AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 17016, 13 December 1920, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

;—» "OPERA. HOUSE "THE HELLO GIRL." A huge audience packed the Opera House to the doom on Saturday liight, •when the Walter Johnson - Havue Oj. presented a merry musical comedy, "The Hello Girl." The pieco * went with a swing from start to finish, and was enthusiastically received. Decidedly in ite favour was* the fact that it had much mote plot than is usual in productions of this sort, and its excellent mounting and the good stagecraft evidenced in its production, added considerably to its qualities of entertainment. Tho efcory of "The Hello Girl" briefly is that Dick Marvel, a bpoker (Yorfce Gray), is in love withEstelle, a telephone girl (Daisy Ya-tesi. Esteile'a jealousy is arcueod bjr Dick a friendship for Beauty Fairfax, an actress (Elsa Brull). In the last Eoene Estelle g«ts the position of Beauty's maid, nad they change positions in order to deceive Beauty's parents. Eventually Dick renounces Beauty and proposes to Kstellei, and the curtain is rung down on a happy ending. Daisy Yates, tho fascinating daneeuse, had tho principal part (that of Estello), and elie proved herself a genuine artist. Hex "Johnny Callaghan," macle a decisive" hit, I as did also her duet with Yorke Gray, '•Kitty," Sho ware pome dainty frocks, and generally proved ' delightful. EJsa Brull also made a success of. her part ("Beauty"), singing "Kisses" "with considerable charm. Arthur Helmaley was excellent as Npc the telephone inspector, who speaks in broken Dutch. His comedy work was immensely diverting, ttnd there was not a dull moment while he was on the stage. A tower of strength to the company was Kennedy Allen, who was very humorous as "Snuffles," the_ office boy. He had a good oomedy scone with M.iwa Yates. Mis 3 Anita Green, a newcomer, who has just joined the company, had a tuneful number, "Could the Dreams of a Dree,mer_ Come True," aim! *he was also well suited in her duet with Ernie Crawford, "Twilight Lane,'' in wliioh both were supported by a pretty chorus. Ivy McKay and Ernie Crawford made a hit with "Oh, What a Beautiful Baby" and "Girls ere Like Jewels to Me" (Jack McKelliget and girls) was. another pretty number. The chonrs and ballet were well-chosen, and _ appeared to advantage in their many artistic costumes.. The scenery was excellent. In the first part of the programme the Sinclair Brothers made their first appearance before a Chiistchurch audience. They proved to be equilibrists of exceptional dexterity, and their offering was .well received. Kenneth Maclaine, "The Pal," P 1 has ]%ht comedy over the footlights, without visible cEort. His qongs were well chosen, and his whole offering witty and very enjoyable. Kat Hanky, "The Mad Musician," provided a turn on his usual unusual, and enjoyable lines; and Lson&ra jNc-'goti, the "fiinkum Comedian," of unbounded popularity, sang several new and highly appreciated songs. Efficient aid was lent by the t,ell-bal-anced orchestra under the direction of Mr Albert Bidgood. To-night Kenneth laine, Nat Haailsy, and Loonnjd KeJson will put on new songs and acta. "The Hollo Girl" will be repeated. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Three things make the ecreon production of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyd«»" which is to be presented to-day and throughout this week at Everybody's Theatre-, of unusual interest. The weird fascination of the Robert Louis Stevenson story, to which he gave the title, "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll | and Mr Hyde." the remarkable success , achieved in the stage version by H. B. i Irving, and tho appearance of John Barryi more on the screen aa the man with the dual personality. Tho acting of John Barrymore, who is -recognised as the world's I greatest tragedian, in tho transformation | scenes is positively uncanny. The. onlooker watches Dr. Jekyll as ho drinloa tho potion which he both hopes and {heads will piv« him new life, with a breathless intensity and of impending abomination. Watchj in(j his face os the drug takes possession of I him, on® sees the handsome, clear-cut fea.j fure* of Henry Jekyll ohange before oni'» j eyes and grow rapidly into tie hideous, re- . peHant lineaments of the abominable Hyde, j And one sees it done without trickery of any ; kind. The art of tho actor suffices. "Dr. I Jekyll and Mr Hyde" is a Paramount-Axt-[cmatt fioyclty masterpiece. It the

