AMUSEMENTS

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 72, 24 March 1923, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS

XATIOXAL THEATRE. Irene Castle came hack to public lire last night at the National Theatre lv a picture railed -French Heels," by C. 1,. Kelland. This is the famous star's first picture to be shown In .New Zealand for over two years. The story of "French Heels" ope"ns in New York and gets off to n lively start when Talma May. the character portrayed by Mrs. Castle, becomes a chorus girl in ii Broadway cabaret. she soon rises to stardom and becomes the talk of the town. Then eiilcr the -man." Ueur. •tohn Talior, played by Ward Crane. Mr. Crane is an unusually good looking lending man and has an Important part in tinstory, which lie handles with skill. The entire story revolves about Mrs. Castle — what she -does, what she thinks and what she wean*, and as t<, the latter she introduce* some gorgeous modes. As to the story and picture in general, few havibeen shown in this city that can approach It. The plot is Interesting, (he photography and direction are good, and tho star Is excellent. Itlebard Talmadge ap pears in a most entertaining and thrllllnt; picture, entitled "l.uckv Dan." and thereare other goixl supports. The playing of the special music by the National Orchestra Is of the. usual liish standard. HIPPODROME THEATRE. Chariot races and great battle scene* are among the features of the remark.ihle spectacular illtn-play, -Queen of Sheba." screened at the Hippodrome last evening. The Fox Ruper-plioto-drainn named Is lac story of the most beautiful woman who ever lived, and her love for the wisest king Is ancient history. Five thousand persons. rWO horses, and droves of c-.uuels, were employed in the production. There arc wonderful ballets, gorgeous costumes, and daring hippodrome racing: there are scenes with an army In the desert: and there arr all the glories of Solomons court. Thpicture reveals to the .spectator the ancient Orient In all its pomp and splendour, mm leaves an impression of having witnessed n real masterpiece. The Hippodrome distinctive orchestra renders the special score In a capable manner. STRAND THEATRE. -Warrison's Finish," a thrilling story of the American race track, adapted from the story of the same name by \V. B. M. Ferguson, opened a season of one week at the Strand Theatre last evening in the presence of a crowded house. The leading roles are well portrayed by Madge Bellamy and Jack Plckford. The story is a particularly good one. aud the acting by the stars and cast perfect. In addition there is the usual Strand Visions, and a rathe Gazette, and a most amusing Christie comedy. "Cold Feet." The feature of the whole entertainment is the novelty prologue, "The Easter Bride." a bevy of pretty irlrM parading attired in the latest of wedding garments from John Court. Ltd. TIYOLI THEATRE. A perfect Paramount attraction formed the main picture on last nlght'rs programme at the Tivoll Theatre. Bnrrymore plays the role of Boston Blackie. who was known as the most adept criminal in the world before he married Mary Ilawsnn and reformed. The story tells how the two artleaving a restaurant one evening when they find themselves Involved In an internntlonai criminal conspira y. Boston takes his cue and unravels the mystery of the lost Romanoff diamonds. The tale of the jewel* in question originated in Russia, where the brutal Petrua. raised to power by the revolution, undertook to steal them from the residence or a ilrimil Inike. A fiilthfu , •servant. Michael, however, foiled the plot nnd took the diamonds and the (irann liuchess to America. I'etrus aud a companion. Count Ivan, followed the refugees, and Michael, thouzh disguised, is recognised and struck down at the entrance to the restaurant. Blarkle and Ills wire go to the aid of the stricken man. and the latter thrusts the jewels into the ex-crim-inals hand. In the end Blackie is Instrumental In bringing happiness to the fJranrt Puke. Also on the bill is "One AVib! Week," starring Bobe Daniels. GRAND THEATRE. Katherine Mac Donald enacts the main role In "White Shoulders," which is the stellar attraction ou the new programni--Jt the Orand Theatre. The story tells how, in an effort to rehabilitate the family rn;tune, the mother of Virginia Pitman tries to match the girl with a ri'-h man. One such makes a disparaging remark about Virginia, whereupon her brother shoots and kills him. Mrs. Pitman then take* the girl to another city, with the idea of tberu finding another wealthy suitor for her. However, she falls in love with the driver of a racing car. After their engagement Is one of the richest men In the State, and that be races only for diversion. A comedy. "Golf," starring the famous comedian, Ijirry Semon, and. other flims arc also oil this bill. LYRIC THEATRE. "The Long Chance." a screen adaptation of Peter B. Kyne's novel of the same namo, is at the head of the new programme submitted at the Lyric to patrons last nlßht. The picture Is from the Universal studios, ami is a really tine photodrama In every way. Henry B. Walthall. Marjorie Daw, nnd Ralph Graves are supported by a good all round east, and all give excellent portrayals. The story, which has its locale in the Mojave desert, with its endless streaks nnd sweeps of sand, in a novel one., and should prove mighty entertaining to all patrons wbo see the picture. Allen Raines Welsh romance, "Torn Sails." appears alon;r with other pictures in support of the headllner.

