Films and Stage.

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 119, 13 February 1926, Page 19

Films and Stage.

“The Iron Horse.” The story of “The Iron Horse,” the Fox film presentation (now at the De Luxe Theatre), of an epic event in American history, begins in Springfield, Illinois, where Abe Lincoln lived and where a man named Brandon dreamed of iron rails which should connect the East and the West. With his sou, Dave, he set out one day to find the best trail for those rails to follow, and was murdered by hostile Indians. Years later, Dave, who had become a pony express rider, escapes from a band of Indians who had shot his horse under him, by leaping to the platform of a train. It was the first train to cut its way through the -western wilderness. Construction of the railroad had started at Omaha, working west to meet other rails which had started at Sacramento, working east. Running through the story is a pleasing romance, well told, but the romance is, after all, only a small part of a very great picture. It is the big historical significance underlying it which sends a thrill to the heart. It is a vital, human, authentic chapter from the great story of a nation's making. The photography is remarkable, the acting excellent throughout, and every detail is handled logically with a painstaking attention to small detail unusual in a picture of this kind. Madge Bellamy has the leading feminine role, and the large cast includes George O’Brien, a screen ‘'’find,” who does excellent work as the hero of the story.

If vou like the sea with its cruelty and beauty, if you wish to get away from the ordinary play of society life, and the hustle of cities, if you appreciate sound acting and fine photography, then, bv all means, see “The Storm Breaker.” Universal-Jewel production, starring House Peters, now at the Queen’s Theatre.

Silver King, Mr. Thomson’s snowwhite horse, is a big animal. .“Jocko,” Fred’s blooded bull, ’s considerably larger. And now conies “Hajnlet,” a white Great Dane weighing nearly one hundred and fifty pounds. “Hamlet” was recently presented to Mr. Thomson by an admirer who breeds dogs, and is said to be the only Albino Great Dane in America. Mr. Thomson and his pels are featured in the- Master picture “That Devil Quemado.”

A real League of Nations could be organised from the characters in the Fox special, “The Winding Stair,” for the characters depicted in this presentation embrace nationalists of most of tlie principal countries of the world. The hero, as played by Edmund Lowe, is an Englishman, who serves as an officer in the 'French Foreign Legion in Morocco. The heroine Alma Rubens is an American dancer, adrift in Morocco, where she meets and falls in love with the hero officer. Mahlon Hamilton, second lead, enacts the role of a young French officer of the Foreign Legion and a pal of the hero’s—until the hero strays from his allegiance to the Legion. Warner Gland, another “heavy,” is cast as a Greek, who is secretly backing the Cafe Iris, where the heroi’ie is dancing, and .the proprietor and his wife are a German couple. In addition to the principals, other nationalities represented in the “mob scene” are Moors, Arabs, Algerians, Japanese, Chinese, and other Oriental and Levantine races. All of this argues for a most unusual and colourful picture, while the story itself is dramatic and sensational.

A bridge, collapsing into i flooded river carrying with it a train, is one of a number of big spectacles promised in “The Tornado,” a Universal-Jewel screen version of the emotional melodrama of the same name. The picture, with House Peters as star, will be shown at the Artcraft Theatre.

Baby Peggy’" latest role is in a story known the world over, an 1 read, according to statisticians, by every fourth family on the civilised globe—“ Helen’s Babies.” In “Recompense,” the action shifts suddenly from the gay Paris of Armistice Day to the desolate miles of the veldts in Africa. Here Julie Gameljm, a nurse in the South African Brigade, meets again with Peter Graham, an army chaplain, and here the drama co a i ';n climax.

Miss Barbara La Marr, the wellknown picture actress, died at her home at Almadena, California, on January 30. Death was due to complications following a nervous breakdown which Miss La Marr suffered neverat months ago.

