ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 91, 12 January 1926, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

EMPRESS AND STRAND. As announced in. our. columns risewhore, a comprehensive picture of (Jueen Alexandra’s funeral will be shown exclusively at the Empr-ss and Strand Theatres, in addition to the.fine current picture programmes. The picture shows tlio impressive procession in the. snow through densely lined streets, where many thousands brayed the bitterly cold weather to pav their last respects to their beloved Queen Mother. Hundreds from the King downwards, followed the gnu carriage, and various military Dane’s played impressive funeral marches in keeping with the solemn occasion. DE LUXE THEATRE. Eleanor Boardman, Adolphe Menjou, and Conrad Nagel, the three featured players in "Sinners in Silk,” which is the present big attraction nt the De Luxe Theatre, are each solidly established favourites. The story deals with Arthur Merrill’s regaining of his lost youth by means of gland treatment, after ho has frittered his life away in gay times in the capitals of Europe. In America, Merrill (Adolphe Menjou) meets Penelope Stevens, played by Eleanor Boardman, and falls in love with her. The girl becomes interested in Merrill’s experienced love making, although she loves Brock Farley (Courad Nagel). Brock is in reality Merrill's son, but they are unaware of the relationship. If is a bloodless duel between Brock and Merrill until the latter finds that Penelope is merely enjoying a light flirtation at his expense. Merrill teaches her a lesson, and she is glad to find shelter in Brock’s arms. There is an excellent supporting programme, and acceptable musical fare is provided by the De Luxo orchestra. KING’S THEATRE. “Tho White Sister,” which has had such a successful run at the De Luxe Theatre, is now showing at the King’s Theatre to continued success. As a production it ranks among the finest achievements, and as a story it makes a profound impression as one of the finest and most beautifully tragic dramas of all time. "The White Sister” has been adapted to the screen from the widely-read and famous novel of the same’ name bv !•'. Marion Crawford, and it glorifiies and magnifies the unquestionable charm and art of Lillian Gish. Exciting and spectacular scenes include the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and the rolling streams of molten lava pouring down the mountain side; the bursting of a huge dam; the flooding and overwhelming of the villages at the mountain’s foot, and the last mad ride of the lover of the White Sister. A fascinating prologue makes an excellent adjunct to tho massive photoplay, while the King’s orchestra, under the conductorship'of Mr. Jerome,. contributes appropriate musical selections.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A pleasing innovation at tho Paramount Theatre this week is the introduction Uf a revue company in conjunction with the usual picture programme, and the public have shown their approval by registering capacity business at the theatre. G. W. Desmond and Cyril Noi-thcote, the two principals of the "Futurists” Company, have brought together a talented company of artists, who give a performance of burlesque, comic opera, tragedy, comedy farce, vaudeville, and concert numbers, nil blended together to make a bright and snappy show. The company is strong in comedians, chief among them being G. W. Desmond, Cyril Northcote, and Gus Dawson. Among the ladies are Ira Love (soubrette), Winnie Edgerton (soprano), .Eily Dalgleish (soubrete), Gladys Thomas (contralto), and the Cabaret Kittens Ballet. George Corelli, tenor singer, possesses a silver voice, and Barry Ross has a pleasing baritone voice. “The Futurists” are appearing at both the afternoon and evening performances, and on Friday next a complete change of programme will be presented. “Fine Clothes” is the title of the picture being presented in conjunction with the "Futurists,” and features Alma Rubens, Percy Marmont, Lewis Slime, and Raymond Griffith. The box plan is at the Utility Stationery Shop, next to the theatre.

MUSICAL COMEDY SEASON"LEAVE IT TO JANE." The new J. C. Williamson musical play, “Leave It To Jane,” to be seen here on Wednesday week for the first time, is said to be exceptionally well provided with good comedy and bright music. Tho story deals with the football rivalry of two American colleges, and how “Jane” vamps a student in order that he shall play for Attwater against Bingham and his father’s wishes. The fact that the choruses are composed of college boys and their girl friends ensures lively and original scones. Athol Tier’s original physiognomy is a decided advantage when in the part of Bub Hicks (writes a Sydney paper). He is a callous freshman wno can’t make his feet or hands behave. Mr. Tier is a valuable asset. To make her iirst appearance here is Miss Dorothy Lena, an English musical comedy star of magnitude. Miss Lena plays Flora Wiggins, and according io Australian critics is a distinct success in the part. What appears to be a particularly strong cast includes Mona Barlee, Elma Gibbs, Leyland Hodgson, Hugh Steyne, Jack Cannot. Harry Wootton. Fred McKay, Rita Nugent, Eloa Gibbs. Cecil B. Scott, Hugh Steyne, and Athol Tier. The play, which is in two acts, has book and lyrics by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse. The fact that the music is 'by Jerome Kern should be a guarantee for grace and harmony. The company numbers over 150 people. “Leave It To Jane” will be played for eight nights. The box r'ans will be opened at the Bristol on “londay next. Owing to the Grand Opera House being engaged otherwise, “Leave It To Jane” will be the only play presented during the eight night’s season.

PRINCESS THEATRE

Tho picture "Peter Pau.” which heads the present bill at the Princess Theatre, shows as the stage production never could, the children’s adventures with Indians anti pirates. Every word picture Barrie painted in the story has b-een visualised on the screen—even to tho children flying over the house-tops. Tho boys meet fairies. Indians, and the dr.-acled pirates. The first two become friendly, but the blood-thirstv pirates, headed by Captain .Tainos Hook, are their deadly enemies, and are finally defeated in a pitched battle or) the d«/ks of the pirate vessel. L’onturcd players in "Peter Pan” arc Betty Bronson, Ernest Torrenc*. Cyril Chadwick, Virginia Brown Farie. and Anna May Wong. The sunporting features include "Are Parents People?” in which Betty Bronson again heads the cast, and one of “The Leather Pushers” series. The canable Princess orchestra provide delightful incidental music.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. “The Timber Wolf.” starring Buck Jones, which is the loading feature on the present programme at the Queen’s Theatre, is the sort of picture that has made Jones popular with thousands of movie enthusiasts. "The Timber Wolf” is a story of tlio lumber and gold country. Jones, as Bruce Standing, is a big lumber owner, and Joe Terry one of his men,, discovers a valuable gold vein near the property. Deveril and Sherriff Taggart attempt to force him to tell the location of the mine. Rene Brooke, Devcril’s fiance, arrives from the East, and Bruce incurs her animosity. Bruco tries to toll her that Deveril is a erook, and when she refuses to listen to him he kidnaps the girl to prevent her from marrying the scoundrel. Rene, still unconvinced that Deveril. is bad, takes a plan of Terry’s mine from Bruce’s pocket and flees to her fiance. There is a thrilling climax, end Rene is finally con. vinced that Bruce was right. There are e«cellent supports, and attractive music by the Queen’s orchestra.

ARTCR.AFT ITTDATRE. Thrilling action spaced with plenty of laughs is promised in "Hold Your Breath,” which will commence a two nights’ season nt the Artcraft Theatre this evening. “Hold Your Breath” has an all-star comedy cast, headed by Dorothy Devore, who is called upon to display her acrobatic skill in many dangerous situations. Playing opnosite Miss Devore is jovial Walter fliers. Four supporting pictures will be screened to special music by Mr. James Haydork, whose entr’acte is Paderewski’s "Minuet.”