ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 57, 29 November 1924, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA SINGERS TO-NIGHT. A notable musical event will bo the first appearance to-night, at tho Grand Opera House, of the principals of the Melba-J C. Williamson Grand Opera Company in a programme of excerpts from grand opera. Ono of '"he greatest factors in tho remarkable success of the recent grand opera seasons in Australia was tho unerring judgment. displayed in the selection of the principals, who were chosen in Europe by Dame Nellie Melba and Mr Nevin ■qJ’G As the season progressed, in opera after opera, it was seen that each cast was well-night perfect. , Signor Piccaluga, as •Itadamas, S'ignorina Concato as But'terfly Signor <is .*OlllO, and Miss ’Archibald as Dalila afforded examples of character study that cou.ld hardly be bettered in any opera house, in the world. Tn the programme to be presented at the Grand Ouera House to-night particular interest will be centred in the rendering of the great quartet, "Bell Figlia Dell' Amore,' irom Verdi s opera, “Rigolotto. lhe tenoi, Signor Nino Piccaluga, will ne heard in ariafrom “Andrea Chenier.” ‘.'L' Africans and "Rigolotto." 'Signorina Augusta Concato's soprano numbeis will, inc m e tho delightful "Vissi d Arto.. fioni Puccini's opera, "La Tosca, «ml• „ famous "Jewel Song” froiu 1’ aust. Signor Apollo Granforte the baritone of the party, will sing the "Song of the Toreado?,” from Bizet’s "Carmen, the aria “Buona Zaza” from Leoncavallo's opera “Zaza " and Figaro si celebrated buffo aria, "Largo al Factotum, from Rissini’s "Barber of Seville. the youniTEnglish contralto, Miss Phylhs Irohibnld, will sing the "Gypsy from "Carmen.” "O Mio Fernando "La Favorite” and a group of songs in English including Hullah a _inree Fishers Went Sailing,” and Bov” The musical director yill &e Maestro Arnaldo Sebiavoni The box plans for tonight’s conceit will be at the Bristol until noon After one pan the plans, will be at the Grand Opera House confectionery, where day sale tickets mrvy. also So obtftined.

EMPRESS THEATRE. Heading the big list of ne w KU bjecte at the Empress Theatre yesterday was the thrilling ‘Western drama,. North of Nevada,” which tells a stirring story of ranch life in tho heart oi the Nevada desert Old man Ridgeway causes the desert’ to blossom like a rose by an irrigation scheaie, but dies just as his life’s ambition is achieved. lie tends to leave the water iigl lts , • vounir foreman, Jac r k Taylor, but t old man passes away without signing the will and the ranch passes to a nephew and niece in New A orx. the new proprietors arrive in due cou v= e > to the dlsgusv of the cowboys on 'he ranch. Ti e nephew, is an effeminate Underfoot, but tie snirit of the pioneers, and n o hts a o ainbi h P cr brothel attempts to and drakes of the property. A bar a of sharpers, aided by a F daan. attempt Jo buy the watei n rra but the girl refuses to sanction the sale. The bad; meh, then resort to desperate measures, and 1 kidnap the gu • voung foreman sets out in pursuit on iiis magnificent horse. Silver king, an , after a breakneck race, comes up with the Indfan on the pinnacle of a hi„h rock on the mountain A thrill'ing fight ensues. fne foreman overpowers th* half-breed but the lab fir «!«»• «» KI»« takes a hand in tho S llllO -,, A, I r ’7"" unon the scene, he beat! the -•’’dia’l to the earth with his fore.set, and then, nlungin” Into the lake, brings his mas ter safelv to si ore. It is one of he most th riling dramas ever screened, amt its effectiveness is enhanced by the scenery. bred Thomson, ns the hero, enhances hi« Teputntion bv his wonderful riding aiid athletic feats "Cleopatro and Her Easy Mai.c was a screamingly amusing burlesque on aret” was a riot of fun in which Larry Semon sets the pace!. The btaio Oimrries of Cornwall and the me . i news film were further attractions. Ih incidental music by the °'’ clic f ] t '^ e u „ l rlnr Mr M Dixon, was the theme 01 favourable comment lie' nch t, cas i selections including Men<e ,^ n „ s from the "Pithetic.