Not a "cave man” proposal, but a “cave woman” threat that she will kill the other woman, is the expression of a deformed mountain girl’s loye for a reformed bank robber. Zazu Pitts as Tudv, the daughter of a mountaineer, and' Kenneth Harlan, impersonating “Brian Kent,” the man made great by love, appear in Flarold Bell Wright’s “The Re-Creation of Brian Kent,” a Master picture.

Master Picture’s “The Man on the Box/* based on Harold McGrath s novel and play, and starring Syd C' lin, has arrived in Australia. Syd. Chaplin appears here first as a debonair voung millionaire, then a typical cabdriver, a groom, azbutler, and final.y as a lady’s maid involved in a frantic tussle for a set of plans for an acroplatie invention.

Much discussion pro and con from the mouths of i eformers and social workers is heard on the possibility of reforming criminals. Some, say it can be done by giving the criminal a place in society when he has served his. term, while others deny this. The subject is given interesting treatment in the Master picture “On Thin Ice,” now screening at the Empress Theatre, starring Tom Monte and Edith Roberts.

Peter B. Kyne, the well-known author, has 'signed a contract with Fox Film Corporation for the screen adaptation of his stories and novels. Ihe first of these for release is “Ihe Golden Strain,” taken from, the Cosmopolitan Magazine story “Thoroughbreds,” and is an outdoor story of the finest type. The cast is a “thoroughbred” one, with Kenneth Harlan as the dashing cavalry officer, Madge Bel lamy as the heroine, and Ann Pennington, Hobart Bosworth, and Frank Beal in supporting roles.

“Below the Line,” the Warner Master picture, makes the third production in which Riii-Tin-Tin, the dog, and June Marlowe have appeared together. Previous' pictures in which they' have shared honours were “Find Your Man” and “Tracked in the Snow Country.”

Sir Martin Harvey in “The Only Way-,” the latest film by Herbert Wilcox, Britain’s 'ending director, gives to the world, they say, a film of which the Old Country has full reason to be proud. The picture will shortly be released in New Zealand by First National. “The Devil's Cargo,” with Wallace Beery and Pauline Frederick in the lead, is a thrilling story of the old gold rush days, and will be featured ... ...e „>ew x,...cess in the near future.

"Clothes Make the Pirate” is . described as the comedy knock-out of the year. As a timid little henpecked tailor, who dreams of becoming a piiatc an 1 finds his ambitions realised in a startling manner, Leon Errol gives a side-splitting performance.

Donald Keith, who has the important role of Jim Carvel in “Baree, Son of Kazan,” a Master picture, is a comparatively newcomer in motion. pictures. “Baree, Son of Kazan,” is the second consecutive picture he ha,s been in in which Anita Stewart was the star. The other was "The Boomerang.” He Ims had parts also in “K, the Unknown,” with Virginia Valli, and “Secrets,” with Norina Talmadge.

Buck Joues. whose latest picture, “The Timber Wolf.” is now at Shortt’s Theatre, started his screen career as what is commonly known as a “stunt man” and has remained one ever since. Before entering motion pictures he was a daredevil rider in “101 Ranch,” a wild west show. In several of his photoplays .he has duplicated many of his daring feats on horseback.

Lon Chaney, star of Universal’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” started life as a dancer in musical comedy, a fact that is not generally known. He was one of the mainstays of the famous light opera organisation gathered together bv Mort Singer and Joe Howard at the La Salle Theatre, in Chicago. He appears in the Universal production coming to the Artcraft Theatre.

.Constance Talmadge is said to be assembling a dazzling wardrobe for “East of the Setting Sun,” her next picture for First National.

A story of the storms and dangers of the New England coast, of a life-saver and his battle to keep the record of his life-saving station clean, though ambition and love and even honour tempt him to forget thal duty, is the theme of “Rugged Water,” one of raramount’s newest releases.

