ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 48, 20 November 1925, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE A woman, who craves romance, but who is fnarried to it staid mutter of fact husband, is the role in which Betty Compson will be seen at the De Luxe Theatre to-night. “The Fast .Set” is a screen portrayal of the well-known play “Spring Cleaning.” Margaret, the restless wife, makes friends with Ewest .Steele, a popular bachelor (played by Adolphe Menjou), and is introduced to his circle, “The Fast Set.” For a time her husband wrapped up in his work, is happy in the thought that his wife is getting the pleasure out of life that she desires, but he soon sees that these new friends arc not the right sort, and pleads with her to let them drop, but she refuses to listen. Finally he has n bold scheme. He selects a woman of the streets, and asks her to accompany him to his home, where he introduces her to the guests. They are furious, but in a dramatic scene his wife realises at last just what sort of people they really are. The healthy spring cleaning accomplished, Margaret finds a different and more romantitZßichard waiting for her alone. Patrons’ enjoyment of this capital programme will Ite enhanced by the playing of well selected music by the De Luxe orchestra. “SCARAMOUCHE.” By all who have seen it, “Searamouche,” to commence at the De Luxe Theatre next Friday at the matine? at 2.30, has been acclaimed the screen’s masterpiece. There was not one critic in the United States or Great Britain whq did not eulogise the production and then came the news that “Scaramouche” had won the Adolph Zukor prizi* as the bciTt picture of 1925. It was awarded this Ijy a group of prominent men who acted as judges. To Ilex Ingram goes the credit for this magnificent romance in its screen form. It is a picture whose characters live as vividly as they did in the printed page of Rafael Sabatini. The appeal of the tensely dramatic period of ths French Revolution, the skilful handling of the vast concourse of actors, the excellent characterisations of the leading players, are said to bring to the screen in “Scaramouche” a picture that will never be forgotten. With a-cast of thirty, headed by Alice Terry, Ramon Novarro and Lewis Stone, and extras to the number of. 10.000, Rex Ingram has brought to life those stirring daysrof the French Revolution. Not only ’is this picture remarkable for the drama, the pulsing thrilling story, and the great work of the director, but its historical and educational value is undeniable. A special musical programme has been arranged. The box plans are now open at the Bristol, Aitken’s Book Arcade, or ring theatre. No. 23—050. Matinees will be held daily at 2.30, commencing Friday next. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Beaumont Smith’s latest comedy romance, “The Adventures of Algy,” heads the new bill at the Paramount Theatre to-night. The story opens in London, where Murray and his nephew Algy have been left a legacy in New Zealand, tho choice of two properties going to tho one who arrives on the spot first. The two arrive in Sydney en route to New Zealand, and Murray, by a trick, •manages to arrive first in the field, and secures a rich sheep farming property, whilst the tardy Algy is forced to take a barren tract which,' however, is supposed to contain traces of valuable mineral oil. Murray has left in England a dancer,- whom he has betrayed and deserted, and he and Algy meet and fall in love with Kiwi McGill (played by Bathie Stnart) daughter of the manager of Murray’s newly acquired property. Believing that Kiwi prefers Murray, Algy goes off to his own unwanted and barren lands. Left alone, Murray makes tho most of his, opportunities, but Kiwi will have nothing to do with him, and finally seeks refuge with tho Maoris, with whom she is very friendly. Whilst she is dancing for them, she is seen by a visiting theatrical manager, and ho immediately engages her for his new production in Sydney. Kiwi befriends a young girl in the chorus who has just arrived from England. Later on Algy ami Murray arrive on the scene. Algy’s puzzles come, to an end as he win's Kiwi for his bride, and is, ipade rich by the discovery of oil on his property, while Molly, the dancer, finds happiness in tho arms of Murray, whom she had thought false, but who at last, proves himself a man. Good supports include Larrv Senion in “The Dome Doctor,” a gazette, and a scenic. STRAND THEATRE. Harold Lloyd’s latest and best comedy, “Girl Shy,” which had such a successful run at the Empress Theatre, has been transferred to the Strand, and will commence there to-day. It is extremely doubtful if Lloyd has ever had a greater success than in “Girl Shy,” as a small town lad, who has made such a study of girls that, he has learnt to fear their wiles, and who, is therefore known ns the shiest boy in the place. Later on tho lad in question meets the only girl in the world for him. Bashfulness gives way to an outburst of unlimited confidence, and ' the hero goes through many dashing displays in order to make himself appear acceptable tn his lady love. After many amazing and humorous situations there is a happy ending. A strong supporting programme is shown.

TIVOLI THEATRE. A programme of real excellence is promised at the Tivoli Theatre to-day. It contains two pictures of worhl-wido renown. Tho first is D. W. Griffith’s production “Way Down East,” described as a plain story of simple folk acted by a marvellous cast, directed and produced bv tho screen’s gieatest genius. The other film is tho Tnco production. “The Hottentot,” a racing comedy featuring Douglas McLean. It is a production of the fast-movimr typo, packed full of lau"hs and thrills. If ever a programme spoils entertainment this does, and is expected to do big business. Seats may bo booksd at the Bristol. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Ono of the most important factors in “Tho Ten Commandments,” Paramount’s great picture now showing at the Queen’s Theatre, is the cast of players that has been assembled. Tn the ancient story, Theodore Roberts is seen as Moses, Charles de Roche as Pharaoh, Estelle Taylor as Miriam, Julie Fay as the wife of Pharaoh, Lawson Butt as Dathan, Clarence Burton as the Taskmaker, James Neill as Aaron, Torrence Moore as the son of Pharaoh. In the modern story, Richard Dix, Beatrice Joy, Rod La Roque, Edytlie Chapman, Nita Naldi, Agnes Ayres, Robert Edeson, and Charles Ogle take part. On November 27 will commence the new serial mystery play. “Samson of tho Circus,” in connection with which a prize of a now “Couchman” bicycle is offered to the boy or girl successfully gathering up and piecing together tho various clues given. The bicycle is on view each night at the theatre.

