ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 100, 13 January 1923, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

; KING'S THEATRE. ■ “Fain Lady,” shown, at the King’s Theatre last night, is a screen version ©f Rex Beach’s ‘‘The Net.” Thore Is the mysterious criminal whose identity is kept secret until the end is in sight; there is the beautiful lady whom the scoundrel has wronged, and there is the hero, a blonde American to whom ia reserved the delightful. if task of foiling the villain and claiming the hand of the fair one. ' Betty Blyth, tall and romantic-looking, is the heroine, Countess Margherita, of Sicily. She is about to wed tho Count Martinello when _Martfnello is murdered by the mysterious Belisario Cardi, the terror _of the countryside. From the ambush ~n which Martinello and several of his followers are slain, only his friend, tho American, Norvln Blake, escapes alive. Blake is secretly in love with the Countess, but she greets him with scorn when she learns from his lips that her lover is dead and that the devoted friend has survived the tragedy. She swears a vendetta after the Sicilian fashion, and devotes her. life to running the slayer to .earth. The scene is changed to . America —to the town of New Orleans, where the Italian quarter rings ‘with the name of Belisario, its scourge. Fate brings Blake again face to face with the beautiful Sicilian, whoso hand is sought by a Count Caesar Maruin. Unfortunately the woman and the American meet after the latter has become engaged, through a mere jest of fate., to another woman. The New Onleane chief of police is mysteriously informed that ta stevedore in the city is tho murderer of Martinello, and Blake is called upon to be present at tho arrest for tho purpose of identifying the man. He obeys tho summons. There is a big fight, and our hero leads captive tho stevedore, who has twice his physique. From this on Blake is marked by Belisario for death. His destiny becomes more and more deeply entangled with. that of tuo fair Sicilian, who is still bent upon avenging lier lover. Tho identity of the villain is at last disclosed in some exciting scenes, arid true love emerges triumphant. The setting of that part of the action which takes place in Sicily is notbly good, and the picture is screened to the accompaniment of really delightful music from ten hum s Orchestra, which may invariably be depended upon to please. The supporting programme includes a bright ‘‘Buster Keaton” comedy, Convict 18” a Gaumont Graphic, a Topical Budget, and a film giving further glimpses of life ‘‘behind the scenes m the kinema world.

: 1 EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. i After a phenomenally successful week at the King’s Theatre, D. W. Griffith’s masterpiece, “Orphans of the Btorm,” commenced a season at Everybody’s Theatre yesterday. Crowded patronage was recorded at all .sessions, and it is manifest that the popularity of this picture is. as great aa ever. Thq spectacular scenes are wonderfully realistic in “Qrphans of th» Storm.” The storm is actually the revolutionary tempest thaib tore, up tho roots or the. pernicious order of things that subsisted in Frame, and which culminated in the execution o. Louis XVI and his beautiful queen. In to this mighty upheaval the spectator is led, and the wondrous frenzy which seized the French masses is depicted with thrilling realism. Tho fighting at the street barriers, the fall of the Bastile, and the frightful orgy that ensued when all law and order was thrown to the winds, are strikingly interesting phases of the picture. The reckless dissipation and riotous festivities of the aristocracy aro exhibited in scenes of stupendous magnificence. A touching story of maidenly devotion and. heroic gallantry is skilfully interwoven into the enactment or the Revolution. Tho historic figures of the wilv .Robespierre and the mighty Danton play an important part in tho story. .The leading female roles are interpreted with exquisite artistry and charm by Misses Lillian and Dorothy Gish. An ausriented orchestra contributes appropriate incidental music, and adds enjoyment to the screening of the film. “Orphans o> the Storm” will be presented at all sessions daily until further notice.

