ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 237, 21 June 1926, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

PAVLOVA’S FAREWELL. Rarely has the Grand Opera House been the scene of such enthusiasm as was evident on Saturday night, when Anna Pavlova, and her talented company of dancers, presented tho final programme of the Wellington season. The seating accommodation was taxed to capacity. Recall upon recall was demanded, and even when the final curtain was rung down those present seemed loth to take leave of the lovely dancers. Some admirers of Pavlova's wonderful exposition expressed their appreciation in the form of floral tributes. The performance was also a triumph for. Miss Thurza Rogers, formerly of Wellington, and she, too, was the recipient of some beautiful bouquets. As had been the case throughput the season, tho supporting artists gave of their best, and Saturday's performance will be looked back upon as one of .the greatest dancing festivals ever presented in the capital city. The Prime Ministar (Right Hon. J.. G. Coates), accompanied by Mrs. Coates, and two of their daughters, wore among those present. THE OOSSAOK CHOIR. The lumuub wasuv.fc vuoir will arrive in Wellington on baturuay next, and _i>’o five concerts in the Town Mali on u wJie 20, 28, z>, and 3V, with one iikllineo on the aiteriioon of the latter date, at 2.3 U. The thirty-six meinoers of tiu choir were officers in the 'Tsar's Army, and. after the revolution, they iougnt in the ranns of tne vviuie Army. Omv five met in Height, Serge J aron , their conductor, Statius like a pigmy in iront oi some of his giant countrymen, but how clear was his vision is indicated in the success tnat the choir acnieved at the Albert Hail. Loudon, waeu 11 gave its six-nundrcuth concert, just on the eve leaving for Australia. On tnat occasion, over 80tu people taxeweiied the choir. When the choir give their first concert on Saturday next, revelations 01 startling tuneiuiness and syinpuouy are promised. The choir usually begins with a gripping devotional quietude, and the heartielt music at then- choice is coloured with a high sincerity. The swells and stresses, says a critic, are made 'with irreproacuable nquesceuco and loveliness. Urtnodox ideas of cnoralism are scattered to tne four wnds of heaven,yet, amid all the tenderness and vividness 01 tho work of these singers, the charm of good craftsmanship is never lacking. A beautifully toned pianissimo of incredible soitncss. is the basis 01 their singles; of sacred music. This music, like me traditional singing of it, has much ot intrinsic interest of the ritual and practice of the Eastern branch 01 Christian activity, which perpetuates a curious charm of antique scale modes, ancient and beautiful cadences, and more than a glimmering of the glory of paganism. The plans are at tne Bristol. Mr. E. J. Carroll has fixed the prices as low as possible, and reserves may be obtained for the dress circle at 55., and stalls 7s. 6d. Application for students' concessions should be made to the Bristol of Mr. Leo du Cnateau, 78 Lambton Quay DE LUXE THEATRE. Gorge Broadhurst's most successful comedy, “What Happened to Jones," is the entertainment now being offered at the Do Luxe Theatre. The story tells of Tom Jones, a wealthy and highly-respected Bible manufacturer, who, after promising his fiancee that he will keep strictly to the straight and narrow way, is inveigled Into a game of poker, in the midst of which the police arrive. Poor Jones slides down a fire-escape, only to find himself In a fashionable Turkish bath. What happens after this is better left untold, as the situations which unfold themselves must be seen to be appreciated. Reginald Denny is seen at his best, and is ably supported by Marion Nixon, Otis Harlan, and a strong cast. The supports are good and the music excellent. Norma Talmadge and Eugene O’Brien are once more cast together as the perfect lovers in George Barr McCutcheon’s romance, “Grauslork," a First National picture that will be screened at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30. It is heralded as one of the greatest films of the decade, produced with rich and artistic taste, superbly acted by a distinguished cast, and with a story of romantic charm and old-world appeal that • comes like a draught of nectar after the ultra-modern fare so often offered. Its theme lends itself admirably to the rapid treatment and chivalrous garb that go hand in hand with the intriguing dramas of Europe. Miss Talmadge is cast as the Princess Yefive, a lady whose modern education is in conflict with the old and conventional outlook of her ancestors. Eugene O’Brien (described by the directors as the typical American) affords the star support in a role that calls for sabre-rattling In a formidable degree. The whole picture has been produced on a lavish scale, the producers sparing no expense to make it something very special. They even went to the expense of building an entire mythical city, with its palaces, houses, shops, and streets. Mr. L. D. Austin has arranged a delightful musical programme to be rendered by the .Orchestra De I.uxe. A special supporting programme has also been arranged. The box plans are at tho Bristol, Aitken’s Book Arcade, or seats may be reserved at the theatre, 'phone 23—050. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. “Who’s Next?" which is to bo produced by tne George Ward Revue Company at His Majesty's Theatre this week, deals with the home-coming of General Hermle Schultz, who, the morning of his arrival, gets mairrled to a, widow. “Hermie’s” trials centre round the evasion of a bowl of bean soup, which his wife is allegedly supposed to have offered hetfour departed husbands immediately prior to their demise, and his efforts to avoid taking this soup are extremely humorous. Another riotously funny feature of the presentation is the drilling of his “army" by “General" Hermie, and patrons will delight in Yorke Gray as the “dame,” for he is never seen to better advantage than when portraying a lady of uncertain age and shrouded past. A bright vaudeville programme will be provided. The Rev. Frank Gorman. the Binging parson," is making a return visit, after a most popular season in the southern centres. An entirely new selection of songs and stories will be given by this artist. Jack and Eva Arnold, the jolly American couple, return with a new programme of whirlwind pianoforte selections and songs. Walter Vernon, the wonderful ventriloquist, will treat the hearers to a new routine of quaint witticisms, songs and stories, while the Huntings will give further proof of thenability in balancing and juggling. Patrons arc. promised a genuinely enjoyable show this week, with all the comfort which only the latest and most modern of heating devices, as recently installed throughout the theatre, can provide. EMPRESS THEATRE. The splendid film “The Storming of Zebrugge," depicting the most gallant naval achievement in the war, is the feature which is now showing at the Empress Theatre. This most gallant deed by a handful of men and a crazy mosquito fleet, is shown in full. It surprised the Germans m their strong submarine base, which was such a thorp in the side of the merchant shipipng. How. in the face of overwhelming odds, the attackers completely destroyed this stronghold, is vividly and arrestingly depicted on the screen. The film was taken with the aid of tho British Admiralty, who lent the Vindictive and all the records of the action. The supporting feature is "The King on Main Street,” starring Adolphe Menjou, Greta Nissen, and Bessie Love. The story deals with the exploits of a minor king who got his kingdom into trouble, and is an excellent comedy-drama. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “The storming of Zeebrugge,” which is the picture now showing at the Paramount Theatre, is said to be the only picture which has ever received the official patronage of His Majesty the King. The picture is a vivid representation of that well-known and amazing exploit wherein n handful of men in a few crazy ships effectually destroyed a heavily armed German submarine base. The picture shqws the motley collection of ships which the British Admiralty assembled, and which was bv Vice-Admiral Sir Roftpr Keys. The whole picture is a record of one of the most daring exploits of nistory. An excellent supporting programme is shown, and there is a. capital score of incidental music. KING’S THEATRE. “The Gilded Butterfly," the Fox Film production now showing at tho King's Theatre, is a fascinating story of the 'nside of society, featring Alma Rubens and Bert Lyteli, in the two principal roles. Alma Rubens is the lovely society butterfly who almost singes he wings. She is typical of many of the daughters of ro-d y, raised in surroundings far beyond their parent’s means, to exnect the first things of life, unable to face reverses, and disillusionment 1 . a cool-headed manner. Huntly Gordon is cast ’n a thoroughly likeable “heavy” role. Another in the east is Frank Keonan, who plays the "art of th" father, a social parasite, who has raised his daughter according to his own ideas Of life. John Griffith Wray, who directed the production left nothing undone that would, »<ll to tho background

or the atmosphere of the picture. An excellent supporting programme, together with inuslo of a high standard, are additional attractions.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. “The Masked Bride," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, is the feature on the current programme at the Queen’s Theatre. The story deals with an Apacne plot to rob a marquis of a priceless family heirloom, which only breaks down when the girl who is to marry the marquis, falls in love with him. The scenes are laid in Paris, and Mae Murray, who is starred as Gaby the French dancing girl, wears some most unusual frocks. A strang cast includes Francis X. Bushman Hoy D’Arcy, Chester Conklin, Pauline Nell, and Basil Rathbone. An excelled Out of the Inkwell" cartoon, gazette, scenis, and screen snapshots form the fine supporting programme. Delignti'ul music is provided by the orchestra. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. What is described, as one of the greatest, fastest, and most exciting legitiuia w . chases ever seen on any screen is woven into ths story and action of Harold Lloyd’s latest exceptional Master picture, "Girl Shy,” which will be seen at the Artcraft Theatre for the last time tonight. Thrills and dramatic tension, as well as laughs ■ galore, are mingled together in this wild pursuit. James Haydock’s music, is particularly pleasing. For to-moiwow’s change, the Zane Grey story “Wild Horse Mesa" has been secured. ORGAN RECITAL. The Town Hall was well attended last evening, when the weekly organ recital was given by Mr. Bernard F. Page (city organist). The programme comprises. Two Sonatas for Harpsichord (a) in D minor (b) in D major, by ScarlattiPage; Suite Aucienne, by Holloway; Menuet (from Suite for Strings), by Debussy); Prelude, Fugue and Variation - (Op. 18), by Cesar Franck; Poemes d’Automne, Op. 3, by Bonnet, Finale in B Flat, by Wostenholme.