ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 177, 14 April 1923, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. Week-end shopping and other attractions affected the “house” at the second performance of “In Old Donegal” by the Allen Doone Company at the Opera House last night, but the audience accorded the artists * flattering recklption, and this romantic comedy of peasant life in Ireland went with a awing. Allen Doone gave another faultless portrayal of the part of Larry Donovan, +he care-free, irresponsible aon of the Irish farmer; the audience were not slow to show their appreciation for his fine rendering oF Irish ballads. He was ably supported by Miss Adele Inman, as Mary Donovan, around whose love affairs the whole plot revolved. Miss Edna Keeley was charming in the role of Kate, who was in love with Larry, and the clot was ably borne along by the remaining members of the cast. “In Old Donegal”. will be continued till Tuesday evening, when “The Parish Priest' will be presented.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. So great an attraction has “Manslaughter” proved that the management of Everybody’s Theatre has decided to run it for yet another week. A great picture demands a great cast, and that has been secured in the acting of Thomas Meighan, Beatrice Joy, and Lois Wilson. It is impossible to complete a picture of the type of "Manslaughter,” depicting the dangers from speeding, without introducing exciting and hair-raising incidents, , and when Lydia Thorne (Lois Wilson) takes charge of the wheel of her • motor, she is trailed at break-neck speed by the police. One. such incident resulted in the death of the policeman, and the girl was charged with manslaughter in the court presided over by O’Bannon (Thomas Meighan), who, though in love with her, had no option but to send her up for a term of imprisonment. The change from expensive and luxuriously furnished mansions, with her nightly balls and receptions, and the excitements of long motor rides, and evenings of revelry, to the cold walls of a prison where she had to do menial labour, is great, but not greater than the improvement it affects in her. Her judge, however, goes morally down hill, while it is the accidental murderess who steps forth with a broader and a better outlook on life- It is her influence upon the judge which helps him to gather himself together and make himself worthy of her great love. Tire picture in its course runs through the whole gamut of human, emotions. One particular scene is a riotous evening and the introduction of gladiatorial contests which are concluded by two girls indulging in a boxing match. The

gowns worn throughout the most of the picture are very elaborate, whilst the acting is thoroughly in keeping with the magnitude of the subject. EMPRESS THEATRE. Adapted from Pierre Benoit’s famous sensational novel “I’Atlantide,” and produced with a perfection of acting anrdst beautiful Eastern scenery, “Missing Husbands,” 'shown for the first time last night at the Empress Theatre, met with immediate and welldeserved success. The story is simple, and gains from its natural delineation of strong passions. An tinea reigns as queen of a great country in the Sahara Desert, visitors to which have never been known to return. Quite accidentally, two French officers come on th.fe way that leads them to the queen’s apartments. To see her is, for most men, to fall in love with her, so fascinating are the charms she exercises over them. Antinea’s love is all for Morhange (Jean Angelo), who in turn refuses to have anything to do with her. Morhange’s brother officer, Lieutenant Saint-Avit, has fallen madly in love with the queen, who, on her part, does not love him. Enraged at Morhange’s cool treatment of her, Antinea drugs Saint-Avit, plays on his jealousy of Morhange, and influences, him to kill his rival. Recovering his stupor and realising the magnitude of his crime, he attempts the life of the queen, but is prevented. He then, makes his escape across the des,ert in company with Tanit-Zorga (Marie Louise Iribe), but she dies of thirst, whilst he reaches civilisation. The picture closes with his voluntary return to Antinea, whom he loves deeply, and to what he knows is certain death. Such the story, briefly told, but it is made great by the lavishness, the beauty, the splendour, and the magnitude of the setting. It is a picture that does infinite credit to the D. W. Griffith company, while in Stacia Napierkowska they have unearthed a great actress. Her acting is passionate in its intensity, and exactly what the part demands, while she adorns herself in gorgeous gowns. The story sweeps gloriously onward amidst a combination of all that makes a picture great and one to be remembered, to a climax sad, though fitting. Abundant humour is provided by Larry Semon in “Golf,” and comedy that in every way equals the absurdities that the audience are wont to expect from one of the world’s greatest comedians. . Not least to be appreciated of a night’s full measure of enjoyment is an excellent selection of music by the Empress Distinctive Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr. L. D. Austin.

