ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 100, 22 January 1927, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

MARIE BURKE IN "KATJA." The box plans lor the initial wellington represe.itat.oii of ■Katja." on Monday mgnt will be on view Hom nll ‘® oclock this morning at 'be Grand Opel,i House confectionery shop. J be ierj ix veilent booking which took place jtstu dav is a clear iiidievl'oii that plavgotis are determined to give a warm welcome to Miss Burke and the “Uier members o the company, tn Australia Katja won an even greater rrpiltiqn tin Hd flower,” so it is net surprising that pu-V goers are eagerly looking ‘ ol ''% c ’ t 0 H representation here. 1 he fact that Mia Burke is said to have achieved hn be.a triumph in the name part has also added much interest to the prediction- lb* “!* tial performance ot "Katia .'ill se . l ' c lh „ introduce Mr. R. Barrett-Lennaid. the noted London comedian Mies Babette Odeal, a talented young English soubtette and dancer, 11. W. Noel Dayton, a 1 ininent London artist. It will also sign, h-e the rearmtai nice of the etcn-ictei comedian Mr. Cecil Kelkl '?Yfi/tenFrole Browne, whoso singing ol the tenoirole assisted towards the 6UC "a toil/ "Wildflower” during its New 1 J nd tour. Miss Thelma Burners, the . (la ‘ nt * y i4™» B •» lian comedienne, Mr. Fn’-'’k j r ’ an k npw baritone. Mr. Charles Zoli. Mi. jranu Hawthorne and other well known miisica comedy and comic opera artists. A »1K feature of “Katja" is the bea it ful seen erv and the frocks worn b y I the ,’L"?- I V.' l i9 and a chorus of pretty e l !' l *- Katja is packed with glorious mUsiea numbus, in eluding "When Love’s in ti e Air Cite Odeal). "Cruel Chief" (Thelma Bu - nessi, Biirrel-Lcnnnrd and "Dancing Together’ tMarje K«rke. Ria nod T.u-'k Tr-nr.-hf (Veil Kells way ana chorus) ’’Polities.’; '« erbort Bin K r p ° W "nd fur a Ni"ht. (Marie Bui lie anu Herbert Browne). ••When We’re (Thelma Be.rness and I,;u rPt , t ' L , e .?' l ‘ 1 p _ t . •Ive Planned a. Re.ndeziots Browne and chorus), "If sou Gored (Thelma Burncss and Herbert Brovne). •‘•Those Eyes so Tender." (Mario ■”« Herbert Browne), "Love and Duty (Ban, ette Odeal and Oceil Bella way). (Thelma Burness a* l ' l . I ’, arl ' ett , ‘L'l'!-!,. ’ "Tails Up” (Babette Odeal and chorus., and “Oh* Woe is Me” (Thelma. Burness and Jlarrett-Lennarcb. The whole tion is staged under the personal super vision of Charles A. Wenuiau. REGENT TH EA THE, The question to what extent is woman dependent upon man, and is it possible for a man to exert, such an influence over a woman as to make her very career hingo upon his more presence or absence is raised* in ‘‘The Afarriago Clause,” which commenced screening at the Regent Theatre last night. I he story is adapted from ''Tcehnic, tin) famous storv written by Dana Burnett, and is a tale of the theatre, with its constantly changing life back-stage, flowing sometimes smoothly, like, flic sands of <i hour-gluss, more often tnrbul.'nt, like the waters in a rocky river bed. The heroine is Sylvia Jordan, discovered among a group of stage neophytes by Barry Townsend, a successful stage manager. The girl’s fresh, appealing beauty shows promise to the eyes of the experienced showman, and lie selects her us worthy of development. In time she becomes famous under his able supervision, but he has fallen in love with her, and, unknown to him, she reciprocates his affection. Thorugh a series of unfortunate misunderstandings the two are separated, end the sequences that follow portray a great psychological truth. “The Marriage Clause” is a story for every type of fan—the amusement seeker, for it has many light moments; the thinker, on account of its depth of characterisation; the drama lover, for the wealth of colour and description of the ’ives of a gloup of stage players. The story is invested with a wealth of insigiit and a feminine viewpoint that is unique and of interest to film audiences. The leading roles are portrayed by Billie Dove and Francis X. Bushman. ’they arc supported by a brilliant list of players. The vaudeville portion of the progrimmo is particularly entertaining, the Aerial Smiths performing double trapeze acts of unusual elegance and daring. V/ith a continuity of action that takes one's breath away the Smiths swing to and fro, and from trapeze to trapeze. For gracefulness and riskiness the turn wouhi be difficult to surpass. A high quality musical programme is provided by tho Regent orchestra under the baton of Air. AJ. Dixon. “IS ZAT SO?” “Ts Zat So?” one of the brightest and most original comedies seen here for some time, attracted another large and enthusiastic audience to the Grand Opera House last night. 