"Sally of the Sawdust,” D. W. Griffith’s much-discussed picture for United Artists, should be here soon. According to the reviewers Griffiths has given ns entertaining stuff. Laughter bubbles throughout. It begins to rollick gaily about the circus tent where the great Prof. McGargle, juggler and rogue extraordinary, is about his merry affairs, attended by his ward, Sally, as audacious and loyal a companion as is given to man. It thrives when the circus goes broke and Sally' and the Professor board the blind-baggage to get to the carnival town where the greatdrama awaits Sally.

For those who like pictures the stories of which hold one breathlessly interested through every scene to the end—which makes an hour seem like live seconds—comes Victor Seastrom’s Metro-Goldwyn production, “He Who Gets Slapned,” to the De Luxe Thc-,-itie on February 19 for six days. The picture is an adaptation of Leonid Andreyev’s stage success of the same name.

New Zealand is well represented in Guv Bates Post’s company, for there is another Dominion representative besides the voting Wellington actress, Miss Cecil Haines, and that is Mr. Richard Webster, who gave a good account of himself as Bobby Blessington in “The Masquerader” and as the lovesick cowboy in “The Bad Alan.” Mr. Webster is a member of a well-known Hastings family, and was here last year as a member of the Moscovitch company. Anotuer New Zealander, Miss Isohel Wil ford, was a member of Mr. Post’s company until her departure for England last year.

“Not So Long Ago,” the newest Paramount picture, by Sydney Olcott, director of “The Humming Bird,” will be released shortly. Betty Bronson, of “Peter Pan” fame, and Ricardo Cortez arc featuicd. The store, adopted for the screen be Violet Clark, from ~the Broadway stage hit of the same name by Arthur Richman, is a cheerful, romantic comedy of New A. oik in 1650.

Monta Bell’s next production for Metro-Goldwyn is to be an elaborate screen version of “The Torrent,’’ by Vincente Blasco Ibanez, one of the Spanish writer's most notable novels.

“The Tenth Woman ” is a Master picture adapted from Harriet Comstock’s best-seller of the same name. John Roche, Bevcrlv Bavne, June Marlowe, and Charles “Buddy” Post appear in the cast.

Josie Sedgwick, star of the Universal attraction "The Outlaw’s Daughter,” has a' perilous, aerial ride on a wire cable in the picture—one of the many thrilling incidents in this absorbing attraction.

Charles Ray, one of the best loved of motion picture actors, has signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn, and will lie co-fcatured with Pauline Starke in "A Little Bit of Broadway.”

Rex, “the wild horse,” is again to be seen on the screen under the aegis of Hal Roach, who has written “Black Cyclone” to fit the alents of the horse. Kathleen Collins plays the feminine lead in this Master picture.

A clever double exposure was shot in making a life size portrait of Miss Jacqueline Logan in her latest attraction, “Peacock Feathers” (Universal). Miss Logan appears in the scene as both the model and the portrait.

A very fine musical score, whicli will appeal particularly .to lovers of music of the better type, has. been arranged to screen with “'lhe Iron Horse” at the De Luxe Theatre. Much care and attention went into the compiling of the score, so that the music would so blend into this powerful romance of‘the railroad, that the picture is much enhanced by appropriate “effects” and melody. This big attraction is a blend of all .those incidents which arc most loved bv picture-goers, drama, thrills, love interest, courage, bravery, and laughter.

Alma Rubens and Bert Lytcll head the brilliant cast with which John Griffith Wray, former Ince director-in-chief, has started production on “The Gilded Butterfly,” for Fox Film Corporation. Huntly Gordon is the villain, and the cast also includes such celebrated character actors as Frank Keenan, Herbert Rawlinson, .and Vera Lewis. The tale is of a girl’s redemption, after having been taught by her father that the world owes them a living, no matter how or where she gets it.

Guy Bates Post revels in producing plays that give scope for big spectacular effects. He therefore found the greatest satisfaction in staging “The Green Goddess,” the Jour scenes in which lend themselves to the most beautiful staging. A graceful compliment was paid to Mr. Post during “The Green Goddess” season in Auckland, when a New Zealander who had spent many years in India wrote to the actor to congratulate him on having secured the absolutely real Indian atmosphere. “For the space of two and a half hours I was once again living in the Himalayas,” wrote the ex-Indian resident.

