ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 52, 24 November 1928, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

SCHISTL’S WONDERETTES. Schistl’s Wonderettes, the amazing performance of little folk Invented by an ingenious Swiss, and which has been all the rage in London, and more recently In Australia, made its premiere appearance in New Zealand at the Regent Theatre last night, and astounded a big house by its originality and magic. Alice in Wonderland never saw anything more surprising than Schlstl can produce with his 350 fantastic little folk. Such amazing things happened last night that the audience were kept gasping, and one would not have been the least surprised If the theatre had turned into Aladdin’s Cave ar King Solomon’s Mines. In a regal setting, the Wonderettes pranced on to the stage, dancing in the most fantastic fashion. A Yorkshire farmer, In a loud check suit, was suddenly transformed Into a crinolined lady of the Victorian period, who made frantic efforts to keep a dog, which appeared from nowhere, at bay. Huge dragons,, vomiting forth fire and evil spirits, frightened the very wits out of Santa Claus. A dainty milkmaid tripped on to the stage, but just as everyone was admiring her rosy cheeks—hoy, presto! a flock of chickens and a rustic lover leaped from her milk-pails. A sedan chair came sedately on to the stage, but before one’s very eyes the bearers developed Into huge giants, and deserted their fair charge. But the lady was entirely self-reliant. After roundly upbraiding her recreant bearers, in the twinkling of an eye she converted the sedan chair into a modern Rolls Royce motor-car, and sailed off the stags- under her own power. It was simply black magic when a carriage suddenly became transformed into an aeroplane, which, after gracefully circling the stage three times, volplaned away into the Never Never Land. Perhaps the crowlnng act of all was when a huge rooster appeared, and, after crowing defiantly, laid a huge egg, out of which suddenly popped a very live pig, which gambolled about with frolicsome glee. One amazing turn succeeded another until there was nothing left to wonder at. It Ist not at all surprising that His Majesty King George commanded the Wonderettes to appear before him no fewer than five times at Buckingham Palace, or that this amazing entertainment enjoyed such a long and popular run at the Palace Theatre. London. Nothing like it has ever been seen in this country. Mons, and Madame Schlstl received a great ovation at the close of the performance, and had to take several curtain-calls. The feature subject on the pictorial programme was entitled “’Varsity,” and dealt with the \langers of the intemperate use of strong beverages. A father who has been ruined by drink secures a position as janitor at Princeton University. His son, who Is under the impression that his father is dead, comes to the university, and the old janitor has at least the satisfaction of steering his son’s footsteps away from alcoholic paths. Charles Rogers does some fine acting as the old janitor, and Mary Brian and Chester Conklin act nicely opposite each other as heroine and hero. An Overseas News, a clever eartoon, and a rollicking comedy, also figured on the new programme. A first-class entertainment was fittingly rounded off by most pleasing music from the orchestra. This strong list of attractions will be shown dally at 2.15 and 8 o’clock. STRAND THEATRE. Gorgeous as to production and dramatic in theme is “Drums of Love,” the great United Artists feature which is beading the bill at the Strand Theatre. The eternal triangle—in this case two brothers and a beautiful woman —forms the basis of the plot which is full of action and which is both exceptionally strong and also full of humau Interest. As is the custom in United Artists’ films, practically everybody in the cast is a star, even the minor parts being featured. In "Drums of Love,” the- beautiful Mary Philbln is seen in the role of a Princess who is given in marriage to a loathsome nobleman, who, in her eyes, has not a single redeeming feature. She has been claimed by this Duke as part of a peace contract between two countries. The Duke sends his brother to claim the Princess, who, on seeing the handsome youth arrive, thinks that happiness may come her way after all. When she finds out that her escort is not her future husband, she Is overcome with a despair which is made considerably worse when she meets the repulsive creature whom she is to marry. The Duke, realising what is going on in her mind,' relents and offers-to set her free, but the Princess decides that she must do her duty. After the marriage, both the Princess and Leonardo, the Duke’s brother, find that they cannot live without each other, and, taking the opportunity offered by the Duke's absence at a war, they meet secretly. Unfortunately they are overheard by Bopl. the Duke's jester, who later tells his master what has been going on. Between the