ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 156, 29 March 1926, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

“SEVENTH HEAVEN.” One of tile outstanding ' theatrical events for many years past will be the first Australasian production at the Grand Opera House on Saturday night next, April 3 (Easter Saturday), of the famous dramatic production "Seventn Heaven,” which ran for upwards of three seasons in New York, and which is at present being toured through the States of America by twelve distinct companies. The occasion will be doubly noteworthy from the fact that it will signalise the first appearance in either New Zealand or Australia of the brilliant young French actress, Miss Remy Carpen, who studied under the late Madame Sarah Bernhardt. "Seventh Heaven,” which was written by Austin Strou”, is a drama of the Parasian underworld. It is written around the life of Cfiico, a sewer rat (Frank Harvey) and Diane, a waif of the slums (Miss Remy Carpen). Chico, despite his lowly calling, has ideals and longs for the grantin- of three wishes—to win a wife with golden hair, to have enough money to ride in a taxi cab, and to be a street ciearner, the occupation of street cleaner bciim one remove higher than his callin-’ as a worker in the sewers lhe scenes in "Seventh Heaven between Chico and Diane, who has known nothing but slum life, and yet like Chico himself simply has to respond to the good, within her, are said to be intensely interesting There is both pathos and laughter throughout the drama, and the audience is, it' is said, hold in R « S T?."‘T throughout the play. The J. C. Williamson, Ltd. nianaeement arc sending a veiy powerful dramatic organisation to interpret the new production, and the cast to present "Seventh Heaven” here will appeal in it on its initail production tn Sydney, which happens at the termination of the present New Zealand tour. lay--roers are always glad to welcome Mr. Frank Harvey, as be is just ns popular here as he is in Australia. Miss Carpen was born in France, and she has starred there in a number of successful dramas, in French, of course, but she speaks perfect English. The company includes Miss Gwen Burroughs and Miss Marion Marcus Clarke, also Messrs George Blunt, Mayne, Lyton, Vivian Euwardes, Geor-n? Conyngham, John Fei aside, George Willoughby, Kay Souper, and Miss Nance Stewart. The box plans for "Seventh Heaven” will be opened at the Bristol on Wednesday morning next. Only a limited number of performances can be staged of "Seventh Heaven, as during the brief season Secrets will also be staged here for the .first tme.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The enormous success of I HU bmitn s Musical Comedy Company seems certain to be continued this week at His Majesty’s Theatre when Mr. Smith will present his seventh production, Just a Girl.” This is described as a piece in which romance, humour, and song are pleasantly united. It is said to be a vivacious, sparkling, and inconsequential trifle, chockful of humorous moments, lilting melodies, and pretty ensembles. Phil Smith and Nat Hanley will carry on the work of fun-making with the zest that has made them so popular, while the remaining principals will add their quota to an enjoyable show. The Smiling six will be seen in new dances, while the dressing and scenic effects will be on the usual scale associated with Phil Smith's . productions. In the vaudeville section, the Carthy Bros., who recently arrived from England, will make their first appearance. They are said to be quaint comedians, witlia style that is different from tho usual comedy performers. Both are agile dancers, and the turn they present is a bright pot pourri of songs, dances and .patter. The diminutive comedian, Wee Willie Lancet, who is assisted by Edward Avron and Muriel Dale, is to present his second comedy sketch entitled "Willie’s Birthday.” This is ’a sequel to "Willie Comes Home,” which was played by these clever, performers last week and which met with so much appreciation. Lesley Elliott, -whose clever songs at the piano are aways welcome, is making a short reappearance on her way through to the south. A number of new songs which she has rerecently written will be presented for the first time on any stage. Wendling and Molloy, in a new singing and musical act, will complete what should be a really first-class programme.

DE LUXE THEATRE. “Wild Horso Mesa,” one of the greatest tales ever written by' Zane Grey, is drawing large houses to the De Luxe Theatre, where thd picture is proving to bo a great success. It is full of thrills, and what is more the story is really original. It deals with the mystery of the west and shows “Wild Mesa,” h magnificent horse, as a star performer. Jack Holt, however, is the hero of a hard-riding horse dealer, who is friendly with the Indians; Billie Dove is as beautiful and charming as ever as the. heroine, while Noah Beery is the villain. Others in the cast are well chosen and are headed by Douglas Fairbanks jun. The storv tolls of good-natured Lige Melborne, who runs a store in a little western hamlet but is facing failure when Bent Manerube gives him the idea of using a large quantity of barbed wire which he has in stock to fence in a nart of the mesa nnd to trap wild horses, but in doing so they meet a gang of outlaws, and many are the adventures before they are righted. A comedy and a gazette are also shown, while under tho diiection of Mr. L. D. Austin the De Luxe orchestra plays delightful incidental music.

KING’S THEATRE. "The Calgary Stampede,” which is one of the most impressive and thrilling outdoor productions of many months, is now showing at the King’s Theatre. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales lent his beautiful ranch in Alberta to the Universal Pictures Corporation during their filming of some of the big sequences of the picture, while tho Canadian Government and the Noi'th-west Mounted rendered assistance during the currency of tfie great national event from which the title of the picture is taken. Unusually colourful and romantic scenes were taken during the famous stampede, but none depart from tho story, and a well-constructed plot binds the various parts together. This famous rodeo forms one of the most interesting and thoroughly gripping backgrounds to an outdoor drama yet presented on the screen, while the dramatic and romantic element goes to make up splendid entertainment. A brilliant, cast of players is to be seen in the various roles, such prominent names as “Ed." Gibson and Virginia Brown Faire. An excellent supporting programme is also included, which together with- the principal feature is greatly enhanced by a brilliant score of incidental music by the orchestra.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. “Thunder Mountain," an all-star cast production showing for the first time at the Queen’s Theatre this week, is full of exciting incidents relating to the adventures of a young man who lives high in the mountains of the west. The plot hinges on the, lives of those who are victims of circumstances, fighting hard daily in an attempt to better their sphere of life. It is really a tale of man’s ambition, and tells how a woman can make or mar one who wants to rule her heart. The beautiful Madge Bellamv has the leading role, while opnosito lior is that popular actor, Leslie Fenton. An up-to-date Fox News, a delightful comedy and a splendid scenic help to make the programme a stroat success.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Perhaps there is no more sought after woman on the screen than beautiful Gloria Swanson, and that is probably the reason why the Paramount Theatre has been packed ever since "The Coast of Folly” commenced to be shown on Friday last. In this picture she is seen at her best. She wears, the most wonderful of clothes with the inimitable grace and ease which is hers alone. The picture deals with a terrible scandal wfiicfi clonks itself around a girl’s good name and threatens to destroy her in the eyes of all. Hoitever. the devotion of a wonderful mother helps to make things right. The theme is one which lends itself to the realisation of groat dramatic heights, and the great opportunities presented are fully availed of by Miss Swansen, and the splendid supporting cast amongst whom nre Anthony Jowett, Alec Francis, and Dorothy Cumalin,'’. The supporting prrcrraEWne te

also of a high standard. The Gaumont Graphic shown is a very interesting one, and there is a comedy, “Beware, and a Mermaid scenic, 'Hie Bottom of Uie Sea.” Excellent music is contributed by the orchestra.

artcraft theatre. . Showing tor tho last time to-night at the Artcraft Theatre is the great Paramount sea story, “Code of the Sea, starring Rod In Rocque and Jacqueline Lo<”an Thrills, romance, and adventure are combined in this production. Three good supports and music by James Haydock complete a good bill. ‘ Secrets ot the Night” is the star attraction to-mor-row night.