AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 118, 18 May 1920, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

"A TEMPORARY GENTLEMAN." Through being pitchforked into the rarified eocial atmosphere which the Army Regulations (framed on the old Regular Army conditions, where the officers, were generally men of pedigree as well as wealth) seem to consider necessary for the proper culture of the man with pips on his coat cuff, quite a number of promising young fellows had their heads momentarily "turned during the late war. In U. R Maltby's play "A Temporary Gentleman." which the Allan Wllkie Company put on at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, the mentni processes through which a snobbish clerk passes during the "thawing out" process that follows demobilisation, are cieverly hit off—exaggerated, of course, for dramatic effect. It is not a play that will last, because it is topical, and deals with a subject that really atfects comparatively few of the human race, but at the present time there are enough demobbed men to appreciate the dramatist's irony. There is no question that had the war lasted much longer a very interesting position would have arisen owing to tne very awkward fit of the new army of intelligent, more or less educated men, in the Labiliments that had been made for the Keguiar Army composed in many cases of men who required totally different tremment from the sort or" man nien who rallied to the standard since 1014. Mr. Maltby does not answer this question ; he merely draws Lieutenant Walter llope, formerly clerk, sometime an officer, and I nominally) gentleman, and then after demobilisation and a wrestling match with hi* '"officered" ideas once more a humble

instrument in the nands of ine goddess comtnerce. His sister does her "bit" ns a. V.A.0., and is rather more of a snob than her brother. Mrs. Hope, who can see no difference between soldier and officer, is the character through which Mr. iialtby gives expression to the old lesson that "Mudv O'Grady and the Colonel's lady are sisters under their skins." A kuigtil hacnelor who made a fortune out of lue war and talked platitudes about patriotism, was rather too mucQ of au exaggeration even for a wartime production. Mr. and Mrs. Jack, with their corporal son. provided the common j sense foil !o flip snobbishness that characterised tne Hope pair. Mr. Allan Wilkie acted with bis a.-.-ustomed success as Lieutenant Hope. Miss Frediswyde IlunterWatts ably supported him as his equally socially ambitious sister. Miss Helen Fergus nad a congenial part as the non-flurried mother, anl the other parts were in good hands THE OPERA HOUSE. Several new artiste put in an appearance at rullers Opera House last night, when :i programme was presented that immediately commended itseif to patrons. A strong man who lifts his light under the stage came of "Le Mounter the AchlPte." puts on an artistic eshibitiou of physical culture. I A picture of highly-developed muscles above the hips, he gives an interesting display of mu&eie control, and follows this up with a demonstration of jiu-jitsu nerve and bone grips and.throws, using four men from the auuience for assistants, whose expressive the sincerity o£ the grips to their amused i.ur less-favoured fellow-patrons. A "human bridge ' act in which the artist supports a anvil on -hiis abdomen whiie two strikers swing sledge hammers on the anvil, completed a highly interesting turn. I Among the new-comers are also Nora Boiirke, who daintily purveys tue latest musical comedy songs, and Katie Gourlay. who gives a wee bit touch o" the Scottish tougue to of the he.ith and the heather, end skirls in tartan to musical hall versions of the reel and the Sheantreaus. A confection of music and ginger is put on by Wel'her and Shaw in a bright and pi]nsent medley of soacs, cornet 3nd whistling solos, with dance and cross-talk interludes. Mons. Poincalre, the talented whistling mimic, who has mastered the secret of bird-song to the last little trill, was once again given sn enthusiastic reception, as aiso were Maude Courtuey and Mr. C. in their budget of topical hits. K*lwards and r*nrkos ma.Jβ si most decided hit with a new corardy sketch. ''Packing J p.* , s clever SB tire on the n vers ge man s ideas of how to get a collar on In a hurry and to pack up for a train in two. minutee: it was a scream from start to finish. The high-class parallel bar work and clowning of the Artois Bros, fan especially good turn!, the unusual appeal of Alidy's performing cats, dogs, pigeons, and parrots, and tho humorous crayon sketching of Corabove the leverage standard of vaudeville entertainments. This bill will be on nightly for the week, as well as for the usual Wednesday and Saturday matinees. NATIONAL THFATiIiE. The gripping story of Army life as told in the Vox Feature "Sacred Silence" i< responsible f°r capacity houses fit the National Theatre. The film is full of tensely dramatic moments, which follow onp on the other, leading up to a telling climax. A touching love story runs tirnuih fee photoplay. adding to Its poignant feature*. William Russell, who appears in the leading role, is one of TVilHam Fox's recent stars. fTi.< work in this film is puch as to assure him further popularity. TTVOLI THEATRE. The ads prion of Elinor Glyn - s novel "The 1 Career of Katherine Bush" to Toe screen has resulted in a surce»»sfel film, which is hrtpg presented nt the Tivoli Theatre this week. The theme is treated in the best could be wished. The element of love that adds to the charm add piquancy of the book is admirably preserved in the aim. The picture is a forcefnl story, skilfully handled, of vital moral problems of the present day. The rr>> of Katherine Bush is plsved 'by the capable dramati , * actress, Catherine Cnlvert. who gives a most vivid portrayal of the part. PIiINCBSS THKATRE. "The 'Firing Line" i* enjoying continued popularity at the 'Princess Theatre. Based upon tile faaion? novel by Robert W. Chambers, the excellence of the plot w i'nmediately assured. The ?tory has tiy no mcine suffered in Us adaf :ir>:i r.o tho screen. Interits former powc-. irpne Castles, well-kno-xn as the wife of the late Captain Vernon Castles, as well as being one of the foremost ac;re«.'rs of r>e s.-reen, appears in rbe leading roie in this film. As Sheila Cardross sue offers a characterisation that is most scti.-fying. KV'EHYIBI>DY'S TSKATIR'E. Large audiences at FveryfrodyVs Theatre are full evidence of the popnlarity of the ,'D. W. Grifflin feature. "A Komarue of 1 I'Happy Valley." I'niike ;»; producer's! usual film, this photoplay luncerns itself j with a quiet, homely pha-e of life. The plot, which is fixplicity itself, nevertheless develops to an absorbing situation. Pathos nlends with brmocr in the film in a manner that nrtds to it? charm. The leading roles

