ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 255, 27 July 1927, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

CELEBRITY VAUDEVILLE. The box plan .will open to-morrow morning at the Bristol for tho J. C. AVilliamson Celebrity A 7 audeville all-star combination which will commence its Wellington season with, a matinee at the Grand Opera House on Saturday. The company comes direct from a successful season in Auckland, and should prove equally successful in AVellington. “Canary Opera,” one of the star acts, is the title of what can easily bo' called tho most unique act in the vaudeville world to-day. Joseph Belmont, who is responsible for this offering, is also the man who furnishes ■Europe and America with the whistling and bird song records Ho lias with him his partner, whoso vocal duets and instrumental numbers on the saxophone, with piano acoinpaniment, are the means of inspiring this chorus of feathery songsters to harmonise and trill to the delight and enjoyment of all who hear them. On the same bill is that famous comedian, Dick Henderson, “the man who made tho Queen laugh.” Some Idea of Henderson’s capabilities as a mirth-maker can be gained from the fact that-ho has appeared before the Royal Family twice by command. Rich and Adair present another net that is said to be a novelty , and a triumph of acting combined. Phil Rich in America to-day is looked upon us the greatest “old man” delineator in the country. His partner was a. former “Aliss Chicago.” An act that should charm and delight everyone is that of Marie Lawion, the little lady with the harp and the mellow voice. A dancing tniii i:l presented by Les Zenza Freres, direct from Paris, presenting .’’something different in dancing.” The mighty Spanish trapeze artist, A r alencia, causes thrill upon thrill. The Lee Sisters, “up in the air,” have a remarkable offering, and Colin Crane, eminent baritone, is not the least on (Jio bill. Stella Lanionde is a vivacious soubrette. A canary couiest and joEe competition are being held in conjunction with the coming of the canary opera and Dick Henderson respectively.

ALLAN WILKIE SEASON. Last night tho Allan Wilkie Shakespearean Company presented the famous “Hamlet.” with Mr. Wilkie in the role of Hamlet. Equally competent in her part was Miss Hunter-Watts, as Ophelia. Other members of the cast handled their roles with skill. Mr. John Cairns had tho part of the King, Miss Lorna Forbes Queen Gertrude, Mr. Dennis Barry Laertes, Mr. Arthur Keane I’olnius, Mr. Milton • Sands the Ghost, and Mr. Herbert Shelrick Horatio, Mr. William Lockhart was first grave-digger. To-night, for the last night t:f tho season, the- over-popular comedy “Twelfth Night,” will bo presented, with Mr. Wilkio as Malvolio, and Miss Hunter-Watts as Viola.

DE LUXE THEATRE. “Tho Fourth Commandment, a Universal production, starring Belle Bennett, supported by Mary Carr, Robert Agnew, and June Marlowe, is the feature now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. Directed by Emery Johnson, “The Fourth Commandment is being acclaimed the work of genius. Its storv of everyday life is brought to the screen with a dramatic sympathy and tiro that is regarded as one of the tine things of the kinema world. As Virginia, the wife and mother who fails in the test to choose between love and luxury, Belle Bennett eclipses her former accomplishments in “btella Dallas.” Magnificent in ; disaster, irresistible in happiness, Miss Bennett’s P er ‘ formance is outstanding. Excellent music is supplied by Mr. Aarons at the Wurlitzcr organ and by the orchestra.

“TIN HATS.” There were men who were appointed and disgusted to think they never had an opportunity to get into tho World War. It is about these that Edward Sedgwick spun his yarn, “Im Hats,” the Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture coming to tbo‘Do Luxe Theatre on Inday. The story concerns three typical soldiers of the Allied Army, who arrive in tho front line trenches just in time to bear of the end. However, tho plot thickens when they are sent into Germany with tho Army of Occupation, and their subsequent adventures make the war look like three acts of a riotous farce. Claire Windsor is the heroine of the story, and appears with Conrad Nagel. i