samo high plaoe in tho film spheijo ft# Stevenson's work did in the wor.d of uterafcure. The New Zealand censor has recommended tla- picture more especially for adults. in nddiiion to tho above attraction the j at est, Paramount comedv-draroa will bo screened. It is entitled "Double Speed," i-nd features Wallaco Redd, who gives_ one of the beat character portravnls of his career. Doub.o Speed" merits first place among: those- wholesome pictures packed with laughs and heartwarming romance that are the star's specialty. Tttie action does not la? for a eecond; t.he plot is full of novo! twists. Wanda Hnwley is Mr Raid's leading woman, and Theodore Roberts and Tully Marshall, c3aaxactor ctarfl. add TnstT>© to a faricrht pic* twe. Everybody's Selebt orchestra will give a new musical programme. Reserved eeoia may be booked at The Bristol or by "phoning 4925. CRYSTAL PALACE. A big double featu fb programme was screened at tho Crystal Palace The®tre on ( Saturday, there being bij audiences at both • wssions. Sesaue Hayakawa. tho marvellous • Japanese actor, h-tjd tho lading- role in ''A prince," on© tho feature filing j shown. In this picture similarity of _ap- j pearanoo causes tho careers of a prince | and a fisherman to become entangled with I an •unexpected result,, which discloses compansations for both. "A Beggar Prince is an Oriental romance that will call to I mind tho Arabian Nights of long ago. It . is magnificently produ"oed, and th© BoenciT j and Betting is as beautiful as it is unuaunl. Niki, the fisherman, and Olala., the girl, *pe ; people to remember. Losing his bride in > tho first hour of the honeymoon fa tho unhappy fate of Harrison Ford, the hero of Marguerite Clark's new picture, "Easy to Get," which was also upon the Crjisttu Palace programme. The husband had that fatal fascination for the fair sex, and when just, embarking on his honeymoon, he waft overheard by his wife to remark that women wcro "earay to get." She resolved to Cish him, ajid leaving the tram, she leu a merry chase before he was again, abte to claim her. "Easy to Get" sparkles with very real humour, and the fascinating little star, Marguerite Olcurk, has never nad a part better suited to h*r than that of the captivating little wife. Tho usual programme of supporting items, including topical, comedy, and sconio flUDjocts, added, interest to the sessions, and the musio of the orchestra -under tha baton of Mi B. A. Kirlc was of an exceptional order. As am entr'acte, "Tho Mutaoal Box," tha muedoal success, "What's in a Name, was ployed. The same programme will &0 repeated this wfek. ' GRAND THEATRE. The excellent programme at tho Grand Theatre on Saturday attracted vecy largo audiences. Miss Olive Thomas waa Been in "The Spite Bride," adapted from Louieo Winter's remarkable etoiy of youthful impulse, which enables this fascinating artist to appear in one of her most attractive roles. Olive Thomas's versatility, personality, and gifts a» fineJy demonstrated' in this picture. The plot is unusual, and Louise Winter haa written a clever novel and pleasing romance, which has been transferred to the screen by a master* hand. The characters : are interpreted by a very - capable cast, and j the mounting of tho picture js perfect Bad ; the sub-titles clever. Two wealthy young ■ bloods of New York meet a couple of chorus j i girls, and, in a fit of pique, because hei has ; been jilted by his society financfie, one youth • marries the little show girl that night. That . is the starting-point of a striking romance! and & pretty picture that will appeal to; picture patrons. In "The Great Gamble'* ! film-lovema have one of the modt stirring stories ever told in pictures. It is sensational, absorbing, and exciting right through. The musical oxrangement», • under the direction of Mr Kennedy Black, are excellent, and | are greatly pleasing tho numerous Grand patrons. LIBERTY THEATRE. A new programme, comprising three star features was' presented to large audiences at the Liberty Theatre on Saturday. "Even As Eve," the principal picture, 'is a startling drama of feminine wiles, and