ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 125, 19 February 1921, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE "EYES OF YOUTH.” For some inscrutable reason Miss Clara Kimball Young has been absent from the screen in Wellinton for some time past. She returned to view in the “Eyes of Youth" at the King’s Theatre last evening, an actress of unimpaired charm and dramatic skill. Indeed, it would not bo going too far to say that this actress has never been seen to such advantage, for the role of Gina Ashling (so ably played here eighteen months ago by Emelie Polini), is a many-sided character. Max Marvin and Charles Gueruan’s clever and appealing play has been most skilfully picturised, and in some respects improved upon, notably in the prelude, which impressively depicts the holy man of the Himalayas being dispatched on his special mission to the western world. It is this same Hindu, faint and weary, who stumbles on to the doorstep of the Ashlings’ home when in the act of begging for bread. Asa Ashling has fallen upon evil days financially, and helpless in his old-age, he leans upon his daughter Gina to repair the broken fortunes of the fam-

iiy. The poor girl, who loves young -Peter Judson, is also wooed by Louis Anthony, a smug and selfish hypocrite, and by Robert Goring, a man of wealth. She is also tempted to a grand operatic, career by Paolo Salvo. Her mind is in doubt as to what she shouldado, when the Hindu fakir offers to show her the way by allowing her peeps into the future — first as the girl who stays at home, which finds her a weary worn-out greyhaired drudge, teaching at school, jilted by Anthony in favour of her younger sister; then a successful operatic star, the toast.of roues and the plaything of men who can. pay; and, thirdly, as the wife of Goring, in which the latter connives at divorce by a shameful plot. He succeeds, and she, driven to despair, and dishonoured before all the world, becomes a dishevelled, hope-poisoned wreck of humanity, in which plight she is recovered by Judson. From this open 'book of the future she is able to winnow the grain from the chaff, and Peter Judson is made the happy man, Miss Young’s acting in the final "gaze” was very subtle and compelling, and the support generally was admirable. Tho programme was enriched by the ringing of Madame Annette Hayward, a mezzo-soprano, whose dulcet tone, perfectly produced, and fine intellectuality were capitally displayed in •‘Caller Herrin’,” "Scenes that are Brightest,” and "The Harp that Once. The, King’s Clrc’.iestra was heard in Rubinstein’s "Waltz Caprice” and an incidental programme, in happy relation to tho varying scenes of the play.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. When Holman Day’s novel "King Spruce” first was presented to the reading public, it was hailed by critics as one of the finest "true-to-life” stories ever .written concerning the vast hinterlands of the American North-west. The storv has lost none of its appeal in its screen adaptation, which fras included in the weekly change of ■ programme presented at Everybody’s Theatre yesterday. Added interest is lent to the. picture by the inclusion in the principal role of Mitchell Lewis, who made such a big hit in “The Code of the Yukon,” and whose rugged, virile personality is so admirably adapted to Western subjects. "King Spruce” is a tale of the "big woods,” where tho weak ever go to the wall, and only the strong survive; and it rings true. Dicidentally,. the photo-play is replete with a series of sensational incidents, common to the life of the back-woods. It includes the blowing-up of a huge dam, a thrilling fight between two gangs of lumbermen, and a hair-raising chase on a sled loaded with huge logs. The settings of the piece are charmingly refreshing, and the glimpses obtained of the vast natural resources of North America are remarkable. Throughout “King Spruce” there runs a. delightful love story, which makes for a cleverly-conceived play on what pass for the finer susceptibilities in life. "King Spruce” is in good company, for tho supporting films form a strong combination. They include- "Drink Heartily,” a rollicking Rolin comedy, and the latest Pathe Gazette. EMPRESS THEATRE. There wore: capacity houses at all sessions at the Empress Theatre yesterday, on the occasion of the screening of a spectacular attraction, in tho shape of "One Hour,” a. sequel to Elinor Glyn’s problematical work, “Three Weeks.” The picture headed the weekly change of programme and it is produced in a lavish manner, and with Zena Keefe in the role of Princess Opal it is very acceptable entertainment. The beauty of this accomplished actress, anti her undoubted ability in such an emotional role receive full play in this enthralling story, delicately handled and beautifully produced as it is. The story is one that has been widely discussed, and the picture interpretation is treated with a. '.narked degree of delicacy, and is chAracteriscd by beautiful court scenes,.excellent mountings, and some- superb frocking. The scenes open up in the frozen wohds of northern Canada, only to he transferred to a little principality in Europe. The tragic love story of the little princess who faces sacrifice of a great love on the altar of international politics is one that

made interesting reading in. the novel, but on the screen proves oiw of the most movjng dramas that has been released for a long time, and should please even the most fastidious taste. The supporting films include the second episode of the interesting aerial, "The Invisible Hand.” featuring Antonio Aloreno. "THE PRINCE CHAP.” "The Prince Chap,” the delightful comedy-drama of Soho, and of the artists’ ' quarter/ of London, will be screened at the Grand Opera House for the last time t’his evening. Thomas Aleighan, the noted actor, gives a capable characterisation of the principal role. A new programme will 'be presented on Monday next. THE N.Z. "DIGGERS.” Seldom has any company of entertain, ers received such a measure of popularity as,the N.Z. “Diggers.” Of course there is a certain amount of sentiment in connection therewith, inasmuch as the performers are returned soldiers; but quite "apart from this factor, the excellence of the performances submitted justifies the popularity of the N.Z. “Diggers,”'so that the announcement of tho reappearance at tjie Grand Opera Houso fora short season, commencing on Saturday next, will be hailed with pleasure by the amusement-loving public. All of tho items announced for the opening performance are now to Wellington. An outstanding feature of one programme to be ■submitted will be the "Alaori bcena, with Stan. Lawson as the Alaori maid. Special scenery has been painted for this, and quaint Alaori costumes designed for tho occasion. Commenting on the Alaori scene, the Melbourne "Age” says' "The wealth of detail in this scene speaks volumes for the producer (Tano Fama), tho result being a splendid exposition of hts> trionie art; and we think these 'Diggers scarcely know themselves how excellent they really are.” Tho "Diggers’ orchesfra* of ten performers will render new selections. The combination still include Stan. Lawson (“the misleading lady”), Tano Fama (comedian), Gus Dawson (rag. limo exponent and dancer), hrank Per kins (baritone), Donald Stuart (cornelian), George Procter (tenor), Lon Walker (dancer, light comedian)) Colin Cum. eron (lyric tenor), and Don AVallaco (character vocalist).-The box plans open on Tuesday next.