KING’S THEATRE Novel and intriguing is “The Taxi Dancer,” tho Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, featuring beautiful Joan Crawford and Owen Moore, who are supported by Maro McDermott. Douglas Gilmore, Bert Roach, Gertrude Astor, and Claire McDowell, now showing at the King s Theatre. The story deals with Joslyn Poe, who goes to New York to make her fortune as a dancer. Joslyn’s path to final happiness is by no means smooth. In support arc a ‘‘Felix the Cat” cartoon, comedy. New Zealand scenic, and Pathe news, with excellent music by tho orchestra. “THE AUCTIONEER.” 'The Auctioneer,” Fox Films’ version of •ho stage success in which David Warfield achieved his first fame under the supervision of David Belasco, which will be screened at the King's. Theatre, with George Sidney in the title role, beginning ou Friday, lias an unusual history behind it. After achieving a sensational New York run which made the vising Warfield famous. "The Auctioneer” played to enthusiastic audiences all <ver America. The picture, like the play, -is said to run the gamut of emotions from appealing pathos to subtle comedy, all resulting logically from the motivation of the nlay. George Sidney, Marion Nixon, and Gareth Hughes head a special cast. MISS KINGSLEY.' Thursday will be the last opportunitv of seeing the remarkable exhibition of glass blowing given by Miss Mao Kingsley at the Winter Show. On account of engagmonts at tho Royal National Exhibition in Brisbane it is necessary for this talented girl to leave by the Ulimaroa on Friday next. The glass dress and steam engines are her most astounding achievements and tlicv are on exhibition in conjunction with her unique demonstrations. Visitors should take this last opportunity of seeing “the world's only girl glass blower” at work, her exhibition will bo round in shed -15.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. . Better and brighter than ever is the programme presented at His Majesty s Theatre this week by the Eobert Roberts company. "A Night in Hawaii. in which Quccnie and David haih arouse great enthusiasm with their playing ami bingingt is perhaps the best sketch, hut “Count Sligo” and “The Eazaar arc not far behind it. William Innes, Will Gilbert, Gcorge Edwards, and Nick Morton make a great hit with the quartet. "Murphy. McCarthy. McCarty., and McGhee.” The revue is "Let’s Go, aud it is fiHed with clever comedy, and bright musical numbers. There is, in fact, not a d ull moment in the whole show, and the costuming, scenery, and dancing all lend aid to send homo delighted those who have seen tho performance. HEIFETZ RECITALS. Attention is directed to the fact that the preferential plans for tho two re■cilals to bo given by Jascha Heifetz, tho famous violinist, at the Town Hall on . August 11 and 13, will open at the Bristol at 9 a.m. to-day. Patrons are . requested to forward applications with cheques, postal notes, or money-orders to the booking manager, the Bristol, Lainbton Quay, with stamped and addressed envelope for tho return of the tickets. Scats will be allotted according to priority of application. Hvifetz is still quite young, but he has already made a fortune with his violin. He has world"wide engagements nearly ten vears ahead, and so great is tho demand for his services that he must leave New Zealand early in September, so that his Dominion tour cannot be extended. On the occasion of his previous visit to New Zealand Heifetz was unable to visit the South Island, but on this tour lie will visit the four principal centres. Already there have been many applications for seats for the opening recitals. I REGENT THEATRE. The Paris that is not in the guide books is seen in Bebe Daniels’ latest comedy tor Paramount, “A Kiss in a Taxi.” which is now screening at the Regent Theatre. A Montmarte cafe, not the bright, gaudy variety, but one with a few tables, a couple of shiny mirrors, a stack of glasses ana much liqueur, provides a background for the opening sequences. Bebe enacts tlie beautiful bar-maid who succeeds In magnetising everv man with whom she comes in contact. Miss Bathie Stuart and her four Maori maidens continue to provide the vaudeville section of the programme, with an entirely new selection of songs and dances, while delightful incidental music is played by the orchestra. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Corinne Griffith turns pickpocket in her latest First National starring vehicle, “Three Hours,” the intensely dramatic screen offering at the Paramount Theatre this week Her victim in this case is John Bowers, from whom she “lifts” a money wallet after an automobile accident. The ' motive is her desire to buy decent clothes which she may wear when she goes to see the child from which she has been cruelly separated bv a jeajous husband (Hobart Bosworth). ‘The episode forms the basis for one of the most powerful screen stories shown in months. The supports include a film depicting incidents in the life of Chopin, during which the orchestra plays special Chopin music, a Canadian scenic, comedy, a topical budget. “CAVALERIA RUSTICANA. The next musical event of importance in Wellington is the performance by the Royal AVellington Choral Union., of Moscognie’s grand opera, “Cavaleria Rustinana.” This opera, which is to bo performed at tho Town Hall on Saturday’ night next, is so well known to all lovers of grand opera, that it is hardly necessary to describe it. The nublic will note with pleasure the names of those engaged to take the' parts of the principal characters. Miss Teresa McEnroe and Mr. Herbert Carter are well gifted for operatic work, whilst they will be supported bv Mrs. AVilfred Andrews. Mrs. Eleno’r Porter, ami Mr. Lon Barnes, The filial rehearsal will be held at the Town Hall on Friday at 7.45 p.m. The box plan will open at tho Bristol at 9 a dock this morning. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “Down the Stretch." the Universal Jewel production directed by King Baggot. wiiicli is the feature now showing nt the Queen s Theatre, is adapted from "The Money Kidor.” the last story to bo written bv Gerald Beaumont before his death. It is tllC tnlo of tho romance behind the scenes nt a race track. A strong cast, headed by ■Robert Atrnew and Marian Nixon make this picture of outstanding successes. In sunport nro n ernzette. scenic, v comedy, with capital music by the orchestra.