are entrastod to Lilian fiish and Robert IHarron. who tnV.x justify exppcuations by reason of their clerer work in the parts they assume. STRAND THEATRE. Constance Talmadpc and Harrisnn Ford appfar ivi-t.'u tflllng <?iY<M't in tho pscell^ot photo-play entitled "The Veiled Adventhenie that is pleasar.r'.y unfolded as it moments the picture is not without its lishtp- incidi-nts. It possess-es a finale that should flnd favour with OQa and all. The supporting list of the proprrammp is very J trood. Tiht , raufical mimbprs of th? orchps- ■ rra arc capahlr rendered, and gain due applause. I t.YKir THKATKE. The compdy-drama. -Bra.'s Bntton=." is ' meeting with pvery suci ess. The film is j repete w;ra mirtaful situations, and moves ; swiftly to a vpry pleasing 1 iimax. WiJiiain i Riissell is the star, ami his portrayal in ; the photo-play is of a-a escpptionally high ordpr. The supporting cast is also very fine. The concluding ppisode of "A Man Krammp. T.h ! s chapter brings the serial i to a finish that is highly dramatic. 1 QT FEN'S THEATRH. ' Tatrons .*hnuld have no cause of rora- ! P'ainr in rhe English production "t'nder I Suspicion." which leads thp li« of nlms ■ at tlie yupen's ThPattv. 'I'hp excpllpnc-? of thp film is undon!»r-.'d. borh the treatment of t.bp theme and ih? of thp I plot l*>ing of high order. Horace Hnnter| I Che author of the stage-play upon which th* film is *ased, is the leading member of the ' cast. H'.'ila Bazley plays in rhe role of , ■the heroine wi;h distinct, success. U'RAN-D THEATRE. The fine llrt of niuis is headpfl by ! "Within the Cup.- an enthralling photodrama presenting a striking feature of Ufa and love. The anion is we!) sustained, and Baniscale. who appears in the ljading role aeiiiiits herself with credit. ' j GLOBE THEATRE. I May Allison, tho versatile actress. Is seen to signal advantage in the eomedv-drann "In For Thirty Days." In the role of a Tome lady who wants to see life. Mlsa AH.son Is responsible f.,r mwb of the ftn Tliar ahonnds in th» s: m . S-be is snpporleJ by a cast of capable artists. ARCADIA THEATRE "Th« False Faces," a smashing war drama, featnriue Ftenrj- B. WalthaU will !<*■ pxeaenced tbia evauinj. ' ■

THE ENGLISH PIERROTS. The English Pierrots gave their secon* entertainment in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall last evening, when tl» excellent programme was received by • large audience with evidences of appreciation. ~* BRITANNIA THEATRE. The Lee Kiddies. Jane and Kathertn. are co-stars in "We Should Worrj" screening to-night. • FRENCH CLCS. A concert to inaugurate the opening of the winter session of the French Clau ronk place at the Graf ton Library last eveninThe president, l'rofes.-or Walker who afd arranged the eveuing, in his opemv remni-Ks expressed tne pleasure that it •.»*« him to see so many friends present ifat honour co that great and slorions conntrv France. The ,lirb tried tv keeD si?' interest in the French language in Aack" land, and the speaker hoped tiat the clos would increase in membership. Many people were afraid to join because thjr feared that the standard would be abo» their attainments. He could assure an that a:i interest in the French laugaaK was v. hat was chiefly needed, and all would be welcomed. a comprehensive programme was taeu ghen. -Madame Reid gave a nt« n «10, ami Madame Cyril Tones' sa 2 g iE h ° tim-hed styie "Aime-moi" OBernber-, j charmingly accompanied by Mr Towsey. Mies Stella McLean sanz "11. IPerk.= dOr" (iFrancU Thomei with ewt? ness, aud 'Mr. *. Kenneth Pjillip s „„: '■Trois jours de ilieynaldo Hahm while a scene from "Medecin ml ! by lloliere. was read by .Miss HoUanrf and Messrs. .fames Hall. AY. J. iPerrr aw IProfessor Walter, which cacsfed mn°h amoscnient. ?« did another reading tto£ Marriage force by the same author given by 'Mr. James Ual] and Profe««n» Walker. Mi.-s Peggie Wilson and Mr. Towsey acted as accompanists.