Films and the Stage.

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 208, 29 May 1926, Page 19

Films and the Stage.

“The Sea Beast,” a Master picture, is a story of the old whaling days, filmed off the coast of Africa, and bristling with thrills and sensations. It features John Barrymore as a onelegged seafarer in a dramatic and convincing characterisation. A very passionate love story runs through the picture, which is set in old-time surroundings and contains many beautiful and appealing scenes. It is taken from one of the most unusual novels of recent years, “Moby Dick,” or “The White Whale,” by Herman Melville.

The primary requirement of a girl seeking a career in pictures, according to Norma Talmadge, soon to be here in the film version of George Barr McCutcheon’s “Graustark,” is a “camera face.” "Talent is very necessary,” she explains, “for good looks alone will not make a motion-picture star. But neither will dramatic ability, unsupported by appearance, create the successful screen player. Talent must go hand in hand with a camera face.”

Jack Mulhall is Colleen Moore’s leading man in her new First National production, “We Moderns,” which is scheduled for early release.

Remember when Corinne Griffith was quoted as saying she couldn’t stand being married to a man who had anything to do with the movie business? And that was why she divorced Webster Campbell, a director, and married Walter Morosco, who had given up a stage career to manufacture boilers. Well, Walter’s starting to direct now. Warner Brothers have engaged him to direct Irene Rich’s next Master picture. Friends say Corinne is bearing up well under the blow. The contract between Dorothy Devore and Warner Brothers terminated by mutual consent recently. Warners announce they will star Dolores Costello. Miss Costello appears in the forthcoming Master picture, “The Sea Beast,” with John Barrymore.

Lois Moran, the “wonder actress,” ,s conceded by all critics to be on the high road of film success, although die has just completed her third picure and hardly completed her sixeenth year Miss Moran’s latest screen enture is in the First National picire entitled “The Reckless Lady,” im the novel by Sir Philip Gibbs. In 'ie featured cast are Ben Lyon-, Belle 'cnnett, James Kirkwood, Lowell Sherlan and Charlie Murray. Miss Moran s the distinct opposite of the flapper tvpe. Her hair is unbobbed; she. is reserved in manner, but het* beautiful face is a remarkable study.

The joyous abandon of Armistice Day when the cup of life brimmed over with the spirits of good fellowship is captured in the adaptation of “Recompense.” Mane Prevost and Monte Blue ,have the chief roles in this Master Picture.

Warner’s Circle in America has started its new policy of combination picturesj and vaudeville. The opening attraction was the Master picture “ The Man Upstairs.” Monte Blue appeared in person.

Patsy Ruth Miller, who has the chief part in the Master picture, “Rose of the World,” tells this story. But she refuses to divulge who the original was. There was a certain youth in Hollywood noted for his manly beauty, who had achieved a sudden success in pictures. • One day, in the flush of his rapid ascendancy, he kindly preferred a friend a picture of himself. And they went to the art shop to choose a frame for the' picture. Said the art shopkeeper, scrutinising it for a moment, “It really is a handsome picture. This should have a narrow frame . . . because the head is so big.” And the friend replied blandly, “Ah! You notice it too!”

Another of Henrv Kitchell Webster’s stories has been transferred to the screen It is his new novel, “Joseph Greer and His Daughter,” which First National has filmed under the title of “What Fools Men.” This picture is booked for the Britannia Theatre next week. Lewis Stone and Shirlev Mason have the leading roles.

“The New Commandment,” a society -melodrama, is a First National production which will be here shortly It iu Robert T Kane’s initial production under his own banner for First National release “The New Commandment” is a screen adaptation of Colonel Frederick Palmer’s novel, “Invisible Wounds.” Sada Cowan and Howard Higgin made the screen adaptation

Another Hollywood baby will soon say “Hellol” to the gentry of the film city. It is Monte Blue, who is talking to himself this month. He goes around the lot muttering proper nouns such as Patricia, Henry, Monte, Evelyn, etc. His smile grows more benign as the day approaches.

