ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 304, 17 September 1921, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

LAST NIGHT OF ALLAN IVILKIE. The Allan Wilkie season of Shakespeare, which has been phenomenal to Wellington audiences in many ways, will come io a conclusion to-night with a final presentation of Shakespeare’s uproarious farce-comedy, ,r The Taming of tlio Shrew.” Never before has a repertoire of ten complete Shakespearean productions been performed in a season of three weeks. These productions have not been scamped either, but each in itself has been a most creditable piece of work. Tonight’s presentation at tho Grand Opera House, '‘The Taming of the Shew,” has proved extremely popular with largo audiences on each occasion of its performance. during the season. Air. Allan Wilkie, as the forceful Petruchio, and Miss Hunter-Watts as tho shrewish Katherine, head a cast of no mean excellence, including Mr. Leslie Manners and. Miss Lorna Forlrns as the lovers. Lucentio and Bianca: Mr. Augustus Neville, ns the father of both peaceful and turbulent daughters, Baptista: Messrs. J. Hoy Workman and' Hamilton Henry, as the unsuccessful suitors, Gremio and Hortcnsio; Mr. Fred Macdonald, as Tranio; and Messrs. Felix Bland and J. Plumpton Wilson, as tho comic servants, Grumio and Biondello. Air. William Lockhart will play the Pedant and Air. Eric Donald a tailor, while a delightful rendering of the tuneful Elizabethan song, “Should He Upbraid.” will be given by Miss Jessica Dale. Last night tho company was scon to advantage in the comedy of Men-io England, “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” To-day being a public holiday, both box plan and day sales will he at the manager’s office. Grand Opera House, all day. KING’S THEATRE. No name stands higher in the field of farce-comedy than does that of Mack Sonnett. In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that the production of a Sennett picture is in the motion picture world an event, and "The Small Town Idol, which will head tho new bill at the King’s Theatre to-night, is confidently claimed to be Sennett’s most ambitious and most successful production to date, and therq are reasons for this. In tho first place the plot is described as being both original and clover, yet underlying all its hilariousness there is a very human touch. In tho second place, it is interpreted by all the well-known Sennett players, including Ben Turpin, Mario Prevost, and Charlie Murray, ho Sennett comedy to date has utilised so many 'big scenes. Illustrative of this claim it is stated that in one scene no fewer than IfiOO pretty girls are to be seen. The artist for the week is Frances Barry, th© possessor of a rich contralto voice, whilst tho King’s Orchestra, under Mr. L. D. Austin, has arranged special music. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Cynthia Stockley usually writes charming novels, that are conspicuous for tho brilliancy of h*er style, and tho oinginality that she infuses into all her works. She is one of tho few authors who have received favourable critiques from Mr. Punch’s staff of “Learned Clerks," and in addition has gained a world-wide popularity. As a matter of course, in this twentieth century some of her novels have been picturisod, and “April Folly,” a Paramount-Artcraft production, was screened for the fir.it time in Wellington at tho Queen’s Theatre yesterday. Marion Davies is the star. She has appeared with great success in other films; but m the production screened last night there was a touch of burlesque that detracted from the bright originality of the novel. However, the wealth of interest in the actual play itself saved the situation. Marion Davies takes tho part of a girl writer. Her publisher was young, eligible, and a "deal-"; but his trusted editor and friend was a dour individual, tho outcome of twenty-five years of blue-pencilling; and there was about as much romance m him as hilarity in a camel-shirted friar. So the girl, to "get one back on him, reads the publisher and his editor her latest story. In it she reviles the editor and makes it hot for him, always of course, making the young publisher the star in the manuscript firmament. The end is not unexpected. One felt, in seeing tho film, that an English producer would have left out a great deal of the sloppy sentiment that Aliss Stockley did not include in her least from tho reader’s point of view. The second big photo-play was melodramatic. with plenty of fighting, robberies, and, of course, tho necessary ''heart interest.” It was entitled "Hearts or Diamonds,” and featured William Russell. It will appeal to lovers o£ tho modern society drama. The supporting programme is good, and the Queen’s Symphony Orchestra plays well.

