ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 199, 23 May 1925, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. It is the unanimous opinion that “Wildflower,” the charming romance in an Italian setting now holding the boards at the Grand Opera House, is the best musical play which has come this way under the J. C. Williamson banner for some time. The scenes

are laid in Bohemian Lombardy and in the intriguing atmosphere of Lake Como, The plot is ingeniously laid, and the story is told in natural sequence. Miss Marie Burke, as Nina, zfie impulsive southern beauty, who is a bundle of emotionalism, won fresh laurels from a crowded house last evening. This talented actress is ideally suited for the role in vivacity, grace, and voice. Mr. Herbert Browne again did well as the shy lover, while Mr. Gus Bluett and Miss Marie la Varra were responsible for clever comedy work. Mr. John Forde, Miss Marjorie Daw, and Mr. Noel Allan all shared in the honours of the evening. Dancing is a feature of the play; and in this department the Cansino Brothers and Miss Stonebuyn introduce something entirely new. The play includes many bright and catchy numbers. "Wildflower” will run until Wednesday next, when it will bo succeeded .by "The Cousin from Nowhere.”

"THE COUSIN FROM NOWHERE.” At the Grand Opera House on Wednesday night next the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Musical Comedy Company, headed ny Miss Marie Burke, will present, tor the first time in New Zealand, the deliciously tuneful and picturesque comic opera, "The Cousin irom Nowhere.” The glorious melodies in “The Cousin from Nowhere” assured for it a spontaneous success in Vienna, where it was originally staged. It is much above the average of the usual musical comedies, and it is said to frequently bring back memories of the famous Gilbert and Sullivan works. The high standard of the music gives the singing members of the company much greater opportunities lor the display of their voices than they received in the opening opera. The most popular of the musical numbers include "Uncle and Aunty” (Charles Zoli, Marie Le Varre, Floie Allan, Stanley Odgers, and Harry Schofield), “Magical Moon” (Marie Burke), "Oh, Be Careful” (Floie Allan, Gus Bluett, and the Twelve Tulips), “Good Night” (Noel Allan), “Love and You” (Marie Burke and Noel Allan), “The Old and the New” (Floie Allan and Gus Bluett), “When the Clouds Roll By” (Floie Allan, Marie Le Varre, Charles Zoli, Gus Bluett, and the Twelve Tulips), “If Love Were All” (Marie Burke), “I’m Just Wild About Dancing” (Floie Allan and Herbert "Walton), “Roderick" (Marie Burke, Mane Le Varre, Floie Allan, Noel Allan, Charles Zoli, and the Twelve Tulips). The dresses, scenery, and other eilects are features of the production. Only four evening performances can be staged, and there will ue a special matinee on Saturday week. The box plans will be opened at the Bristol on Monday morning. TIVOLI THEATRE. The visualisation of the sublime events of the Old Testament in "After Six Days,” screened at the Tivoli Theatre last nignt, is a wonderful photographic achievement, and a great stage triumph. From the creation of man and woman, naked and unashamed, through the days of wrath, when the Ark rode the waters, and the dread

time when fire from heaven destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, the story pusses to toe stage when tliq Hitting glimpses of wondrous characters give place to, tire human interest in the lives oi Joseph and Benjamin amongst the Pharaohs. Then comes the birth of Moses, his saving by Pharaoh’s daugritor, and the growth to manhood of the leader of Israel in the wilderness. Cameos of tense, vital acting aio Joseph and Potipher’e .wife, Joseph’s sudden rise -4-o power from disgrace, and the fiery dignity of the inspired Moses. Miracles and plagues, massed battles and pestilence, fill the screen with the most realistic scenes of Jewish history. Many incidents in the picture stand out as masterpieces of the kinematic art. Some of the greatest photographic achievements are to be seen ,in the scones showing the Ark, the Tower of Babel, Joseph of Canaan, and Potiphar’s .wife, the Israelites crossing the. Red Sea, dry-shod, wliilo the waters part to make way for them, only to close again upon Pharaoh’s pursuing host. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the turning of Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt are all triumphs of tho photo graphic art. A great cast of Italian actors, headed by Guide Guidacci. who presents a magnificent and majestic characterisation of Moses, are responsible lor very tine delineations of hundreds of characters from the Old Testament. A delightful set of ‘supporting subjects ' includes a lino scries oi glimpses of'-the race between Gloaming and Tire Hawk. Tire orchestra supplies music in keeping with the big film, while there is a fine introductory solo and choral introduction. The box plan is at tho Bristol. •