At present picture production in other parts of the world has slumped considerably, and if Australia desired obtain the highly efficient services of technical studio workers to train the Australian, a unique opportunity presents itself.

An unusually popular cast is featured in “Married Flirts,” the Metro-Gold-wyn picture which Robert G. Vignola directed, and which is screening at the Queen’s Theatre. Pauline Frederick appears in the title role. Conrad Nagel has the part of Perley Rex, a . young American business man, the male lead in the story. Nagel was’recently seen in the leading male part in “Tess of the d’Urbervilles.” Mae Musch is cast as Jill Wetherell, a brilliantly vivacious girl, about whom many of the most important scenes of the story are woven. Huntly Gordon depicts the role of Pendleton Wayne, similar to the parts he presented so convincingly in “The Famous Mrs. Fair” and "Pleasure Mad.” Paul Nicholson characterises “Granny,” which is a role as interesting and intriguing as the title suggests. “Married Flirts” was written by Louis Joseph Vance.

Paramount’s magnificent screen entertainment, "The American Venus,” which immortalises the charms of America’s most beautiful girls, is something more than a de luxe motion picture. . The story, by Townsend Martin, is built around a nation-wide search for the loveliest, most shapeful, and most graceful girl in America, and is chock full of romance and melodrama. Bound up with this beauty quest is a refreshing love stoiy between one of the contestants and an enterprising young publicitv man. The featured roles are brilliantly handled by Esther Ralston. Lawrence Gray, Ford Sterling. Fav Lanphie.r, who was crowned "Miss America” at the 1025 beautv contest at Atlantic City. The supporting cast includes Ernest Torrence, Douglas Fairbanks, junior, and seven of the leading entries in the Atlantic City paveant. and twenrv of the loveliest mannequins in the country “The American Venus” is a picture which maintains a delicate balance between purelv visual features, such as an .elaborate fashion show, and the artistic tableaux which were filmed in colour.

M. Sierak, the son of a British diplomat in the Eastern service, has made a special study of the Oriental illusionists and jugglers and their magic. He has,' in particular, studied the trick that enables them to cause human bodies to vanish from confined spaces, and then to recall them at will. On the Fuller circuit he presents a series of illusions based upon black magic, in the course of which he some mysterious feats with the aid of a ,‘ lalnt - v . Oriental girl named Leah, Ihe Maid o’ the Mist.” She is securely bound, hands, feet and neck, bv men upon the stage, and placed in a tight-fitting gold box,' through which steel sheets, knives and swords are passed in everv direction, leaving no square inch of the interior untouched. I he box, thus pierced, is wheeled around the audience, is then taken to the stage and the maid emerges from it unharmed.

The marriage that came pretty much as a surprise was that of Pauline Garon and Lowell Sherman. Pauline had hinted around about it a couple Of times—but then she used to be engaged to Gene Sarazen, the golf champion, and nothing came of that. Although gentlemen prefer blondes, they don’t always take them seriously, so it was more or less a surprise when Lowell Sherman lifted the piquant Pauline off the trait; and rushed her to the Los Angeles marriage license bureau. They were married by a deputy city clerk, Miss Garon’s sister and Mr. Sherman’s mother witnessing the marriage. Immediately after their own ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Sherman acted as witnesses to the marriage of Edwin Martin, an assistant director working with Sherman, to Mae A. Feely. The day following the wedding Pauline Garon Sherman began work on a new picture called “The Virgin Wife.” As soon as it is completed the newlyweds will go abroad on a honeymoon. Mr. Sherman has the chief role in the Master picture, “Satan in Sables.”

