ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 233, 26 June 1920, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

'THE SLEEPING BEAUTY." '''" The J. C. Williamson pantomime, "Tho Bleeping Beauty," with its many varied and beautiful attractions, was witnessed by another very largo audience at the Grand Opera House last evening. Publio opinion endorses tho view that from an' ortistio point of view tho pantomime reveals a' finer vision and imagination in colour schomes- and designs than any previously witnessed. There is an entiro absence of anything objectionable by way of suggestion or in any other way. It is a clean, wholesome pantomime, with art holding dominion over ' tho scene. The ballets are very quaint, and'in some cases rariahingly beautiful. Miss Roma sparkles as tho bold' young Prince, and Miss Eve Lynn, as the Princess, weds ■ talent to refinement. The Edgar Bros., a knock-about pair of comedians, work hard for their laughs, and get them. Mr. Marriott Edgar, ns Mrs. Spoopendyke, is almost sedate, yet "ge'ts there" just tho same. His gags and "stunts" have the hallmark of original; ity, and tho quiet, easy way he makes' each one tell discloses an artist. _ Somo good topical hits were made in his song On the Sand." Another song-hit is "Happy Day," and yet another "Lil' Liza Jano," a jolly old-tinio negro song , and chorus, sang with charming incongruity by the pretty "lampshado" girls. Miss Maggie Dickinson shows new graces and airy sprightliness in. her many dances, 6ome of which require the aid of Mr. Sidney Culver. There will be a matinee, performance at 1.45 p.m. today, and the performance this evening will commence at 7.50 p.m. sharp. Matinees are due on Wednesday and Saturday of next week, THE KING'S THEAERE'. In "The Isle of,, Conquest," vhich heads the new programme at the King's Theatre, the -unpleasant nature of a marriage of convenience is disa'.osed, with something akin to harshness; and it ifl not easy to claim that the sordid features are wholly redeemed by what there is of charm in tho production. Norma 'SfCs niadge plays- the part of an innocefli girl driven by an ambitious mother, into a distasteful alliance. What that .union means it is not left entirely to delicate suggestion to > convey. After something moro than a year, of married life, the disillusioned girl is sbipwrecked and cast upon a desert island with a strange man for sole companion. Having been disappointed in love, the man thinks ill of all women; and his mistrust and aloofness are heartily reciprocated by hia

partner in distress. The growth of mutual, affection between the two is portrayed without conviction. In reality, nothing could be more ' iirtificial than the conventions that the couple obey. Luxurious mounting is the principal, consideration to be urged in favour of the picture. • As usual, tie musical programme deserves nothing but praise. The singing last evening of Madame Marie Germain was delightful,' and fully deserving of the enthusiastic applause that it evoked. The orchestra gave beautifully-shaded interpretations of the "Aubade Printaniere" iLa Conde) and "The Dance of the Hours" (Pol-. chielli). The incidental uiusio'to tho big picture included selections from Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffman." . EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. . . All sessions were crowded at Everybody's Theatre yesterday, on the occasion' of the weekly change of programme. The audiences were : treated to two feature films in ith'e shape of. "The End of. the Game"—as a dramatio subject—and Charlie Chaplin in "A Dog's Life." The principal role in "The End of.thie Game" is taken by Warren Kerrigan, who is fast leaping into fame in the moving picture world on account of his strong interpretation of dramatic roles. The story teems with romance the setting-being the Californian goldfields cf hnlf a century ago. There is action end thrill in this talo of the days .whon ''gold was flush and men were frisky"—when men made their own' laws and enforced them at the point of a "six-shooter.", Kerrigan Is shown in the role of a gambler,, whose word is bis bond, and bis character the eoul of Honour. The scenes"rival'each other in point. of sensntion and excitement, and the local colour is laid on ■with a thick brush, Kerrigan,saves the heroine aftor .several hazardous; adventures. Throughout "T!ie End' of the Game" there runs a cnarming vein of love under picturesque circumstances. Tile scenery of the piece is excellent. "A

Dog's Life found instant favour with the the film being <ne of the redoubtable Charlie's best efforts. It is an exceedingly droll farce, and it never lags. The other films shown were all of a most entertaining nature. EMPRESS THEATRE. There was quito e,- flutter -Among the ladies in the big .audience at the Empress Theatre lost evening on account of the gorgeous display, of lingerie unfolded during tho screening of "Heart of Gold," "Heart cf Gold" is a comedy-drama of more.than passing interest, featuring, as it does, a novel 6eries of mannequin parades. A charming bevy of models take part in these parades, all. handsomely gowned in fashion's latest creations. Louise Huff and Johnny Hines are L racketed in tho picture, which unfolds a romanoe that is brimming over with love and adventure, •; and interspersed with comedy that Johnny Hinos eo masterfully deals out Annie Wilkes, message firl in tho dressmaking establishment of [adame EsteHe, had a well-developed, nrKstio sense which led her to enter a: contest for the'best costume.to be Torn by women during tie war. A prize of five thousand ddlars was offered. When: tho design was adjudged' the best, Madame Estelle took all the credit. Unable to bear this treatment, the girl exposed Madame Estelle, who, in' turn, discharged her. Annie then gave her. original copy of tho design to Mike Mono--han, her awoetheart, who took it to a lawyor. The latter "double-crossed" the lovers. In her effort to secure justice, Annie fell foul of the law, and underwent a series of adventures before nil was righted. The supporting films are irnusuaEy good, and include "Riding With Death," the second epkodo of the sensational serial "Liberty." Somo good topical films are also screened. ,

' TO-NIGHT'S ORGAN RECITAL. * The programme for the organ recital to be given by Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist) at the Town Hall to-night, consists of the following items :-Overture, "Corioton" (Op. 62), Beothoven (1770-182(5 Andante (from String Quartet) (Debussy); Scarlatti's (1683-1757) Pastorale; lihapsodie (No. 3) Op. 7, by SaintSaens. Cesar Franok's (1822-90) PByche-Poemo Syniphonique pour Orchestra et I hooura, was played last week for the first '.tima by Mr. Page, and owing to tho numerous requests the item will be repeated tonight. NURSE GARVEN'S RECITALS. The programme-for. Nurse Garven's concert on Monday evening is advertised in our amusement columns. The programme is exacting and interesting from the all-round musician standpoint. In it the trained and untrained ear are catered for, and, it is claimed, will be more than repaid for Itime aud money spent en going to hear this artistic singer. Nurse Garven's full, round, mellow, contralto voice would, it is stated, more than satisfy the great Rossini, and her arltistry would please the keen, sensitive ear of the noted singer. Her declamatory work in the exacting aria "Mio Fernando," and her dainty, sustained mezzovoce in Harriet Ware's "Boat Song" is said to be remarkably fine. Nurse GarTen was fortunate in securing tho services of so talented an artist as Miss Paula Soherek. whose temperament, tone, and technique are those' of a finished violinist Miss Nellio Hay ward is the accompanist. The Harmonio Quartet will contribute part songs. Theso recitals will be under the patronage and in the presence of Her : Excellency the Countess of Liverpool.