A new series of “The Leather Pushers,” starring Reginald Denny, will commence screening weekly at the New Princess Theatre soon.

Monta Bell, Harry Rapf’s directorial discovery, has hit his third successful film in “The Snob.” the Metro-Gold-wyn picture, now at the Queen’s Theatre. Bell, in this picturisation of Helen R. Martin’s popular novel, has gone far from the usual film plot and treatment. His direction of this play ranks with his first sensational success. “Broadwav After Dark.” The storv is that of a handsome, personable young snob, an instructor in a pirvate academy, and a favourite lecturer at women’s clubs. The central character is admirably played by John Gilbert, as the young instructor. The “Snob.” anxious to advance himself bv anv means, makes ardent love to the daughter of the town’s wealthiest man. although he is engaged to a country school teacher. . He becomes the teacher’s husband in a death-bed marriage, and she. contrary to the doctor’s prediction. recovers. The “Snob’s” treatment of. her, his infidelity. and his attempt to release himself from the marriage in order to marry the wealthy woman, his fawning on those of greater wealth and position, and his arrogance to those I'elow him, form the basis of the storv.

Do vou know a caia from a craal? If you don’t, the Master picture “.White Man,” at the Strand Theatre, will enlighten you.

Constance Talmadge plays a unique foie in “Her Sister from Paris,” the new First National Picture showing, at the Paramount Theatre this week. The storv has to do with the exploits of a young and charming—although too thoroughly domesticated—wife, who educates her husband into showing his love for her. To do this she impersonates her madcap sister from Paris, who has become nationally noted as a dancer.

A Prize Tour. Considerable public interest is manifested in the announcement of the offer of a prize tour of New Zealand or Australian beauty spots for the best 250-word essay on “What the Motion Picture Means to Our Community.” This contest is being instituted by Paramount Pictures during the Greater Movie Season, which is being celebrated in the month of March. All representative theatres, will be taking part. The essay will require to be of not more than two hundred and fifty words, but as it is the ideas and information of the value of the motion picture to civic and community life that is wanted. an essay of even fifty words may win the prize tour. The three best essavs sent to the “Dominion” will be forwarded to Paramount Pictures, Sydney, where the final judging will take place. This will be done by three independent judges. The winner of the competition may take his or her choice of a trip through New Zealand or Australia. whether he or she lives in. New Zealand or Australia. The trip will be a comprehensive one, and will, take in all the important beauty spots in either country. Theatres celebrating the Greater Movie Season in Wellington will include the De Luxe, the Empress, Princess, and Artcraft.

The two loves of Lady Gwen, daughter of a wealthy nobleman, form the theme of Marshall Neilan’s new MetroGoldwyn production, “The Sporting Venus,” which screens at the King’s Theatre this week. Each has its drama; one a dash of humour; and both arc worked out logically and pleasingly. The featured players are Blanche Sweet, Ronald Colman, and Lew Cody. Gerald Beaumont is the author. “The Spirting Venus” was filmed mainly in France, England, and Scotland.

In making the Master picture version of A S. M. INitchinson’s novel, “'lhe Clean Heart,” or “The Ciuclties of Life,” J. Stuart Blackton introduces some clever bits of double exposure, and a new form of technique which niav revolutionise screen piesentat-ons.

“Wild, Wil.d Susan,” a Paramount comedy, starring Bebe Daniels, is laid against a New York background, the scenes including-Riverside Drive, near Grant’s Tomb, the Leviathan’s pier, Washington Square, interior of the Park Lane, New York’s newest hotel, and scenes outside the Hotel Astor and “Times” Square. The story is an adaptation by Tom Geraghty of “The Wild, Wild Child” by Stuart Emery, in the “Liberty Magazine.”

