AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16812, 19 April 1920, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL,

"A TEMPORARY j '•I asked him out to cir.r.er and ; him carefully; he made on'.v one in:stase -ie used a knife with the savoury, I wrote to tho colonel and told hini that the ~"°y would make a splendid ofneer." Ea>-9 Sir Herbert Hudson of "Vounj Walter." t;s he paironisir.jiv calls Lieutenant aher R.A.S.C.. M.T.. and it is with "ioung Walter's" point of vic.v during the time> n ho »s an "cfccor and <x nsd tno enligiitomnent that comes to him when, tuc war ended, ho is asked by Sir Herbert to go back to hitj old position as a clerk in Sir H«rt>ert*s woollen manufactory at a salary cx £75 per flnmun, that tho plav "A Tomuorary Gentleman/ 1 mainly deals. Mr Allan "Wilkie produced tho play "for tho time in 2Tew Zealand a.t tho Theatre Royal on _ Saturday night, and the audience v/<as kept m a s;mmor of amusement throughout tho three acts, "T'shtra" (1926), 'TVs you Were'' (1919.*, and "Stand Easy" (1921). " "A Temporary Gentleman" ia the v.*ork of H. F. whose other 6Ucces3iUl pl.iv. "The Rotters, occupied tho boards at tho Theatre Royal last week. Mr "Wilkie is to bo congratulated iM| on his enterprise in securing p!avs oi tho rnhbre of "A Temporary Gentleman." for the production of clean eomedv-dramas for Xo'.v Zealand audiences is all too rare. T'aey ecerti to have been almost entirely displaced by American melodramas of the "crook" variety, and by musical comedies in which tho slenderest thread of a plot is made the pep upon which to hang catchy melodies, pretty clothes, and more or less amusing It is to be hoped that playtroers will continue to rally around Mr "Wiikitf's banner and eitcourago him in his efforts to prove that the era of the cleverly constructed satirical comedy is not yet passed. Comedy though it is. there is a certain element of tragedy in "A Temporary Gentleman." The tragedy is more applicable to the etate of things prevailing in England after tho war thau to Now Zealand. In England hundreds ot yoim? men, gallant fellows in themselves become imbued with ideas above their civilian position in life when given commissions in the Army. To dislike cleaning one's own boots and carrying one's own kit was natural enough when there had been n batman to do it for two or three years past. This was the state of mind in which 'Walter Hopo found himself back "in civvies." He disliked his ready-made clothes, ho had become used to being waited on; he ecorncd tho £73 a, year clerkship. In this ho was supported bv his sister Alice, who as a V-A.D. in a war-time hospital had also "grown used to being waited on." Alice marries Captain Arthur McGregor, RJV.M.C., whom she refers to as "the Captain" long after the conclusion of the war has forced him to be gTatcful for a position as locum in a Camden road practice. "I hat© Camden Toad, but, after all, it is noar Morning-ton crescent," says Alice with pathetic snobbery. The mother of these two bright young people is a homeiy woman who is horrified on learning that her son is paying his addresses to Rato Hudson, only daughter of the woollen manufacturer. Sir Herbert Hudson is also amazed at "Young Walter's damned impertinence," and tells him so, in a bitter tirade against "temporary gentlemen." Enlightenment comes elowly to "Walter, but in tho third act, set in 1921, we eso him as a commercial traveller, doing very well. Alice and her husband aro also on tho road to success, an epidcmic of mumps having been a > godsend to tho doctor. Many of Alice's ideas have also undergone a change, and sho now dispenses medicines for her husband to save the expense of employing a dispenser. Wo find the mother still not ■understanding her children's attitude. "When w© hadn't money you tried to live i above our position, and now that wo have it you have got maan about things," fihe laments to Alice, but Alice, with newlyacquired wisdom, points ou t to t ] lo o ](j i ac j y that thero is satisfaction in for oneself things one would hava to pay eomebody els© to do. Tho play concludes with Walter acting on tho advioe of the maid-servant Eva, a capable and outspoken young woman who has been a W.A.A.C., and telling his mother that he does not like to have hig 6Word and badges displayed in the living room, on the grounds that it is "ewank." The readjustment of ideas forms the ground work of the play, and the author has succeeded very cleverly in depicting the gradual change. As Walter Hope, Mr Allan Wilkie was very much in the picture, portraying tho caddish young officer, the despairing boy, and the sensible man of business very completely. A very fine portrayal was also that of Miss Fredisv/ydo Hunter-Watts, in the part of Alice—Alice's sulky, discontented air was very cleverly assumed. Miss Helen Fergus again showed her versatility in the rolo of Mrs Hope, while Miss Vera St. John was wholly admirable as Kate Hudson, the butterfly girl who becomes engaged to Walter without realising _ that civilian lifo has brought about a decided change in the social standing of her fiance. Miss Ngaio Marsh made a success of tho part of Eva, in fact gavo a very definite reading of a small part. In her hands one felt that Eva wais a very real person. Mr Edward Landor was delightful as Mr Jack and Mr Augustus Neville succeeded admirably in conveying (he despicable character of _ Sir Herbert Hudson, war profiteer. Mr Felix Bland's characterisation of Corporal Bob Jack was an amusing Kit of comedy, and Mr J. Castle Morris played tho part of Captain McGregor very efficiently. Smaller parts wero taken by Miss Mona Duval and Mr Frederick Bland. "A Temporary Gentleman" will be repeated to-night. OPERA HOUSE. Tho weekly change of programme at the Opera House to-night will eoo the first appearance of Webber and Shaw, who are described as brilliant novelty instrumentalists. The sensational turn of Jaclc and Cora Williams will bo seen for one more week together with Pagdcn and Stanley, patterists, and the. Matanas, vocalists. The last week of tho exceptionally popular jsert le Blanc Revue Co. was also announced, their final production being entitled "Do It Now." This organisation has been very succossful during its season here, and has made a host of friends. The box plan is now on view at Milner and Thompson's.