EMPRESS THEATRE. Yesterday was a Croat day at the Empress Theatre, when “Just out of College,” starring Jack Pickford as Ed. Sawyer, with a good caste, was presented, 'tfhe hero is just rent of college when lie proposes to Caroline, daughter of the shrewd old Pickering, a .pickle maker. The father boldly gives Swinger a cheque for twenty thousand dollars and tells him ho can have the object of his love if he will double tho amount in thirty days. J. no scheme works in Pickering’s favour to the extent of fifteen thousand, which ho obtains by covertly selling Swinger some worthless oil stock. \vith five thousand left Swinger chances upon a woman who can make appetising pickles, and immediately solicits the aid of a college chum, who is ripe to make good in the advertising business, and has a large paternal backing for la first enterprise. It 19 really this chum who brings old Pickering to terms by a most persistent' and insidious system of advertising, Pickering is everywhere confronted by the glorification of “Binrro Pickles’ until he grows so uneasy that he decides to buy the rival concern before it becomes too formidable. Ho is met with stiff terms, 1(10,000 dols. and advertising costs. Pickering gives his check to 'the bank to bo cashed. He discovers too late that a larrre part of the “Bingo” picklo stock is simply a rebottling of his own product. Still more serious discovervia that Swinger is back of the organisation and 'has won his daughter. He is game .enough to make the best of the situation and to entertain something akin to respect for tho boy. Tho other picture is “A Tale of Two Worlds.” which pictures tho old conflict between East end West, between the subtietv and' stealthiness of the Oriental mind, and the downward ideas of tho white man. Tho plot is most ingenious,, and the lelimax very dramatic. Episode XI., "Ride for a Life,” of the serial, "Nan of the North,” .shows Ann Little in a favouritq role, where she has to ride a great race to save her lover from being sacrificed on a cross-cut saw to torture him to reveal a, secret. The Empress News is a topical picture, and the orchestra selections are enjoyable.

STRAND THEATRE. An ample measure of entertainment is provided on the triple-star bill which commenced at the Strand Theatre yesterday. The premier feature, “Tho Perfect Woman,” is a First. National production, starring the inimitable Conn’o Talmndge. As Mary Blake, Miss Talrnadgo plays the part of tho heroine to perfection, and. as only a woman can) she reduces to tho mos« abject submission a woman-hater who had for years been the despair of scheming mothers with marriageable daughters. Her vamping career is an eminently successful, one, and she employs her art, in a very capable manner on a gang of Rods. The climax ■is reached when the prosaic one acknowledges his defeat. In 1 Scrap Iron,” the second feature, Charles Ray portrays the role of a mill-worker, whose' mother induces him to abandon boxing, his favourite recreation. His decision results in his gaming a \ reputation for 'being “yellow,” but the outcome is one of the most thrilling fights that have been demoted in photo-nlav production. “High, and Dizzy.” the third 'big picture,, is a oomixly in which Harold Lloyd is seen at hi a best as a “stunt” artisb. . Strong supports are also shown.

WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS. Mr. Edward Branscombo’s Westminster Glee Singers inaugurate them Wellington season in tno Town Hall tonight. This combination is claimed to have no compeers in the world of public entertainment. The suigors have been personally chosen by Mr. Branscombe, himfelf an old V ostminster Abbey choir boy. .The opening programme will include, in addition to encore'numbers : Quintet, lake Thy Banner” ; madrigal, “Let me Careless and Unthoughtful Lying, ’ ‘King Henry's Swig” ; duet, “If I Wore a Bird’ 1 ; quabiet, “Tho Banks of Allan Water”; male alto solo, “Rosebud ; madrigal, “I’m going to my Lonely Bod”: ballot, “Now is tho Month of Maying” ; carol, “Tho Angel and the Shepherds”; tenor song, ‘Linden Lea"; soprano solo, “Orpheus with his Lute”; quartet, “My True, Love hath my Heart” ; baritone song, In Summertime on Bredon”; four nursery rhymes, “Little Miss Muffett, “Hush-a-byo Baby,” “Mary had a Little Lamb,” “Jack and Gill ; glee, “The Sells of St. Michael’s Tower.’ The personnel of the Westminster Glee Singers is as follows: Boy sopranos, Masters Leslie Snow, Leon Harper, Harry Collier, Ronald Thompson, and Albert Cooper; and Mr. Donald Reid, alto; Mr. Edward Branscombe,. tenor: Mr. Ellis Vizard, tenor; Mr. Alfred Cunningham, bass; and Mr. John An--draws, bass* The performance will commence at eight o’clock and patrons aro respectfully requested to be seated bw that hour, as the doors will be closed during each item. The box plan for to-night will be at the Bristol till noon, and thereafter at the Bluebird Confectionery, where the two and three shilling day sales may also be procured from 9 'a.m. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Tho attractive programme at His Majesty’s to-night gives way to new items on Monday next. Walter George’s Sunshine Players shine in> tho musical comedietta, “The Girl from the U. 5.,” with its catchy songs, capital comedy, girls and gaiety. Six (vaudeville acts of sterling merit are also staged by Pat Doonan, Golda, Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy Allen, Dolores, the Brackens, and Russell and. Frost. The orchestra is a host in itself.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. Heading the new bill at tho Queen s Theatre Ja “Cameron of the Royal Mounted,” the ■ photo-play adaptation of Ralph Connor’s story, "Corporal Cameron.” The play concerns the adventures of a young man who migrates to Canada as the. result of his being accused at a Scottish college of forging a cheque. He falls in lovo with the daughter of his employer, but, fearing that she may learn of the incident, leaves for another town, where ho joins tho Royal North West Mounted Police. In the end he clears hrs name, and the reconciliation is a. happy one. Tho remaining pictures include the latest Topical Budget, Selzmck News, a scenic, and a comedy. Special musio is played by the Queen’s Orcncstra.

