ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 97, 19 January 1926, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

DI) LUNE THEATRE. Reginald Denny, one of the most popular of players in comedy dramas, scores another great success in "Where Was I?” which is llio present big attraction at: the De Luxe Theatre. The production is one which gives Deiiny plenty of opportunity to display his ability as a. fuu-niuker. The rollicking gay story deals with the supposedly terrible predicament in which a. staid young business man finds himself when Ids business rival at tempts to break off the engagement between his daughter and Denny. Paulino Garon is the cause of Denny's anxiety, for she claims that. she. Ims married him on a certain date, while Marion Nixon is the fiancee of Denny. How to provo his innocence is found by Denny to bo n very difficult problem. To add to his troubles his employers begin io take notice of the doings of their trusted official, Eventually all possibilities but one are exhausted. and if is the chase for this that furnishes -the many thrills and laughs with which the picture abounds. A feature of the production is the inclusion of such famous comedians as Chester Conklin and Lee Moran in the supporting cast. There is an excellent supporting programme, and under Mr. L. D. Austin the Do Luxe orchestra play choice musical selections, which include “Deaiillful Galatea” (Supnc) ns overture. and "Triumphal March” (Kriens) as entr’acte. “THE GOLD RUSH.” A symbolical autobiography by Charlie Chaplin is tho definition beslowsd on Chaplin’s greatest comedy. “Tho Gold Rush,” which will commence its season at tho De Luxe Theatre on Friday at the matinee-, thereafter daily and nightly. With that genius which is peculiarly bis own, and against tho background of old Klondyko gold rush days, he has attempted to depict with subtle and delicate master strokes the struggles of man’s eternal hunt for happiness; its heartbreaks and tears and its laughter aud joy. .And tho worldly riches that become his in the course of tho sfe-ry do not make up for tho bitter loneliness of his heart and soul. Those who seo the picture will laugh when they sec him half-starved, hurling himself to the ground in front, of tho prospector’s cabin, in a self-enforced faint, only to cause the owner of the cabin to lift him up, and carry him gently inside and revive him with hot coffee, and a badly needed meal, and when they see how he tears himself away from th« mob of thousands of prospectors crossing the Chilkoot Pass, only to stubbornly go his own lonely way against a driving blizzard .that tears his shabby clothes to pieces‘and blows him finally like a piece of paper into the mountain cabin of a fugitive from justice. Ho is the wrong recipient of an endearing note of apology written to his riva. by her whom ho adores, though he, the disreputable Charlie, is scarcely noticed by her—and this note that ivas not meant for him at all, sends him into the seventh heaven. Laughter is caused by a man who has discovered untold riphes, rushing wildly in search of Chaplin who is paying attention to his dance hall queen only, and who will therefore have nothing to do with mere gold when tho much more important affair of his Ireart is.at stake, and when Charlie, much against his will, becomes u millionaire and sails for home, wrapped in three heavy and costly fur coats, a passenger in tho cabin de luxe of an ocean liner, but its unhappiest passenger, In spite of his millions, because he thinks he has lost tho queen of his heart. Patrons are urged to book seats without delay. The box plans are at the Bristol! Aitken’s Book Arcade, or seats mav be booked at the theatre, ’Phone 23—080. “LEAVE IT TO JANE.”

The J. C. Williamson English musical comedy company, who are appearing at the Opera House to-morrow night, arrived from Sydney this morning by the s.s. Maunganui. Of “Leave It to Jane” the new musical comedy to he seen here to-morrow night, the critic of the Sydney “Evening News” writes: "The new show at Her Majesty’s Theatre is a pleasing pot-pourri of melodies, fun, romance and plot—brightly written, staged and costumed, with an eye to colourful effects—and distinctly amusing. Much interest centred in the first Australian musical comedy appearance cf Athol Tier, who has been successful in musical shows abroad, and the initial appearance of Dorothy Lena, a soprano, who came from America especially for ‘Leave It to Jane.’. In his big comedy role of the rustic student, Athol Tier is irresistibly funny. His humour is spontaneous, and his singing of ‘I Miss My Swiss’ convulsed the audience. Ho scored a big success

right along the. line. Dorothy Lena made an immediate hit as Flora Wiggins, the athletic girl. The ballets are delightful, and there, is a long list of cateh.y melodics. The company includes Leyland Hodgson, as a busy undergrad, Jack Cannot, Hugh Steyne, Cecil Scott, and other favourites. Percy le Fro and Rcita Nugent arc the solo dancers.” One of the novelties of “Leave It to Jane” is the medley of college songs. The students and their friends celebrate a college event, and in addition to calling upon each other for solo songs and dances, they give several of the old melodies that most people have known from childhood. The new songs include many of the most tuneful heard in musical comedy for a long time. Dorothy Lena and Mona Barlee sing the “Siren Song,” and, with Leyland Hodgson. “Leave It to Jane.” Other melodics that should