KREISLER COMING TO WELLINGTON. / Of Kreisler, the world-famed violinist, the Sydney “Bulletin” critic writes: From the moment the Handel Sonata, filled with a flowering peace, flowed out into Sydney Town Hall, the audience sat entranced by Kreisler and his inagio Guarnerius. It is not only that the quality of his music is mellow and rich in song, or that it flasbies through intricate and brilliant passages with the grace and dancing lightness of sunbeams. Other violinists have these qualities. But this man pours through his instrument that pure, fresh rapture with, which lie first greeted his composers. He brings an intense sensitiveness to his interpretations, and nowhere- was this more notable than in the Bach Suite in E Major. It was the Mendelssohn Concerto that was the triumph of the evening. There was a rapture, a pearllike lustre about the Andante movement t-hat stirred tl>e> audience to an un’balievablo emotional pitch This beautiful work curved from Kreisler’s bow winged with ethereal lightness and grace. As the last passage of tire con. certo died away applause roareu through the hall like a hurricane. Tho second and more familiar part of the nrogramme included Kreisler’a own “Tambourin Chinois” and “Caprice Vieunois.” The Caprice of Krcisler’s bow suggested Sydney wrapped in the blue haze of early evening, seen from Bradley’s Head. Kreisler will be giving two recitals in the Town Hall on Tuesday and Thursday, June 9 and H Preferential box plans are now open at the Bristol. First preference seats, £1 Is., plus tax, Is. lOd. • GALLI-CURCI.

Since that afternoon of November, seven years ago. when she made her debut as Gilda in “Rigoletto” with the Chicago Opera Company, the world has been marvelling at Galli-Curci, The embodiment of all that is perfect in tire art of song, this eminent artist today occupies in the world of music a place apart and above. As expressed by the Philadelphia “Inquirer,” “She nas undoubtedly the most beautiful voice of any living vocalist,” and the Cleveland “News” states, “We know Amelita Galli-Curci We know there is none like her on earth in the present generation.” With tho exquisite bbauty of her voice and charming personality, Galli-Curci has touched V» heart of the public as few individuals of a generation are able to do Sho brings to all not only the greatest art of our time, but the simple heart appeals to which all respond. One of the most singular things about Gallidlurci is her apparent spontaneity. Her singing is like that of a bird, there seems to bn no premeditation—just a gush of ethereal sweetness. A reminder is given, that the preferential plans for the two concerts to be given at ths Town Ball on July 2 and 4 will open at the Bristol on Wednesday morning next. As a large number ot advance orders ior seats have boon received, intending patrons are advised to lose no time on Wednesday in booking thoir requirements. No extenr-ion of the season is possible. As Galli-Curci js booked up for ten years ahead in America and Europe, there is no chance of her returning to New Zealand for a long time, if ever. Those residents outside Wellington should communicate at once with tho box office (forwarding cheques), which lottery will receive attention in tho wflox of their receipt.

“GOOD LUCK” BALL. To help in maintaining the activities of tho Community Club, a “Good Luck” ball tins been organised to raise needed funds. Both tho Town Hall and the Concert Chamber have been booked tor Wednesday next, the night on which this dance of dances is to take place. A novel scheme of decorations is being arranged, in which good luck emblems will be tho predominating feature. lire organisers are working with a view to making tho ball a most enjoyable one for all. A prize of a gold wristlet watch is to bo given for the best mascot droj's, and a special prize is to bo awarded tho lady with the best mascot hat. Tutschka s two orchestras hare been engaged to supply the music. Admission to the dance is 2s. Cd., and for those living in tho suburbs a late tram service has been arranged, so that patrons may reach their homes in comfort. DE LUXE THEATRE.

