AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 67, 19 March 1917, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

» "STOP, THIEF!" Tbe farce "Stop, Thief!" produced at His Majesty's on Saturday night, is a cleverly-written American absurdity with the raising of a laugh as its only object. The fact that it succeeds iv keeping the audience mirthful is a sufficient excuse for all iti inconsistencies. Tlie story is clever enough, making an excellent framework for fun-making of the swift and riotous variety. Tho piece opens at tbe home of •in old aud exceedingly absent-minded gentleman with the arrival of a small aud distinctly innocent-looking "lady's maid," whose advent coincides with tbe wedding day of the old, man's daughter. The newly-arrived servant is in reality an audacious ami clever thief, but the laughtermaking Ingredient is the fact that the old gentleman lias at one time in bis life been '. afflicted with kleptomania, and when the more valuable of the wedding presents begin to disappear under the deft treatment of the tnaitl he naturally blames himself, thinking that his malady has returned. Matters are complicated when the prospective son-in-law thinks that he too has inherited kleptomania, and that he has imcousciously "lifted" some of tbe missing wedding offerings. All tbe thefts are of course carried out by the new servant, helped by a confederate whom, she Introduces to the family circle as a detective come to investigate. The fun reaches the break-neck speed when the-plotting of the pair of thieves miscarries and they find It necessary to constantly transfer their booty to the itoekets and persons of the family circle. The piece is typically American, and aims at storming the audience with a continuous and rapid lire of funny sayings and happenings, so that tbe members of the company, do not get much opportunity to display individual talent. Miss Madge Surtees lias a less important part tluin has hitherto been assigned to her iv that of the servant-adventuress. She makes the most of what possibilities are in the part, and again demonstates her unusual versatility. Mr Fred Coape as tbe elderly and absent-minded William Carr is consistent and thorough and his portravnl of a droll character that supports tbe" prlnclpal burden of the fun-making. Mr Gerald Harcourt as the unhappy groom-elect, obsessed with the idea that he is a kleptomaniac, extracted a full tnensure of fun from his part, while Mr George Hewlltt was a sufficiently funny best man Mr Ronald Riley made a big hit as the male thief His part Is a difficult one. and in the hands of a leas capable actor might ??.}'? pnt i be wh ° ] e piece out of gear. Miss M-Ored Carlton ns the britlc. nnd Miss -Patrice Esmond as the mother-lu-law-to-be wore botli responsible for a coo.llv share of the general fun-making, while all of the other characters were in good bands The piece will be staged to-nlcht and to-morrow night, and on" Wednesday will givo way to "'Are You a Mason?" OPERA HOUSE. Another absorbing entertainment la announced to come ou to the boards at butler's Opera House this evening, when several skilled vaudeville urtists new to Auckland will appear. MELODRAMA AT THE KING'S. Well-tinied was the picturesque Irisb melodrama, the first presentation of wlueh Mr. -randon-uremer announced to occur ou tlie eve of s-t. Patrick-.Day. Tile drama Itself, li-out Uie pen of the late Dion lioucleault, Is classed, as .the Dixit purely li__ play ever penned, so that the King's -nearre was tilled to capacity by patrons anticipating tlis treat in store lor CUetu. The sicili of the company precluded any possibility of a. piuj- such. a.s Uiis uot beins a success, and the artistic work ot the various periormers in 'their Irish, charuoterlsatious was applauded by the audience. The whole atmosphere of the titeeu Isle wits abiy presented to the _>eo_>—. while tho character studies of the prayers were well sup-ported by attractive national songs and (__c_i. Perhaps the most perfect study was. that of Mr. Frank Neil, wbo so skilfully played tbe part of *._a_u, the postman. The inoous and passions he used were thoroughly typical of tbe Irish. Miss Kathleen Arnold took the part of the Irish colleen with very great success; Mr. Maurice Tuahy made an lndi__rlb»ble hit as the rebel, while ruueb could be —_d. of Miss Mabel. Hardlnge, who played as bis sweetheart.. The para:of the army colonel was taken by Mr. Edgar Kenua, and tbe major was Mr. lvenuetb Carlisle. Tbe whole drauui was such a distinctive success as is associated with all the more "recent productions of this popular company. KING GEORGE THEATRE. A powerful Jesse Lasky release, ''A Gutter Magdalene," is the headline on the fresh programme which commences at the King George to-day. .Here is another appearance of Mb- Fanny Ward, who made no small reputation for .