'Die story deals with the adventures of “Chic" Cowan, a romantic pugilist, who Jost a fight by dreaming about a girl’s ankle, in the middle of tho contest, and "Hop” Hurley, his trainer, who despairs 6f his pupil ever making good on account of his fondness tor the other sex. “Chic” is requisitioned by his manager to the position of footman in a Filth Avenue (New York) house, in order to bring its owner, whose health has fallen before long association witii American drinks, into a fit condition to deal with a brother-in-law, who is suspected of handling the family funds to his own advantage. The boxer is a dreadful butler,"but after a most beautiful tangling-up of family finances, shines out as tho new lightweight champioli. From start to finish, interest is well sustained, the dialogue brist, ling with bright repartee. Mr. Richard Tabor, as "Chic,” proves himself to bo an actor of outstanding ability. Aliss Daphne Bairn plays the part of Airs. Pasker very capably as Florence, tho girl in love with "Chic.” , Air. Hale Norcross is excellent as “Hap'' Hurley. “Is Zat So?” will be repeated to-night. The box plan is at the Bristol. HIS AfAJESTA”S THEATRE. The Alidnight Frolics, were in great form last night, and kept a very large audience continually amitsed with their bright sketches, catchy songs, graceful dances, and humorous stunts. The secret of this company's success is the snap and vim that everyone concerned shows, the general cameradie and tile smart dressing and mounting of . the show. Clem Dawe retains his position as one of the most original of comedians. In his big “Blucher” boots he clamps on to tlie stage to tho accompaniment of a welcoming gale of laughter, and is increasingly amusing, except when he plays his saxophone, when at the low grunts of tho “Clem Dawe” blues the temperature goes down. He is exttcm’ly funny in "The Ankle Parade,” “Four Doors," and “Love in a Harem,” while in "The Wedding Breakfast,” lie is simply irresistable. and in the comic song “Ale and My Wife,” is hysterically ludicrous. Alec Regan is immensely popular witii “Oh, How I Love Aly Darling.” "Clothes Props,” and “’Die Ukulele Lady.” He is also very effective in reciting Emil Cammerty’s poem, “Carillon.” Mr. Gregory Ivanoff is a violinist of merit, and is heard in “Hungarian Rhapsodic.” “Robin Adair.” and other pieces. Erie Edgely, Les White, and the Dick Dorothy Trio, all work well in the common cause.. There will be a holiday matinee as well as an evening performance to-day. DE LUXE THEATRE. There have been many great pictures, with the Great War as a background, but since “Hearts of the World” there has been none to compare with “The Big Parade,” King Vidor’s pieturisntion of Lawrence Stalling's story of the same name, which registered a very deep impression on large audiences yesterday afternoon and night at the De Luxe Theatre. Though war in all its grim horror, and staggering vastness of operation, is the background, it may be said that the great throbbing humanity of tlie'story could, only be made possible with such an epic setting. And yet it. is just a love story—(he love of three loveable young men from widely different angles of life, for one another, and the all-absorbing passion of one of the trio for a simple maid of France. ’1 he three characters mentioned arc James Apperson (who is of old wealthy stock), Boney Slim, a rivet ter in the sky-serap-irs. and sturdy Bull, a. coarse, rough liar-tender from east-side New York. How they come together, and "cottoned’ to one another, is one of the great mysteries of the war —and life. Janies Apperson has had a hoy-and-girl sweetheart affair before, the call comes, but there was little of the “grande passion in the affair. That comes when ho meets sweet. Alclisande, in one of the little villages behind the lines. She is no common flirt, but a fine, stout-hearted girl, who works honestly all her days, and wlio forms a deep attachment for the handsome American youth—one that is very deeply anil seriously reciprocated. Then comcs a rush order for the company to stop a Fritz break through the line, and heart-rending scenes are enacted as the great-motor wagons aie packed up with t he soldiers in full kit — thousands of them—and miles of wagons recede into the distance. Melisande is distracted at. not being able to locate her