"A Thief in Paradise," screened for the first time in We.lington at the De Luxe Theatre last evening, is a George Fitzmaurico production of Leonard Merrick’s entertaining novel “The Worldlings." This is no ordinary storry, but a real thriller, based upon the idea that one man may personate another successfully. Phillip Jardine, wild young son of a wealthy San Franciscan, has overstepped the mark and is sent to Samoa, where he drifts into being a beachcomber in company with one Maurice Blake. Whilst bathing, Jardine is so mauled by a shark that he dies, at which point a letter arrives from Jardine, sen., enclosing money, and bidding him return to San Francisco. Rosa Carmino, Jardine’s common-law wile, persuades Blake, whom lie resembles, ta take the dead man’s place, and dash for the family fortune. Together they journey to San Francisco, where old Jardine accepts the man as his son, and he enters into the best society, where he meets and falls in love with Helen, daughter of Bishop Saville. But always in tho background, forever blackmailing him, is the wily Rosa, of the Islands. At length, after rescuing Helen from a runaway horse, Blake declares his love, and is accepted, but to the .festivities which follow Rosa obtains entrance as a dancer, and now in love with Blake, threatens to expose him, and Is only silenced by a heavy bribe. After the wedding, the couple take an aeiop’ane trip to Del Monte, but Rosa follows them. Blake finds that he cannot go on deceiving his wife, and starts to tell her the whole story, but Rosa has preceded him, and Helen leaves her husband in profound humil'ation. Blake makes a full confession to Jardine, and though it nearly breaks his heart, tfie old man cannot break with the man'- he lias learned to love as a son. Blake’s attempt at suicide calls up He’en’s best qualities, and she, too, subscribes to tho reconciliation. As extras, there is a polo match, played by girls on horseback in bathing suits, a submarine fight, South Sea Island dancing, and an aero honeymoon. Ths De Luxe orchestra, under Mr. L. D. Austin, played the overture to “Pique Dame" (Von Suppe), and other delectable music.

EMPRESS THEATRE. An intense human appeal is contained in “Her-Marriage Vow,” the feature nroduction of the new programme screened at the Empress Theatre yesterday. The theme is old, but the masterly handling the subject has received presents it in a new light. Domestic trouble will surely arise when a husband, airibitious for success in the world, subordinates all other interests to those of business. In this ho may not be wholly selfish. A desire to make life easier for his wife and family may be his inspiration. Such was the case with Bob Hilton, but the loneliness and irritation brought into the life of Carol Hilton through her husband’s constant absence from home in the evenings struck the initial note of discord in their married harmony. Bob had been chosen in preference to the wealthy Ted'Lowe. Hilton’s only worldly gifts were capability and ambition, but in the possession of his wife's love he was confident he had the key which would open the door of success." And he accomplishes much. His painstaking efforts are rewarded by "Ohl Man Amos,” his employer, and the world for a time is a bright place indeed. Irritated by her husband’s apparent lack of attention, Carol tartly reminds him that he “married her and not ‘old man Amos.’ ” One estrangement leads lo another, and there arrives the chance for which Ted Lowe has been patiently waiting. Carol falls in with his proposal to attend a seemingly innocent “party,” but the events which ensue are fraught with trouble. The two children have been left alone, and the husband’s arrival at a late hour prevents one of them from taking poison. He dashes up to his wife’s apartment, and is horrified by tho spectacle winch greets him —his wife in the arms of his former rival. Inimediiile banishment fol lows. Tho story at this stage promises to end in misery for the parties concerned, as the husband is adamant, and will listen to no explanations, hut the same Fate which took so unkind a. hand in affairs at the outset re-enters tho picture and the wife is able to demonstrate that her marriage vow was never broken. The climax'is as unexpected as it is remarkable. The supplementary items are excellent, and include “Asleep- at the Switch,” an uproarious Ben Turpin comedy, and the popular Empress News Film, The orchestra discourses sweet music.

