ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 96, 18 January 1924, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

LA WHENCE GROSSMITH RETURNS. The critic of the Sydney "Daily telegraph” writes of "Quarantine, to ba seen here with. Lawrence Grossmith in the lead at the Grand Opera House tomorrow night:—"Secure in his artistic reputation, Mr. Lawrence Grossmith reintroduced himself to the Sydney public in "Quarantine," a brillant and original comedy, by F,' Tennyson Jesse. He was cordially greeted by a crowded, enthusiastic audience? which manifested the keenest delight both, in the play and the manner of its interpretation. ‘Quarantine’ proved to ho a drama which appealed alternately to the head ■ and the heart —a chapter torn promiscuously from the book of life. It was amusing from first to last, and abounded in animation, movement, and intrigue. The plot centred round an^ unfortunate love affair between Tony Blunt, a famous and extremely popular explorer, and Mrs. Pamela Josephs, unfortunate because the lady was not a widow. An elopement was arranged, but the steamer on which Tony had engaged a cabin for two sailed , a day earlier than was expected, and his telegram warning Pamela of the fact was intercepted by Dinah Partlett, a disingenuous .young lady who had also cultivated a passion for the romantic explorer. When it is stated that Dinah substituted herself for Pamela the first of the epidemic embarrassments and thrills has been indicated. Proclaiming that she had sacrificed herself for Pamela’s honour, Dinah consented to be known on shipboard (where, she could be conveniently ill) as ‘Mrs. Blunt,’ but a cruel fate interposed, and sent the vessel into quarantine for a week at Esmeralda Island. There the happy couple, trying to brave out the situation, were allotted to a. bungalow possessing but a single sleeping apartment. Naturally a ‘bedroom’ scene of a very tense description was enacted — a scene which kept the audience thrilled and expectant. But even that complication was smoothed nwav, because, after all; even if ho had explored tropical zones, Tony was still a gentleman. In the end Pamela and her unsuspecting husband arrived on the island, and a heated encounter between the dutiful wife and Dinah paved the way to Tony’s final happiness. He discovered that he loved Dinah and that Pamela had been merely a passing diversion—and acted accordingly.’’ The box plans for "Quarantine” /first four nights) and for "Ambrose Apnlejohn’s Adventure” nnd “The Silver Fox” are open at the Bristol. EMPRESS THEATRE. The north woods—their glamour, adventure, and risks—live unforgettably and beautifully in "Where the North Begins," which will be shown to-day at the Empress Theatre. It is stated that there is not an inch of the film but is packed with thrills that are as different from tire usual ones as night 'from day. It is the genuine article—a gripping love romance of the far north, where men come to measure their own brawn and cunning against other men. where might is right, ad nature relentless against the weak. Rintintin, the clever police dog, plays in this picture. His acting is described as uncanny. The story, briefly, deals with Shad Galloway, a factor who rules with iron fist an isolated Hudson Bay. Company’s trading post, and who tries to get Gabriel Dupre out of the way, so he can have Felice McTavish at his mercy. Dupre sets out with a team, is' shot and wounded by hired outlaws, left for dead, and discovered by the wolf-dog. who befriends him. The climax. where Galloway is foiled, is said to be masterly..' Claire Adams as Felice McTavish is given unstinted praise, also the rest of .the actors, Walter McGrail, Pat Hartigan, Myrtle Owen, Charles Stevene, and Fred Huntley. Chester Franklin is responsible for tho direction. The box plan ia at the Bristol till 5 p.m., then at theatre.' KING’S THEATRE. “Meri-y-Godtound,” which Uinirersal beliovte is its worthiest kinema offering, will bo screened- for the first time at the' King’s Theatre to-night. •‘‘Morry-Go-Round” was in production for over a year, being a, spectacle motion picture of' ten-reel length, telling a simple love story, but involving the great tragedy of Austria, the downfall of its pretentious glory of the before-the-war days. The scenes awe laid entirely in or about Vienna, the picturesque old-world capital that once was centre of European pleasure and social life. There is among the players a newcomer, for whom the critics who review the picture predict the greatest success—Mary Philbin, who appears as a peasant girl heroine. Norman Kerry, who plays opposite her, is said to be otne of the really promising younger men of the screen. Rupert Julian directed th filming of "Merry-Go-Round" with men on his stall who bad lived the lives of the characters in Vienna. An excellent musical programme has been specially arrajngttl for the King’s select orchestra. Patrons are urged to book their seats for this great attraction. The box plan is at the Bristol. and after 5.30 at the theatre. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The skirl o’ the pipes and the swish o’ the kilt this evening will herald the opening of the Scottish screen play, Wee McGregor’s Sweetheart” at Everybody s Theatre. It is a charming and delightful comedy-drama, featuring Miss Betty Balfour, who has been aptly called the feminine Chaplin.” Based on J. J. Beu s famous stones, its laughter and pathos are cleverly combined in an intensely human play, replete with those touches that distinguish the great entertaiment from the ordinary. Harry Avery and his ever-popular jazz harmony band wul be heard in a musical speciality turn, "Runnin’ Wild,” as well as in the incidental music throughout the programme. QUEEN’S THEATRE. . "The Common Law," the famous Robert W. Chambers novel, has been done into pictures by the Selznick OoniJ/any and, after a successful season at the King’s, will be shown at the Queens Theatre for six days commencing today. The cast includes Corinne Griffith, Conway Tearle, ami Elliott and in support aro Dons May, Hobart Bosworth, Miss du Pont, Bryant Mashburn Phyllis Haver, Harry Myers, and Wally Van. The story has to do with the ' life of an innocent young girl, thrown auito by chance into the society « art£ts? sculptors. and the Bohemmp atrnrephere whidli surrounds this class of people. She consents to pose, anh achieves a great success as a Great love comes to her, and is returned by 6 the artist who first saw her possibilities, but any union between them is bitterly opposed by the ar tist/s (Neville) family; She finally offers to hve wRh her lover as his. common law wife, and such a license is almost effected. A dramatic conclusion is grippingly and realistically handled. Excellent sU I’P < ytinc films are included on the programme, while an unequalled musical program is provided by the Queens chestra. The box plan is at the unsro . PRINCESS THEATRE. The complete change of P rof ;’l?’ n ?L e which takes place at the Pnnc “« to-day will bo of a unique nature Ihe main part of the programme wted to strong vaudeville turns beaded the Great Kavello. -Kavelin will, it is stated, stage pome new and sen. Xtional hypnotic. deluding the famous murder trial and bloodless sur gerv. He will also attempt to place a Kl medium under the longes; hypnotic sleep ever undertaken bv a lonian in Australia or New Zealand. Kavello will be eupjwrted by Miss Ivy instnimentolist and Miss Jnne - a charming soubrette, who wiR I bo Wara Schic medium. She will answer all sS’ons °a Wlidf Punch and°Judy show will bo for the edification of the v„ Support of these attractions "p o l]y special Paramount with a Past.” featuring i™ ’ X(ys whilst a two-reel comedy, lame will complete the programme.