NEXT AVEEK’S QUEEN’S ATURAC-

TION. "Forbidden Fruit” is another of those groat dramas of married life which have given to Cecil 13. de Aiillo tho reputation. of being tho most brilliant and daring producer of photo dramas which deal in a vital manner with tho most vital subject of modern life. Mr. de Millo has taken a topic as old as human life, and yet as young as this day, and has blended the human thoughts and desires and motives and passions with a subtle skill. The characters are said to enact their respective parts most capably, and human hearts and souls are laid bare until their throbbing joys and poignant passions are communicated to those who watch the unfolding of this great drama. It is said to deal with tho intimate and critical problems of married life in a big and broad dramatc way that will carry conviction and delight to tho mind of everyone. It is a Paramount super production, and will commence at the Queen’s Theatre on Friday, September- 23. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “Cousin Kate" is tho title of tho big film screened for the first time nt Everybody's Theatre yesterday. In the principal rolo is Alice Joyce. Briefly, the story is as follows:—Heath Desmond, a gay and light-hearted .artist, is engaged to Amy Spencer, a serious and unimaginative girl. Injlnenced by the preaching of the Rev. James Bartlett, Amy attempts to induce her fiance to conduct himself with greatofr gravity and decorum. The result is a sharp quarrel and the breaking of the engagement. The play opens with Kate Curtis (Cousin Kate) in her studio, surrounded by admirers. Most of them, and notably the Bishop, aro truly affectionate and admirin'' friends. A few are hopeful of an affair with the beautiful and talented woman because of tho unconventional views of lovo and marriage sot forth in her heroic sex books. These latter ore doomed to disappointment. Kato explains that her life lias been filled with two typos of men—tho one she loved and (lie ones who fell in love with her, and never were they tho same. She confesses to loneliness in spite of her host of friends. Her kindly sympathy i® aroused when her cousin, Sarah Spencer, writes her of Amy Spencer’s broken engagement. She loaves at once for tho village where tho Spencers live. On tho train Cousin Kato becomes acquainted with a man in whom she sere the possibility of all the romance she has dreamed of. At ■the Spencer homo Cousin Kato urges Amy to call her lover back, telling her that only in lovo can true happiness bo found. Amv follows her advice, and a letter is dispatched to ITenth Desmond. There is an amusing climax. EMPRESS THEATRE!. Steele Rudd has been the creator of characters in Australian literature that will never die. There is a wealth of wTliiislcal humour in his irrepressible types of virile Australian manhood which faces the onlooker fresh from

