ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 57, 1 December 1923, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE BEGGAR’S OPERA.” "Tho Beggar’s Opera" is to be produced for tlio first time in New Zealand at the Grand Opera House to-night. “The Beggars Opera" is said to win out on two dounta —the music, .which is as simply delightful, and the spirit of old London, which must stir thu blood of all who are of English descent. The atmosphere is said to be wonderful. It requires no effort on the part of the audience to imagine themselves in that strange place that was England in the beginning of tho eighteenth century. If “The Beggar’s Opera were not well done, it would be no use. But it must be well Line, because a man in the street in Sydney said, in answer to a remark, “I don’t t'hink this, will appeal to tho man in the street ” “Yes, it will; I am coming again next week As the opera, was written by a beggar, ho probably had not enough psychology to know that a crook need not be all crook. Macheath, the hero of the play, is not onjy a villain, ho is more. The yellow streak shows all through. He not only betrays women, but shows no compunction. Gay’s opera is full of familiar music, probably in the sense that Shakespeare is full of familiar quotations. People will know from it where several pantomime stunts) came from when they see it. Two wives cannot grapple with the serious problem life has presented them, so they dance the maypole instead. EMPRESS THEATRE. "Tho Bohemian Girl,” produced at the Empress Theatre yesterday, is a romantic picturisation of a favourite opera, and it gives prominence to an actor who has recently gained distinction in a new Griffith production—lvor Novollo. Gypsy life is alluringly presented. A nest of caravans is the setting for a romantic betrothal scene in which a Gypsy queen introduces tho intrigue. This" and many other picturesque moments show a marked appreciation of beauty. The illustration of the "Bohemian Girl’s” dream, "I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls,” shows a fine taste in settings and the costuming. There are several distinguished names in the cast: Gladys Cooper, well-known on the English stage, is a lovely type. Ivor Novello is of tho unusually romantic type and is excellently cast. Constance Collier as the ' Gypsy Queen is a vivid piece of acting. Arline is the daughter of Count Arm heim, governor of an Austrian province near a forest where a Gypsy queen, her tribe, and lieutenant are camped. Devils, hoof saves Thaddeus, a Polish refugee,, from the Austrian soldiers. In revenge for a slight, Dovilshoof steals Arline, and for twelve years she shares the wanderings of tho Gypsies. When the queen discovers the love of Thaddeus and Arline, she vows to accomplish tho girl’s downfall. From this point events move through scenes to a romantic climax. A delightful prologue was presented by eight talented artists, who rendered the musical gems from the opera—" The Gypsies’ Chorus,” "I Dreamt I Dwelt.” "When Other Lips,” "The HejjXt Bowed Down,’ etc. Tho supporting programme included Buster Keaton, in "The Scarecrow.” and tho Gazette. Tho original musical score “Tho Bohemian Girl,” synchronising with the picture, was rendered, besides other high-class numbers, by the Em press orchestra, under Mr, Mat Dixon. KING’S THEATRE. It is over eleven years since Julius Knight and Irebo Browne were seen in Wellington in the dramatic version of Robert Hichon’s novel, "Bella Donna" . (which had quito a vogue), but tho powerful story was revived at the King’s Theatre last evening, with that uncommon actress and great beauty, Pola Negri as tho devilish Mrs. Chepstow. It is the lure of this fascinating creature which induces the Hon. Nigel Armine to wed her, not that ho does not know her to be a bad lot, but ho believes, in his incurable infatuation, that he can induce hoy to become a decent member of society; but in Egypt this lovely "vamp" falls in lovo with Baiwvdi, an Egyptian millionaire, and to clear her tracks enters cheerfully on tho business of slowly poisoning her husband at the bidding of her lover. She wishes to abandon Armino without loss of time, but Baroudi will have no such scandal, so leaves her with tho packet of powder which, judiciously u-swL will effect his purpose without loss of business. It is Dr. Isaacson who detecs the lady’s little game at the picturesque houseboat on tho Nile, and it is ho who after a scene with tho poisoner directs the return of tho vessel to tho villa, and by his assiduous attentions restores Armine to health. Even then Armine does not lose his infatuation for tho woman, and refuses to believe the doctor’s story of lead-poisoning, and orders him from tho house. A few minutes later she defiantly admits her guilt, and in a owift end tho Egyptian flings hetoff, and scorned by her husband .and lover, she is left alone in the night. Tho Tole of Mrs. Chepstow is an meal one for Pola Negri, who plays the lovely yet loathsome poisoner to perfection in a number of stunning costumes. An added charm is lent the picture by the capitaly-selected music by the King s orchestra. