ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 112, 5 February 1926, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

•'THE MASQUERADER.’’ There was another full house last night at the Grund Opera House to witness Guy Bates Post give a masterly portrayal of the character of John Chilcote, M.P., in the intense drama ‘'The Masquerader.” The acting of a difficult play was ctiperb. Tn the play, Mr. Post acts in a dual role. The strong supporting cast includes Miss Eilleen Sparks, Miss Cecil Haines and Miss Jean Athol. "The Bad Alan,*’ which will be staged to-morrow, is a fne example of Mr. Post’s skill and thoroughness as a producer, and the faultless stage-sotting and the exquisite lighting effects will, it is stated, clmrin everyo. e. When the story opens, the sun is 1 i'-'h in tiro heavens, and the fierce rays beat down relentlessly on the sandy desert wastes, the hardy cactus bushes being the only species of vegetation that has withstood the dazzling and devastating heat. As tlie story unfolds, the arid desert becomes gradually softened and beautihea under the influence of the magical twilight, and at the conclusion of the story the purple shades of night have lintheu tile country in bewitching loveliness. The moon’s rays gently shimmer through Hie open windows of the house, while the spell and witchery of the purple night gently lay their spell on the vast spaces of the Rancho. DE LUXE THEATRE.

"Little Annie Rooney,’’ the comedy dinmil of tenement lite in New York, starring Mary Pickford, winch commences at the De Luxe Theatre to-day, appears, it is stated, to have been written to order for "the world s sweetheart,” for it is an ideal Alary Pickford story. Combining comedy and drama, smiles and tears, children s gang battles, and a pretty love story. Little Annie Rooney” is the type of play »n which the public loves to see Alary Pickford, and, the type she can do as no other actress can. "Little Annie Rooney" is as Irish as its name, and as Irish as the curly haired little ragamuffin who plays the title role. It deals with the young daughter ot an East Side policeman whose playmates are about thirty young boys, and who enters into the gang fights and rows of these tenement lads with all the vigour at her command. Unexpected tragedy stalks into the policeman’s family, arid the girl is suddenly faced with some of the grim realities of life that sedom come to a child of her ago, Through the gang battle sequences Miss Pickford romps gloriously, a leader of the dirty-faced boys and the idol of her "gang.” The programme includes a Rathe News and a Gazette, while the De Luxe orchestra will play appropriate musical selections. There will be a matinee at 2.30 to-morrow.

"THE IRON HORSE,” FRIDAY NEXT The plans for "The Iron Horse” season of six nights and. one matinee at thq De Luxe Theatre on Friday next, February 12, will he opened at the Bristol and Aitken’s Book Arcade on Alondav morning next at 9, and judging by tho numerous inquiries during the last few days—a large sale should bo recorded. Despite tho magnitude of this William Fox screen attraction there will be no advance in prices. Throughout the length and breadth of England and America exceptional praise for the faithful portrayal of the stirring events in tlie early ’sixties, which "Tho Iron Horse” presents so vividly, bus been received from historians, writers, mid Pailroad executives who have witnessed the picture. John Ford, who directed the production, took his company to Hie Nevada Desert in Lower California, and in tho Sierra Range, to obtain tho right locale for this wonder picture. Iho cast includes thirty principals, headed by George O’Brien. Madge Bellamy, and J. Farrell Alacdonald. These aro in turn augmented by 7600 extras of all nationalities. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Following on another wonderful attendance (record at the King’s Theatre, "Tho Gold Rush," the year’s greatest comedy achievement, enters into its third week in Wallington with, this afternoon's initial presentation at tho Queen’s Theatre, showing thereafter daily at 2.30 and nightly at 7.45. "Tho Gold Rush” is a comedy drama with a stoiy 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. “Tho Gold Rush" is a United Artists’ release, and brings Charlie Chaplin to the topmost peak of his career. This story of the Alaskan gold rush, interwoven with all the jabbings of fate that well can come io one who is typical of life—almost reaching the goal and watching its shadow disappear with the pained expression that only a Chaplin can wear —is a story crowned with majesty of . enterprise and the futility. This picture of the Alaska of bygone days is Chaplin’s greatest picture. In the role of hard luck. Chaplin presents the biography of a life with complete understanding and sympathy, "while the pathos and sufferings of the characters are converted into laughter.” Others in a well-selected cast excel in their several portrayals, notably Alack Swain and Georgia Hale. A special programme of music by the orchestra will be provided. An excellent supporting programme is promised in addition. The box plans arc available at the Bristol until 5.30 and after at theatre, telephone 22—334. -KING’S THEATRE. To commence a week's season at the King's Theatre with this evening’s presentation is a screen adaptation of one most famous stage plays ever produced, namely, "Excuse Ale!” from the pen of Rupert Hughes, the great play writer and novelist. All the ’that make for splendid sueecSs arc stated to be in abundance in this comedy farce. In addition is to be seen ri rare combination of famous players, among them being Norma Shearer, Conr/id Nagel,. Walter Hiers. Renee Adorce, and Bert Roach. A remarkable climax in which n devastating train wreck occurs as the. result of the destruction of a lofty bridge by fire possesses remarkable power. The hero (Conrad Nagel) endeavours to warn the engineer from an aeroplane which pursues the speeding locomotive. Tho plot is effectively simple. A young naval lieutenant and his sweetheart uro desirous of marrying before the former joins his transport, and they do. There is a whole continent to bo crossed before tho ship is reached, the last train is ready to depart, yet no minister in sight. At the last moment a clergyman is seen boarding tho train, and the young couple follow with tho intention of marrying on route. It is the immediate disappearance of the clergyman that is tho beginning of reel upon reel of laughter and thrills. A fine supporting programme is to be a feature, which, coupled with the splendid music to bo presented by the King’s orchestra, should make tho evening’s entertainment a most notable one. The box plans aro availab’o nt tho Bristol until 5.30 daily, and then at the theatre, telephone 22—212.

