ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 301, 15 September 1922, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING’S THEATRE. “Where Is My ’Wandering Boy Tonight?” said to have been inspired by the words of the famous song bearing this title, will bo the feature film of the new programme at the King’s Theatre to-night. It is quite a modern story of what befell a youth who forsook the counter of a village store for the allurements and excitements of Broadway. From the country to the ja2z cafe of the big city is a big stride, which, as might be expected, knocks the youth off his balance and leads him into all sorts of trouble. From this, however, ho is saved by that most enduring and beautiful human quality, mother love. There are many big scenes incidental to the telling of the story, including a terrific head-on collision between two giant locomotives, scenes in New York’s famous Broadway, and a thrilling gaol-breaking episode, and unique scenes taken behind, a New York theatre. There will be the usual good selection, of supporting films, while the musical programme will be in the capable hands of Mr. L. D. Austin.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Sixteen duels, a man holding up a broken bridge while three riders cross it, the stealing of a queen’s jewels, a desperate fight with a conscienceless woman for their recovery, the smashing of one of the greatest intrigues or history-—these are but a few of the dramatic incidents in Douglas . Fairbanks’s sixth United Artists’ picture, “The Three Musketeers” at Everybody s Theatre. Based on the marvellous adventures and escapades of the dashing D’Artagnan and three of King Louis XIII's Musketeers, this photoplay unfolds the history of France in the early seventeenth century when that monarchy was dominated by the designing and crafty Cardinal Richelieu. No mor© vivid and picturesque tale has been presented on the screen than this.

EMPRESS THEATRE. The Empress Theatre management announce another big double-feature programme for to-day. The first is “Greater Than. Love.” Originality is the keynote in this picture. .It has faith for its theme, and for its dramatic motif the' regeneration of a group of “painted lilies,” of New York’s gav life, who toil not but cunningly spin. The force of this story is abetted in its entertainment aspect to th© feminine portion of the audience by the dresses worn by the actresses. The stars are Mahlon Hamilton, Louise Glaum, and Betty Francisco. Fred Niblo, creator of “The Three Musketeers” and “Mother o’ Mine,” directed the picture. The second feature is “Phil for Short,” starring Evelyn Greeley. It is a comedy drama with abundance of humour. Evelyn Greeley as Phil, a “boy,changes an old professor from a woman-hater to an ardent and devoted husband. Sunports are episode 8 of “The Blue Fox” serial, “Step Forward,” a Mack Sennett comedy, and a Gaumont Graphic. Another special announcement, is the screening of the great battle for the Chelmsford Stakes in Sydney last Saturday between Gloaming and Beauford, which, by special arrangement, arrived from Sydrey yesterday by the Ulimaroa. Mr. H. G. Avery has collected a programme of attractive music for the Empress distinctive orchestra.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. ■ f The story of “The Trap,” the Uni-versal-Jewel film which comes to the Queen’s Theatre to-day was especially written with the peculiar accomplishments of Lon Chaney in mind. It is powerful story of the northern woods i.i which Chaney, as Gaspard, a French-Canadian trapper, presents a study in character that ranks with Silas Marner, Eliot’s classic. Lucien Hubbard, scenario editor, and Chaney put th ein heads together for this story, and hatched out a plot which they presented to Irving G. Thalberg, general manager. He contributed a few deft touches, and the story that has been acclaimed as one of the masterpieces of the screen was ready for filming. It. is a tlufee-man story, acted by the “man of. a thousand faces.” An exceptionally strong cast was engaged to support Chaney, so that he made his debut as a star under the (most auspicious ji irciimstanaes. Fiom the first showing of the picture his success was assured. There will also be shown the third chapter "f “With Stanley in Africa,” and the latest International News and other supporting items. The Queen s Symnhonv Orchestra, under the direction, of Mr. A. H. Jerome, will provide snecial music. The box plan is at the theatre.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The attractions of the programme at His Majesty’s Theatre are demonstrated by the appreciation shown for every item. Count Fillipini is one of the few solo performers, most of the acts being carried out by “doubles. He has a tuneful baritone, and is heard to advantage in several opqra morceaux. Hector Napier, the human spider, and Mdllo. Leone, the clever roller-skating spinner, are the only additional solo performers. The others are: —Les Videos, daring and graceful skaters; Pastor, the funny fiddler, and his partner Madge Merle, shapely and graceful soubretto; Carlton and Roslyn, witty and attractive; the Kelroy trio, clever acrobats and wire-walkers , George Hirsto and Eva Vcnton, in songs and sketches; and Delavale and Vockler, humourists and vocalists. Mr. Frank Crowther’s orchestra is both efficient and tuneful.

