ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 183, 21 April 1923, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Some folk believe that the picturefilm plays have been so fully exploited, that there is nothing really new left in that sphere, but they have only to seo “The Man From Beyond,” at Everybody’s Theatre, to be convinced of their error. Everyone knows by reputation, if not by- actual contact, that great magician Houdini, whoso feats have astounded all who have seen him, but as the producer and principal actor in this drama he has excelled himself in the wonderful feats lie accomplishes. The story goes that Dr. Gregory Sinclair, scientist and explorer, and Francis Duval, halfbreed soldier of fortune, .ole Mirywora of an ill-fated Arctic expedition, are on the verge of starvation when they sight a derelict barquentino, Standing marooned in the frozen seas. Boarding it in search of food they are amazed to discover the figure of a man frozen upright in a mass of ice on the deck. Papers in Iho cabin show that the barquentine had been wrecked a hundred years before. Duval chops the ice from the figure, and Dr. Sinclair discovers that the man (Hillary) is not dead, but that it is merely a case of suspended animation. Hillary is resuscitated, and the three reach civilisation after weeks of struggle, and arrive at the home of Dr. Sinclair’s brother-in-law, Professor Strangs, where his daughter. Felice, ts being married. Hillary believed the bride to be a girl he loved 100 years before, and succeeds in delaying the ceremony. He is committed to an asylum, but escapes. From then ensues the series of marvellous adventures in which Hillary (Houdini) takes a prominent part. They include the rescue of ttib girl from a canoe in the raging waters of Niagara, just o nthe edge of the cataract, and the canoe goes over the falls. Subsequent developments bring the story to a hapnv conclusion. A great comedy, “His Wife’s Husband,” a scenic, “Where West Meets East,” a Gazette, a Review, and a good orchestral programme, l conclude an enjoyable programme. EMPRESS THEATRE. “Garrison’s Finish” is a clipping drama of the turf, which serves as an excellent vehicle to show the youthful giace and vigour of Jack Pickford Billy Garrison has a career as a jockey which serves still further to illustrate that “the sport of kings” is often “tho sport of crooks.” Billy is up on the favourite in the big money at Belmont Park, New York, but so badly does he ride that he has to face the stewards, and leaves the room a disgraced man. Only one in that mighty crowd senses tho troth. Sue Desha knows that Billy cun ride; she believes that something has gone amiss, and is sympathetic. Two weeks later Billy, who has gone down in the crash, is found wet and bedraggled on a park scat, his memory gone. Only one thing connects him with the world — Sue Desha’s card, found in his pocket. The tramp who finds Billy takes him to Colonel Desha’s home, when he again meets Sue. She hands him over to Colonel Desha’s trainer, who soons ascertains how well Billy can rido, and arranges for him to ride tho Desha horso The Rogue in the Kentucky Derby. But the same man, Crimmins, who doped Billy at Belmont, is still at his nefarious schemes, and, having in Billy's absence robbed the latter’s mother, he purchases a fast colt with the money to win the Kentucky Derby. Finding The Rogue a faster horse, Crimmins seeks to nobble him, and is surprised to find Billy in charge of the rival. Crimmins and his confederates try all manner of ruses to keop The Rogue off the track, but Billy fin ally gets him there and rides him to victory, which moans a clear understanding with Colonel Desha, and felicity for Billy and Sue. Jack Pickford does excellent work as Billy Garrison, and Madge Bellamy as Sue is 1 sheer delight. There is also a good farce-comedy entitled “His Wife’s Husband,” and a Topical Budget. Air. J. L. Austin’s orchestra was satisfactory. “ONE EXCITING NIGHT.” It is stated that novel thrills, shuddery happenings, and delicious comedy mark the big- mystery drama, “One Exciting Night,” which is the latest production of the genius of D. W. Griffith, and is to be screened at the Empress Theatre. It is a far departure from such achievements as “Intolerance,” “Hearts of the World,” and “Way Down East,” but it is said to have eclipsed them all in public favour. It consists of a love story of a girl who is sold by her mother, and the dark doings that take place in the mansion where she stays for a. while. There is also an ill-gotten half-million which is the cause of a succession of killings and many grisly crimes. Darting, secret figures, ghostly visitations, shadowy faces at windows, and all the rest of the armoury of mystery drama are here a-plenty. The storm which marks the climax of the picture is claimed to be a miracle of photography and technical achievement. Above ail the play is alive with humour, and every thrill which is rather too intense is immediately followed by a chuckleproducing event. