AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17064, 8 February 1921, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. "Irene" was presented to a delighted audier.ee ct the Theatre Royal ' night by the J. and N. tail Musical Comedy Co., headed by Miss Dorothy South. The beautiful costumes and bright acting and singing were greatly admired. The final jpenoimance of "Irene" will be given to-night. OPERA HOUSE. A newcomer in the person of Harrington Reynolds, jtin., made a- gteat hit with the bigaudience which was present at the Opera House last, night, on the occasion of the usual weekly change of programme. Reynolds is an extremely likeable young man with a bieezy personality, who could not help but bo on frier.dlv terms with his audiences from the start. He has, however, more to commend him tlian his happy manner, in particular a bright way of telling a good story, and a method all his own of scoring little humorous points. His descriptions of buying butter—"then and now"—were very amusing, and his '-serious" description of a train accident was aiso diverting. A song sung by him entitled "Let's Have a White New Zealand" pleased tlio popular taste. Harrington. Reynolds, jiin., bids fair to become even popular tluyi was his father, the -late Ilar.rington Reynolds, who will be remembered a; having entertained many Opera House audiences - when he was in this city. Also newcomers on last night's bill were Hart and C'egg, who sang and talked very amusingly. Quite the most enteitaining of magicians is Alberto, the "gay deceiver in .magical nonsense," who performs many clever feats of fieight-of-hand in .a distinctly novel manner. His jokes, as well as his tricks, were .exceedingly clever, and he kept tho audience in a simmer of amusement all the time he was on the stage.' Two old friends, in tho persons o; Ya-ude and Yernc, provided & turn that went even'' at more lightning speed than usual. This duo seem to have 110 difficulty i'.i putting anything, song, pun, or Joke, across tho footlights, and they are always certain of -hearty applause Their "tonguetwister" duet, "When the Sea Ceasetli," was included in their act, as was <v bright ptirody and a- great quantity of gcod-humoured jesting Lila.s Birt-, scantily frocked, eang '■' There Ain't Another Baby Like Ouis," and in different gflrb "Everybody Calls Me Jonah." Her most popular number, however, was "With a Picture of.My Mother," a proof that this artiste should stick to low ! comedy, in which she is very amusing. De Wilfred was heartily applauded for his artistic and musicianly playing of the xylophone.,"Six Little Wives" was til© title of the' revue which took up the second part of tho programme. This piece was- staged 011 very ambitious lines, but ■ the ideas of tho producer ae carried out by the members of the company made of "Six Little Wives" an entirely successful production. Scenery and frocking alike were splendid, while the piece was rich in tuneful musical numbers. Kennedy A lion and Arthur Hemsley had most of th'.» fun-making, and t-'ney were exceedingly humorous, especially in the first scene, when, as a. pair of -bogus interpreters, they were be-■ar-jft 'by a? party of immigrants, all talking in different languages. Kennedy' Allen also hed .&a excellent comedy number in '.'A PleasantMoment," while s, duet with Arthur Hemsley, "We're All Crazy," was: likewise, a. success. Daisy Ystes, the charming leading lady, sang "He's Coming Home" with rare artistry, her quiet manner and splendid enunciation rpaJting it a genuine pleasure to listen to "'the jitimber. Anita Green's attractive voice was well placed in "Carissima," ' and D&plme Leigh had a. pretty song in "Tell Me Why." Ernie CraWfoixl sang "Dixie Melodies" and York Gray "I Met p. Girl in Every Port," both numbers being popular with the audience. A feature of "Six Little Wives" was a jazz dance done with much energy by. Daisy Yates and 1 York Gray. The closing scena was also well evolved. This was an operatic medley, in which appeared such well-known opera figures as La. Boheme, Faust, Aida, and Cajincn. Altogether '"Six Little Wives'' proved very entertaining, and those who enjoy revue will be pleased to hear that it, together with the vaudeville programme, will JlO repeated throughout the week. GREATER'CRYSTAL PALACE. "In Folly's Trail," which headed the new programme at the Greater Crystal Palace yesterday, and delighted the large audiences that, witnessed it, 'is a magnificently produced drama of social life, in which that attention to detail, as well as- to the broad features, which characterises tho Universal studios predominates. But better, perhaps, than the scenes of luxury and grandeur is the old, Jiut ever new, theme of the story—the triumph, despito misunderstandings, of true love, Tho dramatic, incidents unfold themselves naturally and convincingly. Carmel Myers, who is tho heroine, is 'a motion picture star not previously seen on the screen here, and charms not only by her undoubted beauty but ' also by her admirable acting. Her strikingly entrance amongst the dancers at a masquerade ball is one ,cf the noteworthy features of a production that brims over with startlingly dramatic incidents,, the ball scene itssif being also brilliantly staged. The gaieties of the New York fa3t set, and the latest in" fascinating gowlis are pictured with much fidelity and, as «i whole, "In Folly's Trail" is one of the best society drama films seen here. The comedj-, "You Tell 'Em Lions I RiOflr," is 'noteworthy, not only for its rollicking fun, but also for tho fcatg of the lion-t»mer, among them being tlio exciting one in which he places hia head; in a lion's moutli. The latest instalment of ' the serial, "Tho Dragon's Net." takes the princiual actors, to China, and leaves the heroine vainly trying to escape from an elaborate laby-rinthi'an maze. The selections by the Symphony : Orchestra, under Mj Alfred Bunz, nio this week most pleasing. 'I he overtUTO, ''Pique Dame," is a liv-cly composition, admirably played, and the entr'acte, "Th? Turkish Patrol," as given by this orchestra hn.3 becom'o a firm favourite. Tho other selections were varied, wult&es, and spark-. - ling dance music -being m.ucli in evidence. A finely executed harp solo was a noteworthy item. "In Folly's. Trail" and the supposing programme will be shown daily during the week, and the Symphony Orchestra, will bo heard nightly. - ,

I EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. ! Arother fine programme was stroenod at 1 Everybody's Theatre yesterday, .whon the I weekly cii.uige of i>i]l made. Of the two i biv iwunc pictures shown, the Paramount - * Artcriut comedy "Sick Alnii ' me! with i -.vhoio-hr-artcd approbation. "Sick Abed" is the joyous story of a youns man who was obliged to "play" sick in order to kc->p out cf u divorce suit in which he was the principal but witness. As may be inisifir-od, many hilarious incidents- result from the situation, and the priveasion ot " qi.sck docto:s, a jealous wife, ami iv clurniiir.; narsa that passes through the sick room is responsible for the creation of hearty Kughter ampng- those who sec "Sick Abed. ' Wallace Heid. the likeable «ud popular star, is ill the principal part—that of the sham ir- valid, and Bebe Daniels. who li^'crto become more attractive with e-ach fresh, nla-y i.; which she appears, is cast as the nttfsc. The production is screened on a in keeping - with Paramour.t-Artcrait's best traditions. The othsr biar attraction is the second of the special series of "William S. Hurt and it is a powerful story of the great So'.sthT.'est, with all its lawlessness and its robber bar.as. Glimpf.es of majestic and 'awe-inspir-ing scenery throughout "Sand" add material--I,' to its attraction, and -the leading matt, the ever-popular Hart, has tho support of a. Sr."-cast in the really excellent actinc which makes "Sand" a r.otable picture. Those irho leve a, stirring talo in which true romance mingles with adventurous deeds should not fail to £eo "Sand. ' The supporting- programme includes the usual budget of topical and scenic subjects, and a. well-selected programme of music is supplied by Everybody's Select Orchestra, under the direction of Mr \V. J. Bellingham, LIBERTY THEATRE. "The God of Luck," a highly entertaining picture, starring Gaby DcViys, was witnessed by a packed house at the Liberty Theatre last night. . This picture reveals many gorgeous dresses, and several exciting incidents at fashionable race meetings ill France. The supoarting numbers are an episode in the serial, "The Invisible Hand," a Pu-the Gazette, and a comedy. STRAND THEATRE. ''Other Men's Daughters," n. YTil'iam Fox production, >vith Peggy Hyiand as tho heroine, heads the programnie 'now being shown at- tlis Strand Theatre. There wr.s a large and appreciative attendance at last night's entertainment. Another feature was "The Spirit of Gcoc!," a vivid play, starling Jladlainc Traverse. There are , also in the programme a Mutt and Jeff Cartoon, aWorld's Xe-.vs, and an interesting Gazette. GRAND THEATRE, j • Olive Thomas is starred in "Out Yonder," one of tho principal films in this walk's programme at the Grand Theatre, and William Russell is seen in cue of his strongest parts in his career, in "Leave It to Me," a sensational Fox photo-drama. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Tho Midnigfit Bride," starring Gladys Leslie, and a picturised version of Rex Beach's story, "Tho Crimson Gardenia," were shown to full houses at the Queen's Theatre last night. The first chapter of the Universal serial, ."Elmo the Fearless,'' was full of thrill, and aroused much interest. "SURPRISE PACKET." Commencing at tho Theatre Royal to-mor-row evening, *M.r Lints will present the musical extravaganza *» ".Surprise Packet." which is now 011 a Dominion'tour. This company hxs been specially selected by Mr Lir.ts, tho producer, from the principal towns of the Dominion, and is financed by NewZealand money. Features of the production are tho Female Quartette;-"The Introducer,'' . a screaming farce, introducing the waltz, clog., and ragtime with fast ball-bearing skates on an, electric table; and a distinctive .bailie t of eight headed by Miss Daisy McLennan, the New Zealand- champion Highland dancer. The management have been fortunato in securing the services of Ms-s Winnie Eraser, the charming- mezzo-soprano, and. Naaicie Gibbs, a. brilliant young violiniste v ho has just returned from England, where ."he lwd several very successful appearances at Covent Garden. The supporting members include Agnes Richardson, contralto; Cecily l'abor, toe dancer; Do-othy Claridge, monologuist; Sadfe Browne, toe dancer; Dorothy White, the' fascinating d&nseuse; Imeld-a Rcwe, classical dancer; Beeban McDonald, ccmedienne; and Jean contralto. The orchestra is under tho direction of Mr Robert Kirk, the- young New Zealand composer. Special attention hap been given to tjia electrical effects -and the wardrobe. The • box plans for t.he season are on view at The Bristol. FRANK lIUTCHENS'S RECITAL. _ . Mr Hutcnen?:, whose farewell recital will be held to-morrow night et the Choral Hall, will be heard in many beautiful pianoforte v;crks, including Chopin's Ballade in A .Flat and the» Berceuse. Works by Scarlatti, Brahms, - Beethoven, Ravel, Seriabine, Irelaid, Liszt, and others will also be performed. Madame Gower-Burns will contributo some new, aongs.' The box plan is at The Bristol.