Special "atmospheric” effects will be used in the presentation of the “double” entertainment, “The Onlv Way” (with Sir John Martin Harvev as Sidney Carton), and the Sunbeam Children from Sydney in "The Wedding of Babv Kerr,” at the Grand Opera House on Wednesdav next. Both the interior and the exterior of the theatre will be decorated, with' a display in the lobby, open each morning, con tain ng photographs of both attractions. One of the boxes will suggest the "wedding” atmosphere, and will contain an organ for use during' the picture, and whilst the bridal mocession passes through the theatre in "7. i Wedding of Bab\ Kerr’” The season will commence at the matinee at 2.30, and the formal opening will take place at the evening session, the ceremony being per formed bv His' Worship the Mayor of Wellington, Mr. C J. B Norwood, immediately preceding the picture

' Adolphe Menjon will be seeii here shortly as the chief actor in the Paramount production "The King on Main Street,” written for the screen by Douglas Doty Greta Nissen and Bessie Love are featured opposite the star. The storv opens in Technicolor, with Menjon, as the King of Molvania, reviewing a long line of cavalry from a gorgeotislv-draped dais We get the idea that the vounv ruler is bored with everything that’.; going on Tn one of the roval apartments a short time later, Menjou’s Minister of Finance and otjlier statesmen are reminding the Kfrip that the country renuires a larue loan The onlv wav it can be obtained is either through a marriage with the House of Slavonia or a trip to America. “We shall go to America.” the King an. pounces, “via Paris.” The storv goes on to show in a humorous entertaining wav inst what barmens when the philandering King meets the most famous dancer in the French capital, and then, in America, falls in love with a voting American girl, only to be forced to return to his own.country' without her.

“The Rest Peonle” is announced as one of Paramount’s new productions Warner Baxter, Esther Ralston, and Kathlvn Williams are in the leading roles in the cast. The storv is a fine one. a comedy with a snobbish mofl’er. flapper daughter, weakling son, upright chauffeur, and "different” chorus mr’

Not manv motion picture actors can ride well enough to hold their own with seasoned rnn-Kovs. hnt Paul Panzer proved to Tom Mix and Director J. G Blvstone that he is perfectly at home tn the saddle. During the filming of “The Best Bad Man.” Fox Films’ Western, featuring the famous Texas cowboy. which is now at the King’s Theatre, Panzer was obliged to perform manv thrilling feats as the sheriff in •he Max Brand storv "Tn Germany,” said Panzer, “he who wou'd be an nctor must satisfy his sponsors that he is capable of doing anything he mav be called upon to perform before the camera or on the stage They taught ntc to ride, and kept me at it until t knew the real secret of riding. Tn rmarten this evne. iepce Tins proved invaluable.” Clara Bow has the leading 'erninine role in this Mix picture.

It is claimed that the only Quaket in the film industry is Mr. Coit Albertson, who plays the debonnaire “heavy” role in the Universal production “Those Who Judge,” to be here shortly.

A dive from the top of a circus tent to a careering horse, far below, is one of the difficult and dangerous feats that Art Acord, broncho rider and screen star, does in his latest picture, "The Circus'Cyclone,” a Universal attraction which will be here shortly.

Gloria Swanson’s newest picture for Paramount is entitled "Stage Struck,’ an original screen story by Frank R. Adams, whose stories are in the “Cosmopolitan” magazine, and brings Gloria, to the screen as a down-at-heels waitress in a small town in the middle west, who aspires to be a great actress, more because die man she rs in love with likes actresses than for any other reason Lawrence Gray, who has a prominent role in support of Miss Swanson in “The Coast of Follv,” is Gloria Swanson’s' leading man in “Stage Struck ” Ford Sterling and Gertrude Astor also have im portant surnor in? roles

A medley of action, tense moments, romance and colour, feature “The Scarlet Saint.” a drama of Mar love mid December intrigue Based on Gerald Beaumont’s widelv-rcad story ”I he Lady Who Played Fidele," the First National picture is laid for the most part in New Orleans during the colour ful Mardi Gras season Enhancing the festival are thrilling horse-racing scenes

Ths next Alma Rubens production is “The Gilded Butterfly,” which will be in Wellington about the middle of June. Wonderful gowns and settings are a feature of this William Fox picture, and the story is a somewhat unusual one. It really concerns the redemption of a young girl who has been taught by het father that the world owes them a living, no matter how or where they get it. Bert Lytell, a well-known young leading man, plays the male role opposite Miss Rubens.