-.herself by her hautl—ug of .the name part in "The Cheat." . 'Che -phiy is distinguished for its lavish pro- ' duetiou, and th* background for the at-.tiou, which represents in scenes of graphic lvI terest phases of life among the submerged of a great city, is most appropriate. The | story is of a woman wno mistakes the counterfeit lover for the real, and who suffers the penalty until her eyes are opened, j and she seeks for redemption hi a life of I austerity aud self-denial. Malda has a ' happy home till she meets Jack Morgan, who fascinates her. It Is not till she has become his wife that -he realises he Is crooked. 'He robs a young man of his I money, and Maid;n flees to the protection of 1 the Salvation Army. Soon afterwards the young fellow. iSteve Boyce, is Injured, and •Maid'a nurses him back to health. Vivid scenes follow, leading strongly to the! grand climax where 'Morgan is no more, shot in self-defence by his wife, and she and Steve . are happily united. A big Lseries of supports follow. j • •> • TIVOLI THEATRE. | The feature or the Tlvoll programme this week is a splendid screen version of "The World's Great Snare," from the pen or E. Phillips Oppenheim. The strong caste has ■Miss Pauline Frederick as lead, and tbe action abounds in sensational surprises, while through all is woven that mystical tbread of romance without which no modern film can be said to be- at all. complete. The original novel, by a great master of sensattonailism and interest, has enjoyed a world-wide popularity, and the screen adaptation is such that the characters arc invested with a living personality. Among the ■ supporting' items may be mentioned a 1 budget picturing the very latest activities jin the war zone, together with a really laughable comedy. LYRIC THEATRE. A most entertaining comedy-drama is in currency at the Lyric. "Prudence, tho Pirate," cannot be said' to have the real, happy-go-lucky absence of real plot that | make's for the film of this species, as the ; action in Several cases Drings the drama ! dangerously near to tragedy. Miss Gladys , Ilullette is the heroine, a girl who has great dreams of life and adventure. Curiously enough all these castles in the air I become accomplished facts, and she participates in .situations which far outdo the most dazzling scenes of naughtiness she | ever conceived. The film is contrived to | meet all tastes. There is a pirate schooner with., the appropriate title of "The Bucket I-of Blood," there is a maiden aunt, Miss i Flora Finch, who is opposed to everything, j and there is aLso a dreadful old reformed pirate who gets very full on two glasses of claret. As sequels to this interesting picture are. several topical films. QUEEN'S THEATRE. That the public has again found something that admits of real appreciation was demonstrated at the Queens ou Saturday, ■the opening • sessions of "Trilby," during which crowded bouses were continuously lond in applause. One of the scenes that caused genuine enthusiasm on the part of ■the I audience was the interior of an opera house when Trilby sings "Ben Bolt," and not a- little of this was occasioned by an -artistic singing of this famous song. As Trilby, Miss Clara Kimball Young will always be remembered with pleasure, for it is here that she makes one of the huge successes of her career. Easily the most enthralling picture production of recent years, tbe feature is supported by other items of interest. STRAND THEATRE. ■'The Matrlmaniac," a Triangle Fine Arts - Douglaa Fairbanks comedy, is the head- . liaer. at the Strand. The scenario was | adapted, from the widely-read novel of the '. same name, and .Miss Constance Talmadge •plays heroine. There is a youth with a - "'dou't-eare-a-haug"' character and a • charming girl. These two reciprocate , their affections, and thereby hangs the tale. The father of tbe girl meditates a ■ different match, antl, of course, the youth - plans an elopement, with funny results. E The marriage eventually takes place throngb , "the 'medium, of the telephone. Miss Billte • _s"^?,, a P, peaw ««ain in the sl-th episode ' S* Gloria's Romance," with tbe sub--cadi-f. "HidlM JTlrts."