QUEENS THEATRE., “At the Sign of the Jack o’ Lantern” is the leading feature on the new programme at the Queen’s Theatre this week. This fascinating story of love and laughter deals with the amazing adventures of newlyweds in an ancient New England house known as “The Jack o’ Lantern.” The hired girl of tho household believes the cat is the reincarnation of the departed Uncle Ebenezer, and holds steadfastly to that belief. An all star cast enacts the story. The second feature is the Metro production “Lombardi, Ltd,” a highly diverting comedy-drama of the screen, starring Bert Lytell and Alice Lake. The supporting items on the programme include the latest Topical Budget and Selznick News, together with a delightful musical programme by the popular Queen’s Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. A. H. Jerome. The box plan is as the theatre. “THE AMBASSADOR.” Those responsible for the decorative scheme of the "Ambassador” cabaret have been fortunate in creating just tb< right atmosphere for perfect enjoy-i.-int. The fine room, with its scarlotpancl’ed ebon walls and subdued ruby lights suggests cool restfulness, with that element of gay spirit which weans one from the cares and worries of everyday life. The dancing area has been given a perfect dancing floor. Mr. Arthur Frost’s competent dance band provides excellent music. Lessons in modern ball-room dancing enn be arranged for any time to suit pupils. ORGAN RECITAL. The programme for Mr. Bernard F. Page’s organ recital to bo given at the Town Hall to-morrow evening is as under: —Sonata No. 6. by Menaelssohn; Nocturne, bv Wolstenholmo; Saint Saen’s Fantaisie (Op. 101) ; Summer Sketches (1.1, Dawn HI ), The Bee (III.), Tho Cuckoo (IV.), Twilight (V.), Evening, by Lemare, and Toccata, in F, by Oeear Franck.

SHORTT'S THEATRE. The change of programme at Shortt’i Theatre yesterday, included two sta: picturesjpf exceptional merit. The firs was “T’£ Man Who Saw To-morrow,’ Thomas Meiglian’s latest Paramoun' picture, the plot of which covers t wide range of scenic beauty in th< South Seas, England, and India. Th< story deals with a problem of divider “affection in anything but the usua manner. Bi r Hammond, wealth} young sok of fortune, temporarily stranded on a lonely South Sea island, joins tlie crew of the trader of Captair Morgan Pring. He falls in love with Rita, the captain’s grand-daughter, and makes an enemy of the ships bully, Jim McLeod. Burke is forcibly taken off on ihe yacht of Sir William Cosgrave, where he becomes enamoured o-f Lady Helen Wolesley, who tells her uncle she intends to marry Burke, because she sees in him great possibilities and a chance, for her to be a power in English social and political fife. Back in New York, Burke writes to Rita in explanation of his sudden departure. McLeod taunts Rita by telling her Burke has deserted her. Burke is mesmerised by a professor, who shows him his future with either Rita or Helen. When he recovers, Burke is told that Rita is waiting for him in the reception room. In the limousine waits Helen with power, fame, influence, but no true happiness. In the reception room Rita, love, happiness, adventure, action, perhaps death. Unhesitatingly, Burke enters the reception room. “The Man Who Saw To-morrow” has made his choice. The second feature presents May Me A very in “Anything for Sale,’’ a romance of love conquering riches. The supports include a comedy, “Tpixiliy’s Promotion,” a Gazette, and a Travelogue.

PRINCESS THEATRE. Owing to the big picture.- “The Law apd the Woman” not arriving in time, it could not be staged yesterday, but will be shown to-day. It ii adapted from Clyde Fitch’s noveL “The Woman m the Case,” and is a Paramount picture. Betty Compson and. William T. Carleton portray the leading characters. It is an intensely aramatic story, and opens with the Julian Rolfes, newly married, engrossed with each other. Mrs. Rolfe, at a golf course, asks her husband) if she is the. only girl he ever loved, and he replies in the negative, while his mind reverts to Paris days and Clara Foster. In Paris, Clara, a professional vamp, is plying her trade. A young millionaire soldier, Julian’s ward, tells her he is sailing for New York next 'day, and Clara, who is trying to land him, decides to go too. On arrival there Phil tells the Rolfes of his infatuation for Clara, and a quarrel with Julian follows. Julian returns home, only to he arrested later on a charge of murdering Phil, who is found dead with Julian’s revolver by his side. Julian is convicted of murder, but Mrs. Rolfe finally proves her husband’s innocence and obtains his release. There is a comedy, “Never Too Old,” a Topical Gazette, end a scenic.

