ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 94, 15 January 1926, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

WTl!TH’£i CIRCUS AND MENAGERIE.

Tlio first idea impressed upon the mind on entering Wirth's Circus and Menagerie is one of magnitude and surprise. Admiration for the unbounded resources of its zoological wealth soon gives way, however, to a sense of being surrounded by the most curious ami wonderful in Hie animal life of nearly every country on the globe. It makes no difference whether the visitor is interested in tile animals of tile forest or jungle, or in those that frequent the desert sands or live in tho stagnant waters of tropical streams. Everything is there —a feast for the eyes and a study for the mind. If matters not whether Hie visitor be a student of natural hisory or merely a casual observer of zoological subjects; whether adult or child, a grand universal lesson is before him. WirHi Bros., after years of unceasing effort, have brought, flic training of wild animals to the highest level. The circus will open in M’ellington on Monday, January 18. Location, Cable Street, near Taranaki Street Wharf. The season will be for six nights only, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. The box plan is at the Bristol.

“LEAVE IT TO JANE.’’ The box plans for “Leave If. To Jane ’ will be opened at tho Bristol on Monday morning. TJie story of “Leave It To Jane,’’ the new J. C. Williamson musical play soon to be seen here, mainly concerns two American colleges, Attwatcr and Bingham, the rivalry betwosn which causes the vamp-like Jane to lure Hie best footballer over from Bingham, so that Attwatcr may win’ a niateh. She falls in love with him. nnd in tho end ho thinks she only lured him for the sake of Attwater; but his sensible determination to “go out West and forget’’ brings her to his foot in record time. There are three outlets for feminine talent in this show. Jane, a pietty heroine, portrayed by Mona Bailee. Bessie, a mischievous siren (Elma Gibbs) in love with a college"lsoy, and Flora, the boarding-house vampire, who struts her comic way through each act, endeavouring to hid:- the pretty faco ol Dorothy Lena. Each artist is said to be excellent in her own individual role. Athol Tier is cast as Harold, tho college boy, who longs to bo “a devil with the girls,” but has to be home by nine. His Swiss costume, plus his eccentric dance, usually brings down the house. The latter, which is more a scries of twistings and squirmings than a dance, was declared ons of the funniest things seen in Sydney for years. Good contrast is provided by tl;o stern American father, who patronises Bingham (excellently portrayed . by Harry Wotton), a.nd the well-meaning country bumpkin, father to Harold (humorously interpreted by Hughie Slcyne). Jack Cannot, is (he clever comedian who handles the rule of Professor Witherspoon, while Cecil Scott appears as the football hero, and Leyland Hodgson, as Bessie’s pct student. DE LUXE THEATRE. “Where Was IF’ tho Universal-Jewel production, starring RcgUuild Denny which will commence at tho De Luxe Theatre to-night, is stated to give- this popular actor every opportunity to display his ability as a i'un-juakor„ The story deals with tbt troubles of a young man who is trying Io find out where lie was on a certain date. His; memory lias failed, and he simply must prove beyond a doubt where he was. His reason for anxiety is Pauline Garon, tho girl who claims that she married Denny on a certain date, while Marian Nixon is tho fiancee of Denny. All possibilities but one are exhausted, and it is tho chase fer this that furnishes the many thrills and laughs with which the picture abounds. In the end all comes right, however. Comedy relief in a comedy-drama seems extraordinary, but. it is -:apably furnished in this production by Chester Conklin and Leo Moran. A lino supporting programme is promised, and tho Do Luxe orchestra have arranged special incidental music. “THE GOLD RUSH.’’ Charlie Chaplins new picture, “The Gold liush,” consisting oi ten reels, will open at Hie De- Luxo Theatre at a matinee on I nday, January 22, tliere-aite-r uaiiy ami mgutiy. ' The Gold Kush” is a comedy-drama with a story oi laughter and tears, ami ol hope dererred. it is a rugged story witn tlio spectacle of a vanant weakling in search of gold in tbe biting blizzards of tho north. “The Gold Rush.’ is a Luited Artists release, and is said to bring Charlie Chaplin to tho topmost peak of his dazzling career. This story of the Alaskan gold rush interwoven with all the jaubiiigs of iat» that well can come to one who is typical of life—almost reaching the goal and watching its shadow disappear with the pained expression that omy a Chaplin cun wear—is a story crowned wild the majesty ol enterprise and tho lulility of it. This picture of the Alaska of bygone days is stated to be Chaplin’s greatest picture for two reasons: it is said to represent his in tellectual and artistic growth, and secondly, it runs the entire gamut oi liuniaii emotions, the blended panorama of life, tlio subtle and vital essence of it, tho defeat and (he victory and growth of a soul in struggle. In the rolo of hard luck, Chaplin presents tho biography ol a lilo with complete understanding and sympathy, while the pathos and sufferings of the characters uro converted into laughter. The management state that they tako great pride in announcing tho screening of this mustei piece, and anticipate the greatest business since the De Luxe opened. In order to accommodate putions who will wish to see this great picture, parents are advised to send their children’ to the matinees, which will be held daily at 2.30. The box plans are now open at the Bristol, Aitken’s Book Arcade, or ring theatre, No. 23-080. EMPRESS THEATPiE. “Lost—A Wife” is the title given to the picture which will be the big attraction at the Empress Theatre to-day. Adolph Meniou and Greta Nissen head the cast, while the production is by Mr. De Mille. The story duals, with the endeavours of a newly married husband to assert his supremacy in the home. His ideas are not relished by his independent wife, and of course there is trouble with a capital “T.” This delightful comedy is concerned with tho whimsical unravelling of this merry matrimonial mix-up. Nazimova and Lou Tellegcn are Hie famous names that head the cast of “The Redeeming Sin.” which is the other feature on the bill. Nazimova is seen as Joan, a dancing girl, and ’’Queen of the Paris Apaches.' while Tellegcn impersonates the Apache leader. The lure of Parisian night life, the charm of its old sf.ri-ots. and tho appeal of its studios, lend a fascinating flash of colourful life to the production. At. Hie night ses-’.ions only Mr. Barry Coney, the well-known basso, will bo heard in pleasing selections. There is an excellent supporting programme. PA RAMOUNT THEATRE. Anothoc bright and snappy show is promised by the. Futurists at the J’ariiniountfcTheatre to-day. in conjunction with a big First National production, entitled “The Pace That Thrills.” The Futibi’ists will be seen in a complete change of programme, now songs, new sketches, new settings. This week they present 'one of their most popular tabloid revues. "By Hie See,” which Introduces some striking dancing novelties and rousing choruses, and a further novelty will be introduced in “Winsome Winnie,” a sketch in which every word used commences with tho letter .” George Corelli, operatic tenor, will be again heard in new songs, A soprano of note, Miss Minnie Edgerton, will siii"- a wide raigo of songs nnd tine quaint churactei studies. The Fuiturists’ Harmony Trio will be again neard in popular melodies. The period harmony of their catchy syncopated melodies make this a very popular (urn. Barry Ross, baritone, will present a number of popular songs. Desmond and NoiTheoto prevnt) another bunch (of comicalities. Dainty Ira Love w ( l sing catchy melodics, while Dawson and Daleloish' will introduce dancing specialiHes. Tho latest: ragtime, Hie newest of waltz songs, nnd the “jazziest” dances fdurc largclv in their pew programme, and "The f'aharot Kittens Ballet” will bo more fascinating than ever. In "Tlio 1 Pace That Thrills.” Hie picture attraction lovers of clean, wholesome fun, ] combined with stirring adion, and a pretty love story, will find real enter- 1

