ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2940, 28 November 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"ARE YOU A MASON?" The farcical comedy "Are You a Mason?" was played for tho second time Inst night by the Royal Dramatic and Comedy Company in tho Grand Opera House. The play was at its first production hero some years ago a prolific laugh producer, and this company produces tho play in a maimer to mako the joke as good as neK. The idea of the play is one of the most amusing ever discovered by a play writer, and the show is a very merry affair from end to end. The members of the company _ are well cast in their several roles, which makes the performance one of even merit throughout. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. All those who enjoy a smart dancing turn will be delighted with the Dick and Dorothy Trio, who with neat, quiet stepping, verve, and 6ense of absolute rhythm, danced their way in popularity last evening. The trio consists of two Eton-jacketed young men, and a particularly lissome Dorotiy (who boasts a fine display of ospreys), and ill trio or duo, they dance with, fine precision and elan, those intimate eccentric dances so -popular with the cabaret haunters of 'little old New York." This turn is the livest terpsichorean effort _ seen in Wellington for a long time. Dainty Dorothy Harris, who frocks so becomingly, is a delight in rag-time ditties_ about wanting to go back homo to Dixie, and has an old nigger mammy walk that always wins laughter. With such a happy metier there is never any need for this talented youny lady to venture into other less pleasing song themes. A nowcomer last evening was Mr. Donald Cornwallis, an English elocutionist of dignified presence. With a very appropriqiely arranged moving picture, he recited very ably that popular poem of a generation ago, "Papa's Letter," and followed it up with the recruiting poem "Fall In," which had a cavalcado of troops as a background to . the appeal. Miss Margaret Jewell, the girl with the silver soprano voice, sang the pretty waltz song, "Your Voice is Calling Me," which she graced with some delicate pianissimo pasand added "Coming Home," and "Comin' Thro' the Rye," to the satisfaction of tlie~ audience. Miss Edith Cowley, a young ]a:dy with a big contralto organ, eang with effect "The Garden of my Heart," and other ballads, and was accorded a hearty welcomo, and the "Big Surprise" (a gifted seven-year-old acrobat and comedian) supported by Ross and Wyse, won immediate favour, as he did when here a few weeks ago. 'Other turns were contributed by Colos, a 1 banjoist of the plectrum school, the Dancing Johnstons, Miss Zadelles, a sprightly high-kicker, and Starr and Starr. This week's bill is capitally diversified, and should attract largo audiences. KINffS THEATRE. "What shall it profit a man, or a woman for that matter, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" the keynote of the Triangle Company's recent dramatio success, "The Payment," now on the screen at King's Theatre. The cinema star, Bessie Barriscale, has a great opportunity for tho display of her' acknowledged powor as an emotional actress in the development of tho story of "Tho Payn^nt 6 —tho story of an ambitious woman Mho choso an easy way to fame and fortune, but at the end of it all found the door to lovo and happiness closed at the moment of entering.. William Desmond, who played throughout New Zealand with the J. C. Williamson Company in "Tho Lion and the Mouse," nnd has lately been seen in "Bullets and Brown Eyes," with- Miss Barriscale also supports her in "The Payment.' Some most attractive subjects are also screened—"Motor Polo," a very interesting film; "Pathe Gazette," and a Max Lindor comedy, "Max Joins the Colours," a very clever production; EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Sweet Lavender," the latost big- attraction at Everybody's Theatre, is a film version of Sir Arthur Pinero's famous play, produced by tho British Film Company. Besides losing nothing in tho process of "picturisation the story gains in several respects through tho agoncy | of modern photography. This magnificent study of London life has found an indisputable place in the literature of every cultured nation. It is an impressive 6tory of sacrifice and atonement, relieved by skilful touches of spontaneous comedy and glowing with a wonderful note of love. In tho 6lory of "Sweet Lavender" is unfolded a rare and touching romance. This attraction is enhanced by the appearance of the celebrated English actor, Henry Ainley, whoso splendid work is a feature of the production. Supporting items includo "The Judge," a laughable Keystone comedy, featuring Charles Murray, the Melbourne Cup of 1916, and other items. THE EMPRESS. Up-to-date versions of the story of the prodigal son are as thick as blackberries, but none is more engrossing than "The Incorrigible Dukano," now showing at the Empress. Jimmy Dukane, at twenty-

sis, has used his life gaily, frisking at J. aim Beach, and dealing in all tho extensive smart set ways of getting through the hours. His rising hour is four in tho afternoon, and his busy time begins at midnight. Tho sudden hand of his stern old father rips this easy life to pieces, and Dukano junior finds himself as ho onco says in tho courso of his wanderings, "So hungry ho could gnarc tho stove." However, trouble brings out the ■very best that is in .Timmy, and he makes two great discoveries, tho lovo of a splendid girl, and tho fact that he himself is alter all a man. John Barrymore, in tho title role, is and the whole Famous Players' cast as usual has no weak spot, the minor characters all -being gems of good work. There are also a fine Keystone entitled "The Love Riot," and the Melbourne Cup, showing Sasanof's win. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The now Queen's Theatre is rapidly, shedding its building shell, and it is expected to be ready for' the official opening on Monday, December 1. An extra special programme is promised of feature pictures and stirring music- The new theatre is specially well appointed inside, and nothing has been left undone to make it tho bijou place of entertainment in the town. Two star features are to be embodied in every programme, with the usual accessory films, establishing a record in picture production, which, whilst it may establish a precedent, should at least nin the applause of picture patrons that is always bestowed on novelties. This new venture in entertainment will be continuous from 11 a.m. -