PRINCESS THEATRE. What is promised as the greatest Western photodrama ever made, h:>s been produced by Universal with Harry Carev in the starring role. Believing in the widespread appeal of the West of to-day, with its thrilling romance and picturesque realism, they decided to make a “super-Western picture. It is “The Fox,” now showing at the Princess Theatre, and is the first super-production to be made by the long popular Western star Harry Carey. In this picture some of the finest and most reckless, horsemanship ever screened is shown. ing a dramatic punch and a quivering thrill of suspense in every one of its surprising twists, it is said to sweep everything before it in its swift ll ’sh of plot—its blow upon blow of . the most absorbing situations ever devised. And through all the vigorous action and thrills and spectacle runs a thread of sentiment that binds the interest with a strength as powerful and a.s satisfying as human sympathy itselt. The picture is said to work up to .a climax that will leave any audience in the world breathless—and satisfied.

EKETAIIUNA PICTURES. On Saturday night at the Public Hall, Ekctahuna, the. local Picture Co. will screen a British production, adaptcd from the pen of lan MacLaren, and entitled “The Bonnie Brier Bush. This book has been read by millions. The picture follmfs very closely the story, and it is delightful, quaint and a strong story to set off undoubted educational qualities. The atmosphere is Scotch as is the actual locality, for the picture was filmed mainly in Scotland. The story takes us back nearly sixty years; the picture is a pace of Scottish life about the year 1870. In addition, the second episode of the Universal serial, Mith Stanley in Africa,” will be screened It "-ives a vastly interesting travel series. “The Affairs of Anatol” is also to be screened at an early date.

NICOLA, THE MAGICIAN. Opening at the Grand Opera House on Tuesday next, under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., is the famous who visited Australia some years ago, and caused a great interest by his remarkable performance. It is said that the quickness of Nicola’s illusions leave the audience in a state of bewilderment. Nicola’s opening act is divided into five scenes, in each of which he represents a conjuror whom the magician has met in his travels. The first scene is at the Emperor’s Court in Pekin", with Ching Ling Foo as the central figure. Among his nccomplishi ments he gives an amusing example !of fishing in thq air, and demonstrates 'how smugglers can beat the authorities. A street in India is the next scone. Impersonating a famous Hindu fakir, Hassan Bux, Nicola places a lady in a basket, and then passes a sword through it. He also burns and restores a turban. In Egyptian surroundings, as Prince Rameses, he creates a. beautiful lady out of a rug, a bone and a hank of .lair, and transforms himself from one individual to another. Nicola’s next impression is that of an eccentric burlesque magician from the Argentine in a series of amusing feats. The my=terv of the glass house of Diogenes, a display of sleight-of-hand work, card manipulation, the “Austral Bride,” and the silver spirit .band are included in the evening’s work. In the second act, Nicola performs’what is said to .be an astonishing levitation experiment, passing a hoop and stick all round the floating lady. The Simla seance, in which the audience are. treated to spirit phenomena, the Tientsin tery, and th© endless production of eggs from an empty hat, and a.clever substitution mystery, in which, in loss than two seconds. Nicola dissappears from view, and takes the place ot a lady who has been tied in a bag and roped in a box, are amongst the many clever illusions. The box plans are open at the Bristol for the first six nights and Saturday matinee.

STRASBURG CLOCK EXHIBITION Many are the thrilling, things or interest to the tourist in Strasburg to-day, but that which impresses the beholder most is the wonderful clock in the majostic cathedral. Hundreds crush in their efforts to gain admission to the cathedral at 12 o’clock each day to witness the wondrous workings of this marvellous piece of mechanism. Wellington folks can see the celebrated working model of this great clock any afternoon from 2 till 5, or evening 7 till 10 in Gordon and Gotch s «ld premises. Lower Cuba Street (opposite the Town Hall).

“One cold night at 10 o’clock this old man was found wandering about by a constable, and asked to be locked up,” stated Sub-Inspector McNamara in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when Richard McKay was charged with being idle and disorderly. “He was an inmate of the Salvation Army Horae at Miramar, but left that institution. The authorities are prepared to take him back, but he will not go. He is 72 years of age, and if he is turned out again he will probably be found dead in the morning.” Accused declared that he had means of support-. The Magistrate (Mr. W. G. Riddell): “The only thing is to send you to gaol for three months. You cannot be allowed to wander about at nights.”