ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 174, 11 April 1923, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. The performance of the quaint and mirthful Irish comedy drama, \ “Molly Bawn,” was witnessed by another appreciative audience at the Grand Opera House last evening. A charming impersonation—Teddy Luttrell, Molly’s ardent lover—is given by Mr. Allen Doone. Mr. Doone is soundlv supported by Miss Edna Keeley, Mr. Charles Brown, Miss Adelie Inman, Messrs. R. Bellavis, Ronald Riley, J V. White, Maurice Lynch, and Kevin Kerrigan. “IN OLD DONEGAL.” To-morrow ■ evening “In Old Donegal’’ will be produced. The motive in tiffs play is supplied by a battle of wits between Larry Donovan, son of an embarrassed farr»er (played by Mr. Allen Doone), and an unscrupulous group of “takes” in the person of the Callaghans, father and son, aided and abetted—apparently—by one AV addy, a solicitor, who privately has an axe of his own to grind, which he does to tho manifest discomfort of the Callaghans. In the part of Larry, Mr. Doone plays one of those parts within a part, in which lie shows his genius for disguise. Incidental to the performance he sings several of his popular numbers, including “Tunes' We Love to Hear on Paddy’s Day.” The lawyer Waddy and- boy Tim (played by Mr. Morry Lynch and Miss Connie Kyte <espective!y)‘are described as quite Dickensesque in conception. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “Manslaughter,” a Paramount film, featuring Beatrice Joy and Thomas Moighan, is the attraction at Everybody’s Theatre this week. The remainder of the cast is a strong one, and the story points a moral of the day. Lvdia is a speed maniac, a spoilt daughter of the richest society, whoso jaded nerves are continually seeking the thrills that satiety with life demands. She has several escapes from a sudden and inelegant death while

defying the law in her car, and her nights are as hectic as her days are swift. At one of her parties she han as an attraction tho spectacle of two girls boxing in deadly earnest, ’ and the spectator is led to the analogy of the decay of ancient Rome by a cutback showing old gladiatorial combats. O’Bannon, a magistrate, forms a strong attachment for the wayward girl, but when her speeding is the cause of tho death of a police trap, ho sentences her to three years’ imprisonment. Regenerated, she emerge" in time to save him from tho follie" of dissipation, into which hjj has plunged to forget her. Tho support# ere good, and the musical programme excellent.

EMPRFaSS THEATRE. Douglas Fairbanks is ever fresh in his films. He has the knack of forgetting himself in the role of the moment. and in “One of the Blood,” at the Empress Theatre, he is seen in a congenial part as a young man seeking adventure in Mexico. After duck ing Villa, the bandit, in a pond, he leaves for Europe, and the rest of the story is laid in a little principality at the foot of the Tyrolese Alps, wher" bp undertakes to frustrate the design • of an ambitious Minister of the Crown. Strangely drawn to an old man, he finds that he is the King in disguise, and after much intrigue nm 1 hair-raising “stunts” by Fairbanks, it turns out that lie himself is the longlost son, and heir to the throne. Thenceforward his life is attempted every few moments, but he finds time to meet the one girl in the world, and eventually clean up the .wholegang of dishonest courtiers.. Scenroally, the film is very beautiful. It is supported by a Mermaid comedy, and a thrilling film version of a motor tour. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

The wonderful cleverness of the animals in Apdale’s Zoo circus makes tlhe antics of the baboon comedian, “Mutt” seem almost human. Monkey mischief takes its way with dogs and the other animals of the troupe, but in an ordered manner that shows the result of careful training. The dogs stay on the ground, and so does the anv-eater. but the monkeys, large and small, use the scenery for many of their turns. “Mutt” catches balls thrown by members of the audience very cleverly. The bears ride cycles, and one plays a banjo. The dogs are remarkably clever, especially a somersaulting terrier and a skipping poodle. Mr. Sam Stern, the English comedian, sings “I Want a Man/’ and Italian songs. One of the best acts is that of Nell and Bradley Shaw, who vocalise, dance, and play the trombone. Lane and Howard are banjoists, and the Reece sisters dance and sing well. “Sunbonnet Sue” is the latest revue of the English Sunshine Company, full of fun and music. The bill is good, and the orchestra an added delight. PRINCESS THEATRE.

As Anna Webb, in. “Silver Wings,” the star attraction in the new programme at the Princess Theatre, Mary Carr has one of the most sweetly convincing old-lady parts ever screened. She is the mother of a long string of children, of whom Harry is her favourite; he can do no wrong. She spoils the handsome boy, who gets dragged into questionable schemes, and takes to the feverish pleasures of the city night life. It is John, the weak one of the family, who disappears to save tho mother’pain. Harry brings the family to ruin, but the motherlove can sec nothing wrong in this. She forgives him. everything, and the picture closes with her confidingly falling in with his fresh plans for the future. The story is compellingly real, without being sad. The other films are a Mack Sennett comedy, and “A Bathtpb Romeo,” a splendid Fox comedy.

VIOLIN AND PIANO RECITAL. The recital to be given in the Town Hail Concert Chamber to-night by Misses Frances and Endora Henry is expected to prove of more than ordinary interest. The principal items to be performed are the Mozart Violin Concerto in D. with beautiful and elaborate cadenzas by Ferdinand David, and Grieg’s Piano and Violin Sonata in G. Groups of shorter pieces Include Ballade No. 1 (Brahams) and Jeux d’Eau (Ravel), for piano solo; “Chant du Nord” (Chaminade), Dragonflies (Zsolt), Mazurka (Zarzycki), Shd others for violin —altogether a most enjoyable programme. The box plan is atrhe Bristol.