PRINCESS THEATRK. | -The Old Homestead," the sucrcKKful Paramount film, pomm Pd iis second week at the Princess Theatre bisi evening, the theatre being one- again well fill.-il with satisfied patrons. This Him contains a strong human note wi>ll developed, iinel the interest Ik well sustained right through the photo dnirmi. There is a realistic anil well staged cyclone whirl, wrecks a house, and a thrilling rescue of the heroine of the story by the hern Theodore Roberts heads a tine <-uh( uf players •The Old Homestead." lOßethcr will, the supporting pictures. w ill |~. a ,. r ,,,. 1u .,| ~.,a j ,, this evening. QUEENS THKATKK. . Patrons In senreh ~r a really good progranmip lire advised not to overlook the strong bill which Is in evidence at Hie yueen'H Theatre. The main picture ,s • -The Miracle Man.- a production by the late ininonii t.eciru-e Loanc Tucker. ' ai:<> smrs the delightful Betty Couipson. aud Thomas Melg-han. The other pictures comprise a Mack,Sennett comedy. "The Calico <;irl " and Charles Chaplin and Malicl Normnnil in -The Dnro Devil Queen," "FORTY THIEVES PANTOMIME."' The box plans for lirst six night * of -The Forty Thieves- I'auluuilim- vi.l Iμ- opeiie.i at Lewis l<. K.udv and Suns on Tuesda.v uext. Wrltlliß "I the .1. C. Wllli.unsoii Ltd. HKffl pantomime., npeulim m liiMajestys Theatre, tin; criti,- of the ■■.Melbourne Arc" said: It is <ni<- of the crmu attractions of -The Forty Thieves" tlini there is a more than usually enhei-Hlit pi«.;. founded upon the ever-popular fairy Htorv Variations there may In., and iuierpelf;;' tions In the way of munlc.il :unl comical scenes, hut the story of the hidden Iren sure, the macle cave, th<> fa.xrinatlnu xlnvc and the penalty of creed and curiosity I--told with a wealth of colour mid efTerr calculated to tinike a youiic beholder :m.-: Bine himself in fairyland. As to older folk. their reception of the piece on I lie ilrst nixtn was stifliclent comment. The opi>ninc scene is brilliant. At the riuavsirle at Bokharevl) the various characters' are introduced. The effect of brilliant sunlight. the vivid colouring of the dresses, and the effective srnuplntr. at nncc keyed up the audience to happy anticipation, which en.i succeeding scene iustiliecl. Slaves, hrtiunds. All Baha, and focin. hi* wife. Cisslt:. Baba. the rich brother, fjniieili i.\ll Miihii-.i until, and the lovely Mnrclanii. all pin--their part in the brillliiiil throng. Tinmerry extra rattan J! a is peopled with exceptionally clevpr and entertaining persons notably Monti Magnet ICancmi. iirlnelpnl l>o V, On Is v \n t i*s. It f f *m rl* -, * l . I<i :i ton. I'hyllls Amer.v. .la-k Cannot. Joe t!,-en nan. (Jene Rii-hnrdx. I'-deeley -mil Hi"-,. .Toe Morris Iteuiinld lSr.'.e-t*. (Jenr'-'e \\>- Inughli.r. Norman I.w. and Mello and Nil: ■ two astonishiner acrobats. MISS K. HOWARDE rOMI'ANY. The Miss K. Ilowarde Company will commence a season on Saturday next at the King's Theatre. The company lias come from the Crand Opera House. Sydney, afl.-r playing there most successfully for eleven weeks. Miss Ilowarde has taken the lease of the Kings Thentre. Newton. fur siv months, and a number of excellent dramas will be produced, a new bill being presented at the matinee performance eu<h Saturd.iy afternoon. The opening piece is entitled "Under Suspicion." wliich was purchased In London last August for production ill Alls tralla. This is a three act piece in w<wn tableaux, with plenty of Humiliating comedy and has all the essentials which make for success. Every member of the company hns a chance, to make Rood In "I'uilur Suspicion." and patrons arc assured thill