Maggie Dickinson, once principal dancer for tfie J.C.W. shows, is making a place for herself in London with Jack Waller in “Mercenary Mary,” a .musical comedy which is having a most successful run.

Nellie Stewart will have a jubilee next vear. It was in 1877 that she made her first stage appearance in a show known as “Rainbow Revels,” which to-day might be called a revue. The company, organised by her father, Richard Stewart, toured Australia and New Zealand, and w >'• ?■ India. Bri">in

A love storv could not have a more beautiful setting than Tahiti,, with its coral reef, cocoanut palms, flowering trees, and sunny climate This is the background for Peter B Kyne’s best seller, “Never the Twain Shall Meet,” and this story was filmed actually in Tahiti Anita Stewart, Bert Lytell, Huntly Cordon, Justine Johnstone and L ; onel Belmore play the leading parts

“The First Year” is the intriguing title of one of the latest pictures to be completed at the Fox Studios. As the title conveys, the story deals with the adventures'during the'first year of married life, and provides entertainment of the best type—clei n. effective comedy, combining natural humour and laughter-provoking situations. Matt Moore and Kathryn Perry, the young bride of the “Helen and Warren” comedy series, released by Fox, have the leading roles, and the story is one that is full of action and realistic scenes. The opening date of this film has not yet been fixed.

“The Eagle,” in which Rudolph Valentino may be seen at the De Luxe Theatre, will present the star for the first time in the role of a Russian. In view of the popularity which he has given to romantic Latin types it wall be interesting to see if he will raise the Slav to the same public esteem. “The Eagle” is said to be a distinct departure for Valentino in other respects also. The story has more action and also more comedy than any other in which he has appeared, lhe star will be seen first as a handsome Cossack lieutenant, then later as a swift, mysterious, adventurous bandit, whose exploits thrill all Russia. (It is from this that the character derives the name of the Eagle). For a while he masquerades as a French tutor in order to enter the home of his mortal enemv. “The Eagle” is the first of the stories of Alexander Pushkin, one of Russia’s greatest authors, to reach the screen. The- photoplay was written by Hans Kraly, who wrote Passion,” “Deception,” “Her Sister from Paris,” and many other notable successes. Vilma Banky, a striking blonde, who was recently brought to America by Samuel Goldwyn, plays opposite the star. Louise Dresser, stage star for many years, has a leading role. as the Czarina. Clarence Brown, whose rise has been meteorlike, directed the picture and is said to have done an unusually good job. Brown directed “The Goose Woman, “The Acquittal,” “Smouldering Fires and other entertaining pictures.

When Miss Elsie Prince, the l’ e .ro ine , of “No, No, Nanette,” was a child of six she scored a hit at a band of hope concert. Shortly afterwards she got her chance at a London music hall. in those days,” .said Miss Prince, “a child had to be licensed to act from week to week, and I, with others, had to attend a Magistrate’s court every Monday morning to demonstrate that our education w.as not being neglected through our stage work. The first time I faced the Court the Magistrate refused me a license. ‘You’ll thank me all yoiu life, little girl,’ he said. I left the court in tears, feeling anything but thankful. However, the following Monday another Magistrate gave me a permit to act, and thereafter I was never refused. I kept so close to my school work that I took no chances.”

“It is like looking through a telescope backwards watching Irving’s Imperial Midgets on the stage.” Thus Sir Benjamin Fuller, after witnessing the biggest act he has ever imported to Australia for Fuller theatres. A. score of little men and women comprise the company of diminutive performers, who are men and women in years, with fullv-developed physical and mental faculties. They come from countries throughout Central Europe. Most ot them have been on the stage for years, and , are accomplished performers m varied lines. Collectively and individually thev are an interesting lot. Tony, the sphinx of the company, is 35, a Czecho-Slovak, and “the handy man” of the company. He makes and mends their shoes, arid is the pal of everyone in the troupe. Out in front he wrestles, does acrobatic stunts, and performs physical marvels for one of his size; back stage he is a sort of godfather to the others. Willie (27) speaks the best English. He spent some time in England prior to his American engagement, and is tutoring the others. Emil (30) is the tallest of the company, and is the only benedict in the troupe, having married Marguetrite in Minneapolis U.S.A.