PARAMOUNT ANU BRITANNIA. THEATRES.

The remarkable adve nt ures of a college girl provide the subject of the h *ri; "Taulhters of To-day,” which m bemg screened at the' Paramount theatre. The story deals with the entry into collele life y of Mabel Vandergrift (Edna Murphy), the daughter of cons< ? r l“J I? parents. She falls in with a fast set at school, and one Sunday joins a batlim n party, who shock a dispersing congregatio.n from an adjoining church. Acnom nanied by a companion, Reggie Adams (Philo McCullough), she returns to the latter’s house, where their entrance is observed by one .of the maids, who formerly had received the attentions of the profligate Reggie. Mabel returns alone to the college in. an exhauste state, and consternation is later created among the young people by the intrusion of a detective in search of the girl who is presumed to have muidered Reggie Adams. On Mabel recovering consciousness, her statement that Peter Farnham, her country lover, had rescued her from .the presence of Reggio causes the detective to arrest lar.nham, who has just arrived. From this point follow many exciting scenes which lead up to a thrilling finale. An excellent programme is completed by an entertamni" comedy, the latest gazette, and an interesting travelogue. Attractive musical items are submitted by the oreliesfra. A comedy-drama with a pleasant vein of humour and conveying an effective moral characterises "Six Cylinder Love, which is the principal screen exposition at the Britannia Theatre. The story portrays the experiences of a newlymarried couple, young Sterling and his wife, who embark oir tho matrimonial sea with a moderate degree of comfort 'hat makes them feel sanguine in regard to the future. Tho programme also includes an amusing comedy picture, as well as the latest Gazette news. STRAND THEATRE. Tho canital double bill that is being presented at the Strand Theatre tins wook is calculated to attract Itir/re audiences It will lio remembered that on y ■i few weeks ago "Tho Bohemian Girl was offered at the Empress lheacre, and the brief week of its presentation was almost spent before, the public realised that here was a picture icaturing two of England’s stage darlings, the tamous beauty. Gladys Goo per, and that wonder of the British stage hlle.'i Jerry In association in this picture a screen version of Balfe’s dramatic-grand operaboth actresses are seen to advantage, and all who missed seeing the picture before should see to it. this time that such a novelty in pictures does not co bv unwitnessed. The second dramatTo picture features Carn.el Myml in the stirring screen stoiy. lhe Dang Point." SHORTT’S THEATRE. “Fighting Fury,” a Universal ‘Raff 1 ;*- which heads Iho new programme introdiued at Shortt's theatre is without question one oi the most tliri iin" stories of tho SpanisffiAmericarborder ever told on the screen. The opening depicts how an old> Mexrcan eorwint stood in the centre ot a m„ Hving room in a Spanish home; in Ins „ „ n hnbv and on the floor, iiend lie n man and his wife Twenty. fi e vo ’years later the baby, grown to manhood receives his instructions from hl old Mexican He has been trained to “p t a bullet through the eag e’s eye and throw a knife through the heart of a mountain lion. and the servant, who has trained him in these < -hin"s explains the reason. Hoy the quiet ’ handsome young liero. without committing cold-bloixled minder oi shotting without justification, brin„s an end" to the throe villains who had murdered his parents years before makes a gripping story. Jack Hoxie does some hard riding in the vaiioi.s scenes. The woman of tho story s splendidly played by Helen Holmes A Aright'comedy, a beautiful scenic sutn ject. and an interesting loplcal . udget also appear on Lbe

TIVOLI THEATRE. “Through all tho ages man has loved only tho woman; but tho love of the woman is ever for the love of the man.” Around this sentiment has been woven u remarkably line picture drama, “The Queen of Sheba,” which, received a. flattering reception on its initial presentation at tjie Tivoli Theatre yesterday. For vigorous action, dramatic interest, and lavish scenes, it would bo difficult to imagine a more complete or more entertaining picture. One of tbo celebrated William Fox productions. "The Queen of Sheba," visualises amidst tho most gorgeous settings, the ancient Orient of three thousand years ago when ono of the most famous love romances of all times—the love story of the beautiful Queen of Sheba for the wise' King Solomon—was witnessed. The second feature of the programme offers patrons more thrills in “For Big Stakes," which gives that whirlwind daring rough rider and fearless lover, Tom Mix, great scope for his venturesome revels. