ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 96, 21 January 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Sunny Australia lias produced somethins? really worth while in the Royal Australian Sunbeams, which made a clear-cut. decided hit at the Paramount Theatre last night, when they supplied the first half of the programme. 'There are a couple of dozen of these children—with two bright exceptions, girls, who provide a bright, snappy dance-cum-song-cum acrobatic review, in such a smart,, efficient, whirlwind manner that they managed to carry all before them, leaving the audience regretting that their share of the entertainment was over—the best of good signs that they had succeeded in pleasing their patrons. The choral opening, "Hullo, New Zealand," marked with verve and volume, at once branded the performers as workers, their precise movements and eager zest ecmmunicating something vital to the audience. Then Jackie Clarice .rhe "Aussie” Jackie Coogan) chirped “No Wonder I’m Happy." and Baby Doreen a tiny ingenue. came into the picture as the bellboy. Gwen Jones, of the flaxen buster, is a sterling little artist—a dancer and acrobat of the first order, a Sunbeam of radiant brilliance. The Eastern ballet of the elder girls was very beautifully arranged, and gracefully danced in dresses that would do credit to the Folies Bergere. The ballet was led by Thelma Forrest, a very statuesque dancer of admirable poise and contour. Jean White executed a clever fantastic dance, while Alice .Toaneon as die soloist in the ballet, "Hello, Cutie," commanded particular attention. One of the features of tlie programme was the singing of Harry Ussher, a boy with a rich treble voice' of refined tone, who sang a “Mother" and "Father" song very sweetv but neither of them good enough for such a sweet organ. Possibly the chef d’oeuvre of the evening was the electric display of ground and lofty tumbling bv the full strength of the company. The Sunbeams’ final number was a radiant ballet, gracefully led by Valda Cliote. which was followed immedately by the “Black Bottom ■ ensemble and tableau. Mr. E. J. Burke directed the music with rare acumen. The pictorial part of the programme consists of “The Clinging Vine, in which the protagonists are Beatrice Joy, Tom Moore and Robert Edeson. Tins is a cheerful, frisky comedy, tn which Mibb -Tov figures as the head of a r amtmanufacturing firm, and while she Knows all about house-decorating., she is woefully ignorant of other kinds of paint that discreet ladies know at least a little pi'out. As the secretary of the firm Miss Allen (Beatrice Joy) fires .Timmy Bancroft (Tom Moore) for inefficiency. which provokes a whole chapter of amusing incidents. The music of the Paramount orchestra, under Mr. Gladstone Hill, is always a feaftire, and last night the performance of The Belle of New York" fantasia and the Scottish patrol were especially enoyablo numbers.

REGENT THEATRE. Olive Borden, the youngest notable screen star, plays the lead in “Tlie J.oy Girl ” the William Fox feature which commenced its Wellington screenings at the Regent Theatre last night. Palm Beach, in all its gaiety, and the wealth anS sophistication of New York are tlie settings of the picture, which is a glorification of modern youth. It is a narrative of naive youth, faithful love, ana of a girl with a joyous heart. Jewel Courage, child of a. jazz age. aspires to wealth and position, and concentrates her attention on rich men. Thanks to a lucky stroke, however, her attention to a handsome voting chauffeur proves to be the real thing and the chauffeur. shows himself to be Prince Charming m disguise. The joy girl’s’ search for adventure and a wealthy husband takes her through seaside resorts, night clubs, and fashionable homes, and gives many opnortunities for elaborate settings and fine Tiockii. As the modern flauper. whose heart is right, despite her giddiness, Ulive Borden has another role fully as successful as that which she possessed in Leaves’’ and “Tho MoriKejr lalks, and there is a strong supporting cast, with Neil Hamilton as the masculine lead, Marie Dressier. Marv Alden, William Norris. Helen Chandler, Jerry Miley, Trank Walsh. Clarence Elmer. Peggy Keller, and Jimmy Grainger, Jnr., the lastnamed a son of the general sales manager of Fox Films. As a support there appears Peg o' the Ring, a dainty and daring acrobat, who performs some sensational and remarkably agile stunts, while a laughable comedy intro-luces Max, Mortiz, and Akka, the famous Bcrceri monkeys, who are coming o the Regent shortly, and there is the usual Regent weekly newsfilm. There is some fine music played by the Regent orchestra. under Mr. M. T. Dixon notably the overture “Bacchanalia.” by Herman Finck. The programme will continue screening for the - next six days, and there will'be a daily matinee at 2.15 pan. sharp. Bookings may be made ut the theatre, the telephone number of whica is 44—144, and at the Bristol.

