ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 8, 5 October 1926, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

paramount theatre. The Ferris Jazzland Revue Company, a. versatile organisation of coloured entertainers presents an exceptionally attractive programme at the Paramount Theatre this week. To appreciate how intricate a dance the “Charleston” really is one must see the performance given by these dusky dancers. Au old-time favourite, the “cak© walk,’ is also re* vived, while an excellent comedy dance is a. one-man quadrille. Sweet old plantation melodies, which haunt the memory with their plaintive airs, .re sung and played with the understanding which is the negroes' alone. In support is "The Far Cry." a First National picture, starring Blanche Sweet, supported by Jack Mulhall. Myrtle Stedman, and Hobart Bosworth. The picture is a story of modern European life, full <?f excitement, love, and romance, with, for its background, Paris and Venice. Capital incidental music is supplied by the Paramount, orchestra.. "NELL GWYN.” At the Paramount Theatre next Friday, First National will present its second great British-made screen masterpiece, "Nell Gwyn,” produced bv Herbert Wilcox, the man who directed "The Only Way,” and it is said that be has scored an even greater triumph with this production. All the American trade papers speak in glowing terms in their reviews of "Nell Gwyn.” The “Motion Picture News” says: “ ‘Nell Gwyn, who charmed the heart of a king and a nation, comes to life again, this lima on the screen ,in what is certainly the best English production which this reviewer has yet seen. It has life, it has sparkle, and freshness, ami the general production values are of an ordei comparable with those in the best Hollywood product. Without detract ipg in any way from the glory due to Herbert Wilcox for the story direction, it is only fair to say that the J. D. Williams instinct of showmanship seems to us fairly evident throughout, and that the picture can scarcely be imagined without Dorothy Gish, so neatly does the role fit her and she the role. Miss Qish is truly magnificent in the role. She literally "has everything.” A wellchosen cast surrounds her ; Juliette Compton is excellent as Nell’s rival for the king’s affection. This is a strictly first-class production, and should stand on its own anywhere.” The management are sparing no expense to make the “Nell Gwyn” season something exceptional. The box plan Is.at the Utility Stationery Shop, next to the theatre. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The popular Phil Smith revue company entered on its final week in Wellington last, night, when it staged it His Majesty's theatre a delightful tarce entitled "Mary’s Lamb.” The plot, if one could call it such, is most amusing, and circles around the doings of Phil Smith, as Leander Lamb, a henpecked husband. As the wife who bullies her husband into a nervous wreck, Nellie Dean acted admirably. At the end. ijeander comes into his own, and settles once and for all the question of who is the more important of the two. He bosses his wife here, there, and everywhere, making all kinds of threats and promises. As usual. Phil Smith and Nat Hanley supply most of the comedy, which is wholesome and" clean. There are many excellent musical numbers, notably “Coon Medley” (Phyllis Nicholson. Dorothy Grace. Bert Keats, and "The Smiling Six”). "Lady Busy" (Nellie Dean and “The Smiling Six”), and “If I Can’t, Get the Sweetie I want," (Dorothy Grace. William Greene, and “The Smiling Six”). "Maircbeto,”. always a favourite, gave Dorothy Grace a fine chance to display her beautiful voice. This number was the most popular in the show. In "Madelaine." Al Mack and “The Smiling Six" earned hearty applause. By singing "Somebody Rise’s Baby.” Phyllis Nicholson greatly pleased rhe audience. Nat Hanley sang and danced and supplied laughable comedy to the delight of all. "Mary's Lamb,” which is sure to be a success, will continue until Saturday next. The vaudeville turns in the . first half wore excellent several new items being on the programme. A voung lady, wearing a mask, who is billed r.s “Britain’s Mystery Giri,” won much applause by her splendid singing. While she sang a. film was shown of scenery in England and Ireland. Milton and Pacey, who also made their first appearance, did some sensational Urines in the wav of comedy skating. Their act was one of the hits of the show. Nick Morton, the talkative songster, told fresh jokes and stories, which greatly amused. The most nonular performance of all was probably that Piven hv Ker. Thornton and his partner Doris. Besides relating some verv funny anecdotes, he also song and imitated various songsters. Also on the programme was a latest news reel, showing important and nn-fo-dato doings all over the world. A. fine ni—’iestra. under the nbl" eon ductors’’fn of Mr Wilfred Kohn, adds further interest to the popular entertainment. BIG ATTRACTIONS COMING. Commencing next Monday night at His Majesty’s Theatre, what is described as a most novel entertainment, is to be presented by Messrs. Ralph Palermo and Irving Tishman. who announce the first