STRAND THEATRE. An fine double programme! was screened last night at the . Strand Theatrg. Douglas Fairbanks in “One of the Blood” has .a stirring series of stunts as the long lost son of a small Alpine principality. He is introduced first of all as a young man touring the world in search of forgetfulness, and passes, through some exciting experiences in Mexico. It is when he reaches the little kingdom where, unknown to himself, ho is the heir, that the action commences. Intrigue, revolt, . plenty of fighting, and a strong love interest give the story pulsating life. The Second feature is “White Shoulders,” starring Kathleen MacDonald, in a society play which strives to show the anxieties of a mother who has experienced poverty to marry her daughter well. The dangers of the credit system, while striving to keep up appearances are also eat forth in this story, which is full of human interest. The supports ar# of » high standard. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Included in the first half of the bill at His Majesty’s Theatre, is an unusual act by Aphdale’s Zoological Circus, a cleverly-trained troupe of monkeys, dogs, bears, and an ant-eater. Sain Stern, Nell and Braddy Shaw, the Reece Sisters, and Lane and Howard contribute to the success of the strong vaudeville section, while the latter potrion of the bill is occupied by the Hurl and Evans Revue Company, which is seen in a comedy sketch, “Sunbonnet Sue.” The programme will again be presented this evening.

AVA SYMONS AND BERNARD F. PAGE.

Music in its highest form is provided in the range of sonatas the. master composers nave left as a heritage to all the ages. It is unfortunate, perhaps, that the public in New Zealand know little ana care less for these glorious treasures of music. It is therefore seemly to acknowledge with simple than’ks the fine work Miss Ava Symons and Mr. Bernard F. Page arc doing in disclosing gleams of such music to our slffwry awakening consciousness. They revealed singular artistry, in the sonata recitals given lasF year, but that given last evening at tho Concert Chamber even excelled those, revealing to close observers a distinct advance onward and upward. Their performance was amazingly appealing in its oneness of spirit, its poetic insight, and technical smoothness and polish. The programme opened with the D Major of Handel, which gave the violiniste the opportunity of displaying her splendid tone in pure legato. All the dignity and exaltation of spirit of Handel was reflected in tKeir work. The Elga*- Sonata in E Minor is a. century away from Hie sweet solemnity of Handel It is a tumultuous, work of agitated emotionalism, magnificent in its rusbful strength as to the allegro movement, and poignantly sweet m the reposeful romance, exquisitely played by both artists. There is intricate work for the pianist in this sonata, and Mr Page showed a dominating mastery of Franck’s strangely beautiful medley of moods. This is music that will live. Finally was played that wonderfully fine Sonata in G Major bv Leken (a pupil of Franck, who died as,a young man). This work of transcendent beauty, played here for the first time last year, is peculiarly yjiritualle in character. That applied particularly to the middle movement. “Tres Lent,” which is sweetly redolent of that holy time. The sonata was most soulfully interpreted, and such was the high level of artistry employed that an unusual demonstration followed. It is not saying too much to venture that such a performance would bo heard with respect and admiration in any artistic centre.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. To-day at the Grand, Petone, popular Connie Talmadge will be seen in her latest and greatest First National eight reel attraction, “East is West.” Miss Talmadge has rarely appeared to better advantage than in the role of Ming Toy, the Chinese girl. A big two-reel comedy, “Counter Plots,” is also showing. Monday’s change will present William Russell in his latest adventure play, “The Great Night,” and Lupino Lane will appear in “The Pirate,” his Sunshine comedy scream. Wednesday’s change will present Antonio Moreno in “A Guilty Coiiscience,” a play of romance and intrigue in India. The big epecial for Friday next is Douglas Fairbanks in “One of the Blood."