LIBERTY THEATRE. A Constance Talmadgo picture, entitled "Tho Lesson," heads a very delightful bill at the Liberty Theatre this week. "The Lesson" tells the story of a small town gir! who refuses: to accept meekly, tho knocks of an unkind fate, and sets out to carve a career for herself. In the principal role, Constancc Talmadge proves oven more captivating than usual, and she is ably supported by Tom Moore, the ever-popular, and by a specially selected cast. It is Eafo to predict that "The Lesson" will prove the most popular Constance Talmadge picture to date. Also on tho programme are tho latest Pathe Gazette (including new pictures cf H.M.S. Renown), au uproarious comedy entitled "Sammy in Siberia," a Chester scenic, and "A Tour Through Wostland." Mr A. Cade sings at the evening sessions, his numbers including "Drake Goes West" and "Old Barty." There is a special musical programme by the Liberty Orchcs'.ra. STRAND THEATRE. At the Strand Theatre the new' programme on Saturday was headed by a drama full of oxcitement and vivid action, entitled "Breed of Men," featuring Bill Hart. As the gunman and outlaw, the star has a part to play well suited to his abilities, and ho is supported by beautiful Seer.a Owen, who will be remembered for her delightful work es the King's beloved in "Intolerance."' The programme also includes a Pictograph Gazette, a laughable comedy entitled "Con in Economy," a New Zealand wood-chopping competition, and some wonderful pictures of a deer hunt in Southland. Tho drop in prices at the Strand has won tho hearty approval of its numerous patrons. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Charlotte Brontes wonderful book, "Jane Eyre," has been made into a picture entitled "Vi'oman and Wife," the Select Features being responsible for tho picturisation. It was shown for ths first time in Christchureh at tho Queen's Theatre on Saturday night, with Alicv Brady in the principal part. Tho pict-uro has boon done magnificently, and the star has plenty of opportunities to display her histrionic ability throughout the many scenes. Chapter severs of "The Man of Might" is also shown, £3 well as an interesting topical gazette and a delightful comedy. "THE ROMANCE OF HAPPY VALLEY." Another D. W. Griffith production, comes 1 to Christchurch in the form of an absorb- | ing photo-dra'na, entitled "The Romance of ] Happy Valley." It is to 00 screened j throughout this week at Everybody's Theatre. 1 The plot has been admirably contrived, and is presented in Griffith's best style. As usual, he relieves the dramatic element by j skilful touches of comedy. Altogether the ! film is fnil of human interest that will \enthral and hold the attention right up to the closing scene. "The Romanco of j Happy Valley" is a simple story of simple j people, and it is the first production that ' D. W. Griffith has made in several years : that has not even the remotest suggestion of war. Laughter, tears, and many other , human touches are introduced into the production, and are blended to form an appealing photo-play. ' Lilian Gish and Robert Harron, who have long since become famous for their work on the screen, are the star artista in this play. They exploit the roles assigned them to decided advantage. Taoy are ably supported by a cait that has Deen selected with care. In addition to ine above attraction, the management will screen Thomaa H. Ince's latest ccaicdy-drania, en-

titled "Bill Henry," starring tho ever-popu-lar artist, Charles Ray. It is a highly entertaining story of how an awkward country boy succeeds in getting the test of a slick city crook. It is' a real "Ray" story, in which this clever actor does some of the best work of his career. A big list of supporting subjects will also bo screened. A special programme of tlie latest muaieaf selections will bo played by Everybody's Select Orchestra. Reserved Beats may bo booked either at The Bristol or by 'phoning 4925. > GRAND THEATRE. To-day and to-night a charming comcdy picture by tho Yitagraph Company, entitled "Over the Garden Wall," will bo showa_for the first time. Mips Bessie Love taikcs leading role, and it is said that she has never been seen in a better part. The story is a charming romanco of a little girl who knew how to climb fences, walls, and to get into all kinds of. trouble. The supporting pictures will include- on© of the famous Nordisk films, entitled "Black Britta." It is some years since these celebrated films were shown here, so that their ro-appearanco on tho screen will no doubt prove very welcome. The other pictures on the gramme, including the comedy-drama, "When My Lady Smiles," are all good. New musical items will be contributed by the Grand Orchestra. CRYSTAL PALACE.' The Metro production, "Faith," in which the stars are Bert Lvtell and Rosemary Thebv, will be the principal attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre this week. Tho play tells tho story of a young %ian who has drifted from the good influence of lifo and settles down to a narrow, hum-drum existence, which kill enthusiasm and ambition, and leave him content with the crumbs of life. George Farrell, when a lad, had run away from his country home, ard after years of struggling secures a position ns night watchman in a safe deposit vault. Although he is content with his life, two women who have an intenso interest in him decide that his lowly position is duo to lo.ck of faith and love, and set about to elevate him. How they accomplish this and the romarce which completes the <?tory are beautifully told. The modern safe deposit vaults of tho Home Savings Bank cf Lo.t Anpclos were used as a- setting for a r.umosr of the scenes. Other films are 'The Sleuths (comedy), a Topical Budget, a.nd an educational subject.