PARAMOUN-T THEATRE. Once again that inimitable combination of Johnny Hines and Edmund Breeze is to be seen in Wellington at the Paramount Theatre, in “The Live Wire,” a First National picture. Such well-known players as Alildrod Ryan, J. Barney Sherry, Flora Finch, and Bradley Barker appear in the supporting cast. Coincident with the cleain comedy vein of “The Live Wire,” the plot is rich in melodramatic moments, and the fine acting by the capable stars is amongst, the best they have done. “Thu Live Wire” gives Johnny Hines one of those character roles that he is always anxious to portray. The hardships and triumphs of the fiircus performer who loses his stardom and goes down (ho ladder to taste the dregs of life ami then rehabilitates himself through its business acumen, and wins the girl of his dreams is all (old with a reality that makes “The Live Wire” a most enjoyable production for the entire family. A further demonstration of the wonderful De Forest phonolilms will also be given in an entire range of new sulijects. There will be altra-li-c incidental music by the Paramoiuit orchesIra. The box plan is at lhe Utility stationery shop, next to the theatre.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. A revue of outstanding merit. is "Chuckles,” the present offering of the Moon and Alorris Revue Company nt His Majesty’s Theatre. As Alorris is absorbed in his ditty, “The Bandolero” the designing Aloon takes advantage of his friend’s preoccupation to transform .Morris’s appearance into that of a rough and ready made bandit. In "Aly Mountain Alaid,” a distant relative of "Tho Alaid of the Mountains.” George Moon gives a diverting exhibition as Tony the bandit, who is always closely attended by Sandwich, his faithful donkey. A feature of the show is Aliss Nell Fleming’s clever child impersonation as she sings "Has Anyone Got a Little Yaller Dog?” Tho usual high standard is maintained in the vaudeville half of tho programme by the Littlejohns, clever tumblers; the Romano Brothers, physical stunt experts and posers; Sam Stern,, comedian ; Mao Ragae, a dainty dancer; Phil I.opaz, a smart juggler; and bv the Janetski Trio, providers of delightful xylophone musie. EMPRESS THEATRE. Pat O’Alalley, one of the screen's most popular leading men, plays the role of the editor of a big daily newspaper in "The Fighting Cub,” which is tlie big attraction on tho new programme at. tho Empress Theatre, while Wesley Barry is cast as the young reporter. Tho slow is woven around the exploits of a dashing young reporter who discovers and captures a band of gem thieves after tho latter had eluded the police for many months. The youth is materially aided by the citv editor of the paper, and tho two battle every obstacle placed in their path, and finally secure a splendid scoop. Florence A’idor is starred in “Marry Me." which is the second star -feature. She has the role of Hetty King, a school teacher who awaits John Smith’s answer to her acceptance of his proposal. It turns out. however, that the egg on which she has written tho message remains in cold storage for seven years, and is then received by tho wrong John Smith. Wanda Hawley appears in the comedy "Cupid's Victory.” and the latest Rathe. Gazette will also bo shown. PRINCESS THEATRE. . Following the usual policy at the NowPrincess Theatre, the management of that comfortable house have prepared a most generous programme fol- to-day's change. Richard Dix; the popular athletic comedian, will bn seen in "Tho Shock Punch," in which he has the part of on idle voting man who learns boxing to keep fit and surprises everybody, including himself, by developing a devastating punch. "The Half-dollar Bill." with Anna Q. Nilsson in the loading iiarts. tells of a -baby’s abandonment. discovery and subsequent restoration to its mother. Raymond Hatton and Alee B. Francis are also in tho cast. No. 5 of "The Leather Pushers” series is entitled "Swinbnd tho Sailor” and will shown in addition to a comedy and a gazette. .A capable orchestra provides the musir. STRAND THEATRE. An interesting discussion of money as it concerns tho moral and mental welfare of two gangsters and an unsophisticated girl of San Francisco, appears in tho new Warner photoplay, "On Thin Ice.” which will commence a week’s season at tho Strand Theatre to-day. Edith Roberts, Torn Aloore, and Willi ;i.m Russell form a rather striking trio of players in this photoplay, giving strong impressions of tho basic passions that move men in the game of life they play so ruthlessly for their own gain. .Money can transform people in one devastating moment, hut "Cn Thin Ice" also shows how strong an antidote is love." Hold Your Breath,” Hie other attraction, is described as a thrilling story, in which excitement, pathos, and humour aro all interwoven into a plot which works out to an amazing climax. A good supporting programme includes Charlie Chaplin in his screaming comedy success, "The Rink.” ARTCRAFT THEATRE. For three nights only commencing tonight ;it 7.15 "The Sea Hawk” will be exhibited at the Arteraft Theatre. This famous adaptation of Raphael Sabatini’s novel of Elizabethan England and Moroccan pirates includes in its cast Milton Sills. Enid Bennett, and AVallaco Beery. Special music lias been prepared by Air. James Haydock. A treat is , provided for the children in an exciting Western ’serial. "The Riddle Rider.”