ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 82, 31 December 1926, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Described as replete with romance, adventure, and superb and consistent thrills, “The Barrier/' an adaptation of Rex Beach's novel, which will commence screening at the Regent Theatre to-night, should draw packed audiences. The theme of the story supplies a delightful romantic interest, which, in association with the dramatic nature of the picture, makes splendid entertainment. The opening scene depicts Stark Bennett, captain of an Alaskan whaling vessel, tyrannising the crew with his inhuman brutality. One midnight, in the depth of winter, the ship runs into a ,ii-m off tlie coast of Siberia, and Bennett' forces his Indian wife to help on deck with the wretched seamen. A mast falls and kills her. John Gaylord, the kindlv mate, angrily attacks Bennett, and leaves him lying motionless on the cabin floor. . Thinking he has killed him; Gaylord flees from the ship witli the cantain’s baby daughter. Seventeen vears later, in an obscure fur depot in the wastes of Alaska, the two are living as father an ddaughter. The baby was grown into a beautiful girl. When Afeade Burrell, a handsome army officer, arrives to take charge of the local military force, the two soon fall in love. Stark Bennett’s ship puts in at the town for water, and the two enemies recognise each other. Bennett is suspicious of Gaylord's supposed daughter, but he forgets her for the time being in the ex citement that follows the news that gold has been discovered near at band. ,\leade and Necia set out together for the goldfields and stake out good claims. On their return, Bennett discovers Necia is his half-caste daughter, and exposes her before Afeade. Although she dislikes her brutal father, Necia flees in humiliation to his ship. Just before their detarlure for the open sea, Meade forces bis way on board in time to save tho girl from an attack by Bennett. The two men fight a terrific battle while *b« ship is slowly caught in the death grip of the pack-ice. Afeade overpowers tho other, and leaves him to his fate m the doomed vessel. Safe again on shore with Necia, he declares that her Indian blood makes no difference to his love and they are married. With actors such as Lionel Barrymore, H. B. Walthal, Norrnan Kerry, and Marceline Day in the principal roles, even greater interest is added. Director George Hill produced the picture with praiseworthy fidelity to the original novel, arid the production is replete with romance, adventure, and superb and consistent thrills. Others in ... •'-nper, Pnf Harmon, and Bert Woodruff. A feature of the evening’s entertainment will be a vaudeville turn by the “Big Four, ’ who win be heard in “Arabian Moon, “Thanks for the Buggy R’ c '<> Ka ' tinka,’’ and "Maggie, Yes Ma. THE AIOSCOVITCH SEASON. Frederick Lonsdale's vivid drama The Fake.” as presented by the J. C. Williamson Company, with Maurice Moscovitch in the role of Geoffrey Sandos, is enjoying a highly popular run at tuo Grand Opera House. I Ins virile story of modern life tells how Ernest Stanton, a charlatan in parliamentary and private life, sells his daughter to a dm** fiend in order to advance his social position. The hero, a character splendidly portrayed by Atoscovitch, rids the daughter and the world of a. worthless scoundrel by giving the dipsomaniac an overdose of the drug he craves for. IVhen the M.F. hears of the death ol his son-in-law and threatens to . take action, Sandos tells him that he. is an accomplice. There are many powerful dramatic situations in the play, which rivets attention from start to finish. Alaurice Afoscovitch is at his best as Geoffrey Sandos, and had .flic house with him throughout a fine piece of finished acting last evening. George Zuceo added to ’the laurels he has alrcadv won by making the role cf the shallow ALP.' stand out in bold relief. The nlnv went well Ins’- evening, when Nat Madison (Gerard Pillick). Alexander Sarncr (Tlesketh Pointer), George Blunt (Sir Thomas Afoorgate) all contributed their share to a signal, dramatic success. Aliss Kerrie Kelly again did excellently in the difficult role of tne young wife, and was well, supported .by Miss Atargarct Afnrrnv. Miss Kiore King and Aliss Ellen Pollock. Curtain calls were frequent, and the work of the orchestra under Aliss Jure was again appreciated, "The Fake” will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night, and will be succeeded by Du Mauriers ■ famous romance of the Latin Quartier, "Tr'lbv,’’ on Alonday evening. "Trilby" has had revivals at different nerio<)s and always draws crowded houses. Recently staged in Sydney, the critic of the "Herald” says: "The Criterion was packed and the utmost enthusiasm was manifested. At the close of the first act, which takes place bv the studio of the ‘Three ATiisketeers of the Brush.’ Moscovite!) and his company had to give half a .dozen curtain calls. Tho great Russian actor excelled himself and was tumultuously received. Aliss Ellen Pollock scored a great success in the name part. The supporting coninany is a strong one. Nat AJadison. Alex. Sarner, and George Zucco deserving special mention. It may bo safely predicted ‘Trilby’ is in for a-prosperous season.” The box plans are at the Bristol to-day. Tomorrow and Afondav the plans are at the Onera House Confectionery, where day sale tickets are obtainable.