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. "Find the Lady,” the enterprising revue at His Majesty’s, still continues to attract good houses. It is a bright company, headed by the popular comedian, George Storey, with Miss Mabelle Morgan as the lady. An appropriate and well-balanced programme includes versatile favourites, such ns Hartley ami Wright, Calland and Hooper, Vaudo and Verne, Lilas Bert, Rosie Rifle and Co. The revue affoids plenty of opportunity for song, of which Miss Morgan takes advantage to exhibit a fine capacity for ballad and melody. The ballets arc smart and pretty, land the music good. KING’S THEATRE. Many people were attracted to the King’s Theatre last night to witness the filmed scenes asso?iated ivith the departure of the Governor-General on Wednesday. The film is very clear, and depicts all tin incidents associated with New Zealand’s leave-taking of Lord Jellicoe. “Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall," a picturisation of one of the most famous of the Charles Major novels, is the feature of the programme. A capable cast supports Mary Pickford, who occupies the chief role. Allan Forrest is the lover, Sir John Manners, and Marc MacDermott is the Villainous cousin, Malcolm Vernon Anders Randolf makes an ideal father for Dorothy Vernon, and Wilfred Lucas is the Earl, of Rutland. Clare Eames, famous for her portrayal of queenly roles and the speaking stage, brings to the screen a characterisation of Queen Elizabeth that is a revelation of histrionic art. The production is lavish, no expense having been spared’ in erecting stately mansions and medieval castles. Scenes of pageantry and revelry are with picturesque magnificence. On the'screen one sees the impressive castles of early England set in landscapes that transport the watcher to that picturesque country.-. The part of Dorothy Vernon calls for'tho utmost in dramatic acting, and Alary Pickford appears more beautiful than ever. A special musical score is played bv the King s orchestra. A special matinee will be held to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. The big picture “Triumph” found an anpreciative audience at tho Artcraft Theatre, the story of an ultra modernlove drama, from the pen of the author of "Tho Te,n Commandments," proving an extraordinary attraction. Tbo supnorting programme embodies an exceedingly interesting gazette, one of those wholesome Burton-Holmes Travel oi?ues, and a comedy, “Oh, Nurse,” that is more of a real comedy than a farce. DOROTHEA VINCENT RECITALS. In referc,nco to tho pianoforte recitals to be given in the Concert Chamber on Wednesday and Friday next by Miss Dorothea Vincent, it is interesting to note that Miss Vincent’s earliest lessons were at the age of five. She was subsequently o. pupil of Howard-Jones, the famous English pianist. Miss Vincent has frequently played under the baton of Sir Henry Wood in promenade concerts at Queeji’s Hall, London, and with other well-known London and provincial orchestras. She has appeared in chamber concerts and many recitals. Among other works. Miss Vincent has played was the concerted piece for pianoforte and orchestra by Manuel de Falla, the modern English writer, “Niuts dans Les Jardins d’ospagne” ("Nights in the Gardens of Spain”), three most attractive and characteristic dances. Miss Vincent has beeji closely associated with the younger group of British composers, and is desirous of shqwing as much as possible of their work, including sonatas for violin and piano as well as solos. 1924 REVEILLE. More than 230 performers are rehearsing daily for the spectacular extravaganza to be staged at the Grand Opera House for a season of nine nights, commencing Tuesday, December 9 Air. Lints, the producer, has brought about .£lOOO worth of scenery and effects with him. and claims the 1924. Rtveille will be absolutely the best theatrical value ever offered to Wellington. The Reveille holds many records .during the past eight years in New Zealand for capacity seasons. Christchurch was packed for sixteen nights and a matinee, Dunedin sixteen nights, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Napier. Gisborne. Invercargill ten nights each, and Masterton. Greymouth. Hastings, Oamaru, Thames, and Hamilton ntne nights each Mr. Lints is delighted with the Wellington performers. There arc ten distinctive ballets in the production. The Wellington talent, states Air. Lints, is as good as he lias had anywhere.