MAX. MORITZ, AND AKKA. For one week, commencing February J, Max. Moritz, and Akka. who a?e known picture patrons as the three famous monkey “comedians” of Fox Films ana “Our Ganp” comedies, will appear in person at the Regent Theatre. It is impossible to quote all the enthusiastic reports which have been received regarding the act presented by this almost human trio, who are said to be more frolicsome and humorous on the stape than on the screen. They appeal to vounc and old alike, and are without doubt the most valuable. remarkable, and sagacious animals on the stage today. Special arrangements will be made for the children to meet the monkeys. Tlie preliminary plan is open at the theatre.

EMPRESS THEATRE. “The Missing Link.” which was screened at the Empress Theatre for the first time last night, heads a nictorial programme of high quality. The film Syd Chaplin, while Akka. a remarkably intelligent chimpanzee, has a large role. “The Missing Link” is cveptionally amsuing. and succeeds in arousing an hilarious round of laughter. nuts Syd Chaplin in the power of Lord Dryden, explorer anil hunter of Die Misping Link." Dryden, fearful of femininity. forces Chaplin victim of a terrible animosity towards animals, to impersonate him. Thev arrive at the African domain of the Bradens, where dwell the blonde heroine, and somewhere in the wilds of the vicinity, the dread monster called the Missing Link. The net of the Braden household is a fourfeet high chimpanzee, called Akka. me remainder of the film over chiefly to the antics of Syd Chaplin and the monkey, which he mistakes for the “Link.” and in one seouence Akka escanes after the mn believes him securely imprisoned. Haying discovered a wav to sucess in subduing the inonkev. Chanlin sallies forth unarmed to seek him in the jungle. He returns ouh-klv. followed by a whole troun of lions, with which he plays hide-and-seek about the premises, to the loud -HI.-irDv of A.kkn. ami ni«o the nudi'-m-e Tn the end. Syd Chanlin. the „timid hunter captures the "Missimr Link no o'her aid than that sunnlied by his new-fonnd friend, the chimpanzee Aside from the roaring farce of the production, he nicture is notable for Chaplm s pantomime and for the uncanny anil -invil’s intelligence of the sinister cornedinn Akka. The snonorting films ore also of a high order, and include the latest gazette, a scenic, and a comeoy. A very acceptable musical programme was provided. "ROSE MARIE." Although the preferential booking for “Rose Marie” is heavy, the management state that plenty of good seats are available The season will commence on Pndav ’ and he for three weeks and two nights, with matinees on Saturdays and Wednesdays. 'One is struck, wrote an Australian critic, ‘by the uncanny charm of the Totem Pole Lodge m the fere-

ground, and its giant totem poles, before which are supposed to dance the spirits of the Indian braves, ‘who sleep the sh cp of warriors tired.' Even in itself, the scene was a glorious piece of stagecraft, but when a whirling mass of colour leaped and frisked, or bowed before the mountain peaks', it resolved itieif into probably the finest study yet seen on a Sydney stage The stern, solemn reality of the mountains, through which tlie silvered stream crept slowly on its way, had a quaint appeal, then the savage element sweeping about tlie bases as so many spirits, was something to entrance indeed. The dance was an entirely new conception, as ai as musical comedy goes, and following the exhibitions of the Pavlova ballets, was a wonderful tribute to the genius of the person who conceived it. and to the ballet mistress who prepared the participants in Saturday's wonderful performance." There are over ICO people in the production, which is staged under the nerional supervision of Mr. George Highland.

DE LUXE THEATRE. "Mari Power, the big Paramount drama, which headed the new programme introduced at the De Luxe Theatre last night, is a. virile story that tells howold man Stoddart. a maker of motor tractors, is in despair, and on the verge of bankruptcy, because he is unable to agrfect a heavier style machine. Then Luppens along gallant Toni Roberts, who has had much experience with "tanks” at the Great War. Attracted by pretty Alice Stoddart. the young ex-officer, who is something of a mechanic, obtains a job in the Stoddart Motor Works. Unknown to the head of the firm, he secretly works at the abandoned model, but is told to mind his own business when he disgraces the firm by getting the monster to go. only to see it stop dead in the heart of the village. Tom. however, sticks to his experimenting, and m the end saves the town, restores the familv fortunes, and wine a beautiful wife by his perseverance. It is a very human story, excellently told. /hat fine actor. Richard Dix. does excellent work as Tom Roberts, and is well supported by pretty Mary Brian. The part of old man Stoddart is made to stand out boldly by Charles Hill Mailes. An hilarious comedy, a valuable educational film, and a merry cartoon also figured on the new programme. The orchestra was heard in the overture “Mignon and “The Turkish Patrol” (Michaelis.) played as an entr’acte, and Mr. Emanuel Aarons aroused enthusiasm, at the Wurliter organ with "Just Like a Butter- ” which was played to novel stave effects. Special matinee screenings -will he given at 2.30 this- afternoon and Monday afternoon.