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Love or money, which should bo the greater consideration in marriage? Madge Kennedy in her latest Goldwyn relaase, "Tho Highest Bidder,", which was screened for the first time at Everybody’s Theatre yesterday, finds this ancient problem to be as vital as ever in deciding the destiny of a girl. As "Sally,” born to wealth, but condemned by Fate to an orphanage and poverty, she is rescued from her plight by a Mrs Steese. an adventuress, who plans to marry her to a wealthy man. and Sally, desperate, agrees. The discovery the yopng girl makes, however, is that a young woman of fine feeling cannot surrender herself for life to a man she does not lovo. The adventuress has cast a net sufficiently well to see that the girl is forced to agree to carry out her part, but her introduction to a millionaire carries with it the true, spirit of love, and what is more, it is reciprocated. Ho learns of tho conspiracy between the girl and the scheming Mrs. Steese, and decides to set a trap, but. th young woman proves herself faithful. "The Highest Bidder" is an unusually intense and vivid picture. The second feature. "Out - of the Dust,” does credit to First National, and is a thrilling story of nrairie life, with an appealing plot Little Pat Moore is a chapter to himself and there are not many of the child actors nowadays blessed with the power of appeal contained in his gentle little face and big black eyes. In "A Rubberneck's Letter to Home- from London, all the interesting glimpses of London are included. The incidental music by Everybody’s orchestra completes a very | enjoyable programme. . HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. There is an attractive programme at His Majesty’s Theatre, including Linn Smith's Jazz Band, which excels in singing, dancing, and other jazz, embroideries, while the music itcself is jazz at its best, and the burlesque numbers are specially clever. Trixie Ireland's soprano voice is hoard in charming songs, . Aston and Marshall’s duets are most enjoyable, and Mabie and Malfe’s novelty dancing is really enjoyable. “Midnight Revels,” by tho George Wallace Revue Company, is another of their attractive contributions to the fun of tho evening. Tho orchestra is an entertainment by itself. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Pago (city organist) will give a recital at tho Town Hall tomorrow evening, and tho programme arranged is as under:—Largo in G, by Handel (this item is by request); Naiade, Op. 15, No. 1 (from tho five Melo-Mimics) Robikoff; Clausseinaim’s Pastorale; Wagner's Walther’s "Prize Song,” "Dio Meistersinger"; Fountain-Music and Duet from (Act 11, Scene 1), "Pollens and' Melisando," by Debussy. an-» Tschaikovsky’s “Finale" from Symphony No. G, m B Minor ("Pathetic”). AMBASSADOR CABARET. This afternoon and every afternoon next week Miss Ngairo Phipson will prosent, at tho Ambassador Caliai’et, tho delightful scona, "An Old World Fancy. In this item this popular artist displays to advantage her wonderful versatility. To-night’s gala session promises to ho merry and bright and patrons should reserve the.br tablee per telephone.

SHORTTS’ AND PARAMOUNT. A picture full of romance and realism, "The Strangers’ Banquet,” was shown yesterday at Shortts’ Theatre and at the Paramount Theatre. 'The cast is ft particularly strong one, the story is told with a background which shows its truth to life. The story is taken from llonn Byrne’s novel, and life is given to the fascinating story there told until it carries the ■ audience with it. The romance deals with a young girl left in charge of her dead father's shipyard while her brother marries an adventuress and goes tho pace in New York. Labour troubles beset her, the manager disagrees with her methods of dealing with tho business and resigns, and the leader of the workers does not make for industrial peace. She finds ths con corn going to tho wall, her brother’s wife meets with a tragic death, and he returns to the shipyard, while she, with the assistance of her late manager and the labour leader brings back prosperity to the shipyards and peace and love to her heart. For she loves tho manager, and rewards him with her hand and heart. Many of the scenes have been photographed in a real shipyard, and the picture altogether is of a high order of merit. There is another good feature in "Trapped in the Air,” .a story of romance, thrills, and heart-throbs, with the most thrilling combat in the air ever filmed, and there are specially good supports. A special musical score has been arranged for both theatres. PRINCESS THEATRE. "The Man From Home,” at the Princess Theatre, has much to recommend it, not only as a very fine picture, but as one calculated to lift the veil to those who are prone to allow themselves to become blind to what is right on some mere sudden infatuation. It was so with Genevieve Simpson, who left home for a three years’ trip to Europe with her brother. The plot is skilfully developed to a stage when the girl, blinded by the dazzling splendour and the impetuous passionate wooing of a dissolute prince iff Italy, finds herself enmeshed in a net of tangled emotions. Incidents quickly merge to to a turmoil when the prince commits murder. News of tho situation reaches Genevieve’s fiancee, and then her