PRINCESS THEATRE. There is nothing original in mc plot of '"The Awakening of —eleua Richie," cur- . reut at the Princess, but its presentation is of that nature which adds a charm all us own to an action XainiUar to all. It is the old story of a good woman wronged, but when she seeks peace -Ironi her husband's madness .beconies atftached to. a little child aud lets ber lover go, then it is that the drama beconies of paramount. interest to young and old alilie. The picture has already become popular, aud is supported by other excellent studies and by the best of music. GLOBE THEATRE. A Hue animal drama, 'The Dumb Genius," provides the leading him at the Globe. It is a sensational monkey study, featuring Jacko, tbe animal with trained •criminal Instincts which bas already appeared with much success in previous parts, .lacko is the skilful accomplice of a ■Drape of thieves, who carry out several daring robberies, but they are at lust caught by the representatives of law aud order. WEST END THEATRE. The best iilni at the West End is "The -Microscope 'Mystery." This subject has already made itself popular, and whs the objective of a big crowd ou Saturday, interesting topical and humorous pictures complete a good programme. PALACE THEATRE. j The management of the Palace Theatre ! have secured another powerful picture lv -Tbe Madness of Helen." Tbis 111 mis being well received, and, with Its good supports, makes au interesting entertainment. ■VICTORIA THEATRE. The great aim that was Instrumental in drawlug a big audience to the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. at its lirst appearance ou Saturday, is "The Rattle Cry of Peace," a big Vltagraph study with Miss Norma Talmadge In the leading role. This le a famous picture that is well worth the time spent In seeing it. A programme of strong supports Is also in ovldence. BOYAL THEATRE. Edmund Breese appears at the Royal in ■the 'Metro release "The Lure of 'Heart's Doslre." It is a fascinating study, ami is followed by the second instalment of "Peg o' the Ring." Comedy and travel films are also showing. ARCADIA TiH__.TR-i. "The Divinity of Motherhood" Is the feature of the new ■entertainment at the i Arcadia. This rcmarkahle film will run for three nights. It is supported by a most appealing series of ■pictures. GRAND THEATRE. The main film in season at the Grand Is "Prudence the Pirate." EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "The Dark Silence," being shown this week at Everybody's, is said to be an achievement ranking with '"The Common Law" in all respects. The production is by the same company, and Miss Clara Kimball Young has a part very, similar to that In which she achieved such notable success In the earlier play. Tlie illm Is not a war drama, though the war is Introduced, but It has the effect of strengthening the action, -while it serves tbe useful-purpose of throwing the fine romance of the plot Into still stronger relief. The story deals with the blindness of a man. The woman who bad played him false returns to him In Ms affliction, when ensues a remarkable chain of circumstances. Tbe music 1s delightful, and the supporting films excellent. IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT. Tbe Irish National concert that was held In the Town Hall on Saturday night attracted au audience that has not been seen in Auckland for many a long day. Long before the tbue for the commencement of tbe concert, the house was packed to the last inch of space with an audience that displayed unbounded delight with the programme. At times the audience became so enthusiastic that a number of tbe performers were interrupted by the continuous applause. Tbe . pupils of the Catholic schools sang several choruses,.with orchestral accompaniment,' tbe blending of the different voices sounding particularly well in tbe spacious hall. Mr .1. P. Louergan was beard to advantage In "The Mountains of Mourne" and "Wearing o' tho Green," the last verses being sung with a pathetic rendering. Miss Eileen Madigau sang "Eileen Alannah," her voice sounding very pleasing. As an encore she sang "Tbe Last Rose of Summer." Master George Tttpp, who has on numerous occasions appeared before the Auckland public, delighted his hearers by an Impressive rendering of "Carnival ot Venice" and "The Harp That Once Through Tnra's Hall." Mr Ernest Drake sang "Molly Bawn," "The Minstrel Boy," and in response to continuous applause sang "Mother Macree." Miss Jessie Bartlett sang "Danny Boy." and was repeatedly encored. Mr J. "F. Montague recited "Shamus O'Brien," "A Tale of Ninety-eight," in which he was particularly good, the conclusion of which brought forth outbursts of applause. Miss Linda Murphy gave a musical sketch. "Phil the Fluter's Ball." Miss Murphy is only l-l years of age, and a pupil of Miss Zoe Bartley. She was undoubtedly tbe most applauded of the evening. Mr J Mackle recited "The Fighted Race," and the concert concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. Mr Leo Wbittaker acted as accompanist. The arrangements .of tbe concert were made by Mr J M : O'Connell. " ' I ■ I