Joseph Hergesheimer went to infinite pains to write “Flower of Night” for Pola Negri. In the first/place it was his first original story for the screen, and it was largely through his admiration for Miss Negri that he was persuaded to undertake it. He took the star’s appearance, personality, and dramatic individuality as requisites in building up the character of the heroine —making her truly Pola Negri—and spent several months in research to secure the best backgrounds and atmosphere. He conferred with Miss Negn, with Willis Goldbeck, scenarist, and with Paul Beni, director, in regard to the best possible treatment. "Flower of Night,” one of the current season’s Paramount productions, is laid in the most romantic period in the history of the world—the day of the gold rush in California —when the ends of the earth poured their hordes into the State and put an end to the reign t of the old Spanish families.

“Next month I will celebrate my twentieth anniversary as an artist,” said M. Laurent Novikoff, Pavlova’s dancing partner, the other day. His career on the stage began on the day when, at the age of seventeen, he concluded his seven years’ course of study in Moscow. M. Novikoff, son,of a Russian merchant, was born in Moscow, and it was in that city that he started to dance. He rapidly gained prominence as a member of Serge Diaghileff’s ballet, and danced with Madame Karsavina in London before he began in 1910 at the London Palace the brilliant association with Madame Pavlova, which has at length brought him io Australia. In fhe disasters which befell Russia art was submerged ; and M. Novikoff, with his wife and son, finally left the country during the Bolshevist'revolution and made for London. He established a dancing studio m the British capital four years ago, which is looked after by the staff and teachers during his long tours, and his son is a pupil at the Westminster School.

Miss Irma Caron, daughter of the late Leon Caron, whose versatile talents were signally acclaimed during a comprehensive tour of New Zealand a few years ago, is presenting a programme in New York and in the eastern States of the United States that is focusing attention on the Dominion. . Under the management of James B Pond, who conducts the oldest artists’ bureau in America, this gifted artist has given numbers of recitals in the foremost women’s club in the East, and quite recently made a successful appearance at the Central Park Theatre. The New York "Times,” “Herald-Tribune,” “Musical America,” and other journals referred to her entertaining, vivid, and unusual programme 'in quite lengthy reports for newspapers in which every line is a pearl of valuable space. Practically two-thirds of Miss Caron’s entertainment deals with New Zealand in song and storv—the "Herald-Tribune” described the entertainment as a “Musical Travel Talk.” She contributed five songs by Alfred Hill, two coiiipositions by the young Auckland composer Doreen W 'sh, and the well-known "Hine E H'nc ” by Te Rang’ Pai.

Reginald Dennv tried to demonstrate graphically that it does not pay to break a promise, and he proves his point in “What Happened to Jones,” the Universal Jewel production to be released in New .Zealand shortly. Thi» young mail is tireless, it.seems.. His progress through the picture is one hilarious triumph. Every time he appears in a scene it is accompanied by a roar of laughter from the audience, and as the star is almost continuously on the screen the picture should oe one long succession of outbursts by the audience

Miss Marie Ney, of Wellington, is a New Zealander w;ho has come to the front in London, for after playing a part in the recent revival of “Madras House,” she is now playing Riith, the leading woman’s part in Mr. Eugene O’Neill’s play “Beyond the Horizon,” which has been put on at the “Everyman” Theatre. It is more than an ordinary test of her dramatic capacity that Miss Ney should be able to take so important a role in a play difficult to present successfully.

Warners and J. Stuart Blackton have completed final arrangements whereby Blackton will make four Master pictures a year for Warner release. The first is “The Bride of the Storm.”

