"WHITE HORSE INN"

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21714, 22 February 1936, Page 10

"WHITE HORSE INN"

' GALA PERFORMANCE TO-NIGHT J. C. WILLIAMSON'S GREATEST SHOW To-night at 8 o'clock at the Theatre . Royal the J. C. Williamson, Ltd.; management will present the grand openins gala performance of. the spectacu- ' lar musical play. "White Horse Inn." . which, with huge revolving stage, is > regarded as being the stage's greatest achievement. During the last week ' the forward staff.of mechanics,;electricians, and technical experts from the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Sydney theatre have been busily engaged in building the revolving stage, installing the latest continental lighting effects, and- making essential structural alterations to the stage and auditorium of the Theatre Royal. The full scenery, lighting, and effects rehearsal took place on Thursday night, so.there is no possibility of a hitch - occurring ' this evening. Seats for to-night's gala performance may be selected at the • D.I.C. until noon, and afterwards the : box plans will be on view at the Theatre Royal, right up to 8 o'clock ■ this evening. Tickets for the unreserved stalls (ss) and. for the gallery (2s 6d) may be purchased to-day at the Theatre Royal confectionery- shop, , or at the doors to-night j As a musical spectacle in colour, , rhythm, and gaiety, "White Horse Inn" has never been surpassed. In addition to having a number of charming and lilting melodies, this musical play creates a delicious atmosphere in a picturesque Tyrolean setting. Cheerfulness is the keynote of each scene, and there is a brilliant climax to.each of the three acts. Although the; revolving stage "has been used for several seasons in London it will be seen here for the first time this,evening, and in addition to speeding up of the action of the play it offers a magnificent spectacle at the conclusion when its various magnificent scenes revolve in front of the audience. The first scene, outside the inn, depicting the Tyrolean houses clustered round the lake and the Alps towering above dark nine forests, presents a gorgeous spectacle. The opening chorus, which is preceded by a yodellers' song and th-5 entrance of a goat girl arid peasants in quaint and picturesque costumes, is but a pleasant prelude. The storm effects, with rain pouring down, make a thrilling finale to the first act, the outstanding musical numbers of which are "It Would be Wonderful," "The White Horse Inn," and "Your Eyes." The market ensemble of the second act is brilliantly carried out with all the noise and colour of the Austrian peasantry. Here Leopold, the head waiter, sings the famous number, "Good-Bye," which is followed by the brilliant White' and Black baliet. Probably the best number in the whole show is "Salzkammergut," with its fascinating rhythm and background of green and brown costumes. The Tyrolean dancer chorus and ballet combine to make a most stirring and inspiring effect. The arrival of the emperor in the third act is another occasion for a brilliant en-' semble. When "White Horse Inn" was produced at the London Coliseum It created a positive sensation, and it marked a new era in stage production. Leading critics declared it to be an effective reply to the talkies, and the same remarks were applied to the New Zealand productions of this mammoth musical play. Great care was exercised in the engaging of the artists for the Australian and New Zealand productions of "White ."-lorse Inn." with the natural result that it is brilliantly and perfectly sung acted and danced. For the leading soprano role, the Williamson management was fortunate in selecting Miss Romola Hansen, who has achieved an outstanding tnumpn as Joseoha, to which role is allocated some glorious musical numbers. The . popular tenor, Herbert Browne, nas an excellent part in that of Valentine I Sutton, and his rich voice is heard

at it's.best in several brilliant duets and solos. Playgoers will be glad to have an opportunity to welcome the irresistible comedian, Alfred .' Frith, who will be remembered for his excellent work when he. appeared in "Goin' Up," "Canary Cottage," "A Night Out," and other successful numbers. In "White Horse Inn" he receives abundant opportunities to create humour, and it "is said that he has his audience in roars of laughter the whole time he is on the stage. Don Nicol is another comedian who is well and favourably known to New Zealand playgoers. His two best performances here two years ago were Peter Doody in "The Arcadians," and Barry in "A Country Girl." Miss Marie Conan, a young and brilliant London comedienne, will make her first appearance here as Kathi. Her dancing, in conjunction with Alban Mack, who is also a talented light comedian, created a furore ; in Auckland.

Miss Miriam Lester (soprano) and Mr Colin Crane (baritone) have delighter with their artistry on former occasions, and Master Graves is a clever 10-year-old Australian artist. Others in the cast are Jeanne Battye, Daphne Low. Peter Gordon, and Charles Albert. The company includes a full oneratic orchestra and: chorus, and a bevy of beautiful Australian ballet girls. Performances of "White Horse Inn" will be given all next week, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday.