unfolds an unusual and exceptionally gripping story of a girl who was reared/jn the wilderness and who is suddenly thrust into social circles. The picture is replete with romance and mys- [ tery and thrills and features Grace Darling, an actress of great personal charm. Ramaajr Wallace is splendid as leading man, and MSro McDermott, Sally Crute, and El ' T . Ratoliffe head an excellent supporting company. "The Rajah" stars one. of the screen's most popular comedians, Harold Lloyd. "The Realart Quartet", created an instantaneous success, and every item was, applauded, especially the harp duets by Miss Clare ■ Veara and Signor CeTbaßi, and the solos by Herbert F. Wood, who haa just returned from many triumphs in Sydney and Melbourne. Mr Wood _ is heralded as the finest tenor in Australasia. Some of the items he 'gave were O Solo Mio," "Annie Laurie," and "Sparkling Eyes." Tho harp duets were "Blue Bells" and "Scherzo," both players again scoring heavily when they accompanied Mr Wood and Mrs Lily Glover in "Mammy's Lullaby," "Bells of St. Mary," ''Trio" from "Faust," and "Down the Trail to Home Sweet Homo." Miss Valerie Scott, a gifted colo dancer, was seen in several items, which wens greatly enjoyed. An exoelle&t supporting programme was also shown. QUEEN'S THEATRE. . Perhaps tho greatest circus feature of picturedom is "Hemp La," whioh was screened for the first time in Christchurch at tha Queen's Theaitro on Saturday. "Houp-la," is a circus girl, a bare-back rider, ana it is with her romance that the story mainly deals. The great circus with its clowns, its -riders, and its hangers-on, is. thrillingly depicted, with all it 3 glitter and .its merriment. Billio Rhodes is winsome and appealing in fhs part of the heroine, and John Ooobe is wonderful as Old Toodlfs the clown. Tho circus dog, "Gimpy," oan lay -to be the beet canine actor of the screen. 'Houp-la," will appeal t» all, but <to children it is a veritable feest of marvels. The thirteenth chapter of "The Mystery of 13" is also screened on the new Queen's bill, Francis Ford and Rosemary Theby having the loading parts in this absorbing serial. An excellent comedy number a Queen's Pictorial Budget, a topical picture, and a travelogue edded their quota to a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable programme. To-day "A Ma.i and His Money" will be added to the bfll. Tom Moore and Seena Owen appeal as the hero end heroine. Excellent music is provided by the Queen's Professional Orchestra. STRAND .THEATRE. A vividly interesting phcto-play, entitled "The Shark," haa chief place in tho new

programme serened at the Strand Theatre on Saturday, "Tho Shaqk" was made by William Fox in his -usual magnifiouii «ay. Rind it is a etory of luok- lure, and lore] with tho so a and human love of H always in the background. The hero of the piotux® is "Shark" Rawley, the flghtrngmjiu of a tramp ste-amor. and George \7alsh, the renowned actor-athlete, has in it a part wall euitod to his abilities. Them is plenty of excitement and fighting in "Shark," jn fact, it may bo described as a genudoe redblooded picture. An emotional drama of Booioty, entitled. "Would You Forgivet" intreduces as a now star of the screen Virion Rich, who shows wonderful gift* for emotional acting. Rioh eottin-go and exoraieito frocking mark "Would Yoai Forgive? ami tho star is supported by a strong and m*. cially eelcctad cast. "Would You Forgive?" carries a message to every husband and every wife. The Strand programme also shows a Fox "World's Newß, a Topical Gaeette, and a cartoon showing those old friends. Mutt and JoS, in their larttat whimsical abaurditlos. CHRISTMAS CAHNIVALI A Christmas carnival basaair will be opensd to-night in the Art Gallery, and will be oo®tinued throughout the week. The bazas* will be roploto with well Btockcd etalla, a fairy ikhpond, a gorgeous display of beautifully dressed dolls, and numerous other attractions. Mia? Emily Turner's party will give items, and selections will be played by Monro's orchestra. ORGAN RECITAL. An organ recital will be givon in Knos Church at- 8 p.m. on Tuej/loy/December Slit, by Mr Purcoll Webb. Mr Webb, who haA not previously played in Ohristohuich, will f ive his recital on the lines of those given y in the Auckland Town >Hall and in other New Zealand centre#.