ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 5, 30 September 1922, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING’S THEATRE. The story of self-redemption possesses an indefinable appeal to erring human nature, and the greater thp struggle against-.self the warmer the admiration for the conquest. In ‘ the Prodigal Judge,” screening at the King’s Theatre. is such a story powerfully unfolded. Judge Turberville, the head and centre of legal and moral authority of his cotton-planting district on the lower Mississippi, takes to drink as the result of his wife’s clopeluent, and travels the States cardsharping, until by the web of Fate he is brought into touch with his little eon, Hannibal, who, since the death of his mother, is cared for by a woodsman. He is adopted by Betty, heiress of a o-rcat plantation. Here, aftgr a gradual descent, conies Turberville. who . lias lost all save the manly virtue of ' courage. Accompanied in his wanderings by a former sycophant of his civic greatness, he recognises the boy by an old family possession. The seducer of his wife, Colonel Fautrcss. is the leader of a lawless gang in the district, tho selltappointcd guardian '/ and robber of Betty’s inheritance, luriberville hero enters upon his regeneration. The real man comes back. He helps in defending Betty, and a find sceng js that in which he insults his betrayer. That night, while writing his will, his friend places whisky at his elbow, and the force of habit does ■ the rest. The pitiful failure in life, ;his erstwhile hanger-on hides his clothes ' and steals away in the dawn while Turberville sleeps the drunkard’s sleep, to keep the engagement with Fautress. who pistols him in the duel. _ Turberville comes in time to avenge him. Real thrills by the passage of a houseraft through awesoms rapids, a pretty lovey story, and magnificent photography, add to the appeal of this fine film, in which the character study of the vagabond judge is a Jew. A Christie comedy, “The Barnyard Cavalier,” deSgrves more than passing mention. Robbie Vernon undertakes to burlesque “The Three Musketeers.” He is seen jin a laughable vision as D’Artagnan in Paris, and when he wakes as Zeke, ’the farmyard, drudge, and. essays to capture the farmer’s daughter by the of the French hero, the result jis inimitably ludicrous. The bizarre ■fidelity of the burlesque to the “Big Fouris” masterpiece on which it is modelled is its chief charm. A Chester scenic of Manchuria. “Save Your Car Fare,” is most interesting, and the Gazette contains vivid _ scenes of the , wreckage of civil war in Ireland, inri eluding the bombardment of- The Four Courts. The programme is a. first-rate one throughout, and the King’s Orchestra, under Mr. L. D. Austin, sur,'passed itself in the concomitant music, notably in the overture “Pique Dame” (Suppe). THE EMPRESS. . Somewhere in his writings Dr. JohnIson./ sagely observed that the tiny chains that bound men to their habits were too strong for them, making a jest of human plans. _ Man rarely brings will-power to his aid to break himself of these habits. This is the theme for a new success on the film by Mildred Harris, who is thp star in i ' “Habit,” screening at the Empress Theatre. In the title role of Irene Fletcher, a Fifth Avenue heiress, who 1 disdains to wear blue on Tuesdays, ■ Miss Harris exhibits her best talent in ! / depicting scenes in the life of a charm- ' ing girl, who is a victim of the habit I of pretty things. The play is full of ! interest, especially for those who like ! the gay life of one of New York’s ! modem hotels, which makes a jazz of I, business and a business of jazz. Those

I interested in artistic dressing will see here gowns that are reputed to have cost five figures. The thrills are kept for the supporting picture, ‘Jacko, the Super-Monkey.” The feature turns of a big circus are shown, to give a, setting for the abduction of a baby. Sitting in a chair, watching the rehearsal, the baby attracts the attention of an eagle, that releases itself from its cage, swoops on th 6 child, and carries it off to its eerie in the cliffs. Rarely has the film succeeded in producing so convincingly the events that follow, which include the attempt by a dirigible at the rescue, the breaking of a rope, holding would-be rescuers, who are dashed to their death thousands of feet below, and the gallant efforts of Jacko, who scales the rocky fastness aaid brings the child to safety. Excellent supports are episode 10 of “The Blue Fox,” “Noah, Put the Cat Out” (cartoon), “Save lour Car Fare” (Chester outing), and Gaumont Graphic. The Empress distinctive orchestra, under Mr. H. G. Avery, plays delightful incidental music. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Those who "have missed seeing “The Love Light” at Everybody’s Theatre, and those who have seen it, will welcome the chance of another opportnnity of seeing Mary Pickford in this glorious drama of modern life and the wonderfully vivid incidents surrounding the lives of the participants. The picture is probably the best Miss I ickford hah ever appeared in. There'is some excellent fooling in the early stages df the production, the plot is vivid and absorbing, and as it develops lie love-light and joy is turned to tragedy and again to a _ charming adventure and a happy ending. Th* supports are particularly good, anu include a drama, “A Madonna of the Slums, a Jewel drama, the latest Pathe Gazette and a Roberts and Cole comedy, i “He’s a Devil.” The orchestra gs re- | sponsible for some excellent selections. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Heading the new bill at the Queen’s Theatre is “Duds,” a Goldwyn production, in which Tom Moore is seen at his best. The popular star takes keen delight in interpreting tlm role of Captain Plunkett, a fighting man, who is more at hom e in a uniform than in dress suit, and who is not exactly enamoured of the prospects of life as a civilian. Then arise tbreaupiling clouds on. the horizon* then comes the f pportunity to participate in the big adventure. That 11® succeeds in matching his wits and nerve against clever, unscrupulous opponents who move with the cautious vigilance of men fighting in the dark, only a picture such as “Duds” can portray. Action and thrill follow in rapid succession, and a fitting qlimax is reached when the hero saves from exposure the father of the girl, with whom he has been associated m so many adventures) and whom he has learned to love. The second feature, .'.‘Second Hand Rose,” features Gladys Walton, who in this study is called upon to impersonate a style of girl vastly different from the flapper type which has made her famous. The theme is a delightful one, and pathos and humour are successfully. interspersed. Also screened are the latest International News, opieal Gazette, Century comedy, and a further instalment of the history play, “With Stanley in Africa.” The orchestra, under the baton of Mr. A. H Jerome, adds to the success of the cm .tertainment. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The week’s programme at His Majesty’s Theatre is replete with humour and capital vocal and instrumental items. The Walhalla Brothers opened the show last night with their _ humorous violin playing and hat-tossing act,

