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Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 284, 26 August 1922, Page 14

Eva Novak, starring in the Universal special “The Smart Sex,” is one of the head-liners at the Queen’s Theatre in Wellington this week. An amusing farmyard scene and a backscene of an amateur night at a theatre are two notable features of the photo-play.

An interesting item of news for Vaudeville patrons is the announcement by the Fuller management that the Walter George Revue Company hasi been reorganised in Sydney and will be leaving foi; the Dominion in about two months’ time. With the exception of George Storey and Walter George the reorganised show is composed entirely of new blood.

Mr. Arthur Stigant, a comedian who has been to New Zealand as a “dame” five times already is the quiet jolly type of Englishman who appreciates the open air and camaraderie of the colonies, but he is never ashamed to say where ho was born. “Chatham, Kent,” he says, "Panoramas in the garden at an early age, theatricals in the nursery, histrionics in extense —and hero we are. What about it?” Mr. Stigant will appear at the Grand Opera House to-night as “Mr. Meebles,” the much harassed magistrate in “The Boy,” the latest J. 0. Williamson musical comedy.

At one time, not so many years ago, it was considered infra dig for a highclass actor to appear in vaudeville, but that illusion was forever shattered when Sarah Bernhardt, one of the foremost players of her generation, filled various engagements in the Continental music-halls, her example soon being followed in England by Mrs. Langtry and other popular players. American audiences similarly applauded Ethel Barrymore and similar stars. The next point that presented itself was the cabarets, the same old cry being raised, "Undignified I” Nevertheless during the past season, Irene Bordoni, the charming French comedienne who was starring in “The French Doll.” appeared nightly at, a cabaret, following her theatrical performance, wearing elaborate costumes and singing a few ditties, for the acceptable remuneration of £SOC a week.

A challenge issued by “Film House” ('Hie N.Z. Picture Supplies Ltd.) to all the other film exchanges in Wellington for a football match, has been accepted. The match will take place next Tuesday at Kelburn/Park at 3 p.m. sharp. Both the chosen teams have been training hard for some time, and everything points to a great match, as several “dark horses” are included on both sides, while the comedy part of the programme should also prove of a highly interesting and amusing nature. At night the Combined Film Exchanges of New Zealand will give their first dance at St. Peter’s Hall which promises to eclipse anything attempted in this nature before as several novelties will be Introduced for the first time in the Dominion. >

Wonderful business was being done in London by “Tons of Money” when the last mail left. This is possibly the funniest farce since “Ch'arley’s Aunt,” and the “Beggar’s Opera.” In spite of the fact that it is located in the suburban fastnesses of Hammersmith, it continues its wonderful career of success. Sir Charles Hawtrey, most delightful of light comedians, still draws crowded houses to witness his inimitable performance in “Ambrose Applojohn’s Adventure.” Mr. Seymour Hicks has an obstinate success in his own adaptation from the French, “The Man in Dress Clothes,” and there arc no signs of an abated popu. larity so far as concerns the musical comedy, “Sally,” in which Mr. Leslie Henson and Mr. George Grossmith are appearing at the Winter Garden Theatre.