AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 206, 29 August 1918, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

"ROMANCE." The box plans for the first six nights of the J. C. Williamson Kathleen MacDonnell season, which commences at H.M. Theatre ■ to-morrow night, are now open at Wildman ; and Arey's. During the eleven nights' ecai son will be staged no less than four plays, j three of which will be seen for the first time here. The opening attraction is announced as "Romance." a brilliant threeI net play by Richard Sheldon, a production ' that baa had a career little short of meteoric. The dramatic critic of the "Sydney Dally Telegraph" writes or the ' piece as follows:—" "Koiuance' had a deservedly cordial reception. It is undeniably a very line play, and one that is entirely out of the common. In 'Romance' Mies Kathleen MacDonncll rises to the zenith 'of the best of artistic aspiration*;. Her I-portraiture of Margherita Cavallini is i without doubt a splendid piece of work. I She is always in the romantic picture, and , always the embodiment of what the author I Intended his heroine to be. Another out- | standing success Ik Mr Charles Wuldron as j ■firstly the Bishop, mid afterwards the I curate who is caught in the toils of the famous opera singer. The play Itself Is full of line thoughts and poetic cadences. In its finely worded phrases, delivered by Miss j MiicDonnell and the supporting company in ! the measured speech which makes broken Italian so mellow and sweet to the ear, its simple bnt withal artistic word pictures of sunny skie_s, glinting silver crosses, and shimmering waters; its love passages borne of 'emotional spirit and overflowing heart, torn by occasional bursts of passion, embellish finely the charming story that is the foundation of a really strong play. 'Romance , is mounted in really lavish style, the producer had In mind evidently the fashion of the period of the story. Also, he awakened many old memories by his selection of songs for the overture, which Included 'Captain Jinks,' 'Champagne Charlie,' 'Maggie Slay,' 'Shoo Fly,' 'Love Among the Hoses,' and many other oldtime melodies that were the rage when I'agliacci was undreamed of, and when there waa no musical comedy." "Romance" will be played for the first five nights of the season, and will be followed by "The Rainbow," "The Cinderella Man," a revival of the ever-popular "Daddy Long Legs," . and one performance of "Outcast." ! THE NATIONAL THEATRE. I There win not be many more chances to see the latest Paramount action picture "A Modern Musketeer," a fascinating film i narrative in which Douglas Fairbanks is I the central figure. This theme gives Fairbanks the chance to portray a most effective character, that of a modern gentleman ; who has been Imbued with the spirit of the chivalrous knights of old, and who makes a specialty of rescuing fair Indies In distress, and gives particular attention to the winning of one of them— a much harassed little person—as his bride. The feature Iβ supported by good vnnsical numbers, a Burton Holmes Irish travelogue and the latest comedy and topicals. TIIK TIVOLI PICTURES. The Tlvoll Is presenting to its patrons Hidden Pearls," which combines beauty and power with a delicious romance. "Hidden Pearls" was prepared for the screen in Hawaii, by Paramount, and its leading character, that of a handsome native prince, is played by Sessne Hayakawa. On Saturday another popular Paramount portrayal will be made by Jack: Piekford, who is to fill the bill as Tom Sawyer, the immortal boy hero of Mark THE OPERA HOUSE. The Opera noose has a popular vaudeville bill, which Is being repeated every evening this week, and at the matinee on Saturday An illuminated Juggling turn by Bryant and Bryant commands attention, Mist) Nellie Kolle, the singer of choruses, is a popular character, the > rvlans, boy and girl, have a warm welcome, and many another entertainer presents numbers that are appreciated. I * "MY FOUR YEARS IN GERMANY." The audiences at both the Strand and the Lyric Theatres, where the film version of Ambassador Gerard's "My Four Years In Germany" is being screened, are showing no sign at all of any falling off. This picture, dealing with actual facts of the war taken from behind the scenes, has its interest enhanced by the clarity and power of the pictnrisation. The real life of the war gang in Berlin, what they, do and now they do it, is presented with realistic effect, and the narrative is full of fire, mc marching scenes are very good Yesterday many wounded men from the Annexe under Major Burgln, were entertained with the Picture, The Strand runs Z\£tSsnrX. ay ' and the Lyric one -THE SCAKLET TROUBADOURS." The "Scarlet Troubadours." who commence a three weeks , season at the Town nail Concert Chamber on Saturday evening hare earned the reputation of being"R m7S, C i V ma £ a , nd cleVs;r entertainment KnUrhr th a ard and Miss Madeline Knight the soprano and contralto rcsnrrtirely, aided by Mr. Renn Mill™ oH , excellent baritone,, arc the leaders ea£^ VnThe l^rScMy 6 , 3 w?t d h Uvin^ W Pac Res ' Hawthorne, George Livingstone and Courtney Ford make a combination which is difficult to equal in this class of entertainment. The box plan for the first six nights now on view at Wlldman and Arey's. TILE ARCADIA. A new programme of pictures starts its season this afternoon at the Arcadia Theatre. The best of the themes being presented is "The Sowers," a five-act drama which has for its topic the times before the Russian Revolution, covering the deeds of the men who were so industrious in preparing the way for the un-lit-aval. Blanche Sweet is the principal girl and the cast is good. The second film in importance is the ninth chapter of the popular Paramount mystery serial "Who Is Number One?" THE VICTORIA. "It Happened to Adele," is a Pathe action picture which is ata the head of the new programme at the Victoria Theatre Devcmport. Gladys Leslie is the heroine of this story, which has drama, lively aSton and a pleasing romance. "The Neglected Wife" serial ls alFo in evidence. sleclecl THE EMPIRE. The Empire Theatre, of Dominion Road is presenting to-night Douglas Fairbanks in "Double Trouble," and a Chaplin comedy "Time's Punctured Romance." tOmedy ' OTHER PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. Under the Princess banner "A Sleeping Memory" stars Emily Stevons. It is a Metro with a tine story. Harry Morey and Gladys Leslie are the foremost players at the Queen's. They have leading parts in "His Own People " For World Alice Brady played herotae in ■HverybcJdy'k h ° ta to season now at "Moral Courage," featured at the Globe the co-Ytars. 0,^10116 '"* Art " Ur ****** The best of the Grand numbers is 3° maDh ,ood." a story of invasion Alice Joyce and Peggy Hylund are principals! ORGAN RECITAL city organist will play organ works ™« Vierne, Dubois, and Widor. Ind aftintasia on French songs and dances Miss Lalft Knight will be the vocalist. a