MAJESTIC

"THE CALLING OF DAN MATHEWS" One has heard time after time the despairing cry of a theatregoer who has gone to see the film version of a favourite book, that the moving picture director has reorganised the well; loved story till it is recognisable only by its title, and by the names of the characters in it. For once, however, a motion picture scenario writer has taken an old book, done some extensive reorganising, and has produced a film which one might almost say is an improvement on the book. This is what •has happeped with Harold Bell Wright's old favourite, "The Calling of Dan Mathews," which a large house watched with the greatest interest at the Majestic last evening. The book as it stands is one of those which has not survived the modern turn of events. The young bookseller has probably never heard of it, and it will probably be found now in few libraries, yet it tells a story that is ageless. The setting of the original is definitely dated, but is not the sort of setting that could profitably be made into a film for modern audiences. - The moving picture people have taken the book, brought the setting up to date, and kept the story intact in a way that says much for their ingenuity and more for their fidelity to the original script. The film makes excellent entertainment, and its leaven of sound philosophy and general wholesomeness is .refreshing in an age in which there are too many moving pictures on the one well-worn theme of marital discontent. The book was a best seller for years, and the film has captured all tiie spirit that made the book great. The story is on the face:of it rather simple. Ite tells of the tremendous struggle of a small town clergyman against the bigotry, intolerance, and lying of the inhabitants of his small town. His struggle, as may be imagined by anyone who has lived in a small town, immediately divided the community for and against him, and his heroic labours, knowing that his supporters were for him mainly for purely hypocritical motives, are the labours of a brave man. There is something in the film of solid appeal that sets it apart from the ordinary run of pictures.

PLAZA

"HONEYMOON FOR THREE" Coming from a family who has been associated with the theatrical world for more than*a century; it is to be expected that Stanley Lupino would be a capable actor, but expectations are more than fulfilled by his acting in "Honeymoon for Three," which is now having a season at the Plaza Theatre. The story of this film was specially written by the famous comedian himself, and it is therefore very well suited to him. There is not a big cast in this film, but this is fortunate, probably because each member of the cast is a capable actor, and one is not struggling to discover what relation the various actors have to the story.

The film opens brightly with Jack Denver (Stanley Lupino) being given a spectacular party before his entry into business. That the.party was a success cannot be doubted, but unfortunately for Denver it was a little too successful, because his attempt to reach his flat is unsuccessful, and eventually he goes to sleep on the floor of a room in the .flat of a young woman whom he does not know. When

the owner of the flat awakes in the morning and finds a strange .man sleeping on the floor she is justifiably angry. Her anger turns to consternation, though, when there is a knock on the door which announces the arrival of her father, accompanied by her fiance. Denver is quickly hid-, den. But when he attempts to make his escape by sliding down a rope of bed sheets he is watched by an inquisitive policeman, who will not be put off by the tales which the ingenious Denver tells. The policeman leads Denver back to the flat, accompanied by his t uncle, who has arrived while the dispute with the policeman was continuing. When the trio arrives at the flat it is 'found that the girl's father is Jack's uncle's, most important business associate. The only thing that can prevent a scandal which will disgrace European banking is that the couple should marry. Denver desires to do this very,much, but the girl is reluctant. Her father prevailsupon her, however, and a special license is arranged, much to the disaDproval,of the yount wonian's fiance. ■ He decides that the only sensible thing to do is that the honeymoon should be spent by endeavouring to arrange a divorce. To do this it is essential that the party should set off for America. This they do,- and on the way over on the liner there are many opportunities for farcical comedy" of which full advantage has been taken. Before the film- comes to its satisfactory ending much delightful entertainment is provided. "Afrique," a well-known radio performer, gives some 'amusing impressions of various celebrities in a supporting feature. NEW PROGRAMME CIVIC "THE LAST JOURNEY" • Adapted from the original story by J. Jefferson Farjeon, "The Last Journey," -which will commence at the Civic . All-British Theatre to-day, is an attraction that claims the attention of every theatregoer.. Produced ; by Julius • Hagen' at Twickenham, it contains all the elements in thrills, drama, and comedy that made this author- world famous. The story briefly concerns the adventures of a number of people travelling to -Mulchester. Amongst the more important are the engine driver (who i after 40 years', service is ,Ori his last journey), an adventurer, his bigamous 1 wife, two; crooks, a detective, a famous brain specialist, and an .excitable Frenchman. - The passengers are unaware that the-train is in the hands of a man driven temporarily insane from' jealousy, because .of his wife's-, suspected infidelity. Various little drama? and comedies are played during the dramatic journey, and the story rises to a thrilling and unforgettable climax. Included in the distinguished cast of players are Hugh Williams (last seen in "Sorrell and Son"), Judy Gunn, Sydney Fairbrbther (last seen in!-"The Private Secretary"), Julian Mitchell, Godfrey Tearle, Eve Gray, Eliot Markham, and Michael Hogan. •• ' Of "The Last Journey," one of London's foremost critics'wrote: "There 1 is no pause in the tension from the irioment the picture opens until it closes. The direction is commendably resourceful,; the atmosphere, thanks to the Great Western- Railway, is thoroughly convincing,- - and'.: the,_ many, character cameos are flawlessly drawn* by a 'fust-rate; cast/ Altogether, the picture is great"; Also on the. same programme there will be Greened "Going. Gay,'!, a .delightful musical Iqomedy in which Magda, Schneider; tbelcharining feminine lead of 'iTell Me Tonight," is given full opportunities to exploit her unquestionable talent. Box plans are at.the theatreJrom 10 a.m. daily.