and were followed by David McGill, baritone, whose tuneful singing was greatly appreciated. Rosa Loader and her partner Laney were clover in their comedy and vocal items. Hyman Len<ser, violin virtuoso, Donald Stuart, magician, and Eva Venton and George Hirste. in their “Boardinghouse Episode,” were all in high favour. the new arrivals from America, Melville and Stetson, are at home in their songs and dances. Count Filipino s operatic solos have won him the fawur of his audiences. Ling and Long and tho De Lucca Brothers also give excellent turns. On Monday the famous animal troupe, Everest’s monkeys, will make their first. appearance, ibis is described as one of the biggest acts secured by the Fuller management for a considerable time. MADAME D’ALVAREZ.

That the coming to Wellington of Madame d’Alvarez is arousing unusual interest was manifested in tho large attendance at tho box office since early yesterday morning. This distinguished singer will give her first concert id the Town Hall on Tuesday evening next, under the direction of Messrs. J and N. Tait. During Madame d’Alvarez’s recent season in bydney tho “Daily Telegraph’s” music writer said: “From a dark and bcauoifti French-Spanish womna, with name run of romance and singing the beguiling songs of ‘Carmen’ and Delilah one 'expects that ardour which expresses what we, more southern still, are consent to call "The South.’ Madame d’Alvarez is eminently beguiling; rna like. ‘Carmen’ a bit. of the south. Standing, gloaming in pearls and in ivory satin, after ‘Softly Aw_akes My Heart,” with head thrown back and hands outstretched, sue lookcd priestess of some antique cult. It is doubtful whether a woman of h ° grace has ever sung m Australia. Madame d’Alvarez’s voice is a rich mezzo-contralto, the high notes sn ect Md rippling, and the lower of resonant contralto quality !’■ SUttge a reserve of power, which prof es itself in a dramatic climax in winch d A!varez is thrilling. The ‘SeguidiUe’ from ‘Carmen’ was superb, tho singing was as beautiful as *he> interpretation was dramatic. She is temperamental, moved by the thoughts of poets and composers. She is a great artist. Varied programmes will bo at the three concerts on Thursday, and Saturday next, and the box plans of reserved seats are now open at tho Bristol.

PRINCESS THEATRE. The great silence of the Yukon furnishes the setting for the latest Goldwyn success, “The Girl Irom Outside,” the film version of Rex Beach s famous novel, which was the feature picture of tho new programme at t ie Princess Theatre last evening. io story deals with the adventures of a young girl whose father dies while on a trip io Nome, Alaska, where lie was proceeding to replenish, he fondly im* aained, his shattered fortunes. Accordingly'June (Clara Horton) lands an orphan in a land which knows only cne type of woman, a locality in which innocence an<j honesty are. exotic flowers, and a town where riot and. vice run rampant. She is. befriended by a coterie of crooks, five in number, but her radiant influence reforms the whole gang. Events move swiftly, and in the end the. girl from outside finds love and happiness, but only as the result of the self-sacrifice of Curly Kid, the young crook whose devotion was more to him than life itself, fine second attraction is entitled Social Briars,” with Mary Miles Minter in the lead. A pretty girl, she had a wonderful voice, but could the sman town of Dalton hold her. and was she to wed a “nobody”? Experience, bit-

ter and dangerous, gave her the answer. The picture is unusually strong, and depicts some episodes. The usual topicaj, and a Christie comedy, are also screened.

SHORTTS” THEATRE.