be popular include “The Sun Shines Brighter,” “I’m Going to Find a Girl Some Dav.” and “What Do You Do, Sunday,. Mary?” The season is for eight nights only. The liox plans are open at th i . Bristol KING’S THEATRE. Heading the excellent programme now showing successfully at tho King’s Theatre is the Fox photoplay, “The Lucky Horseshoe,” a sparkling romance that hag for its settings scenes in Sunny fjpain, the land of romance. Tom Mix is given a role that is.entirely different from any of his previous eharacterisntions, namely, that of a gaily clad Don Juan of Old Spain, a dashing cavalier whoso chivalry and daring finally win him happiness. Charming Billie Dove excels in the role of the heroine. A

well varied and sterling supporting bill includes a. further series of the year's novelty, "Stereoscopiks.” together with a pleasing musical programme. The strangest love story ever told—an absolutely modern drama of city and jungle—is “Lorraine of the Lions.” the Universal Jewel production that is to commence a week’s season at the King's Theatre next Friday, a special matinee faking place on that day at 2.30. It is stated to be one of the most amazing spectacles of the season, containing interest in every scene, together with laughter, pathos, and thrills to the accompaniment of a most absorbing story that claims a multiplicity of gorgeous settings. Patsy Ruth Miller and Norman Kerr- head the cast of players. A special musical programme is being arranged for tin's production. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Delighted audiences nightly witness the performance of the Futurists’ English Revue Company iw.? appearing at tho Paramount Theatre in conjunction with Iho usual picture programme. Their present programme embraces ballets, sketches, songs, dancing and burlesque, with brilliant ensembles, characterised by wonderful flicking. Ono of the features of the bill is a very bright “revuelte,” entitled "By the Sea,” introducing a dancing novelty entitled "Yankee Doodle. ” in which Ira Love is assisted by Winnie Edgerton. Eily Dalgleish, Billie Williams, Peggy Adams, Olive Jeffries. Gus Dawson. Geo. I'orclli, and Barry Ross. A bathing ballet by

the Cabaret Kitiens, aud a very amusing numlver. "The Sad Tale of a Dog,” are two other very good items in this number. "The Pa<e that Thrills,” the

picture attraction being presented on the same bill, features Ben Lyon and Mary Astor. It is a wholesome love story surrounded by action, thrills, and real comedy. "The Futurists” are appearing at both the afternoon and evening performances. The box plan is at Hie Utility Stationery Shop, next to the theatre

(IUEEN’S THEATRE. A story o* modern, veiw much nialtercffact youth, freed from all convention and restraint, is told in "Broken

Barriers,” tho first of tho two big MotroGoldwyn pictures now at the Queen's Theatre. Divorce and its unhappy results arc portrayed vividly in the production, which rises to great dramatic ’ heights. A first-class cast includes such star players as James Kirkwood. Mao Busch, Adolphe Menjou, Norma Shearer, and Vera Reynolds. As Fernanda Borel, a tempestuous beauty, loved by a Spanish Don, and an Irish plumber. Eleanor Boardman again has a remarkable success in “Proud Flesh,” which is tho s.-eond feature. This picture imludcs remarkable scenes of tho devastating San Francisco earthquake. Hanson Ford and Fat O’Malley head, a strong supporting cast. A further instalment of the "Samson of the Circus" series is also shown, and excellent incidental . music is contributed by file Queen s orchestra. PRINCESS THEATRE. An excellent double-feature programme at the Princess is beaded by "O.d Home AVcek,” starring Lila Lee and Ihomas Meighan. Tho story de. s with the experiences of a small town boy who returns from the city to tackle a crooked oil boom. Tho manner in which the youthful hero outwits the. swindlers and saves the citizens the many dollars they have invested in a worthless ‘‘gusher” is vastly amusing. That famous actor. Thomas Meighan. docs splendid work as the hero and is well supported by Lily Lee as Ethel Harman. "The Wizard of Oz.” which is the other big attraction, features Lurry Semon in n story that invades the realm of fantasy in a way that could not be approached by any other medium than the. silent, drama. In addition, thorn is included in the programme. "He Loops to Conquer.” starring Billy Sullivan, being tho second of tho new "Leather Pushers” series, and also “Dr. Pykle and Mr. Pryde.” a clever Stan Laurel comedy. The Princess orchestra have chosen some fine numbers, which include “Light Cavalry” as an overture. ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

"Love and Glory,” the Rupert Julian-Unive.rsal-Jewel production, commencing to-night at the Artcraft Theatre, is said to be a delightful combination of excellent story, pictorial .beauty and dramatic strength, features which mark it as one of the outstanding photoplays of tho s.-ason. it is u storv of war and romance, woven around the period of 1870. Featured in the east aro Charles De Roche. Wallace MacDonald. Madge Bellamy. Gibson Gowland, Ford Sterling. Priscilla Dean Moran and Charles Do Ravcnno. A splendid Nows and a good Century comedy are included in tho bill. A fine entr’acte. "Highland Gems,' is played by James .Haydock.