"IS ZAT SO?" Opening on Saturday, January 15, will be something original in theatrical entertainment, when Messrs. J. and N s Tait present what is described, as tho most laughable comedy of all time. "Is Zat So?” "Is Zat So?” is a unique and altogether different entertainment—a play that combines the most delightful form of comedy with the most compelling and absorbing drama. It makes people laugh, and at the same time thrills—it keens the audience wondering how if will all ffirn out. Happy humour, lively laughter, a teal plot, a quick-fire wit that crackles all the time, bring the laughs unceasingly. There are three pairs of lovers, whose tender passion makes the audience feel young and envious. All these are the feature of a most irresistible and convulsing comedy. The characters are sustained by the original New York company, with the' original New York production, headed by Ttichard Taber, who not only plays the lead but is also hart author with James Gleason. “Is Zat So?” has been running for two years in New Y'ork and London. DE LUXE THEATRE. "College Days,” a Paramount release which commences screening at tho De Luxe Theatre this evening, is said to be crammed with laughs from beginning to end. The leading role is taken by Harold Lloyd. Lloyd is that most pathetic of al] creatures—someone wanting to be loved. Admiration, hero worship he craved, too, but he wanted it because it meant that he was a jolly good fellow—every man’s friend and nobody’s enemy—because he would stand enthroned in the hearts of’all as an ideal to pattern after, even as he had attempted to model his personality after college heroes of fiction he had loved. With this craving to be popular and his campaign to achieve that goal carefully planned out, Harold Lloyd goes (o college—and is promptly spotted as a “boob.” (The ideals that colour his fancy they, arc blind to. They see only a "sport model Freshman with old-fashioned trimmings." They promptly tic his goat and ride it. First they assign him to a private enr waiting tn take the dean to the auditorium for his opening address. Harold Lloyd finds himself on the stage face to frice with the entire student body. He is

told that every new student must make a speech—if he doesn thell be the most unpopular man in college. That word "unpopular.” To Harold Lloyd it is what red is to a bull. Though lio is a far cry from an orator and rs handicapped in his style by a krtten crawling around under his turtle sweat> er, he gets it across that he s just a regular fellow and everyone should step right up and call him “Speedy. * luus does Harold Lloyd make Ins debut at college, and thus are the. laughs started in "College Days,” which is said to work up to a climax that exceeds anything the popular comedian has ever done for suspense, thrills, excitement and laughs. The cast presents Jobyna Ralston as Harold Lloyd's sweetheart, Brooks Benedict as the chief persecutor of the little lamb, James Anderson as the college hero the lamb hopes 1q supplant. Hazel Keener as a beautiful coed, Joe Harrington as the tailor who bastes the lamb into his next dress suit, and Pat Harmon as the hardboiled football coach. The supports include the latest . gazette, a cartoon and a comedy, while a first-class programme of music will be supplied by the orchestra under the leadership of Aliss A. Bryers. HIS AIAJESTY’S THEATRE. Another capacity arfdience greeted the Atidnight Frolics Company at His Majesty’s Theatre last night, the highclass entertainment making the two and a half hours pass, all too rapidly. Clem Dawe, with his irrepressible humour, kept the audience in great glee with the many farcical scenes in which he took part. Throughout the performance he was ably supported by Eric Edgley, Les White,- and Louis Cottam, whose comedy work was excellent, the many sketches in which they acted being too short to appease the appetite of the audience. The dancing of the company is excellent, and Miss Amery shows that she is equally at home with the comic as she is with the classical. The musical honours again went to Gregory Ivanoff (violinist), who scored a big hit in tlie "Goblins’ Dance,” "Aloods, and an “Indian Love Call,” arranged by himself and played in Russian national costume. Miss White. Mr. Cottam, and Air. Les White were seen in a faultless dance. The Frolics’ jazz band is one of the best that has yet visited AVellington. and every item was loudly encored. Oscar Beck, ■ a Norwegian tenor with a voice of great clarity, which he used with good effect, was heard in tbe "Floral Dance”, and “Marcheta. Ihe Dick-Dorolhv trio presented a splendid wooden soldier act, while the revue is mounted or n. very attractive scale. >