The danger of marrying for money, even though it may be excusable on tho ground that good is intended to be done with it has seldom been so vividly displayed as in the Paramount production, “The Ordeal,” now showing at Shortts’ Theatre. Set amidst magnificent scenerv, and aided by the wonderful acting of Agnes Ayres, is worked out a tremendous drama of married life devoid of lovo, and where riches are a mockery. A husband with a weak heart and addicted to drink becomes jealous as he observes the friendship existing between his wife and a young doctor. A scene occurs in which the husband is knocked down by the wife’s brother. To get even, the husband alters his will, leaving everything to his wife on condition that after his death she does not remarry. He dips suddenly, and her brother and sister, regardless of all she has done for them, makes his death an excuse for their extravagance. If she remarries and loses the money, they will find themselves in “queer street.” It is in dealing with situations arising out of these conditions that Agnes Ayres acts with consumpiato skill. Roscoe Arbuckle has returned after a long absence, and all who were wont to revel in his antics will be given another chance by seeing the rollicking comedy, “The Travelling Salesman. A travelogue, showing the Japanese island of Formosa, is deserving of more than passing notice. It is one of the most interesting pictures of travel screened in Wellington for some time. There is also a “Gaumont Graphic ot absorbing interest.

STRAND THEATRE.

Patrons of the Strand Theatre are provided with a real treat in the new programme. Romance, adventure, ano mystery are features of “The Invisible Fear,” in which the acting of Anita Stewart is a triumph. To depict a woman possessed by the fear of having committed a dreadful crime, until the thought of it completely unbalances her, is very difficult, yet Miss Stewart accomplishes it. One is kept on tenterhooks of expectation—the sense of mystery is well sustained. Larry bemon is> starred in “Tho Sawmill, where his antics are marvellous. He holds one breathless with the risks he takes, and' yet compels screams .ot laughter at tifeii humour. Few stories of the work of the secret service have equalled “The Wakefield Case. Herbert Rawlinson appears in the chief role, and he handles, all the situations with consummate shrill- Thrill thrill in rapid succession as a battle of wits between the secret service agent and the criminals ofThree continents is fought out. There is a capital supporting programme.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE

To-day’s big bill, commencing at the matinee' at 2 p.m., will present the picture “JVhere is My Wandering Boy To-night?” an Equity production described as another ‘Over the Hill. On the same programme Eva Novak wiH, appear in the six-reel comedy scream, “Up in Mary’s Attic,” a picture of genuine incident, a an merriment. On Monday and Tuesday tho Selznick mystery drama. , Johp Smith,” will head the new bill, which also includes Shirley Mason in Very Truly Yours.” Wednesday s . change will present Norma Talmadgc in The Sign on the Door.” Hus is* a new Sf-roen triumph for Miss Talmadge, who rises to great dramatic heights in a powerful, moving story, with a. rtiong undercurrent of romance. On the same

bill Earle Williams appears in “Tlie Man Who Would Not Tell,” whilst Anita Stewart in “The Invisible Fear” commences on Friday.

ORGAN RECITAL

Tho programme for the recital to be given by Air. Bernard F. Page (city organist) on Sunday evening at b.oO o’clock is as under: —Sonata in D Minor (Faulkes), Ibert’s Musette, >.occata and Fugue in E Major by Bach, Rhapsodic (Ao. 3), N. 7 (Samt-Saens), and Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite (Op. 4-6).

COMMUNITY CLUB CONCERT.

A remarkably good programme has been drawn up for the concert which will be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening in aid of the Community Club’s funds. The concert has been promoted by tho Territorial House Committee to help their own club along, and believing that such an effort should be supported local artists combined to present a concert that promises to prove one of the most successful of the 1 year. Signor Cesaroni, who is making his final appearance in Wellington, will be heard in Verdi s “Unhappy One n and Beethoven s iho Power of God,” which he will sing, in Eimland. Mr. Walter Goudie will suig “Harlequin,” Miss Kate Davis P? z ® r (soprano) “Carmena,” Miss Alary Fawthorpe (mezzo), Still as the Night,” and Mr. W. J. McKeon (bantone), “Lolita.” Aliss Adams, the winner of many prizes at the recent competition?, will recite “The Vicar s Presentation,” and Miss . HardmgeMaltby will supply a musical monologue. Instrumental music will be contributed by the Artillery Band Mrs. Burt’s orchestra, and Mr. E. Tanner (’cello solo). The Aeolian Quartet will sing “Comrades in Arms (Adams), Mrs. Albert Russell, will lead m community singing, special dancing will be given by Miss Dewsbury and pupils, and to complete the programme the Technical College Cadets will be seen in a special display of physical drill. Two companies of the Ist Battalion (Wellington Regiment), will be parading on Wednesday night, and in order to" give them an opportunity to attend the battalion headed by its own band, will bo marched from Buckle Street to the Town Hall. The Artillery Band will also play through the city streets.