eketahhna pictures. James Oliver Curwood’s story "The Man from Holl s R l '® l ’,,? 8 to bi screened by the Ekatauuna Ucturo Company on .Snfuraay '^ Mid evsninp This vital iale offers soil

sacrifice, pathos, elemental conflict, and a grandeur of scenery unexcelled. KinTin the great wolf-dog actor is well worth seeing. Coming attractions are Mark Twain’s greatest comedy, AConnecticut Yankee in King Arthur s Court,” and Mary Pickford in Tess of the Storm Country.” HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. All the most pleasing features of vaudeville entertainment are embodied in the current programme at His Maiesty’s Theatre. First and foremost is the talented Con Moreni Company which presents a clever musical comedy with a Spiritualistic setting. lie dialogue is witty, and the. work of the ballet all that such a piece demands Rosina Gordon continite to charm with her dainty vocal offerings; Les Walton has some acceptable coon 8O " R8 J‘I 1<1 ter; Leo Martin again performs on a battery of unusual instruments, . JNat Hanley is still a favourite at the piano, and Fred Bluett is all sufficient in his humorous sketches. WIRTHS’ CIRCUS. Wirths’ circus will visit Wellington on Monday, January 21, fora short. Beason only, the tented city being erected on a siti at Cable Street near Taranaki Street Wharf. The big show is this year said to be more crammed with wonders than ever before. There are so many astonishing acts figuring on _ the lengthy programme, that it is difficult to begin selecting one before another, for all are said to lie pre-eminent in their own particular lino. That is one of the secrets of the success of tins huge combination that entertains the I whole of Australia and New Zealand the I year through—there is -ample variety on the programme to captivate everyone. Further, there is no interval to spin out time—everything goes like clockwork m order that the 25 star acts may be pre--1 sented in scheduled time. The zoo will i be open from 4 to 5 pan., and there will i be matinees each day from Tuesday. I The box plan io at tho Bristol,