It is evident that Warner Brothers will be well to the fore this season with their screen output, for a big announcement in the “Exhibitors’ Herald” of August 1, occupying some 4-1 pages, tells of forthcoming H925-2G Master picture features.

Fox Film Enterprise!. “The Fox Film people .have abandoned the ordinary ‘programme’ picture, and gone out for big things,” says Mr. Barnes, director of Fox Film Publicity in Australasia. H. G. Wells, who has Hitherto been most adamant in his refusal to allow any of his works to be filmed, has allowed his best-seller, “Marriage,” to be transferred to the screen. Peter B. Kyne has undertaken to write and direct four photoplays. From the works of the late O. Henry, America’s greatest humorous author since Mark Twain, there are eight scintillating literary gems ready for the screen. Richard Harding Davis’s scries of short stories, “The Adventures of Van Bibber,” are due for early release. Adaptations from the world famous Golden plays occur with pleasing frequency. For over two years, Mr. William Fox has planned. for the 1925-26 productions, and it is claimed that these are by far the greatest .film plays that have emanated from his colossal studios. Amongst the various big directors to be signed on by Fox are F. W. Murnau, the German director who made “The Last Laugh,” who has been appointed for a period of one year, with an option on his further services. A. S. M. Hutchinson’s latest novel, “One Increasing Purpose,” will be filmed. '‘Theatrical enterprises of the Fox company,” proceeds Mr. Barnes, “include the erection of several new picture theatres throughout America, while in Australia- the- corporation is the first to erect and' solely occupy its own executive headquarters. This building, which is nearing, completion, is an imposing structure in the heart of Sydney’s business quarter. It embodies every single detail that will make for the safetv, comfort, and general well-being of its employees, being absolutely fire-proof, and _providing

commodious and comfortable rest rooms. The release of the new Fox product, as these pictures arc termed in movie parlance, will be awaited with the keenest anticipation, as the result of twenty-two years of consistent and constructive advancement and assiduous experimenting.” Due for a long rest: the American publicity writers’ “starring vehicle,” “screen classic,” “filmisation,” “featured players,” and all superlative degrees of qualifying adjectives.

The opera scenes are only a few of the many big moments in Universal’s “The Phaittom of the Opera,” whic.li is adapted from the famous mystery novel by Gaston Leroux, and produced under the direction of Rupert Julian. Lon Chaney stars as the mysterious Phantom and Mary Philbin, Norman Kerry and others head a cast of five thousand people.

Another big attraction due at. the New Princess soon is “Gerald Cranston’s Ladv,” adapted from Gilbert Frankau’s brilliant novel of the same name.

“The Hunchback of Noire Dame,” now showing at the New Princess Theatre, is remarkable in many ways. The stellar cast is headed by Lon Chaney, Patsy Ruth Miller, Ernest Torrence, Norman Kerry,. Nige! I de Builler. Adapted from Victor Hugo’s immortal masterpiece, it is a dramatic offering seldom equalled and so far never eclipsed. i

“The Lucky Devil,” Richard Dix'sV latest picture’ for Paramount, now ■ nt the Empress Theatre, was written especially for Paramount’s new star byBvron Morgan, author of “The AirMail.” and all the Wally Reid auto-, mobile stories. It brings Dix to. the. screen as an automobile racing driver., Esther Ralston, who played Mrs. Darling in “Peter Pan,” heads the supporting cast.

All sorts of auto horns, saxophones, sousaphones, and other kinds of phones arc used bv Swift and Daly, who are to appear at Fullers’ theatre nexfweck. They have finger horns attached to their gloves, and horns concealed all over their clothes, and all produce harmony. One of the best features of their act is an imitation of a street band played on an assortment of old auto horns.

“Beggar on Horseback,” as a delightfully fantastic treatment of modern affairs, is James Cruze’s latest Paramount production, to be-shown here at an early date, with Edward Horton and Esther Ralston heading the cast.

