ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 98, 20 January 1926, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUNE TIIEATi.’E. Reginald Denny fully avails himself of the many opportunities to display his ability as a fun-maker afforded in ‘■Where Was 1?” which is the leading feature on the De Luxe Lull. The lively storv tells Of Die quaint predicament into' which a wholly innocent and unsuspecting young business man is landed. Marion Nixon has the part of Denny's beautiful fiancee, and when the two are about to got married, Pauline Garon slips into the picture, and claims Denny as her rightful liusbaml. alleging that she had married him on a certain d.dc. Tlio complexity of the situation is added to when, despite much brain-racking and menial torture, tiie hero cannot recall his whereabouts at. the fateful time in question. Much perturbed, (lie crrslfallen Ueginahl seis about proving his innocence, hut finds it a difficult matter to eonvinec tho very naturally indignant Marion. Eventually all ends well, but Hie righting process produces thrills and laughs a-plenty. Aho featured in the production are the famous comeilians. Uhester Conklin, and J.co Moran. Good supports are shown, and under Mr. L. D. Austin the De Luxe orchestra contribute delightful musical selections among which are the overture “Beautiful Galatea” (Suppc), and the entr’acte "Triumphal Maid” (Kriens).

“THE GOLD RUSH.” Charlie Chaplin's new picture, “The Gold Rush,” consisting of 10 reels, will open at (he De Luxe Theatre at mulinoe on Friday, January 22. thereafter daily and nightly. “The Gold Rush” is a comedy drama with a story of laughter and tears and of hope ’deferred. A critic says: It is a rugged story with the spectacle of a valiant weakling in search of gold in the biting blizzards of the north. “The Gold Rusli” is a United Artists’ release, and brings Charlie Chaplin to Hie topmost peak of his dazzling career. This story of the Alaskan gold rush, interwoven with nil the jabbings of fate that well can come to one who is typical of life—almost reaching the goal and watching its shadow disappear wilh the pained expression that only a Chnplii; can wear—is a story crowned with' tho majesty of enterprise and Hie futility of it. This picture of the Alaska of bygone days is Chaplin’s grenfest picture, for two reasons; it represents his intellectual am] artistic growth fresh from his dramatic triumph. ami, secondly, it runs tho entire gamut of human emotions, the blended panorama of life, the subtle and vital essence of it, tho defeat and the victory and growth of a soul in struggle. In the role of hard luck. Chaplin presents the biography of a life with eomplcle understanding mid sympathy, “while, the pathos and sufferings of the characters arc converted into laughter.” The management slate that they take great pride in announcing tho screening of this masterpiece, and anticipate tho greatest business since the De Luxe opened. Tn order to accommodate the patrons who will wish lo see (bis great picture, parents are advised to send their children to the matinees, which will bo held daily at 2.30. The box plans are now open at tho Bristol Pimm Go.. Aitken’s Book Arcade, or ring theatre, No. 23—0R0.