KING’S THEATRE. A romance of the motion picture studios, a story that sparkles with humour, is the story of Morton Gill, the movie-struck boy, as told in tho latest Paramount picture, “Merton of the Movies.” winch opened lhe new season at tho King’s Theatre last evening. Written by the popular American novelist. Harry .Leon Wilson, this delightful satire lias been faithfully transferred io tho screen, keeping all the fineness and sparkle found in tire novel. Tho story deals with a clerk in a country grocery store who dreams that ho will some day become a movie star, and spends his spare moments in acting scenes in tire privacy of his room, reaving his wages for a trip to Hollywood. After a fruitless search of tho studios in quest of a job, he finds that he cannot wen gain an entry. By chance, he makes the acquaintance of a comedy actress who helps him to gain entry into a studio. By good fortune he manages to bo included in a set of extras, but fails to impress the assistant. director and is ordered off the premises. Penniless, knowing that ho would not lie able to get in once he went out, lie decides io spend the night in the studio. Ho is again found bv the actress who previously befriended him, and she persuades her director-to give the boy a chance to make a burlesque of a part played by a prominenl actor. The boy thinks ho is acting a serious part, but when ho witnesses the screening of his efforts finds that he has made a slap-stiek comedy, and next day is acclaimed the greatest comedian in pictures. Glynn Huntei enacts the title role, and is ably sup ported by Viola Dana as tho comedy actress. Other members of the cast include Eliot Roth, Charles Ogle, Ethel "Wales, and Eleanor Lawson. Ths supporting programme includes a Christie comedy," “Tootsie' and Wootsie,” a gazette, and an educational film dealing with the timber industry. Z special musical score is rendered by the King’s orchestra, under the direction of Mr. A. 11. Jerome.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. It is rarely that such a realistic picture as “Frivolous Sal,” the chief item on the programme at the Queen’s Theatre last night, is created. In everyday life there may be met episodes identical with those which go to ninke up the plot. A elecer actor at the 'bottom of his profession because of his weakness for drink and cards is the chief character, which is portrayed by Eugene O’Brien. Roland Keene, a clever young actor travelling in the Western States of America, stops at a little town clustered about a big goldfield after falling in love with “Frivolua Sal,” a girl who owns the local dance hall. Finally he marries Sal, but he cannot resist the temptation to drink, with the result that his wife is neglected, while he gambles and. drinks away her money. A cardsharper and an accomplice get Keene helplessly drunk and make him open his lafo, where the winnings of the mine are deposited, anl they steal the gold. When the robbers have gone Ktpuie becomes more sober and makes one ksst attempt to red»w bto b«nc>u». Hi ?hase» Hw

thief, and, fighting, they get into «n aerial tramway, which takes them out over tho valley where the town is built. Hero a terrible conflict takes place:, which ends in the criminal dropping to his death hundreds of feet below. Eugeno O’Brien handles the part of Keene skilfully, and Mae Busch plays opposite him as Sal. During, the evening an eccentric buck danco is performed by Phil Bary and Hazel Martin contributes a. clog dance. A Gaumont Graphic .showing the All Blacks Playing England, a scenic and a comedy are the supporting items.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A story that has more heart interest than “Over the Hill,” and more suspense than “The Birth of a Nation,” is the claim made for “The Kingdom Withln,’” a . Victor Schertzinger production, which is being shown at the Paramount Theatre this week. The love interest, which is the dominating appeal in the drama, is almost unique in that it does not start early in tho picture, but is developed gradually to a powerful climax. Emily Preston, the girl in the story, despises Amos Deming, and the manner in which Deming eventually succeeds in winning her love makes a wonderful story. Russell -Simpson plays the part of Caleb Deming, the blacksmith, while dainty and diminutive Pauline Starke has a winsome and appealing role which is admirably suited to her temperament. Ernest Torrence, who plays the part of Kreig, the superstitious lumber .lack, makes a convincing and powerful villain. His facial expressions and his depiction of terror, in the face of what appears to ho a modern miracle, are the essence of realism. The supporting programme and music go to make up an excellent entertainment. STRAND THEATRE. An excellent double bill was presented yesterday at the Strand Theatre, where patrons may always rely on getting full value for their money. The first dramatic attraction is “Woman to Woman,” a screen adaptation of tho play so successfully presented in Wellington last year by Miss Gertrude Elliott (Lady Forbes Robertson). The leading roles in this enthralling picture are capitally sustained by Miss Betty Compson and Mr. Clive Brook. The second attraction is that amusng comedy, “Listen, Lester,” which demonstrates how easily trouble may be fomented by a man of advanced years who is hyper-sensitive to the fair sex. In this picture A)eo Francis figures as the amorous Colonel Dodge, whose lite seems to consist of flirtations with the fair sex, and dodging the attentions of Arbutus Quilty (Louisij Fazenda), who is not so fair, whilst his pretty daughter (Eva Novak) finds the path of true love old-time macadam, because her lover mistakes her lather for one of her lovers. The picture abounds with comical situations, born of Dodge’s endeavours to secure some incriminating letters in the possession of the indomitable Arbutus. The second attraction is "Listen Lester,” and a comedy, “Half-back of Notre Dame,” and a Gazette are also shown.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. A particularly bright vaudeville programme is being presented at His Majesty’s Theatre. The star turn, by Wee Willie Lancet, is a screamingly funny sketch, entitled, “Willie Conies Home,” Willie, the precocious son of a landlady who is to marry her star 'boarder, eoines home from school, and his pranks and embarrassing remarks cause complications which furnish one long laugh. The young comedian is ably supported by -William Avion ’and Lilas Birt. Another attractive performance is that of Fuller’s Eleven Wonders, Jimmy Norton continues to amuse in patter and song, and Keith Wilbur gives some realistic imitations of animals, motor horns, and musical instrunients. Cardini contributes a mystifying card manipulation turn, and Maxwell Carew appears as a female impersonator of unusual ability. Also worthy of attention are the turns of Renda Rudd, Estelle" Rose, Victor Burke, and The Aiders. The programme will be presented at this afternoon’s matinee, and at the evening session. There will be a new bill for Monday. PRINCESS THEATRE. A double feature programme was presented at tho Princess Theatre yesterday. Tho first star attraction was “The Garden of Weeds.” a Paramount picture, featuring Betty Compson. The “Garden of Weeds” is a mansion niain-