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Mrs. Irene Castle is perhaps the most famous danseuse in the world, and in “French Heels,” now showing at the Queen’s Theatre, she demonstrates how great she really is. The picture is full of incident, and through it all sweeps the charming personality of Airs. Castle, whether it be in the water, on. horseback, in the ballroom, or in extragavantly gorgeous gowns and furs. The story in its progress moves from New York city to the lumber camps of the Far North. It is the story of a society girl, trying to live a useful life, roughing it in the forest with tho man she loves, and tho success she made of it. There is a full supportin'? programme, while tho orchestra renders a choice selection of music. STRAND THEATRE. Seldom have two pictures of such outstanding merit been screened for the same programme as arc to be seen at the Strand Theatre this change. “Manslaughter,” featuring Thomas Meighan. Beatrice Joy, and Lois Wilson, is one of the greatest, as it Is amongst the most gorgeously extravagant productions that have been seen in Wellington for some time past. The acting is perfect, many o f the incidents thrilling, and the plottrue to life. It is a lesson in the value of service and the happiness thereby obtained. “Missing Husbands” also excels in a certain splendour of production and perfection of acting. It is not often that one is given an insight into acting so vivacious or situations requiring such an intimate understanding of the actor’s art. In Stacia Napierkowska there has been discovered an actress at the absolute height of her profession. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. “One of tho Blood,” to-day’s big attraction at the Grand Theatre, Petone, is an eight-reel United Artists’ special attraction, and presents Douglas Fairbanks in one of tho best roles of his career, rivalling “Mark of Zorro” and “Three Musketeers.” There is a good supporting bill Monday’s change will present John Gilbert in “The Lone Gambler,” a Fox romantic comedy drama, and comedian Al. St. John in a Sunshine scream, “All Wet.” On Thursday popular Katherine AlacDonald will

appear in her First National attraction “Domestic Relations, while the ’ Super-Aletro, “Aliasing Husbands,” is scheduled to commence next Friday.

BIG WILLIAAISON ATTRACTION. “The Peep Show,” the spectacular extravaganza revue, will be presented by J. C. Williamson Ltd. at tho Grand Opera House for six nights, commencing Tuesday week, A-lay 1. “All the liberal promises of the management wc-i» fulfilled on the occasion of the first performance in Australia of ’The Peep Show’ at tho Theatre Royal, writes the critic of the Adelaide “Register.” “It was indeed charming, humorous, arid spectacular. The revusical play, as it is appropriately calied in a graphic 'portmanteau word, has been brought direct from the London Hippodrome, with all its wealth of embellishment and personnel. There were many' experts associated in the compilation of the many astonishing novelties which combine to complete one of the most imposing plays ever seen in this city. At tho final fall of the curtain it was easy to credit the official statement that about £lO,OOO has been expended on the Peep Show, for every ‘peep 1 was magnificently presented n each detail, and novelty and allurement were twin sisters throughout it all. The cast was an enormous one, as could be seen in the groups and ensemhlen. Tho acting was good, the dancing up to the J. C. Williamson standard, and the chorus work worthy of association with five outstanding soloists. There was never a dull moment in the production.” To make first appearances hero in “The Peep Show,” are announced Miss Alona Alagnet, Aliss Phyllis Beadon, and All. J. H. Wakefield'/ all English artists of high standing. Also will appeal such proved favourites as Messrs. Jack Cannot, William Greene, Joe Brennan, Edgley and Dawe, Fred C. Cambourne, Fred Mackay, Aliases Rene Bailee, Ida Newton, Daisy Yates, and Phyllis Amery. Also a wonderful turn is done by Aiello and Nello, two Continental comedy acrobats. Altogether it takes some 200 people to interpret “The Peep Show,” the box plans for which will be opened at the Bristol on Friday morning next. AMBASSADOR CABARET. One of the attractions at the Ambassador Cabaret is the Jazz Band, which renders certain numbers especially orchestrated by tho musical director. These numbers are already exceedingly popular, being very adaptable to modern dances. The afternoon tea service is dainty and finds great favour with patrons. Last night saw anoijyr bright gathering at the cabaret, where many beautiful frocks were worn by the ladies, tlfe'prcdominating colour being jade green, which contrasted strikingly with tho black suits of tho men. Saturday is always busy at tho Ambassador and those desirous of securing? favourite tables are advised to reserve early. SHORTT’S THEATRE. “Singed Wings,” a unique Paramount film by tho Laskv service, was S resented at Shortt’s Theatre ydsteray. It is a delightful and fantastic drama which' will establish a high position in tho film world. Tho cast is headed hy Bobo Daniels, who takes tho role of a beautiful Spanish cafe dancer, and Conrad Nagel takes the leading male part. It is a stirring ! romance, with hulmour and ■ tragic scenes interspersed, while the dancing of the heroine, especially in “The Dance of Death,” is