lover becomes involved in the sordid plot. The exposure of the prince as a profligate assassin is the trump card played by the lover, and, of course, the inevitable "close up” shows the happy couple restored to each other’s arms, the girl realising she had never ceased to love the “Man From Home.” The second feature, “The Cradle,” is a very cleverly produced picture, in which a whole string of matrimonial complications'threaten to set two people adrift. Ethel Clayton, as the wife, is the principal reason of the success of the picture. A rare programme of supporting items is also shown. QUEEN’S THEATRE. "The Lure of Egypt.” the premier picture at tho Queen’s Theatre this week, is based on the novel, "There Was a King in Egypt.” "Tho Lure of Egypt” portrays the mystery, the romance, and the adventure surrounding tho discovery of Akhanton’s tomb by Professor Lampton. The work is held up by lack of funds, however, but Prince Dayman, scion of a royal Balkan family, finances him, with an ulterior motive. He intends to rob the treasures. The plot grows in interest ns tho picture proceeds, and terminates in a happy finale. There is a charming romance threaded through the story. The scenery alone is worth seeing. Exotic, bizarre Cairo, and the Libyan and Thebian dererts make an absorbing background. The picture is presented by Federal Photoplays of California, and is directed by Howard Hickman. The cast, a strong one, includes Robert McKim, Claire Adams. J. J. Dowling, Carl Gantvoort, and Maude Wayne. Tho supports include the International News a Path© Review, and an amusing comedy, "Bono Dry." Another episode of that enthralling serial, "Tho Social Buccanneer” is also shown. The Queen's orchestra renders a score of appropriate music. EKETAHUNA PICTURES. At Ekotahuna to-night the film to be screened is "Snowblind," in which a man who has sought asylum in the Canadian North-West after committing a murder, finds a young girl who has been stricken with snow-blindness. His young brother falls in love with the girl, whose gratitude to her rescuer results in an affection for the older brother. He reciprocates the lovo, and tolls the girl that his brother is only fourteen and very ugly. She regains her eyesight, discovers tho truth, and turns to the younger. The story is well told and the picture is an exciting portrayal of love and intrigue. TMELDA FAMA. Considerable interest is being taken in tho pianoforte recital to be given by Miss Fama in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Tuesday, in view of tho praise given to her byßenno Moiseiwitsch, who, after hearing her t>lay. enthusiastically declared her to bo a future great artist. Miss Fama has chosen for recital purposes such well-known masterpieces as Beethoven’s "Moonlight” Sonata, Chopin’s "Ballade in F Maior,” and Ravel’s "Jeux D’Fam” There are also a number of delightful nieces from tho works of Bach. Scarlatti, Brahms. Debussy, and MncDowell. Ths box plan is open at the Bristol. DRAMATIC RECITAL. Mr. and Mrs. Culford Bell will present their pupils in their annual dramatic recital on Wednesday and Thursday next in the Concert Chamber. The proceeds go to the Wellington Free Kindergarten. A programme of exceptional merit is promised. "King Cophetna" arid 'Wo Just Guessed”' are the children’s plays, and very pretty effects are gained by the youngsters. Shakespeare will bn represented by two selections from “Macbeth" and "A. Midsummer Night’s Dream,” both being given in character. A ’ Japanese fantasy "The Mirror” is another attractive item. "The Bus Ride” is a smart comedy sketch. Prominent among the single items are character sketches from "The Trojan Woman,” in which Isobol Halligan, A.T.C.L., will appear. COMMERCIAL TRAVELERS’ MALE CHOIR. To-night, in the Concert Chamber, a delightful concert will lie given by the Commercial Travellers’ Male Choir, fifty stron", under the leadership of Mr. H. Temnlo White. The programme consists of an excellent collection of nart-songs, glees, etc., and the choir will bo supported by Mrs. Wilfred R. Andrews, the popular Dunedin contralto, who has recently taken up her residence in Wellington. Walter Marshall and _W. J. Robbins (bassos), Thomas J. Jenkins and Frank Bryant (tenors), and Sydney Allwright (baritone) are other soloists, in nddition to which two instrumental, trios for the viol’n, 'cello, and m’ano will be given by Messrs. Frank Thomas. Leo Logan, and Reg. Booth. Mr. Harold Whittle will be nt the piano. Tho box plan is at tho Bristol. "KEWPIES’ FAIRYLAND” TO-NIGHT There is pleasant evidence that many of Wellington’s penpie aro eagerly anticipating a jovous time with tho Kewpies at the Town'Hall. Tho main scheme of lighting will be in a blue tone, but each of the twonty-one wonderful fairly s’encs will have its own lighting. Each section of winged kewpies will have its own charm; each will have its .own message for the heart.. It is claimed that seldom does any city of tho world have such a wealth of light and colour and never before has one had a “KewP : es’ Fairyland.” The opening has been fixed for. 7 o’clock this. evening, but next week the Kewpies will recoivo visitors from 2 to 5. as well as from 7 to 10 p.m. A good orchestra will play eiery evening.