KING’S THEATRE. At the King’s Theatre to-night two pictures, each of great merit, will be shown. The first of these is entitled “Fig t,eaves,” described as an elaborate and dramatic history of clothes from the Garden of Eden to the twentieth century,” It is a Fox Films production, in . which George 0 Brien plays the part of Adam, and Olive Borden that of Eve Smith. Adrian has designed what is said to be tlie most original and vivid array of gowns ever shown on the screen. With the aid of famous acbneologists. the producers of the picture are said to have succeeded m achieving some truly amazing animal effects, creatures varying from the mighty brontosaurus and the ridged triceratops to the' slothful stegosaurus and the huge-legged dinosaurus. having been recreated for the purposes of this picture. ■ "Fig Leaves” is something different from the usual comedy-drama, with a unique plot which is excellently carried out. Tho second picture showing to-night will be the Paramount production “Wot Paint.” in which Raymond Griffith has the chief role, Helene Costello plaving opposite him. "Wet Paint” is the ridiculously funny talo of a rich young mnn who is tricked into a proposal. He really loves the girl, but she has entered into the affair only- on account of a het. Discovering this, the outraged lover vows that he is going to marry the first girl who crosses his path. Of course he does nnt keep his vow, and how he treated it and his many laughable adventures in doing «o form tho subject of the srorv. This excellent programme includes also a gazette, while the incidental music by tho King's Orchestra is of a high standard. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Following on a great first week run at the De Luxe Theatre, "The Black Pirate” will commence its second week in Wellington at the Queen’s Theatre at 2.30 this afternoon and again at 8 o’clock to-night. , Douglas Fairbanks is the romantic adventurer who achieves no, end of thrills in this stirring story. His ingenuity and athletic prowess are big factors in his struggle to win a captured damsel from a shipload of bloodthirsty pirates. The story is from tho pen of Elton Thomas, arid it was adapted to the . screen by Jack Cunningham. The picture tells a highly, exciting story of piracy on the high seas. A young fellow, whose father has been made to walk the plank, swears vengeance. He dispatches the murderous leader at the point of the sword, and then has to outwit the rascally first mate. The plot abounds in thrilling situations. A beautiful ' girl is rescued from a captured ship, and the rascally crew draw lots for her. It is her misfortune to be won by the villainous mate, but “The Black Pirate” falls in love with her, and after a series of thrilling adventures he succeeds in protecting her and confounding the cut-throat crew. This is , not accomplished, however, until a ship is blown up and the hero has had to swim to the mainland, eventually v e f nrn i ng to rescue the girl. Douglas Fairbanks excells himself in this romantic comedy, drama. Billy Dove is the heroine. The latest gazette and a merry comedy will support the big picture. This attractive programme will be screened twice daily, at 2.30 and again af 8 o’clock. Special music will be supplied by the orchestra under the direction -,f Aliss E. Dennehy. EMPRESS THEATRE. An appropriate screening at tho Empress Theatre during tlie Holiday season is the Alaster picture, “Red Hot Tyres," which will be presented for the first time to-night. It is a story of a speed demon, who, fascinated by the vision of a pretty girl—another spcedci—collides with a steam roller. After coming out of hospital he takes to horse-riding, and meets the same young lady, and tlie same fate, again. The girl breaks all traffic limits in conveying him to the doctor, and is sent to gaol by her father, an irate police commissioner. The hero manages to get sent to the same gaol, and thereafter many adventures ensue. The picture is brimful of funny situations, including chases by the traffic cops. The part of Al. Jones, the wealthy motorist, is played by Monte Blue, while Patsy Miller is-the heroine.' Fred Esinelton appears as the Hon. W. C. Lowden. All are well-known stars in the film world The second picture is a Fox film, “Family Upstairs.’’ introducing plenty <» pathos and humour. The programme also includes a gazette, featuring a football match w«iu the Alaori teem. STRAND THEATRE. Fred Thomson and his remarkable horse Silver King, who are now warm favourites with many picture theatregoers, are the stars in tlie leading Icature at the Strand Theatre .this week. “All Around Frying Pan” is a picture that gives both horse and rider scope to show themselves off at their best, round-ups and rodeo stunts being plentiful. Silver King takes a role that tests his skill, for he starts out as a wild-eyed bucker which nobody can ride and finishes aA himself—a heroic horse. Fred Thomson is tho only sad-dle-pilot who can ride him. The picture is a strong melodrama and the round-up scenes make it really two big shows in one. The desert settings are very beautiful. Another "Wild West” picture being shown on the same programme is "Tlie Y'ellow Back.” in which a new star, Fred Humes, makes his appearance. Humes has starred previously in two-reelers with much success his horsemanship being remarkable. An excellent supporting east includes Lotus Thompson. Chiudo Payton J George Connors and Willie Fung. * i NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Laura La Planle and Pat. O'Mnllcv have the leading parts in “The Midnight Sun.” (be fe.-'ifiirc atfrnolion nt the Now Princess Theatre (his week The picture is full of beautiful scenes, and deals with the love story of a Rus sian duke and a ballet dnnccr. Miss La Plante has a totally different, pile in this picture than she usually has,

and shows remarkable dramatic talent. Baby Peggy is trio star of the second picture, "Jack aud the Beanstalk,” a clever comedy, in which arc many laugh, able scenes. The final of the children s beauty contest is Icing shown also, to gethcr with a comedy and a gazette.