Tod Browning’s “The Unholy Three,” a JJetro-Goldwyn-Mayer melodrama, shortly to be screened in Wellington, has in its cast one of the smallest adult actors of the screen and one of the heaviest artists. The former ,is Harry Earles, a thirty-five pound midget, who, at the age of twenty-three, is thirty-three inches tall. The latter is a huge gorilla used in the production, which weighs fourteen hundred , ~ TT :* pounds and is the largest ape of its Str John Martin Harvey, it is said, t P {es in cap tivity. other cast memregards his part in Thw Only Way of Unholv Three » are; Lon the big British production being rcleas- cha M ae B usc h Matt Moore, Viced by First National at the Opera Mc Laglen and Mathew Betz. House on June 2, as even a better b one than that which the stage version says* “I°think’ you will find In "Broadway the g

The famous Pendleton 1925 round-up, the greatest annual cowboy event in America, is shown in full detail in "Under Western Skies.” In order to secure these scenes exclusively Universal purchased the motion picture rights to the round-up. Among the players in this picture are Norman Kerrv, Anne Cornwall, George Fawcett,'and Ward Crane.

Mr. Ron Shafto, a noted authority on picture production, arrived back in Sydney the other day. His idea of an epic picture embodying Australia’s history as a first attempt to interest the world in our films is an excellent one. The undertaking would be a stupendous one for a new industry, but the showing of a mammoth picture on these lines would be excellent publicity, and go a long wav to gaining world-wide recognizer for our pictures.

Some admiring friends sent a telegram of congratulation to Dolores Costello after seeing her performance in the Master picture, “The Sea Beast.” The telegram read: “We think you are one of the greatest artists the screen has ever seen.” To which Dolores responded: “So’s my old man.”

In “Triple Action,” a Universal Western production, the chief actor, Pete Morrison, does much whirlwind riding and is the principal in a daring leap from an aeroplane.

Huntly Gordon and John Patrick have been added to the cast of the Master picture, "Other Women’s Husbands,” which Erie Kenton is directing, with Marie Prevost and Monte Blue, for Warners.

If it were necessary, “The Man on the Box,” a Master Picture, might be considered a family affair with various members shining in the reflected glory of their famous relatives. Syd Chaplin, the star, is the brother of Charles; Charles “Chuck” Reisner, director, is the father of the popular screen youngster, “Dinky Dean,” and Helene Costello is the daughter of the old-time favourite. Maurice Costello.

It is announced that the A. S. M. Hutchinson novel “One Increasing Purpose” is now the best-seller in the United States, and bids fair to surpass the sales of that other great book by the same author, “If Winter Comes ” It will be recalled that Fox made a film from the first tremendous success by this English author, and the same company arc to film “One Increasing Purpose” for their next vear’a release.

“Forty-two years ago I was q Melbourne celebrity. I was leading lady with Bland Holt and the late George Rignold. I was specially brought out by the late A. T. Dunning to play lead in 'Sinbad the Sailor.’ So yon sec I have had experience.” This was the answer given by a lady in a Melbourne Court when claiming £lOOO damages from the Tramway Board. The lady was Mabel Tracey, whom old playgoers will remember, and she was being questioned as to the qualifications she possessed to pose as a teacher of singing, dancing, and elocution. She got a verdict for £5OO.

One of the most popular dances in Anna Pavlova’s repertoire is “The Swan Dance.” This is danced to the music of Saint-Saens. It is one of the many instances of the rare art ot Pavlova. Since she first gave this dance others have essaved it, but with a difference. Most of the others were only women in ballet skirts; Pavlova is the swan. Such a blending of movement with melody is a remarkable example of the possibilities of dancing in imaginative interpretation. The dancing has become one with the music on which it is based, as if it had been part of it always. In Pavlova’s presentation the conventional costume does not interfere with the subject, but is caused o help it, and to bring the swan vividly to the imagination. _We may vision the dying swan of poetic legend, with its yearning and aspiration, and the most graceful swan of reality. Where the gestures of the ordinary dancer might seem rather foolish, the subtle art of a most accomplished artist keeps eeverything balanced and in. tone. All is spontaneous and true. It is best described when it is said that Pavlova is the swan, so realistic and graphic are the tremulous flutterings, the anguished beatings of the air, the 'little fits of shuddering as the artist tip-toes in aimless circles fe the well-known ’cello melodv, and then sinks brokenly in death.' A feature of tins entertainment vill be the full grand operatic orchestra, which is under the conductorship of Lucien Wurmser. The scenery and dresses are also special features, as also is the dancing of “Bolero” by Laurent Novikoff.

