He received the recognition due to him, being accorded a demonstrative welcome. As some of his predecessors in the same line have done, he affected the dress of a wanderer on the highways, entering with instrument at shoulder and playing beneath a stage street-lamp. His opening number was Gounod's " Serenade." This was most expressively played, Romaine producing exvj-jsite tone from his violin. Two classical solos followed, in which the performer's technique and execution were well displayed, his double-stopping being strikingly good. Finally, he played some rag-time airs, and surely rag-time seldom sounded more seductive! There was prolonged applause at the end of the turn. Mr. Sydney Fayne and Miss Verl Fayne presented a novel interlude. The lady proved to be a vivacious little person with a way of humming the tunes played by the orchestra. She also gave a clever imitation of a queer musical instrument. Her partner performed some astonishing feats of contortion. His concluding one was to bend backwards, clasp an ankle with each hand, and, thus doubled up, to dance to the singing of Miss Fayne. The novelty of the turn and the surprising nature of it made it highly popular. Ray and Gray, patter artists, reappeared. Their introductory exchanges were not calculated to appeal to anyone of refined taste. The remainder of their work was acceptable, and Mr. Gray's songs were well liked. Miss Ethel Vaugn, emphatically clever and original, was attractive and humorous in her songs and mimicry. The Togos repeated their juggling act, with its sensational climax—the backward slide down a rope stretched from stage to upper circle. Mr. AL Bruce and his company provided the second part of the programme, a musical absurdity called "Lulu." This caused amusement, and the various musical numbers and dances were heartily applauded. The entertainment will be repeated each evening this week and at the usual matinees.

TTVOLI THEATRE. "Say, Young Fellow!" is the title of this week's feature film at the Tivoli Theatre. It is a humorous film, and is undoubtedly novel. In the principal role is Douglas Fairbanks, who makes a great success of the production. He is seen as a cub reporter on one of the largest New York papers. He is assigned to interview an old dyspeptic millionaire, whose antipathy to journalists of any description is current talk in the reporting room and editorial office. He is sent on this unEalatable assignment because his work had een unsatisfactory, and the city editor thought it would be a good opportunity to get rid of him. He endeavours to approach the old gentleman, but is prevented by a force of butlers, chauffeurs, valets, and footmen. However, by his athletic powers he gains entrance to the house. There he discovers, the whereabouts of a missing agreement, which guards the whole interests of preferential shareholders in a large corporation. He has many exciting adventures. Other films _ include a "Pictograph," "The Art of Jiu-jitsu," and topical gazettes.

PRINCESS THEATRE. An excellent programme of motion pictures is presented this week at the Princess Theatre. The principal film is one of current interest, depicting the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet to the Grand fleet, and scenes in London after the signing of the armistice. Included in the picture are scenes which a few years ago would have been thought impossible— for instance, the striking views taken from British dirigibles flying over the enemy ships, and ready to drop their cargo of bombs, should the slightest trace of treachery be seen. The many scenes of the armistice celebrations in London, and the rejoicings of the populace, delirious with the joy of victory, are magnificent. The programme also includes a first-class Brady film entitled "The Whirlpool." In the principal role is MiSs Alice Brady, who takes the part of a woman who assists in the management of a notorious gambling-house in the New York, Tenderloin. Miss Brady gives a most capable characterisation of a singularly difficult role.

STRAND THEATRE. "You Can't Believe Everything," now being screened at the Strand Theatre, is a story that deals with the folly of the idle rich. The leading role is admirably played by Miss Gloria Swanson, who is well supported by a strong cast of players. The settings are unique. In one scene, the cast appears in bathing costumes. The heroine rescues a man from drowning, and her name is compromsied, while the daughter of the gossip is really the culprit. The talk of scandal is quickly subdued when a wedding ring is seen on the heroine's finger, and the happy pair go abroad to escape the idle talk at the hotel. A good supporting programme is included.

NATIONAL THEATRE. " The Devil's Wheel," a Fox production, now being screened at the National Theatre, has as the heroine Miss Gladys Brockwell, who is ably supported by a strong cast. It is a powerful portrayal of a girl who loses her memory and becomes the wild-cat of Paris apaches. It is a drama of high social life and of the apache class in Paris, in which Miss Brockwell plays a dual role. An amusing comedy, "A Diver's Last Kiss," and a clever cartoon, Mutt and JeS joining the Tanks, are also shown.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Grace Daimond, one of the most beautiful women on the American stage, has forsaken the footlights, and now appears solely in motion picture productions. She is seen at Everybody's Theatre this week in a Vitagraph drama entitled " The Girl in His House." The story deals with the adventures of a youth who, after a long absence from his home, returns to find it occupied by a fascinating girl. Other good plays are screened.

GRAND THEATRE. "The Deemster," from the book of the same name, by Sir W. Hall Caine, is now being screened at the Grand Theatre. The story is of a young man, portrayed by Derwent Hall Caine, who respects no one but his sweetheart, Mona. For some reason he kills Mona's brother, and is sent toprison for the term of his natural life. How he meets his end in a tragic manner is told as the story draws to an end. Other pictures are shown.

GLOBE THEATRE. Miss Alice Brady, the leading lady of the Brady-made Film Corporation, plays the part of the heroine in " The Spurs of Sybil," screened at the Globe Theatre this week. It is the story of a fashionable girl's attempt to earn her living, and is most interesting. The dresses worn by the various characters are a striking feature of the photo-play.

LYRIC THEATRE. Conspicuous success attends the presentation at the Lyric Theatre of "The Frozen Warning," one of the latest films from the American 6tudios. The film tells of the many adventures of ;an American society woman who frequents fashionable hotels at large summer resorts. She is a remarkable skater. Unknowingly the woman discovers a plot to steal certain Government plans by a German agent. Many cxciting incidents occur.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. An excellent photo-play is the " Frozen Warning," screened this week at the Queen's Theatre.ln the principal part is " Charlotte," the world's champion lady roller-skater. Other features of the programme include the fifth episode of " The Fighting Trail," and a fine naval film, showing the ignominious surrender of the German Navy. In addition t 0 the naval film, several other excellent photo-plays are screened.