glorious. The supports include a delightful Torchy comedy, a Burton Holmes travelogue, and a Paramount Gazette. PARAAIOUNT AND ARTCRAFT THEATRES. A startling title 7s given to the leading feature shown nt the Paramount and Artcraft Theatres yesterday, “Aly Friend the Devil,” dealing with the question of faith in an all-seeing power. Tho film version is adapted from tho story, “Doctoi Ramoan,’ by Georges Ohnet, tho distinguished French writer This novel is considered to be one of the finest pieces of writing in tlie French language, and while it naturally loses somewhat in the translation, the authorised one is a treat 'to all those who love an easy flowing pen. "There is little doubt but that there will be a revival of interest in Ohnet’s works as the result of tho picture. It io a tale of faith, or to be more accurate, the lack of it —a tale in which tho Devil is continually whispering tho joys of evil doing, and the devilisliness of tho. things that are 4on« by z the characterr in tho play firings’ a’climax that is stirring to say the least. Dr. George Dryden is in his way a kind/' sympathetic soul, a great surgeon, yet a man whose acts are guided and coloured by his belief that science and not the Great Master rules us human beings. He marries a girl who has faith. She marries him at the urgings of her mother, who tells her it is an opportunity to be forever rid of poverty and to get the good things of life. Sho dies eventually, leaving him with a little daughter, who just prior to her marriage receives a shock from which she is apparently unable to recover. All the doctor’s science fails him, and at last he calls in desperation on God to aid him. The girl recovers and her father changes his opinions. In his joy Dr. Dryden murmurs: “There is a God. I believe. I believe.” The supports include a comedy, educational scenics, and a Topical News. Air. C. Parnell conducts the Paramount orchestra, and Mrs. A. Wright Uli© Artcraft, .both of which "have been specially strengthened, and provide fine programmes of music. PRINCESS THEATRE. Yesterday, the gorgeous Fitzmaurice production, “Experience,” was filmed at the Princess Theatre. The plot is formed against a 1 background of vice in the underworld of New York, and brings into welcome relief the wonderful scenes of night life amidst Broadway’s gayest resorts. Woven into it is a tender love story of appealing charm. Edna Wheaton, considered the most beautiful girl in New Y’ork, who takes tho part of “Beauty,” wears thirty-four magnificent gowns, costing hundreds of pounds. One gown, trimmed with Russian sable, cost £6OOO. She not only proves she can wear good clothes, but acts well in a role calling for some of tho most arduous work. Richard Barthelmess, as “Youth,” acts up to his reputation, and completes a charming performance. Chester Conklin is lead in “Love’s False Face,” and a scenic, a Topical News, and a rattling comedy are also included. ALLEN DOONE SEASON. The Allen Doone season closed at the Grand Opera House last evening, when “The Parish Priest” was performed before an appreciative audience, who gave Mr. Doone and his popular players a good send-off. At the conclusion of the performance many floral tributes and presents were handed to tho artists. On behalf of the boys of the Alarist College one of the boys presented Mr. Doone with a. gold-mounted fountain pen and a box of cigars. ORGAN RECITAL. Tho programme arranged for the organ recital to bo given by Air. Bernard F. Pago (city organist) tomorrow evening in tho Town Hall, is as under: —Toccata and I 1 ugue in 1) Aliror, by Bach ; Max Reger’s Prelude in G, Op. 56 (No. 3); Cantilene, by Salome; Pastorale (Op. 19), by Osar Franck; and Finale in B Flat (Op. 21), bv Cesar Franck.

ANDRE SKALSKI. Alusic-lovers have been fortunate recently in that they have had visits fipm some of the world’s masters in pianoforte and violin playing, and the Town Hall is to again resound to the playing of a master of the pianoforte in the person of Andro Skalski, quite well known to music-lovers as a conductor of tho New South Wales Orchestra. His works are not confine,, to one master composer, nor to one period or country, and the solemn is varied by selections from the lighter and brighter compositions. A northern critic says of him: “His performance is quiet and unobtrusive, and entirely free from mannerisms.” Wellington musicians will have the opportunity of hearing him at the Town Hall to-night and on Alonday. SUNDAY CONCERT. To-morrow evening at 8.15 in His Alajestey’s Theatre, the Wellington Professional Orchestra will holo its first concert of the 1923 season. The program ne to be submitted has been selected with great care and expected to suit the taste ot all lovers of good music. The following are the items to be rendered: —Chopin’s “Marche Funebre”; overture, “In Spring” (Goldmark); characteristic piece, “The Grasshopper’s Dance” (Bucalossi) ; valse from the ballet “La Bello Au Bois Dormant” (Tschaikovsky), strings only; “Serenade” (Pierne); overture, “Ruy Blas’,’ (Mendelssohn). Air. AfcGill will sing, with orchestral accompaniment, “Lio There Aly Lute” (Hamish AlcCunn) and “A Devonshire Wedding” (Phillips). Air. Frank Crowther will conduct.