Miss Ruth Bucknell, a lyric soprano, whose voice has a range of three octaves, is to appear with the "Bo Peep" Pantomime Company at the Gram! Opera House, the short season starting on Saturday, February ‘2O, at the matinee. Miss' Bucknell is a Sydney girl, who, at the age of 17, went to Paris and studied for a time under Marches;, who showed her how to produce her brilliant head notes. When Madame Alvarez heard Miss Bucknell sing she said she had the finest lyric soprano voice for her age she had ever heard. In London, the late Sir George Reid, then High Commissioner for Australia, interested himself in the young singer's behalf./ Another helper was Ethel Irving, who arranged for her an audition before Sir (then Mr.) Oswold Stoll who, after hearing her in a couple ot songs, offered her a big engagement.

A new tvpe of working girl is projected on the screen in "Classified,-” starring Corinne Griffith, a new First National offering shortly to.be released. She is the dulcet-voiced creature who takes vour want ad. oxer the ’phone. r tfreshing exposition of how this kind of working girl lives; (he influence exerted on her. by her daily contact with sophistication, is presented by Miss Grilffith, who ventures into new ch'innc.s in projecting Babs Comet. Babs already has been immortalised in literature by Edna Ferber.

An elaborately built bungalow on wheels, and an entire caravan of motor tourists was jiart of the extensive cast of "California Straight Ahead.” the next Reginald Dennv attraction to be released by Universal.

A clever violinist in the person of Miss Rene Rich is to appear in the “80-Peep” Pantomime, which starts a short season at the Opera House, Wellington, on Saturday next, February 20, at the matinee. The production is under the direction of Mr. Stanley McKay, the well-known Australian entrepreneur. The Sydney “Daily Telegraph,” of September 13, 1922, in its report of Miss Rene Rich’s -concert in the Sydney Town Hall, says: “Miss Rich at the Town Hall last night created a very strong impression in a violin recital programme, affording the fullest scope and test of real musical talent. The young player came through with flying colours. Her technique is brilliant, her tone warm and sympathetic, and there is plenty of potver. Already it should be recognised that Miss Rich is a player of marked finish and style. This was exemplified in Handel’s .Sonata in 15 Major, and later in the Wieniawski Concerto in D Minor, which, it is to be hoped, Miss Rich will have an opportunity of playing with the State Orchestra.”

Dame Nellie Melba, on hearing Mr. A. If. Y. Benham (of the “80-Peep” Pantomime Company) sing, was most enthusiastic. She said: “He must go to Bngland at once. He has one of the greatest bass voices I have ever heard, probably the greatest in Australia. 1 predict that if he goes to the other side he will become the successor of tne great Plancen. I shall undertake to pay his passage rayself, provided other people who can do so vill subscribe the necessary money for his tuition and entry into the art world of I'htrope. Australia has sent several women to Europe, why not a man for a change? I say he must go to England at once. Oh, why have I not heard him earlier than this? I never dreamed you had such a voice here.” Mr. Benham is a nephew of Charlotte M. Yonge, the novelist. Wellington theatregoers will have an opportunity of hearing Mr. Benham during the short season of “80-Peep” Pantomime, starting at the Opera House on Saturday afternoon next.

On Saturday next, February 20, the Joy Germs, a costume comedy company, formed by Mrs. Albert Russell, will appear for the first time in the Concert Chamber, Town Hall. Many of the principals of the successful “Fire .Prince,” produced last November f< the Blanket Karitanc appeal, are Joy Germs, and the company has been materially strengthened by Miss Margot Bletsoe, who is appearing after 12 months’ absence in Australia. Mr. Albert Russell, as chief Joy Germ, will come out of his shell once more and delight the audience with his inimitable comedy. The initial performance of the Joy Germs is to provide costumes and suitable settings.