Hi" play will lie presented with the besl of nkill. The company totals fourteen performers, and Is headed by Leslie A.lrten. who has been described as youngest, prettiest, ami cleverest leading iadv. Another prominent member is Vera St. .lohn. who will be remembered here i;i connection with the Allan Wilkie Company. Mr. George Cross is well known lit Hie King-s Theatre, having taken leading pnrti in productions under the Fuller banner. Mr. John McOowan was very popular here when with the Nellie Urnmley Company. Right members of the company are new to Australia, and are making their llrst appear ance in New Zealand, notably lionald neehy. musical comedian. The "scenery Iμ now and the whole of the plays will lie under the personal supervision of Miss Howarde herself.

TilH (iPKIi.V HOUSE. I'iitrons or Tuners' Opera House are assured dill-inn tin- Kaster period of all entertainment quite i» keeping with the .•arnlval spirit, (in- lust ni({ht a new revue company, headed by "Ktlffy ami Mo" (Nat riillllps mill liny Henei. » quaint pair who are genuine creators of laughter, opened its season. ••Sllffy" is one of the larrikin type familiarised l.y the •■SentiniiMitHl Biokc and "M.." is ii cheap London .lew. full of nil the trickery i.f his type. He is really the I in- "f Iho revue, full of cheek ami spoiling f«r a light on Hie slightest pretext. his uwii wiiy i.f upholding his prestige. The pnlr in this revue rSliffy" nn'l "Mo as l.oriisp an- seen swajiKerinc in the most, unconventional iiarb as members of the House rif IVers, making love to the feminine arliUm-ruey on v rotnatitii- heai-h. Thai "Mil" wears :i pair of trmisers mr a coat 111 no wnv daunts his In-lief in his fashionable appearance. It is n "HafTerty Itule." "all In" show, the revue lending t" nowhere in particular ami radiating grotesque all the way. S.imctiiiies it is more of a riot than M revue, Mil the audience seemed to enjoy it. anil the midlenec is the Jiidtse. In vocal IstrciiL'tli Hie ■■iiiupnny is effectively weak. Munich one r,t the concerted numbers. I-Itiirlil M.in's Arms" was effectively miiiK. ; while C.inniir.s and Taul harmonised prettily in •Virginia. My Home Town." The frock ■ (it the bullet was uniformly Rood, and ■their daiiciii" Ihilshed. and this collimion in Hie vocal numbers interposed pleasant .siesliis in the hurly-burly of hilarity. As is the case with all the revties which come to the theatre, practically all the members are i.1,1 friends to the audience: a little new t.ileiit would surely be appreciated. The Itoynl (.'rand opera Binders made.their appearance, and tlmiieh none of the quintet individually evidence any exceptional vocal power*, their combined efforts in excerpts Iriiin opera were popularly received. None «.t' tlie numbers were beyond the audience, and this was probably the keynote of tbe hiiccchs achieved. A ' final encore number iwas marred by a display of dramatic tem[peranient by one of the members. The re- . inalniliT of the tirst portion of the proCriltnine evidenced a nice diversity of fare. Crnydon anil Mack ami Charles Lawrence liellic lh>' most talented performers, the latter has a style quite unique, but at. least one of his items has qualified for tlie old , age pension. DliliAN KKriTAL. The prosramme for the rerltal in the Town llnll lonlifht will include organ, violin and v.ical S'llos Miss Dorothy Baker, the popular violinist, will play Klegie, by Cyril S.-.'t. and Krcislcr-s Tambourin ChlnolH. jMr Iliijrli Woods will Bins at these recitals for the tirst time and the city organist will play a varied selection of standard organ works and transcriptions.