ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 255, 12 July 1926, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

"YPRES.” On July 19, al the Grand* Opera House, tho Wellington season of “Ypres' will commence. In this picture, which has been approved by the British Army Council, an attempt has been made to convey an impression ot the battles on the Western front, and the lives of the soldiers in that theatre of the War. A glance at the “stills” shows that some, at least, of the scenes are made by somebody with a closer connection with the war than the average film producer. The screening of “Ypres" will be preceded by “In an Estaminet,” a “diggers' concert.” As befits such a large production, a special orchestra, under Mr. M, T. Dixon, will supply tho music. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Something of a novelty is being pro seated by the Fuller management. at ffis Majesty's this week—u pierrot first part and tlio new Eltousßlack Town Topic iievue Company second part. The ic.'ea is expected to be a very popular one, lor the Taylor-Carlton Super Pierrots have already—iu one shoit week—established themselves as top-notchers in this class of entertainment. There are two distinct classes of pierrot shows —the ordinary kind of entertainment, with which we are all familiar, and the Taylor-Carlton kind. Every item of this excellent show has a charm and freshness that appeals. To-night they will give an entire change of programme. Mr. Elton Black, the producer of the new Elton Black Town Topic Revue Company, has already been seen and proved in no uncertain manner in his vaudeville offerings during the latter part of last week what a really clever S »>ttish comedian can achieve in the art of making his humour irresistible to those privileged to enjoy the comedy of this gonial Scotchman. Mr. Percy McKay has also imbued his hearers with a desire for more vocal numbers from this remarkably tine basso, Clever supports in this company include Mr. Chas. Megan, Mr. Chas. Sherman, Mt. Arthur Clarke, Mr. Ray McLean, Miss Alice Bennetto Miss Curly Sherwood, Miss Neva Carr-£lynn, and the Imperial Three, a combination for which a brilliant success is anticipated. Mr. Black’s manner of presenting the Town Topic show is quite different from that adopted by any other producer, and his first show, which is entitled “Angelina’s Wedding,” will be looked forward to with interest. The Town Topic type of entertainment has already proved immensely successful throughout the Fuller Australian theatres. In addition to the above programme, Mr. Toni Rees will also be seen in u new routine of musical numbers and “Paddy” stories. No increase in prices will bs maclo for tho big programme. DON COSSACKS RETURNING. A very pronounced and well-merited interest is being evinced in the return visit to the Town Hall of the famous Don Cossack Choir, which is to give two farewell concerts on Thursday and Friday next under the direction of Mr. E. J. Carroll prior to the organisation leaving for London by the Ruahine on Saturday. After the first concert in Wellington one newspaper critic said: ’‘The largo audience were thrilled in a way they had never experienced before. Tho beauty of the art, the out-of-the-way quality of the voices, the astounding control, the organ-like tone and precision, the thunder of the massed attack, tho delicious loveliness of their pianissimo will long remain a cherished memory. At times when they were simply humming some transcendentally beautiful passage forming a perfect mosaic of sound in the most curious harmonies one would scarcely, imagine they . were singing at all were it not for the witness of the ears so impassive is their demeanour, and when on occasions one of them sings a solo he does it simply and without the slightest ostentation. Two programmes, each entirely different, will be presented for these farewell appearances, and a limited number of specially requested items will be. included 'if time will allow. Reservations may bo made at the Bristol, where the box plans arc now on view. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. An unusually strong cast has been gathered by John McCormick to support Colleen Moore in her latest starring feature, “Irene,” based on tho mimical comedy stage hit of the same name, which is now in its second week at the Paramount Theatre. Lloyd Hughes plays opposite the star. This player is exceedingly popular, especially among the women. Also among tho featured players are George K. Arthur, who contributes an eccentric juvenile characterisation, and Charlie Murray, a character comedian who has long been held in highest esteem by movie-lovers. Completing the cast are Kate Price, the able comedienne; Eva Novak, Lawrence Wheat, and Edward Earle. This week’s supporting programme is entirely new, while tho pupils of Miss Kathleen O’Brien give fresh items in their beautiful “Irene” prologue. The Paramount orchestra provide all tho melodies from the musical comedy. DE LUXE THEATRE. There is no lack of thrills and entertainment in Tod Browning’s crook drama, “The Unholy Three,” now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. The story deals with a trio of freaks —a giant, a midget and a ventriloquist—who pursue a career of robbery and murder. After shifting the blame on another for the murder of a wealthy club man they flee to the mountains. Fearful of the strength and cunning of his confederates, the ventriloquist brings a powerful gorilla with him for protection. How tho gorilla fulfills his mission and how the mystery is cleared up brings the picture to ’ a thrilling, satisfying end. The cast includes Lon Chaney. Mae Busch, Matt Moore, Victor McLaglen, Harry Earles, and Mathew Betz. The supporting pictures are well varied. KING'S THEATRE. With Marital troubles resulting from a. double triangle as a basis, “The Circle," a Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, adapted from the play by W. Somerset Maugham, and now showing at the King’s Theatre, has lost none of the satire and irony for which the stage play was noted. Tho treatment has been made iu a light vein, and many humorous situations have been created. The picture opens with a prologue, in which the wija of an English lord elopes with a mutual friend. After a lapse of 30 years, when the play itself starts, the son of the deserted nobleman finds himself facing the same fate which befell his father. Alec B. Francis, Eugene Bcssercr, and George Fawcett are the principal actors in the prologue, while in the play itself they are Eleanor Boardman, Malcolm McGregor, and Creighton Hale. Eulalio Jensen and Otto Hoffman complete the cast. Tho supporting items and the music of Mr. A. *H. Jerome’s orchestra are in keeping with the principal attraction. QUEEN’S THEATRE. J. Farrell MacDonald and Madge Bellamy arc featured in “The Dixie Merchant,” the whimsical and entirely human story of Dixieland, which is now showing at the Queen’s Theatre. As Mie old “Dixie Merchant,” J. Farrell MacDonald gives ono of the best characterisations of his career, mixing humour with pathos in a way that, will win him more honours. Madge Bellamy plays the role of his vivacious little daughter, who is always having to prod her father into action in order to keep the litclc family intact. Others in the cast are Jack'Mulhall, Claire McDowell. Edward Martindale, Frank Beal, and Evelyn Arden. A gazette, scenic and most amusing comedy are in support, with delightful music by the orchestra. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Peter Pan,” which has held audiences enchanted tho world over, is a ten-reel picture. “Peter Pan” will he seen for ’ho last time in Wellington this evening. Excellent and most appropriate music is played by James Haydock, which greatly enhances the picture. Tomorrow’s change will introduce I* red Thomson and his horse, Silver King, in a thrilling picture, entitled “Thundering Hoofe.”