EMPRESS THEATRE. Rex, a wonderful new horse star of the screen, heads tlje cast in “I ho King of Wild Horses/’ which commences at the Empress Theatre to-day. 'This new animal star was a wild, lawless creature just a few weeks before the movie director got hold of him. Edna Murphy and Leon Bury head the cast of human players. The story is of an equine monarch that led a band of wild horses through the mountainous section of Colorado, defying all attempts at capture. It, is not until the stallion and a cowboy are trapped by a forest fire and the'man finds a way out for both of them, that the wild horse’s i*, stinctive fear of human beings is tefih pared. He is never actually tamed, but becomes' the man’s firm friend. The acting of the horse is described as marvellous, and he is a decided acquisition to tho list of wonderful animal actors. There is a delightful romance running through the story, which has also many thrills. Tho second feature is “Grit,” starring Clara Bow, Glenn Hunter, Boro Davidson, and Osgood Perkins. It deals in a very graphic manner with life in New York’s underworld, and the regeneration of a band of erooks. The story i“ full of thrills, pathos, and laughter.' The supporting pictures will include a cdne'Jy, I’athe Gazette, and Prizma colour picture, entitled "Big Guns of the Navy.’-’

KING’S THEATRE. Mary Brian, who played the Sir James M. Barrio classic has inc title role in “The Little French Gir , which opens at tho Kings D'eatio night. As Alix Vervicr, she invade, fashionable English home with the id of making a good marriage—a mariiafeu which her mother’s indiscretions t/P made impossible for her in Franco. . Jovcc piavs Madame Vcrvier, wlio, < Alix savs, "cannot help it if she >» loved." * Anthony Jowitt, new to tlie screen, appears as Owen Bradlev, ■ English army officer who neglects • fiance (Esther Ralston) to spend his leaves with the little French girl s ther. Neil Hamilton is Owen Bradlej s younger brother, who also loves . *• Ralston, playing Toppic. lhe supo? ■■ include a gazette, a travelogue, - - way,” and a comedy, "Tender r eel. The King’s orchestra will play '- u l 1 "La Burlesque” as the overture.

HIS MAJESTY’S The idea manifested in Wells’s "lime Machine,” seems to be realised to a certain extent for the benefit of natrons. To be able to go and near the old songs sung by the very an'sts who made them famous over ttnrt.v vears ago is a rare privilege, and one of which Wellington theatre-go?rs arc fully availing themselves. Both old and young find great pleasure in hearing these old-time songs sung in manner inimitable by the veterans Variety. Amongst tile most successful hits are: “Where Did—You Get ihat Hat?” “Little Dolly Day Dreams, and “Ting, Ting, That’s How the Bell Goes. In addition to the first-class' entertainment provided by the Veterans, there is an exceptionally fine supportnig 1,1 which includes Johnny Moore, tho Scottish .comedian and singer., who appears in a song scena, “Rip Van Winkle, assisted by Miss Jenn} Roy. Miss Violet Victoria, a charming soubrette, sings “Little Mister Baggy Brccchfs,” in Dutch costume, while Charles Sherman s patter and humorous entertainment at the piano is first-class. A bright musical and vocal interlude is contributed by "the versatile Harris Family.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Good wine needs no bush, and “The Rosary,” tho First' National attraction which will be shown at tho Artcraft Theatre to-night, has been seen and appreciated by thousands of New Zealand theatre-goers. Adapted from the original beautiful story by Bernard McConville, “The Rosary” has an absorbing appeal for all. In it, such famous stars as Jane Novak, ’Wallace Beery, and LewisStone, have full scope for their exceptional talents, and are each seen at their best. The story deals with peasant life in a peaceful fishing village, and all the characters arc most faithfully portrayed and really live and breathe, on the silver sheet. As one watches, fascinated, the unfolding of the powerful drama, there is a feeling that one is looking right into the lives and hearts of true men and women, devoid of all sham and artifice, for hen- is a human “nature study,” clear cut in its distinct apneal. One of tho finest characters is that of the splendid old village priest, a man like Goldsmith’s vicar, “to all the country dear.’’ First-class supporting attractions will include a screaming Hal Roach comedy, an interesting scenic, and a Topical Gazette. This programme is only to be shown for three' days. ,

“IN OLD CASTILE.”! Miss Kathleen O , ’Brien presents this year “In Old Castile” as one of her annual productions. Dance, song, and story, combined with gorgeous frocking, brilliant lighting and settings, originality and humour, are all contained in “in Old Castile.” The main scene includes in the cast such well-known amateurs as Miss I’attline Shotlander and Mr. Lion°l Inch. The gay frocks and mantillas of tho ballets, add to tho colourful piefuro presented. An exceptionally dainty ballet of classical movements, i’rocked in the old gold, yellow browns, and rods of autumn,' is sure to please. There is also a brilliant carnival scena. An Apache duo, and the baby class, will give a. ten-minutes demonstration of the art of ierpsicliore. The orphan sc?no from "Sally,” with its gay Irish jig, by Miss Nellie Donll, its clever skipping dance, by Miss Zifa Hare, and the little comical touch supplied by Miss Joan Rai no, together with a catchy chorus, is another of tho numerous features.