brothers there was a bond which laid down that anyone who brought dishonour to their house should be slain. The Duke surprises the lovers and is about to slay the Princess when his heart falls him. The jester enters and taunts him with the oath regarding those who dishonoured the house. The jester says that the Duke will be laughed at, and the Duke suddenly realising how things stand, decides on a course involving self-sacrifice. He struggles with the jester for a dagger with which he slays himself, and In one final effort, kills the jester, so that no witness shall remain to mar the happiness of the Princess and Leonardo. Leonardo begs forgiveness, which Is given, and the Duke passes away with the two lovers praying for his soul. Lionel Barrymore's portrayal of the Duke Is marvellous, while Don Alvarado in the role of Leonardo gives a performance which Is beyond criticism. A more finished performance than that given by Miss Philbln would be hard to imagine. Tully Marshall Is excellent In the part of the jester. There is a firstrate supporting bill. which includes a special film depicting the activities of the St. John Ambulance in England and in New Zealand. A special attraction is the music of the talented orchestra. KING'S THEATRE. Every now and then a picture comes along that takes the audience completely out of itself and transports it into a new and unfamiliar environment. Such a picture Is “The Barker,” the star attraction which commenced for the first time In Wellington at the King’s Theatre last night. It is a George Fitzmaurice special production for First National, and lias that great favourite, Milton SHIS, in the title role as “the speller" in the little thirdrate carnival troupe. Although Sills has appeared In many splendid parts, it Is doubtful If he has ever done better work than in this most exciting production, which is full of interest from beginning to end. Dorothy Mackaill, a charming and successful actress, is co-starred as the girl Lou, who takes the part of a beautiful "vampire." She plays her difficult role with just that proper degree of abandonment, the pathetic desires for a clean atmosphere away from circus life, and a real love being expressed with delicacy and comprehension as The Barker s sweetheart. Betty Compson is admirable. while Douglas Fairbanks, Jun., is excellent as the son of The Barker, whose only soft spot is his great love for his boy. The trials and tribulations of the troupe, the internal dissension as the result of The Barker’s son falling In love with the carnival girl, Lou, whom he eventually weds, the father’s repudiation and final reconciliation—all these things enter into the romantic, whimsical, and at times humorous picture which should prove a great success during its run in this city. Svlvia Ashton, George Cooper. S S Simon, John Erwin, and others all contribute delightful characterisations. The picture, which is full of crooks and grafters and women who kill to save their loves, is something out of the ordinary. There are some very fine scenes tn “The Barker,” which provides a laugh as well as a tear. Some excellent supports and an excellent orchestra, under the direction of Mr, A. H. Jerome (musical director) add further interest to the popular entertainment. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Pola Negri, the dramatic star, presents a new Interpretation in her latest picture for Paramount, "The Three Sinners," which was presented at the Kilbirnle Klnema last evening. Through the thoughtless indifference of her husband, Count Dietrich Wallentin (Paul Lukas), Countess Wallentin (Pola Negri) is estranged. In order to allow her husband to pursue his politics, she decides to journey to Vienna, but an accident causes her to miss the train, and she accepts a lift from Raoul Stanislaw, a famous musician. The train Is wrecked and the Countess reported dead, so In order to save her husband from disgrace she remains away from the haunts of society and mingles with the outcasts of humanity. The story reaches a thrilling climax, when the neglectful husband, overcome with remorse, lifts his wife from the underworld back to her place tn society. Others in the cast are Anders Randolph, Warner Baxter, Tulllo Curmatl, the Italian actor, and Olga Baclanova, the Russian. The other attraction was “Bigger than Barnum's,” an F. 8.0. production, dealing with the life and love of a circus artist The Kilbirnle orchestra supplied appropriate music. MANUEL HYMAN GALA. The well-known Jazz violinist, Manuel Hyman, has returned from Australia after a very successful season as musical director of the Ambassadors, Sydney. A special Manuel Hyman gala week has been arranged at the Adelphi Cabaret, when Mr. Hyman will present a special cabaret vaudeville act and will also render the latest dance bits, in conjunciton with the Adelphi band. The first Manuel Hyman gala is announced for to-night. In addition, Manuel Hyman will appear at the cabaret every afternoon next week.