de luxe theatre. “Consider the lilies of tho field. They toil not, neither do they spin, yet Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like ono of these.” That is the text of the picture, "Lilies of the Field,” which touches the fringe of emotional drama, presented at the De Luxe Theatre last evening. Though, it is borrowed from Holy Script, as is fairly often the case with ucreen-title seekers at present, the story is ultra-modern, for the lilies who toil not in this instance frequent most wonderful flats in New York, the rent of which no husband pays. But standin" out ftar-like among such is young Airs. Alildred Harker, a young wife and mother, to whom purity is a precious jewel. But Harker is a roamer, and, taking advantage of an unfortunate circumstance in which his wife is as innocent as a baby, he sues for and obtains a divorce, with the custody of the child. Broken by this tilt with fate, Mildred becomes a mannequin at a fashionable costumier’s, and there meets once more Louis AVilling, a millionaire, who has already been smitten by her charms as opposod to those of the many lilies of his acquaintance. A worldly friend advises him that Mrs. Harker is as others —they were aH alike. ‘'Offer her a fiat and a roll of notes as a test/' he advises, and Willing, doubting very much that such a means will succeed, makes the attempt, but Mildred spurns the offer with the fiercest indignation, although she has come to like her wealthy admirer, who has good stuff in him. Sure now of the character of the woman he lotes, Willing sets to work to reingratiate himself in her good opinion, and engages detectives to hunt up Harkers past, and with the evidence they secure threatens to have the divorce annulled unless the child is returned to its mothel. Before this becomes operative the second Mrs. Harker, in a fit of jealous rage, forwards a telegram to Mildred reporting her child’s death. In an agony of misery at this final blow, Alildred, now quite distraught, offers herself to Willing, but the latter, finding out how this moral change has been wrought, not only ascertains that the child is alive, and is being sent to its mother, but makes an offer of marriage and is accepted. Corinne Griffith enacts the role of Airs. Harker with a simplicity and girlish charm that is ever so appealing. The strong quiet acting of Conway Tearle as Willing makes that character fully convincing. Phyllis Haver and Sylvia Breamer are also prominent ■i a sound cast. The programme also includes a “Hall Boys” comedy and a topical gazette. Air. L. D. Austin’s orchestra played von Suppe’s overture to "Beautiful Galatea,” the Jarnefeldt “Prelude,” and a capital selection of incidental music. There will be a matinee performance this afternoon.

"HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.” "The Hunchback of Notre <Dame," a work that ranks among the greatest achievements of motion pictures, will open at the De Luxe Theatre next Friday. In its staging of huge spectacles anil the presentation of magnificentlyorganised scenes it is said to be unique. The characterisation is described as superb. The film is destined to live as a standard by waich future great works will be judged. In all its essentials the picture follows faithfully tho story as set out by Hugo. All that the book conveyed the picture is role to bring home andl emphasise. It is a chronicle of oppression and human misery, of lust and hate and wretched poverty, a survey of the dark and tor tuous passages through which humanity has had to struggle to a better day Of all the magnificent things in the picture, the presentation of the Hunch, back himself remains as a dominant impression when the last scene has been flashed on the screen. The Hunchback lives on the screen as he did In the imagination of the; author who created him. He is a monstrous, repulsive thing, as much animal as man; a malformed, twisted creature of enormous strength and brutish ways. The settings, it is stated', have never been surpassed Notre Dame itself is wonderfully shown, and the other scenes of medieval Paris are presented in a man, uer that is quite'in keeping. A special musical score ‘will be rendered by the Orchestra De Luxe, and matinees will bo held daily, commencing next Saturday at 2.30. Box plans are open at the Bristol and at Aitken’s Book Arcade. ORGAN RECITAL. Air. Bernard F Pago /city organist) will give another organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow evening, when the following will be played:—Concerto in D Minor (No. 10), by Handel; Choral-Pre ludo (Op. 122. Nos 3-5). by Brahms; Psychological Poem by llcbikoff; •Choral freim "Suite” (Op. 14), by P. de Maliengreiiu; a) Prelude from “La Damoiselle Blue": (b) Prelude from "L’Enfant Pro digue.” by Debussy; Suite Gothique, by Boellmann