A verv large gathering of children, together' with adults, assembled at the Artcraft Theatre last Saturday matinee, when the prizes were awarded to

and weird singing. Biondi’s business in life is to make people laugh, and he fulfils his mission most successfully. His turn is distinctive, and an entertainment which is at all times refreshing. Biondi Robinson makes his first appearance in Wellington on Monday evening next. Important changes arc to take place at His Majesty’s Theatre with the usual change of programme on Monday night. The Nigger Minstrels, who finished

their Wellington season on Saturday, are being replaced by four new vaudeville acts. Storey and Brooks, two veryfine acrobats, present a novelty act that lias earned for them a good, reputation throughout the Fuller circuit. Biondi Robinson, who is billed as “Just a fool,” comes here after a very successful season at the Opera House, Auckland. His comedy offering is said to be very- much out of the ordinary. Bert

What w6uld happen if a flippant thrill-seeking young American girl should set her cap at a conservative, woman-hating young foreign nobleman ? This situation forms the theme of ‘ Hie Unguarded Hour,” a First National picture, showing at the Paramount Theatre this week. Milton Sills is cast as the nobleman, and Doris Kenyon has a leading role in that of the young American girl.

“That Rovlc Girl,” D. W. Griffith s great jazz ejiic, will be screened at the De Luxe Theatre, commencing June 4. As a prelude to the picture Miss Phyllis Bates and partner will give an exhibition of the French tango and an exhibition waltz by special arrangement Those interested, therefore, m the ait of the modern dance may look forward to something really brilliant in its exposition, both from the picture and Miss Bates’s exhibition.

Much excitement prevails among plavgoers of Wanganui, Hastings, Napier, and Palmerston North over the approaching visit to those towns of the famous dancer Anna Pavlova, and judging bv the inquiries in regard to the ’box office arrangements there is going to be a sensational demand for seats. The dates have been definitely fixed as follow:—Wanganui, Monday, June 7; Hastings, Tuesday, June 8; Napier, Wcdnesdav and Thursday, June 9 and 10 (two distinct programmes) ; and Palmerston, Friday, June 11. Pavlova and her company, which numbers over 90 people, will then come to Wellington, where she will begin a seven nights’ season on Saturday, June 12.

“The Code of the Wilderness,” a Master picture, now at the Empress Theatre, is an adaptation of Charles Alden Seltzer’s popular novel. His tales of the old West have won for him a host of readers. His cowboy stories are written from first-hand knowledge gained as lie rode the range for several years in New Mexico. John Bowers. Alice Calhoun, and Charlotte Merriam have the chief roles.

George Fawcett, beloved player of likeable fathers, uncles, and grandfathers, and so on, has a role of much svnipathy in “Peacock Feathers,” a I m versal-Jewel from the novel by Temple Bailee, which is now being shown at the Artcraft Theatre, terminating itseason on Monday night. The picture is a comedy-drama of mixed humour and pathos.

Mr. and .Mis. Martin Johnson, whu.-e film record of their two years adven turous life in British East Africa N one of the films that will thrill people at the Artcraft Theatre next Tuesd.-n say that they are going back then again shortly.' This picture, made bv Metro, "Trailing African Wild Aim mals,” is the camera record of tv.o years spent after big game.

During some of the worst weatk.-r ever experienced in Auckland a quern nearlv a mile long formed itself ■ Queen Street for the opening of th< plans there for the Pavlova season, am it remained in existence from 6 o’cloc’ in the morning until the box offie closed down at 5 p.m., and was theformed at an early hour again following day, and ’ the demand !>■' seats eclipsed the record established i the northern town for “Chu Chi Chow.”