Harry Weldon, who is to appear at Fullers' on Monday, has had an interesting career. His voice attracted the attention of Harry Day, an enterprising Jinglish manager, when he was four and a half years of age, and he was featured on the vaudeville stage as “The Singing News Boy,” amt made an immediate hit. Eater on lie was associated with the Parkes-Eton .Bovs, a quartet of juvenile singers. An engagement in Eord ' George Sanger’s circus followed. He obtained his comedy experience with George Carno’s comedians, a company, by the way, with which Charlie Chaplin was associated. He came to Australia originally with the King’s College Bovs, under engagement to Fullers, and his turn proved so successful that they,

played a season of sixty-seven weeks throughout Australia and New Zealand, after which they disbanded. Now Mr. Weldon is returning to Fullers to present a delightful act, in which he sings baritone songs in character.

The daring lengths to which U.b. Secret Service Agents go in the performance of their routine duties is well illustrated in the picture "Before Midnight,” starring William Russell, to be released in New Zealand by Universal. The suspense is maintained until the climax with admirable skill, vet action commences with the first "shot” and never lessens to the end.

June Elvidgc, who is playing the role of the Princess in the j. C. Williamson, Ltd., pantomime, "Aladdin,” at His Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, has not acted' exclusively for the screen. She commenced her theatrical career as a show girl in revue at the Winter Garden Theatre, New. York. “A show girl,” explained Miss Elvidgc, “is a sort of glorified chorus girl, who speaks a few'lines and imagines she is to carry the show on her bare shoulders Also she wears gorgeous clothes—or verv little clothing, usually the latter. At the Winter Garden Theatre, Miss Elvidgc was understudying Josie Collins, and on several occasions had to play her part. Miss Elvidge then went on the screen for three years,- and returned to the stcz.e to plow the leading role in Victor Herbert’s light opera, "The Spotlight Girl.” All this time Miss Elvidgc was studying singing, and later gave (concerts and recitals in New York. Finally, however, she gave up her musical career in favour of the movies. Miss

Elvidge' says she is delighted to have an opportunity of using her voice again in her present role.

Rumour hath it (says “Everyone’s”) that there will be some juggling of Williamson companies in the near future. Muriel Starr is said to be contemplating visiting New Zealand early in the new year at the head of her own company, her contract with the “Firm” having expired. It is also mooted that Frank Harvey will star on his own account with a Williamson company. The first bill will be “Monsieur Beaucairc,” followed by “Under the Red Robe,” and other romantic costume dramas. His leading woman will be Jean Robertson (here with Moscovitch).

The interesting fact that the late J. C Williamson was part-author of the libretto of an opera is recalled by John Ralston, who plays Franz. Schubert in "Lilac Time,” at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne. The opera was called “Tapu,” and was woven about a New Zealand romance. The music was composed by Alfred Hill. It was first produced in Tasmania, and Mr, William-

son made a special trip to sec it. John Ralston placed the part of the Maori king and Air. Williamson was so impressed that he gave Mr. Ralston an engagement with the firm, to commence after the conclusion of a tour of South Africa with t ic Pollard Opera Company— of which he was a member at the time.

After having played twclvc-weck seasons at Auckland, Christchurch, I and Dunedin, the Phil Smith Musical Comedy Company is to make its first \\ ellliigton appearance at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday next, replacing the Moon-Morris company, which is to depart for Auckland. Mr. Smith has with him mam* talented aitists, including Nat Hanlev, William Green, Mildred O’Brien, Robert Raymond. Chas. .Megan, Phillis Nicholson, Peggy Peat, and Nellie Dean. Mso there is the Smiling Six, a “super-ballet,” which is said to be easily the first ot any revue company that has yet visited this Dominion.' Much is expected of the Phil Smith Company, as it comes here from the other New Zealand centres with a reputation. The opening piece is to be “Mania’s Bov,” a production that is said to be exceedingly funny, and staged on a lavish scale, with elaborate scenic effects and dressing.