tho health of tho green pasture's, in his latest success, “Rudd’s Now- Selection. The screened version the story was shown at the Empress Theatre yesterday, and it made a big hit at all ses- | sions crowded attendances being the order’ of the day. “Rudd's New Selection” is a tvpical sketch of life in tho wavbacks of Australia. Blending quaint huinour with pathos, the story presents Dad, Mum, Dave, tho Twins, and the flea-bitten grey, in new but, equally humorous roles. The whole Rudd l family are seen enjoying a period of comparative affluence, the girls have all grown up, and Dave has achieved the grotesque dignity of a family man. Departing somewhat from the plot of tho. original story, the photo-play has an appreciable leaven cf drama, which adds materially to the general interest. There is lots of bright local colour in the picture, and many interesting sidelights are shown on country life as Steele Rudd sees if. Incidentally there is some good horsemanship in “Rudd’s Now Selection, and the picture in point of scenic beauty is distinctly above, tho ordinary. It coTnos as a relief after tho plethora of Ajncr’can nroblom dramas .and sex plays, and It demonstrates clearly that the Australian Jilm producer is coining into his own. Tho supporting films include topical subjects, and the latest episode of the serial, "Tho Lost City.” STRAND THEATRE. 'Tho Victim,” after a successful season in Wellington, has been transferred to the Strand Theatre for a few days only. Delensed through the Catholic Art Association of New- York, the picture strikes a new note in film productions. This story graphically tells the exciting and gripping events that befall a parish priest who is found guilty of a murder, and sentenced to death, yet though innocent, he will not break his vows and speak. Another attraction of special interest is “The Dragon Painter," starring the popular Japanese star Se’ssue Hayaknwa. "Stranded,” the first big comedy made in New Zealand, is to be screened this afternoon only. "THROUGH JUNGLE WILDS.” "Through Jungle IVilds,” described as A remarkable film narrative of the experiences ci Air. Harry Kaigh Eustace, F.Z.S.. while big game hunting in Central Africa, wil l be screened at the Grand Opera House on Monday evening and continue for a limited season.. The film is said to depict some amazing incidents, which would bo regarded as incredible were it not for tho fact that they are actually shown on the screen and described by Mr. Eustace himself. The "(Jlago Daily Times” says:—“The picture illustrates and describes some of the sights and episodes that have come his way during his twenty-seven years of adventure in the wilds of Africa. .Mr. Eustace has gone ns far as an explorer could have gone into the heart of Darkest Africa; has altogether travelled 50.000 miles on his different trips; and has had some extraordinarily narrow escapes fiom death, for tho rhinocorous refuses to 'look pleasant-’ when he has his photograph taken, but prefers to charge like a tank at the man with the kinematograph camera. But Mr. Eustace survived his ndvontures with the rhinocerous, hippopotamus, crocodile, end other animals, and succeeded in getting moving pictures of many of/the wildest animals in their natural habitnt, some of them as near ns within 12ft. of the camera." The box plan is at the Bristol. MISCHA LEVITZKI. Messrs. J. and N. Tait are presenting another world’s musical star in Mischa Levitzki, who will give a series of three recitals in Wellington at tho Town Hall commencing on Saturday evening next. Unusual interest is being manifested by music-lovers in what may be regarded as a notable musical event. For many weeks Messrs. J. and N. >'Tait were endeavouring lo arrange for Levitzki to visit New Zealand, but owing to contracts made for his early appearance in London it was at first tha's.ght to bo impossible for him to visit ths Dominion. How,ver, cable, messages were dispatched to London and his appearance postponed, and now at least Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland will have an opportunity of hearing tho great pianist. A unique demonstration of enthusiasm took place nt the first recital of Levitzki at tho Sydney Town Hall. At tho conclusion of the concert tho audience surged forward to the platform to shake the young pianist by the hand. The State Governor (Sir Walter Davidson) crossed over to the platform and personally congratulated Levitzki, expressing his thanks and saying that the pianist had achieved a wonderful Iriumph. Describing the conceit, the Sydney "Sun’’ said: —"Such scenes of enthusiasm have rarely boon witnessed in tho Town Hall; indeed it was an extraordinary night right, through.” The box plans for the three recitals will be ojymed nt the Bristol on Thursday morning, and musical students and scholars from schools and colleges are requested to note the concessions offered.

TO-MORROW’S ORGAN RECITAL. Tho programme for tho organ recital to be given in the Town Hall by Mr. Bernard F. Page (city organist) is as under: —Summer ■Sketches (Lemo.ro), (1) "Dawn,” (2) “Tho Bee," (3) "Cuckoo,” (4) "Twilight,” (5) "Evening": Salome’s Cantilone: (a) Prelude from "La Damoiselle Elue,” (b) Prelude from "L’Enfant Prodigue,” by- Debussy (1862-1918); Prelude, Fugue and Variation (Op. 18), by Cesar Franck (1822-1890), and RimskyKorsakoff’s (18-11-1908) Third Movement from “Sche ho razado” (Suite Symphonique for Orchestra (Op. 35). COLOSSEUM RINK. Entries are etill being received for the carnival to be held this month, at the Colosseum Roller 'Skating Rink in Vivian Street. Tho entries so -far have been satisfactory, and there is every indication that the carnival will bo an unqualified' success. At each session tho rink is well patronised by skaters, of whom some are most proficient in the popular art. Those who are not so good are always certain of receiving expert tuition in skating fi-om instructors who are specially trained. At evening sessions a band plays, and refreshments can be obtained at a balcony cafe.