“Jimmie,” and, once found, she hangs on to him, and then on to his wagon, until she falls exhausted ill the dust. The war rolls on, and there are a series of graphic pictures of trench warfare, an unforgettable scene where Slim sacrifices iiis life to "get" a German machinegun outpost. Jimmy secs red when he finds Slim dead, aiid advances to seek revenge, but is shot in the leg, and taken to a hospital, where tlie leg is amputated. Invalided home, lie lias to tel) his fond parents about Melisande, and when sufficiently recovered he returns to France to find his beloved, ploughing the fields lie lately fought, over. The picture is finely conceived, and bears (lie stamp of a great picture. Appci-san is most admirably enacted by John Gilbert, and Tom O’Brien as Bull, and Karl Dane as Slim arc appealing characterisations that will live in the memory Renee Atloree poured a wealth et feeling into the role of Melisande, and Mr. Herbert Bosworth was good .as Appersley. senior. A special score of music lent colour and sentiment to tlie picture. There will be two screenings of “The Big Parade” to-day.

COMMONWEALTH SILVER BAND. The return of tlie Australian Commonwealth Silver Band will be the cause of" much joy to hundreds of people who heard them play in AVelbngton on their previous visit several months ago. lew bands possess such a formidable array of soloists. Air. Arthur Slender, leadin" solo cornet, has on four occasions won tlie championship of Australia, also the championship of New Zealand, and is the possessor of over 10 medals won in solo competitions. He is ably supported on the solo stand by Alessrs. A. Paxton (well known in New Zealand as solo cornet of the Al al vein Tramway Band), and “Scotty” Armour and Harold Collins, of Melbourne. Mr. J. Haid.y (soprano cornet) is, perhaps, Australia’.* greatest soprano soloist to-day, Air. Harold Hewson (euphonium) possesses u variation of tone from that of a ’cello, deep and sonorous, to that ot the more penetrating saxophone. Air. George Robertson's solo work (tenor horn) has been one of the features of the tour, expressing, it. is said, a wonderful clearness of tone and perfect musicianship. Mr. Clarrie Collins (solo trombone) is declared by the. critics Io have wonderful personality and versatility. Still, perhaps the most popular of all is Mr. Harold Reid, who lias been called the “wizard of the xylophone."’ The Australians will open a season of three concerts in the Town Hall on Tuesday night next. The box plan is now open at the Bristol. KING’S THEATRE. “Fascinating A'outh,” the main attraction which was screened at the King’s Theatre for the first time last night, is the sort of picture to make a great appeal to all. Right from tin' start the story is full of interest, mid there is not one dull moment in tho whole production from beginning to end. Tlie story concerns a wealthy' idler who falls in love with a Greenwich village sketch artist, much to his father’s annoyance, as the latter 'wants him to marry a wealthy society girl. The son, in order to make good in life and not live without doing any real work, takes a position as a manager of an old hotel, which has failed to make mony for many years. With the help of some Greenwich village friends the new manager decides upon a great adverr.ising campaign, but owing to his methods being somewhat “sensational” a wealthy backer refuses to advance the necessary money, although he has promised to do so. Thenceforward the story becomes very exciting. The method ho uses to popularise the hotel is the basis of a very Tino plot. Amongst, those who appear in the cast are such favourites as Thomas Meighan, Adolphe Menjou, Richard Dix. Percy Marmont, Lila lee, Clara Bow, Chester Conklin, and Ralph Lewis. There is also an excellent supporting 1 programme, .which, combined with a nplendid orchestra., makes this week’s programme at the King’s Theatre one of the best.