tained by the wealthy Philip Flagg (enacted by Rockliffo Fellowes), and where he entertains many beauties of the stage. Dorothy, a chorus girl, is just about to graduate to tho position of leading lady in a show controlled- by Flagg. She refuses an invitation to visit tire mansion, and is discharged. Sho then meets Douglas Crawford, but later accepts a further invitation from Flagg. The girl again meets Crawford, and falls in lovo with him, and eventually marries him. On the honeymoon, Dlorothy attempts a confession of her past, tire husband will not listen to the story. When they return, Flagg

threatens to expose her to her husband, and. in a fit of desperation she tells Crawford everything. The husband then threatens to kill Flagg, and from then on tho picture is a succession of thrills, and tho climax is a powerful and unexpected one. Tte second attraction is a First National feature, "Galloping Fish.” with Jouisa Fazenda and Sidney Chaplin in the leading roles. One of tho many spectacular scenes in (his picture shows the diving and under-water swimming stunts perfo'nned by a dozen diving beauties. Freddie, the trained seal, plays tho title role of the picture with remarkable intelligence, and materially assists in making the picture one of tho best comedies shown here for some timo. There are a number of excellent supports. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Superstition lias played an important part in solving many mysteries, and this is particularly true in the film, "The Kingdom Within,” which is being shown at the Arfcraft this week. Emily Preston, the girl in tjic story, whose brother has been sentenced to die for a murder that was committed by Krieg, the lumberjack, discovers the real murderer, and saves her brother by playing on the superstitious fears of Krieg. Krieg is naturally superstitious, and with, the added weight of murder on his conscience he falls an easy prey to all sorts of direful forebodings. A series of incidents completely,unnerve him in the end, and he .is pnovented from committing a double murder after be witnesses what appears to be a veritable miracle. Amon" the principals are Ernest Torrence, "auline Starke, Gaston Glass, and Russell Simpson. "THE CREATION." The Royal Wellington Choral Union has selected Haydn’s “The Creation” for its first concert of the 1925 seafeitfi, which is to bo given at the Town Hall next Saturday. 'lhe performance will be under the direction of Mr. 11. Tempi? White. The soloists selected are tlie

very best obtainable. Mr. Ilarison Cook, who is to sustain the part of Raphael, comes with a big reputation, and has ono of the finest bass voices heard in

these parts for a considerable number of years. The music written for Gabriel will be sung by Mr. J. F. Woodrvard, whilst tho tenor role will be undertaken by Mr. J. Hadland, of Greymouth, a recent arrival from England. The box plan opens at the Bristol on Tuesday. A full rehearsal will be held on Monday at St. John’/>, and the final on Friday, at tho Town Hall.