appearance in New Zealand of Irving’s Imperial Midgets and- the Ohefalo Palermo company of conjurors and illusionists. The midgets comprise a troupe of fourteen tiny persons of both sexes, who sing, dance, perform comedy sketches, give acrobatic and gymnastic displays, and entertain generally. They range in height from 23 inches to 36 inches, and in ages from 19 years to 35 years. They arc specially selected for their exceptional talent from among innumerable midgets before the public in all parts of the civilised world. Associated with the midgets is the Ohefalo Palermo company, which provides an hour of magic and mystery. The company’s repertoire is stated to embody all the very latest in legerdemain and illusions. / EMPRESS THEATRE. The programme to commence on Friday at the Empress Theatre will have for the main feature "Cobra." starring Rudolph Valentino, with Nita Naldi. The supporting feature will be The Crown of Lies,” featuring Pola, Negri and Noah Beery. Rudolph Valentino, it is said, made "Cobra" a photoplay of strong emotions. The picture is such as the great Valentino-loving public wished to see him in. Valentino is seen as a young Italian count who has an inherited weakness for the cobra, type of woman. He makes a successful and sincere effort to reform, only to be lured back into the old ways by the wife of his best friend. This affair leads to a. tragic conclusion, and to atone for his misdeeds the count makes a great sacrifice. Nita Naldi is seen as the cobra woman, and the part suits her to perfection. Gertrude Olmstead plays a role of great sympathy and charm. The picture is stated to be lavishly mounted, •and the early, scenes in Italy and a New York antique shop are fine examples of the screen’s pictorial beauty. American girls have become countesses and duchesses through marrying noblemen, but in “The Crown of Lies," Pola. Negri becomes a. queen who ends up by marrying a young American "flivver" talesman. It unfolds a story of romance, and shows Pola first in the garments of a boarding house maid and later in the gorgeous gowns as the queen of a small Balkan kingdom. The box plans for the season are now on view at the Bristol. DE LUXE THEATRE. Taken from the widely read story by Vicente Blasco Ibanez, author of “The Four Horsemen.” “Blood and Sand," "Enemies of Women,” “The Torrent,” now showing at the De Luxe Theatre, tells of a peasant girl of Sixain who becomes a world-famous singer. Bhe loves and is loved by a young Spanish nobleman, but he is not strong enough to overcome his mother’s objections to the girl. The story of bis ineffectual fight against his weakness is a gripping piece of entertainment well tnacted.. Greta Garbo, a famous Swedish actress, heads the cast, ’supported by Ricardo Cortez, Gertrude Olmsted, Tully Marshall, and Lucien Littlefield. Thrills are not wanting. The supports are good, while excellent music is given by'the orchestra. KING’S THEATRE. “The Shamrock Handicap.” featuring Leslie Fenton, Ja.net. Gaynor, J. Farrell McDonald, Claire McDowell, and Willard Louis, is the attraction at the King’s Theatre. The picture, a tc.reen version of Peter B. Kyne’s widely lead story, is a masterpiece, in which Irish humour is finely blended with pathos. The story commences in Ireland, v-hcre Neill Ross, jockey of Sir Miles Gaffeney. is in love with Lady Sheila, the knight’s only daughter. Ross goes to America, where he makes a name for himself in hie trade, and sends his savings that Lady She'la may take over their only remaining horse. Thrills are found throughout, especially in the race which brings fortune to the lovers. “Fighting Fine." which shows Za.ne Grey playing mighty swordfish is also shown, together with a gazette a.nd comedy. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Now showing at the Queen’s Theatre is "Dance Madness,” an ultra-modern story of the jazz age. in which comedy runs riot. Claire Windsor Conrad Nagel. Hedda Hopper, and Douglas Gilmour are the featured players The story deals with a voung couple who co Io Paris to live. Once there the husband shows a decided predeliction for the beanti-s of ‘ the opera. Hi* wife, in an endea.our

fo brine him back to the, domestic fold, anneals to a'Russian siren who has captivated him, ■ and after a series of the most ludicrously funny situations, sn<?Bede 'An added attraction is the wonderful dancing exhibition given bj Mr. Phil Barry and Miss Hazel Martin. Also shown are a gazette, scenic, and comedy, whik"good music is given by the orchestra.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Couinteiicing to-nigbt at 7.45. for a. season of three nights only, the pictunsed version of Hex Beach’s famed novel. The Spoilers.” will be screened. 9he stoiv i, based on an historical incident, and it. portrays the great Alaskan gold rus • Furthermore, it did more than any othei hing to stop the polit cal >poi ers” front wresting the rich gold mines from theto rightful owners. The east includes Milton Sills, Anna Q. Nilsson, Mitchell Lewis. Nonh Beery. Louise I’azf!n.,|a. 1 ’ azf!n . ,| a. Ford Sterling. Barbara Bedford. and .niairi others Specially appropriate music will be played by James Haydrc.t.