tainmeut. The featuted I’kiyers arc Ben Lyon and Alary Astor. Ihe J utmists will appear at both the aiternoon and evening performances. Jhe box plan is at tim Utility Stationery Shop, next to tho theatre.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Book lovera will be well catered for in thg way of onte-rUiinmcnt at tho Tivoli Theatre, as the now hill comprises two excellent films adapted from stories written by two well-known writers. The first, attraction. “Tho Stranger, S”) I '- ring Betty Compson, Richard . Dix, Lewis Slone, and Tully Marshall, is an adaptation of John Galsworthy s story “The First and tin- Last," a uiastorpicco of romance and mystery Ins drama takes a tremendous hold ol those who see it, and is a truly great picture. The backbone of any picture is the story, and here is a story witli the strength of Gibraltar, and a more engrossing plot has never been invented. The second picture is adapted from Robert AV. Chambers's thrilling story of love and roniauct*, <r Love and Sacrifice, featuring Carol Dempster, Lionel Barrymore, Neil Hamilton, and other wellknown players. It is produced by that genius of production D. AV. Griffith. It is the romance of one hundred million people told in heart throbs, the love of tender girlhood, passionate deeds of heroes, a rushing, leaping drama of charm and excitement. In this picture patrons will see Hie hwirt-shaking ride of Paul Revere, tho most famous dramatic scene in a century, Morgan’s riflemen, the wild riding Virginians, immortal lovers on horseback, who saved the day for General AVashington and routed America’s most astonishing villain. Tho plan is at the Bristol, or ring theatre for reserves. This big bill will bo screened continuously daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Continuing their highly successful and popular season at His Alajesty’s Theatre, tho Moon and Aforris Revue Company present this week "This and That,” one of their best farces. The diverting sketch "Rhubarb and Custard,” in which tho principals appear as a pair of epicures with an intense distaste for women brought forth great merriment last night, and the antics of the two had their audience in a simmer of laughter throughout. Assisted by a dainty ballet of six, Miss Nell Fleming sang "Hula Ixm,” in a pleasing manner, and Mr AVilliam Beresford’s song numbers were all well received. In the earlier section of the programme wonderful musical aptitude is displayed by the Four Little Kellys, who play the Poet and Peasant” overture very finely indeed. Grace and Keats contribute an accentablo song and dance act. and Miss Estelle Rose is board in some clever French and Italian variations of “Susie.” one of tho latest jn/.z hits, while Air. Alex Kellffway is again to tho fore with baritone songs.