EMPRESS' THEATRE. . “Temptation,” a French film. >s the chief attraction nt the Empress Theatre this week. Huqnette Dufios. who is acclaimed as the most beautiful woman in Paris Ims tho leading part and is SUP; norted bv George Vaultier. Henn Houry. Alarcya Capri and Jaque UteInin. The story is based on. the mvstei.ious disappearance, of Koenigsmark in the reien of George I. The treatment of the .storv is nbsohitfdy modern, and the time is brought on to the beginning ot the war. It deals with the love ot a princess and a poor suitor whom she finally marries. Some of the scenes aie verv beautiful, and there is also a spectacular fireworks display. Die whole production is produced on a magnificent scale. One sees all the pomp and splendour of court life, which have been partly produced in colour photograph), a Montmartre cabaret, in which some wonderful dancing is seen, and inteuor and exterior scenery which has astounded all who have so lar seen this nieture. The latest Patho Gazette and an Aesop comedy cartoon and comedy is also shown.

QUEEN’S THEATBE. A treat was enjoyed by the audience which witnessed the first showing ot “No Man’s Gold” at the. Queen s the-atre-last night This is Fox !■ 11ms latest picture, starring Join Mix, and is a screen version of .T. Allan Dunn s widely read novel of the West. the producers have provided Mix with £) story rich in drama and incident, and with many opportunities for the versatile star to perform some teats ol dare-deHl riding. The story of “No Man’s Gold” is the kind that will hold the atterttion of any audience. It deals with the discovery of a lode of virgin gold far up an unknown canyon. Wat Lyman, the prospector who discovers Ilio mine, has been followed by Frank Healy a notorious gambler, who shoots him 'down, intending to rob him of the map Before he has an opportunity to do this Tom Stone, a cowboy, and I efty Logan, a second-rate boxer, are attracfed by the spot. They find Micky, the prospector’s nine-year-old son, trending over his dying father. Lyman makes the three men, including Healy, whom he does not know to bo his murderers, promise to share the wealth of the mine with Ids Ixiy. To protect his son he tears the map into three parts, giving each of the men one of the pieces. Then follows a battle of wits between Healy on the one hand ami Tom on the other. Beautiful Eva Novak plays the part of Jane Kogers, a rodeo star. The part of the villainous gambler, Pete Kreil, is well played by Malcolm Waite. His henchman. ‘Frank Healy, is given a fine portrayal by Frank Campeau, and Lefty Loganby Harry Gripp. Jimmy Lyman is portrayed in a wonderful fashion by Ch icky Moore, a nine-year-old boy. A gazette, scenic and comedy are shown in support, with a special score of incidental music by the Queen’s orchestra. “THE MAN WITH A LOAD OP MISCHIEF.” The National Repertory Theatre Society has • chosen for this final production of the first year of its existence Ashley Duke’s romantic comedy "The Man With a Load of Mischief" which it will be remembered was one of the outstanding successes of the fashionable west end of London in 1925 This delightful comedy will be presented in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Saturday next and on the following Monday and Tuesday with Miss Mollie Plimmer as the lady. Mr. Robert Charlton as the man. Miss Rosalind Atkinson as the maid. Mr.. W. S. Wuuchop as the nobleman. Mr. E. 8. Baldwin as the innkeeper and Miss Louise Hall as Ijis wife. When this comedy was first produced in London a noted critic wrote as follows: "It is not long since I fervently applauded Mr. Ashley Duke’s exquisitely written play ’The Man with a Load of Mischief.’ on its production by the Stage Society and now that it is presented at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, I make no recantation. Indeed it is with added pleasure that I heard the play for the third time. It gives me new hope for tlie drama, in'a world which for a decade and more has overlooked the primary importance of language in the theatre. Let nobody be put oft this fine and nourishing play by a fear that because of its charming regency setting it is a treaclv or rliectorical costume piece. Actually it is a play of ideas such as might occur to day and while nobody is treacly-mouthed the rapturous love speeches which pass between the ex-courtesan and the herovalet come from a spiritual rather than a physical eeetney. 'The Man With a Load of Mischief’ is the most encouraging thing that has happened in the English theatre for many a day.” The play will be produced by Mr. Leo du Chateau. The box plans will be open at the Bristol on Wednesday next. BANDS. Onen a.ir entertuinmint will be provided ta both Lyall Bay and at the Botanical Cardens to-morrow. At the seaside the trtillery Band will play ami the Caledonian Society's I’ii-e Band will supply pipet* uj. iZUIU’T '