INTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 97, 18 January 1921, Page 3

INTERTAINMENTS

“IRENE.” J. nnd N. Tait anticipate great support from the ladies for their forthcoming musical attraction "Irene," comtnencing at the Grand Opera House tonight. The dressing of the play is said to bo such that the ladies will bo able to feast their eyes on creations which make modern fashions as out of date as the arinoline In specially ordering the gowns in Now York, J. and N. Tait expressly stipulated that the design should endeavour to anticipate new modes, consequently the frocks of "Irene” are marked by much originality. Some of the colour arrangements are described as glorious. Some of the material had to be manufactured in France and Italy, according to patterns specially supplied. The new musical comedy has been breaking records in Australia. Dorothy South as Irene O'.Daro is delightful—this young American actress wins favour with a pleasing voice, which is used to advantage in both conversation and song, and with an uncommon ability to derive the maximum of humour from every situation. In the fun-making department Miss South is well supported by the other members of the company, but by no individual more than Chester Clute. This artist, in his interpretation of the role of Madame Lucy, the

male modiste, introduces a class of comedy which differs vastly from the usual, and compels continuous laughter throughout the periods of his occupancy of the stage. The same may lie said of Peggy Maloney and Marion Earle, whoso every appearance is the signal for outbursts of merriment. An excellent company includes Thomas Paunceforte, Robert Jewett, Henry Gordon, Rawdon Blandford, Milton Owen, Alice Bently, Velma Hinkle, Grayce V. Connell, and Georgia Harvey. The box plans are at the Bristol and day sales •at Ned Perry’s. KING’S THEATRE. A fine dramatic entertainment is provided at the King’s Theatre by Norma Talmadge, cast as an artist’s model in “The Woman Gives," a photo-play technically perfect, and projected to an orchestral accompaniment which at times reaches grand opera standard. In lighter rein is a screen burlesque, "Schooldays," in which Larry Sempn riots through a series of laughable incidents. The farce introduces a clever team of acrobats and a wonder trick pony. The grand opera basso, Roberto Romani, is in splendid voice. His numbers are received with acclamation. The programme will be repeated nightly throughout the week, and a matinee tomorrow afternoon.

• EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. In "The Brand of Lopez," at Everybody’s Theatre, Sessue Hay.akawa plnys the part of a Spanish matador who later became an outlaw. A duel is followed by more swiftly-moving action which shows the central character ns outlaw', leading a band of brigands, 'burning a village out of hatred, and finally tailing what he thinks is a revenge worth awaiting for years. An excellent supporting programme includes Larry Semon in his third comedy, "Schooldays,” and the Olympic Games at werp.EMPRESS THEATRE. "A Master Stroke," the star attraction at the Empress Theatre, features Earl Williams, who plays the par? of Yale Durant, who, after thirty years of idleness and squandering, began life anew. The thought of u girl saved his life. It gave him a neW start, .and caused him to plunge into Wall Street and put over “a master stroke.” There are enjoyable supports.

“THE MAORI MIRACLE MAN.” A special attraction was. offered at the Britannia Theatre on Saturday in the shape of “Ratana, the Maori Miracle Man,” for the screening of which the management have secured the sole Wellington rights. "Ratana" claims to have the Divine gift of healing, and the film was photographed with his special permission. The picture opens with a series of views of Katana’s homestead, and shows hundreds of Maoris who in recent weeks have made the place their Mecca. While the producers of the film were on the spot several Maoris who were afflicted with ailments which had been pronounced incurable, were .treated by Ratana. The latter does not claim any spectacular cures, but alleges that his patients commence to show improvement right from tho time of their first interview with him, and that at the end of a few days they leave the pa quite rid of their ailments. A number of Katana’s subjects are shown in the film before and after their treatment. Eor instance, one man is observed hobbling along on crutches, and later is seen to walk in a normal manner. Similarly an aged Maori, whom it is claimed, was blind for 30 year’s, is shown with his sight apparently restored. Another casedepicted is that of a woman who, it is said, was brought to the "miracle man” suffering from paralysis, and she also is shown moving her legs and arms without any assistance. Included in the picture is an exhibit of a big array of crutches and spectacles, allegedly discarded by erstwhile patients of Ratana. A reproduction is also shown of the “Book of Cures.” containing 4772 signatures, testifying to Ratana's powers of healing. It is an interesting film, quite unique in its way. The supporting pictures include an outdoor adventure subject, featuring William Farnum in a typical role. The programme will be shown throughout this week. FASHION PLATE DANDIES. Bright music, snappy dialogue, clever and original humour, make the programme given by the Fashion Plate Dandies in the Town Hall Concert .Chamber this week olio of exceptional merit. The eccentricities of George Titchener, the comedian, are responsible for many a laugh, and a feature of the entertainment is the speech scene betweeen Titchener and Kingsley, which is laughter-pro-voking- Miss Rosa Walton, as usual, provides an enjoyable interlude.