ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 154, 25 March 1922, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

ARTCRAFT AND PARAMOUNT.

To a public that may have grown a little weary of films saturated with the national sentiment of America, a purely New Zealand picture should be a relief. There could be on greater mistake than to suppose the history of this country is less rich in colour and beauty than the history of other lands'. It is briefer by far than most national stories; but it is no less inspiring. In “The Birth of New Zealand,” a kincma company of Palmerston North has attempted to revive for the New Zealander of to-day the scenes that made up the life of the pioneers. To see the picture last night—it was screenat both the Artcraft and Paramount Theatres —was to admire the judgment and skill with which the producers had performed their task. There was a welcome absence of the crudities that one might have been pardoned for expecting. There was no attempt to achieve what the cant phrase describes as “stupendous effects.” Instead, . there was a long succession of interesting scenes invested with a realism that was delightful. Cook and his Endeavour sailed the seas again and found this Ao-te-Aroa in the bosom of the ocean. Then, came the day of Captain Hobson and the signing of the greatv treaty with the Maoris. ' The French arrived —the sly ones who thought to seize _ the South Island by planting the tricolour at Akaroa. At the Bay of Islands they were given a ball; and through a chance whisper in a pretty ear their project went astray. The Britomart rode at anchor once more at Akaroa, and the Union Jack flew where the French came too late to plant their flag. All this was effectively told. But the interest of the picture increased when the history began to be definitely woven about the fortunes of a particular group, with two lovers, Tom Campbell .and Dorothy Whittaker, as the centre. Then it was related how the Maori troubles broke out at Kororareka, and men of Auckland joined the Cblours to take part in their repression; how the pakeha arms were victorious, and young love could take its course in security ; how the discovery of gold in Gabriel’s Gully drew men from all parts of New. Zealand to join in the wild rush for the diggings. Tom Campbell makes an implacable enemy in hie first day on the goldfield, by thrashing the bully of the camp, “Patch” Wilson. “Patch” takes to highway robbery for a living, and with his gang he holds up the coach, when Dorothy and her little boy are journeying to visit Tom. “Patch” carries off the boy to his hiding-place in the hills. Tliere is a thrilling sequel, _in which a noble example of self-sacrifice is recorded. The picture ends on a rather pathetic note. Besides “The Birth of New Zealand” there is to be seen at both theatres an amusing comedy < featuring Marion Davies. “Getting Mary Married” it' is called, and it unfolds. a. clever story about a will. A special matinee for Boy Scouts is announced for this morning. MARIE TEMPEST TO-NIGHT. This evening, at the. Grand Opera House, under the J. C. Williamson direction, Miss Marie Tempest, Mr. Graham Browne, and their worldtour company, will make their reappearance in a new comedy, “Tea for Three.” Of “Tea for Three” the critic of the Sydney “Evening News” writes: “When you have been in love with another man’s wife before they married, you want to nourish the sentimental memories of that fading romance; and the way to do it is to gaze into her eyes over afternoon tpa every Thursday afternoon. Such rosemary love ends in making the husband furiously, jealous, lest, you and his wife, may some day tread the primrose path to a decree nisi. This is discovered by the wife (Marie Tempest), and the friend (Graham Browne) in the new play, “Tea For Three,” by Roi Cooper Megrue. So the rabid jealously of the husband (Ashton Jarry) had to be diverted—or deluded—by one device or another. Just how the two platonic lovers tamed the husband must be left for your solution when you see the play. It is a play which necessitates some sharp notes of melodrama

in a smooth fantasia of delightful talk. How Miss Tempest shines in the talk, all her devotees (whose name is multitude) may well imagine. She is incomparable—tho charm of her lilting conversation is happiness for the oldest and youngest playgoer alike. And so can Mr. Browne talk. One of his duties in this play is to make love in pretty language; not by the touching of fingers a.nd lips, but by the magic of mellifluous words The play is a comedy with a taste and flavour quite out of the ordinary, and one will be sorry for anybody who. misses it.” “Tea for Three” will be played till Tuesday next. On Wednesday and two following nights will be presented another sparkling comedy, also new here ■—“Mr. Pim Passes By,” to be followed next week by “Penelope,” “Outcast,” “The Great Adventure.” “The Marriage of Kitty.” The plans for the first six nights (“Tea For Three” and “Mr. Pim Passes Bv”) are open at the Bristol. A feature of “Tea For Three” is said to be the elaborate cosr tumes worn by Miss Tempest. QUEEN’S THEATRE. There can be no question as to the excellence of the latest story in film land, “The Blue Mountains Mystery,” produced at the Queen’s Theatre yesterday, for it is one of the most attractive of the many Australian productions. Whilst the setting is niarvellously beautiful, and the glories of Sydney harbour lend l enchantment to the story, the plot is a mystery most difficult to solve until the very’ end, when the mastercraft of tho author relieves the tense situation, and makes an ending quite worth while seeing the picture out for. The perfection of the production is seen in the wonderful dressing, the natural acting, the connected story, and the splendid setting so complete in every detail. The public will welcome this excursion into the domain of romance by Australian folk., and the manner in which advantage is taken, of Australia’s lovcIv scenery, for Messrs. E. J. and Dan Carroll’s fine production has struck an attractive note well worthy of being developed to its fullest extent. A feature of the acting is Miss Ivy Shilling’s graceful dancing, while the cast right through is worthy of the theme they so faithfully portray. The story produced by Air. Raymond Longford, was adapted from Harrison Owen’s book, “The Mystery of Mount Marunga,” and concerns the supposed murder of a retired squatter at a fashionable hotel at Kntoomba, in which his daughter becomes involved, and is sentenced to death for a crime she is innocent <tf, while both her fiance and a would-be lover get involved in the mystery of the crime. The audience are kept in delightful suspense, until the story of the kidnapping of the real squatter, his impersonation by the dead man, and the guilt of the real wife of the impersonator is confessed. The caste, all Australian, is a most appropriate one, the roles being filled by players who must have been specially selected for the parts they fill, for there is no sign of a hitch throughout. Miss Marjory Osborne, Sydney’s, accomplished society beauty, who plays the adventuress, is only excelled by Miss Berme Vero in the' role of tho squatter’s daughter. Mr. John Faulkner, as tho two Henry Tracey’s (managed with excellent skill), Air. Vivian Edwards as the handsome intriguer, and Air. Bill Williams as tho hero, supported by a good company, were responsible for a finished production.

The supporting bill is an attractive one The programme is produced twice daily, the big feature starting at 2.50 and 8.50 p.m. “THE SIGN ON THE DOOR.” Last night was the concluding night of tho season of Miss Afaude Hanaford and Air. W. J. Kelly in “The Sign on the Door,” played, at the Grand Opera House during the past week. It is with regret that Wellington audiences part from these taro artists whose restrained and powerful acting in a decidedly melodramatic play was remarkably fine. Applause was frequently bestowed, and the action of the play was followed with tense interest. Few if any of those present in the Opera House knew from her acting that Aliss Hanaford was suffering from an attack of influenza and was playing “against orders.”

It is now almost impossible to make a house burglar-proof, says a police official j the modern criminal is eo clever.