“lEAVE IT TO JANE” TO-NIGHT. This evening, nt tho Grand Opera House at 8 o’clock, J. C. AVilliainsou, Ltd., will present their latest musical comedy success, “Leave It To Jane.” In most families, in most committees, indeed, in nearly every association rf any kind, there is generally one person who, when something out of tho ordinary is io bo done, has such job shuillled on to him or her. In “Leave It To Jane," Hie musical comedy bv Jerome Kern, football enthusiasts at Attwutcr College, somewhere in the U.S.A., ardently desire to secure tho services of young Bolton, a famous half-back, so that they iray administer a sound licking to Bingham College representatives: but Bolton was to study nt Bingham, by order of his wealthy father. M’hat were the Attw;iterites to do about it? Here is where Jane took a hand, and the Binghamites wisely left the whole business to her. She played up to Bolton, who hardly pul up any fight at all, succumbing immediately to her charms. Ho enrolled under another name, at Attwatcr, and in duo course helped materially to defeat tho 'Bingham footballers. Naturally, when after the contest lie learned that attractive Jane Witherspoon had simply used him for her own sporting purpose, Bolton made haste to shako off iho dust of Attwnter, but most conveniently Jane interposes, and in a lemarkably short time ‘all’s well with tho world of theso two young people, despite tho fact that an 'angry tether had condemned young Bolton io a junior position in his offices. That is the plot of tho comedy, and in the collegegrounds all sorts of thing happen. A critic says: “Miss Mona Barlec as Jatio Witherspoon showed acting, charm, and ' quiet refinement; Miss Dorothy Lena played with snap tho role of Flora Wiggins, and made one of the chief successes of tho performance in the mockheroic 'Cleopattercr.’ « .Mr. Athol Tier convulsed tho audience with his amusing 'grotesqueries* in tho part of Harold Hicks, a freshman of Attwater College. By contortions of limbs, stretching of the nock, and other 'pleasantries’ he made 'Bub’ something t? look at. His comparatively quiet, straightforward diction and well-assumed simplicity, was in most amusing contrast to llie eccentricities of his dress, notably the ford bags,’ in which he strutted about during the football match. Air. Jack Cannot gave a natural, strong impersonation of Peter IVitherspoon. A.M., president of Attwood. Air. Leylaml Hodgson was robustly active as 'Stub’ Talmadge.” Others well placed in a long cast were Misses Rcita Nugent, Elmo Gibbs. AVinnie Tate, and Messrs. ] T erey lo Fro, Harry AVotton, Fred McKay. The box plans arc open at the Bristol. WIRTHS’ CIRCUS. Largo crowds made their way early io Wirths’ Circus last evening in the hope of being in time to secure good seats before the performance started. There is no doubt that the present circus is one of the best ever seen in this city. Professor Betts astounded all with his marvellously well-trained seals, whose performances are really amazing. Then the wonderful elephants, always favourites at a circus, display weird intelligence. Aliss Eileen May handles these animals superbly. Five snarling lionesses, who leap hurdles and jump through hoops .of flame, supply a great turn under the direction of Captain Smith. Clever jugglers, known as the Camella Troup, do great things, and the Howell family supply a beautiful tumbling act to the appreciation of the audience. Alfred Clarke, a daring horseman, gave a fine exhibition of tumbling on the back of a horse. There are many other turns of excellence on the programme. including clever clowns, who make all laugh by their refreshing fun and frolic. Tho circus will give performances ■•'very night this week. A matinee will bo held Hu’s afternoon and on Saturday afternoon also.

DAME CLARA BUTT. Tlio months of January and February mark the visit of Dame Clara Butt ami .Mr. Kenilerley Humford, who are so well beloved by everybody here. The former is an imposing figure on the platform, tall, graceful, and exquisitely gowned. At a recent concert she wore a striking creation of scarlet and gold brocade, draped slightly at the side and falling with long, sweeping lines over her foot. From one arm fell a long scarf of the same material, but it was lined with cerise and relieved with a touch of turquoise, and edged with gold fringes. Long gold cords from which bung gold inssels vero attached tn the low front of the gown and wore so arranged that I her matched others which liuished at the left side. A wide bandeau of scarlet ami gold with a star of rubies formed her headdress. There is surely only one woman in tho world who could wear such a gown perfectly, and she is Dame Clara Butt. 'The assisting artists are Aidlie. Marie Antionctte Ausseuac, a French pianist of exceptional talent, and Air. Roy Elicit, accompanist. In the course of an interview in London recently, prior to her donariuro for Australia 'Dame Clara Bufi, discussing her cclebralion of Iwcnlv-five years of happy nmrried life, says that a girl who stalls out on twenty-live years of married life

to-ihiy has a better chance than Iho girl ul twenty-live years ago, because girls uro so much better taught to-day anil have so much saner knowledge of Ihe (ruths of life, and these aro the things, she said. Hint lead to tolerance, understanding, and happiness. Alany advance applications for seats have already been received by the, Bristol, and it seems piobable tliat the famous singers will bo welcomed in the AVcllington Town Hall by an overflowing house on Saturday, January 30. The box plans will open next Monday.

BIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. “Cameos” is the appropriate title given to tho latest production of the popular Moon aud Morris Revue Company at His Majesty’s Theatre. Tho principals caused shrieks of laughter from the large audience last, night by (heir appearance as a couple of "gay dogs.” “The Basic AVagc” was an Arbitration Court scene wherein several doleful but unrepentant prisoners were tried by an enthusiastic court for a little matter of living above (heir incomes. Many bright song numbers aro included in the new revue, and the favourites, Miss Eva Gordon, William Beresford. Nell Fleming. Syd. Burchall, and William Beresford, aro again to the fore in those. Amongst tho newcomers in the vaudeville section of flic entertainment arc Slavin ami Thompson, who scored heavily last night in Heir bright songs and comedy. The Janetski Trio, a band of ihree brilliant xyloph mo specialists, brought forth great applause last night

Tiy their finished harmonics, and Mr. Alox. Kclloway’s fine baritone voice was heard to pleasing effect. The Four LiH’o Kellys again captivated the house wilh their sweet melodics, while Miss Estelle Rase was at her best in sing and story. KING'S THEATRE. Tom Mix has a role entirely different from his usual characterisations in “The

Lucky Horseshoe.” which heads the programme at the King's Theatre. As Don Juan of Old Spain, he makes a very dashing and gal.ant cavalier indeed, and amidst the wonderful settings of Sunny fy.inin he wins the love of Hie heroin;'. Billie Dove, who excels in the role. The strong supporting bill includes a further series of the .wonderful “Stercoseopiks,” and there is a pleasing musical programme, “Lorraine of the Lions,” the Universal Jewel production, which is to eonimciice at Hie King's Theatre on Friday next,

is stated to be one of the moet amazing pictures of the season, and lo contain a thrilling interest in every scone. Laughter and pathos are intimately interwoven in this most absorbing story, which has many gorgeous settings. Patsy Riilh Miller and Norman Kerry are the players who head the cast. The conductor of the King’s orchestra has arranged an excellent musical programme for this production. There will be a special matinee at 2.30 p.m. on Friday. PARAMOUNT TIIEATBE. The Futurists’ English Revue Com-

pany continue io be highly- popular at the Paramount Theatre, where they are now apoearing in conjunction with the usual picture programme. Included in their present programme aro ballets, sketches, songs, dancing, and burlesque, with brilliant ensembles, characterised by wonderful frocking. Ono of the features of the bill is a very- bright “revuette," entitled “By the' Sea,” introducing a dancing novelty entitled “Yankee Doodle,” in which Ira Love is assisted by AVinnio Edgerton, Eily Dalgleish, Billie AVilliams, I’eggy Adams, Olive Jeffries, G'us Dawson, Geo. Corelli, and Barry Ross. "Tho Pace That Thrills,” the picture attraction being presented on tho same bill, fentwes Ben Lyon and Alary Astor. “Tho Futurists” aro appearing at both the afternoon and evening performances. Tho box plan is at the Utility Stationery Shop, next to the theatre. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Divorce and its unhappy results are portrayed vividly in “Broken Barriers,” the first of the two big Metro-Goldwyji pictures now showing at tho Queen's Theatre. The story deals with those pleasure-seeking young people who care little for the things that really matter in life, but who are soon brought to a it'iilistuion that their existence is but the pursuit of a shadow, and that in it lies no real happiness. Eleanor Boardman scores a remarkablo success as a tempestuous Spanish beauty, in “Proud Flesh.” which is the second feature Harrison Ford and Pat O’Malley head the strong supporting cast. A. furtheir instalment, of the "Samson of the Circus'itsorial is also shown, and there .is excellent music by the Queens’ orchestra. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. “Love and Glory,” tho Rupert Jttlian-Universal-.le.wel production, now showing at tho Artcraft Theatre, features Charles De Roche, AVallaee Macdonald, and Madge Bellamy, who are introduced in tho story as young peasant folk in a French village. In the dosing scenes of the film play they appear in tho makeup of persons seventy years of age. The supporting pictures are particularly good, likewise the music by James Haydock.