PARAMOUNT AND ARTCRAFT. How a man leaves a crude Mexican border town in search of dreams, and almost ends his quest in a pit of hungry crocodiles is graphically described in “Fool’s Paradise/’ the star picture of tho new programmes at the Paramount and Artcraft Treatres. The story follows th© fortunes of Arthur Phelps, whose eyesight has boon impaired by war injury. Ho renews the acquaintance of Rosa Duchone, with whom ho fell in love while convalescing in a French hospital, but who now is the head of a band of strolling players. From over tho border conies Poll Patchouli, a dancer,' who has been compelled to flge from the ire of the keeper of the cantina, and while sheltering in Plielp's shack she learns to love her benefactor. As Rosa is ever in his mind, however, he repels her, but by a trick of the dancer’s he loses his eyesight entirely, and. while under the impression that she is his former nurse he marries her. . The sequel is the recovery of his sight through a clever operation, and the immediate repudiation of his wife’s claims. Suddenly becoming wealthy from lands which have risen in value he sets off in search of Rosa, whom hq finally finds at the temple in Siam. There ho encounters a. rival in the person or Prince Talat-poi. His fate is decided when on the day of the I east of the Living Sacrifice, Rosa casts hor. glove into tho pit of crocodiles, offering to marry the one who retrieves it Plhelps draws back, but rescues his rival, who has indulged the woman’s whim. Enlightened as to Rosa’s true colours, the Mexican leaves in disgust, and returns to the little town where his true love is waiting. The supporting programme is particularly strong, and special music is contributed.

WILLIAMSON MUSICAL COMEDY

COMPANY

At Wangjjnu) next Thursday the popular J. C. Williamson Musical Comedy Company will commence an inland tour, which includes Wanganui - Palmerston, Napier, Hastings, and Masterton. Of all the J.C.W. attractions that period’cally tour the Dominion, there is probably none more genuinely popular than the Musical Comedy Company. This is due to a great extent possibly to the excellent artistic nature of the organisetion, together with a repertoire that invariably challenges comparison with other standard musical shows. Certainly there is no artist more eagerlylooked for than Miss Maude Fane. Another comedian always welcome) is Mr. W. S. Percy. There are a number of other exceptionally clever people. Specially prominent are Messrs Field Fisljer, Poland Hogue, Cyril Ritchard, Cecil Kelleway, Jack Hooker, Misses Madge Elliott, Millie Engler, Floio Allen. '“A Night Out,” which is in two acts and five scenes, is described by one critic as ‘‘an effervescent, incomparable; and utterly irresistible kaleidoscopic musical triumph, bubbling and sparkling, a full CO seconds to every minute, a whirl of gir] ami a wealth of beautiful dances. The repertoire in two-night towns will be V A-'Night Out” and “Oh, Lady-ia-dy.” In Hastings, “A Night Out” wll be presented, and in Masterton “Oh,' Lady, Lady.” Tlio Wellington season commences on Saturday, January 27, with “A Night Out.”

GRAND THEATRE, FETONE. The big week-end attraction at the Grand, Potone, will present Douglas Fairbanks in United Artists’ latest super-feature, “When the Clouds Roll By ” On the same bill is a big comedy special, “The Vagrant,” featuring Lloyd Hamilton. Tho new bill for Monday and Tuesday will present 'Torn Mix in “The Fighting Streak.” It’s e Mix of the real sort—With Mix pursuing and being pursued—with fights that thrill and bits of love-making. On the same bill is a. Sunshine comedy special, “The Tin Broncho.” Wednesday's change will present Joe Dowling in “A Kentucky Colonel,” a vigorous Western tale, and Warren Kerrigan in “Tho Turn of a Card,” a tale of the oil wells and big cities. nexTErfday’s special bill will present Connie Tnlmadge in “The Perfect Woman” and Harold Lloyd in his comedy scream, ’“High and Dizzy.”