KING’S THEATRE. Heading an excellent programme at the King’s Theatre this evening is a Fox pholoplay-dc-luxe, “The Lucky Horseshoe,” an action-filled romance which has for its settings sunny Spam. Tom Mix is given a role that is entirely different from' any of his previous liortravals. his characterisation being that of a daring Don Juan of old Spain, whose chivalry and daring finally bring happiness in most attractive form. Mix clearly demonstrates in this fascinating storv his versatility for taking part successfully in anv role that he is called upon to play. His performance carries with it all the daring, ready wit. wide range of expression and virility that is demanded of the part of Don Juan the captor of all feminine hearts. Charming Billie Dove excels in the part of the heroine, and captivates nil hearts by her admirable characterisation. The interest never flags from beginning to end, and between one engrossing sequence and tho next one is kept guessing and a.t all times thrilled by the absorbing theme. A final compelling climax makes a fitting conclusion. Included in Hie supporting programme is another series of the amazing novelties, "Stercoseopiks”—glasses being given out at the theatre. A fine New Zealand scenic, an interest picture of great merit, together with an hilarious O. Henry comedy (the first of a new scries), and Hie latest Fox budget of news complete an excellent pictorial bill. Box plans are at the Bristol until 5.30 daily, and after that at the theatre, telephone 22—212.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. A double-star programme come» to the popular Queen’s Theatre for a week, commencing with this evening’s performance. “Broken Barriers,” the first attraction on tbo Metro-Goldwyn programme, is a powerful production that is stated to grip one from beginning to encl—fascinating in its romance and containing many startling denouements. It tells of the mad pace of jazz-crazed youth of modern times pitted against the slow tread of iron-bound convention. Tliero is a wonderful cast of players, every one a star, including Adolphe Mcnjou. Norma Shearer, James Kirkwood, Mae 'Busch, AVinifred Bryson, Robertson Agnew, George Fawcett, Ruth Stonchouse, Robert Frazer, and Aera Reynolds. The second attraction, “Proud Flesh.” has as one of its highlights tho devastating San Francisco earthquake, which sequence starts "Proud Flesh” with a series of thrjlls. Eleanor Boardman, Harrison Ford, and Pat O'Malley head .a brilliant cast. The supnorting program me includes another chapter of the chapter play, "Samson of the Circus,’' a well-selected musical programme adding suitable einbullishment. The box plans aro available at Hie Bristol until 5.30 daily, and after at the theatre phone, 22 334.

STRAND THEATRE. 5 Rin Tin Tin, the wonder dog of the screen, is starred in "Find Your Man, which heads tiic new bill at the Strand Theatre to-day. Rin Tin Tin’s thrilling exploits in this picture are said to add further to Hie fame of this marvellous dog. Charles Conklin and Jane Marlowe are included in the cast. “Siege, ’ the other star feature tells how the iron-handed rule of a cruel woman over a conventional New ■IY-ig'la.nd family was broken by a wilful sh'l ol the modern type, introduced into the clan by marriage. It is thrilling and sensational in its depiction of a young wife s struggle against her husband’s relatives. AVhat she had to combat is of supreme f>cination to wives and girls alike. I Virginia Valli and Eugene O Br-.en are the principal players in "Siege." Good supports are included in the programme. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. “The Uninvited Guest” will commence 1 a three nights’ season at the Artcraft Theatre this evening. The picture is partly photographed in natural colours by the Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation, and it is filmed in Hie. Bahama Islands, famous for their beauty. It is Jean (Colley’s first appearance m pictures, and the first time that underseas scenes wero phbtographed in colours. Good supports are promised all to music by the talented Janies Hay-