KING’S THEATRE. Adapted from the well-known play, “A Pair of Silk Stocking.’’ “Silk Stockings is showing at the Kind’s Theatre this week. Laura La Plante has the role of Molly Thornhill, and John Harrow is Sam. her husband.'The story hinges cn the discovery by the girl of a pair of silk stockings in her husband’s pocket. This happens a year after their r. arriage. when Sam is forced by his employe); to take a party out to iinner amongst them are some women, one ol whom puts the stockings in his pocket. Sam forgets about them, and goes home to find his wife entertaining a mutual friend, to whom she turns for help when she discovers the stockings. Molly is so sure that Sam loves her no more tha f she sues for a divorce, telling a tale in court of his frightful cruelty to her. The judge tells tin young wife that if she is seen with her husband the divorce will automatically become void, and she. discovering that she still loves l- ,n, « plans to hide in his bedroo mthat night. Bv mistake she grts into the wrong room. However, after many amusing incidents, husband and wife are found in each others’ arms, and the jndKe refuses to make the decree final. There is a big supporting programme, with special music arranged by the director of the orchestra, Mr. A. H. Jerome.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. “Tim Secret Studio.” starring Olive Borden heads the entertaining programme now screening at the New Princess Theatre. Olive Borden plays the part of a thrill-seeking young flapper who runs the dangers of the studios with her eyes open, in the firm belief that she is fully able to take care ol herself. Her confidence nearly costs a great price, although in the end she wins out to happiness. “Soft Cushions, • eccon i big feature stars Douglas McLean. ‘Soft "Cushions’' is a distinct innovation in the comedy field. The story is Oriental in setting and atmosphere, but very modern in its humour. The supports are a gazette, comedy, and serial.

“BIRTH OF A FLOWER.” To-night outdoor lovers and gardening enthusiasts will have the last chance to see “The Birth of a Flower. . one of the most wholesome and entertaining photoplays of the season, which Charles Irvine is screening at the new Y.W.O.A. hall at 8 p.m. The slow-motion reveals the birth and growth of the flower in a most entrancing way. that held the attention of the audience to the finish. The flowers shown are chiefly natives of the Yosemite Valley or on the dopes ot the Nevada Range, ebautiful m glorious in colour. The film is iot •bolly devoted to flowers, for there are some picturesque scenes of Honolulu Waikiki Beach, and the surf-shooters and California.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. That great British romance of the Royal Navy, “The Flag Lieutenant," opened at the Queen's Theatre last night, after two highly successful weeks at the Regent and King’s Theatres. Henry Edwards, Dorothy Seacombe, Lil •an Oldland, and Fred Raynham arc the featured players. 'The Flag Lieutenant” tells the story of the friendship of two men. One a naval officer, successful and decorated, despite his short career, the other an officer of the marines, facing retirement after a service of no outstanding merit. Then comes a big chance for the marine, and his friend keeps a silence, which, if broken, would have meant a dashing of hopes to the ground. An adidtional attraction is the screening of “H.R.H.," an interesting story of the Prince of Wales's life from boyhood to manhood A special score of incidental music enhances the excellent programme. Matinees will be screened daily at 2.30 p.m.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Brightly staged and effectively presented, “Oh, You Wonderful Girl” is expected to be the most successful revue •he Band-Box Company has offered to date at His Majesty’s Theatre, where it will be seen to-night for the first time. A musical comedy which will occupy the whrile of the programme. “Oh. You Wonderful Girl” is presented in two acts and three scenes. A well-constructed plot threads together a generous supply of comedy, dainty dancing, and musical numbers, while finished acting should combine to make this a most enjoyable performance. The story tells of now a ifi-l is extricated from financial difficulties brought about by the plotting of an unscrupulous policeman. In *he process she fals in love, and the story tnd.i in ti»e satisfactory way in which revues usually do. Gayle Wyer, as *he ‘ hero, has a quietly effective method. Charles Norman can be relied on to gain his points to the amusement of all. in this he will be assisted by his droll lieutenant Sam Ward. Miss Fna Gordon. Miss Heather Jones, and Mis» Vera will be heard in a number of :iew songs, ana the Six Syncopated Steppers *>ach hi»e a small part, in addition no varj-oi-a Gance ensembles, which adds materi ally to the general gaiety. It s r ir«t Monday s special matinee and nurht ? erformance will be popular, an ? therefo*6 patron' desirous of obtaini ij? . the best seats should book. ADELPHI CABARET. TV Adelnhi Cabaret is being RrenialJy oioned to-day and Monday. Tuesday and Wccnesday. On Monday night trace :ala Tii«ht). Miss Phvllis Bates and partner. will give an exhibition of. the Yale Blues. BALCLTTTJIA BAND. 'Hie Baldufha Boys’ Ba’id. which arrived in Wellington on Thursday, will nlay at Williams Park. Day’s Bay. today. On Monday afternoon the band will hen rd on the beach at Petone. GILBERT AND RITTJ.TVAN OPERA COMPANY. The members of the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company arrived from the south yesterday morning and left for Sydney bv the Marama in the afternoon.