Mr. Allan Wilkio, Miss Hunter Watts, and members of the Allan Wilkie Shakespearean) Company left Wellington for Sydney yesterday by the LHimaroa. Tho company will rest until the middle of. March, when a 2} weeks’ season will commence at Adelaide. A season at Perth will follow, commencing on Easter Saturday, after which the company will tour the smaller towns of Western Australia before revisiting Tasmania and Melbourne. ‘

“BRAN PIE” OPENS TO-NIGHT. To-night at the Grand Opera House J. 0. Williamson, Ltd., will Pjoseut tho London revuo artist, Leo Mhite, iq, “Bran Pie,” a revue that had an exceptionally successful run in London and again in Australia.. Lee M nite has toured Australia twice, returning after the first visit to London. On her return the following from the “Sun,” Sydney, is most interesting: “The magic of Lee White’s smile is as potent as over. and as soon as it was glimpsed on Saturday,, when she made her reappearance in Sydney, there was an unmistakable . heartfelt welcome in the applause with which she was greeted. She stood a radiant figure in black and silver and sang song after song with quiet, unforced manner, yet she held everyone in the audience in ‘the hollow of her hand and did with us what she would. With Olay Smith to back her up by most sympathetically rendered accompaniments, they are an irresistible combination. It is the triumph of personality and a smile,” Use White is supported by a J. O. Williamson musical comedy company that includes many artists high up in the realms or the footlights. Clay Smith has been associated with the star for six years, in fact ©ver sine© th© original PJ®" miere of ü ßran Pio’/ in, London, fwo other performers with London reputations are Ernest Sefton and Lucine Beck. Lance Lister was recently through here as ‘The Boy’ in the musical comedy of that name. Maio Baird and Archie Thompson are dancers who have appeared in many of the firm’s leading musical shows. Other clever people in tho caste are Clarice Hardwick, Zoe Wonke, Muriel Cathcart, P. J. Julien, together with a specially picked chorus, ballet, and orchestra under the baton of Gustave Slapoffski. “Bran Pie” will be plaved for six nights only. Tho box plan for to-night’s performance is at the; Bristol till noon then at the Grand Opera House Confectionery, . where day sale tickets are also obtainable. SHORTT’S THEATRE. For the first time in a brilliant mirth-making career Harold Lloyd has come out in' a five-reel comedy. “Grandma’s Boy,” now showing at Shortt’s . Theatre, is the best example of oloan, wholesome, irresistibly funny picture that Harold Lloyd has starred in. In the part of a ooward and as a man who fears nought, but captures single-handed a brutal tramp, he is supreme. Apart from the wonderful humour there are the most unexpected and unlooked-for stunts, in which a Henry Ford plays a prominent part. The big, spectacled youth, for such is Lloyd in his appearance before thepublic, producers more real enjoyment to a toot of film than any other comedy actor of the screen, not even excepting Charlie Chaplin. . The second picture is tho screen version of Marie Corelli’s famous novel “Young Diana, with Marion Davies in the chief role. The picture, an intensely interesting and most human document, gains added force from the extravagance and the gorgeousness of tho setting. T.ho gowns wom by Miss Davies are indeed wonderful creations. It is the story of a woman asked to risk all to become the most beautiful woman in the world, and the answer she made thereto. The orchestra discourses an appropriate selection of music throughout.

x PRINCESS' THEATRE. Few pictures on their first showing in Wellington have created a sensation equal with that of “The Sheik. The Princess management, with an understanding of what the public demands, has secured this wonderful picture for a return visit. Thrilling as .was the hovel from wnich the picture is adapted, the film version leaves the book well behind. Life m the Arabian desert oomes right home to tho vorv doors of all who witness the picture. Ib contains the actual scenes ot the desert places in all their. tremendous desolation, ns well as. their marvellous beauty. Tho acting is as near to p«;fection as it is possible for acting to be Tho outstanding members of the cast are the beautiful Agnes Ayres and Rudolph Valentino, whoso acting in “The Sheik” and “The Four Horsemen” has been the talk of the world The wonderful force and strength and depth of feeling of the Arab receives strikin'* confirmation in a picture which cloes not travesty them, hut shows them as they really are lhe picture contains not a single dull moment, and there are.times when tho audience is left gasping as to what is to bo the next event in an ago of strange and marvellous things. Ibero is also a. capital supporting programme. _____________