DE LUXE THEATRE. Those who have witnessed the performance of “The Studeut Prince" at the Opera House know what a delightful yet dramatic story it is, with a romantic strain which lifts it out of the realm of the ordinary. This was the feature of the programme at the De Luxe Theatre last night. “The Student Prince” ou the screen reveals that in love, as in all things human, royalty is subject to the same passions as the commoner, and cannot love to order. The scenes are laid in pld Heidelburg, and the populace does honour to the arrival of little Karl Heinrich, the heir apparent and a boy of eight years. The King, however, is a stern and unbending pareut. Boys and girls envy the lot of the heir,, while the heir envies boys and girls their careless freedom from any sense of future responsibility. He has a sympathetic tutor, and later on is sent to the university at Heidelberg for a year of study. There he falls in love with the charming niece, Kathie, of the inn-keeper, and his old tutor does not Interfere witn the lovers. The young couple plan for the future, forgetting that those in authority have planned for the betrothal of the young man to Princess Use. Suddenly the young man is culled home to the father’s death-bed, where a promise is exacted from him to marry the Princess. It is a blow to his hopes of future happiness, an-1 although he returns to Heidelberg, it is only to pay a sad and final farewell to Kathie. He tlieu goes back to Karlsberg and marries the Princess, and enters upon the duties of kingship, but his heart remains with the Inn-keeper’s niece in Heidelberg. It Is played with Ramon Novarro and Norma Shearer in the lead, so that excellence of acting and production is assured, and the play is given in fuller detail, making it an improvement on the stage performance. There are the usu'j! news, cartoon, and comedy items, as well as organ contributions by Mr. Emanuel Aarons, who also directs the orchestra, which provides appropriate selections for the picture in addition to the overture and entr’acte. Seats can be booked at the Bristol or by ringing the theatre.

CANADIAN COWBOY BAND. Coming to the De Luxe Theatre shortly is Fred Mayfields Canadian Cowboy Band said to be the last word in jazz and harmony. They are nine solo instrumentalists. producing harmony from 37 instruments. ’ A varied programme of music Is offered, all of which is delightful to the ear. Every Instrument is in the hands of a master, and the harmony provided is unquestionably beautiful.

QUEEN’S THEATRE “Road House," the Fox Films production screening at the Queen’s Theatre this week, is a daring melodrama of Jazz-inad morals, which depicts the pitfalls that beset the youth of the nation. Larry Grayson, son of a prominent business man in an average-sized American town, leaves home, together with his childhood sweetheart, Mary, in search of adventure. At a road-house he meets and imagines himself to be madly in love with Sally Carroll, the intriguing lure of a gang of thieves. To retain her affection, the boy brings hen presents from his father’s store, believing that, as his father makes gifts to his stenographer, it is quite all right for him to do the same. Father and son quarrel and Larry leaves home to join Sally. He joins in a robbery at which a murder is committed. Accused of the crime, he decides to return and take his punishment, but is finally freed of the charge, and he becomes happy once more In a new understanding with his father, and in the sincerity of Mary’s affection| Lionel Barrymore is cast as the American business man and father, while Marla Alba plays the part of the gangster's siren. Warren Burke is the prodigal son. The second feature is an exciting romance of the thrills and adventures attendant on the life of a newsreel cameraman. Sally Phipps and Nick Stewart, who made such a hit in “Why Sailors Go Wrong." head a cast which Includes such celebrities as Gene Tunney, Gene Sarazen, and Harvey Firestone. The programme is an excellent one, appropriate music being supplied by the Queen’s Quality Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Paul T. Cullen. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The “League of Notions" Revue Company, headed by Mike Connors, Queenie Paul, and the irrepressible Syd. Beck, Is re-asserting its sway among lovers of the light, frivolous, yet diverting, class of entertainment which has so very completely ousted vaudeville from the Fuller theatres. The Connors couple are extremely popular, bard-working, and talented, aud the spirit they exert in their own work appears to pervade the whole of the company, leaving no opportunity for dull moments. Possibly no feature of the new programme submitted last evening was more to the taste of the audleneo than that duets by Miss Paul- and Mr. Connors, who select the latest and catchiest of ditties in which to make their appeal. Last evening they introduced “Get Out and Get Under the Moon” and "Broken-Hearted," and in response to. the persistent applause revived "Bridget O’Flynn” and “Harvest Moon,” well-remembered from the last season's offerings here. Mr. Connors and Miss Paul, with comedian Syd. Beck, were also responsible for a great deal of fuu in the numerous sketches, including “Waiting at the Church,” “Two’s Company,” “Mexican Madness,” "There's One Born Every Minute," and “Lucy’s Birthday,” in all of which Mr. Beck was idiotically funny. Among the chorus and dance ensemble numbers, the lilt and pretty costumes of "Rain,” made a distinct appeal, as did also the Dutch invasion In “A Night in Holland," with Mr. William Beresford as the soloist in “Tulip Time,” and Valerie Rougal and Bert Rayne as the principal dancers. Mr. Rayne and Miss Leila Andrews were also responsible for a pretty tlirow-about dance, allegedly .Spanish in character, but in its aerobatics ever so far away from any Spanish conception of the dance. The Poulasto Bros, gave one of their old-time patter and dance turns, which dates back to the days of Charles Hugo, but still goes well with the younger generation. So'os were also sung by Miss Gladys Shaw, Miss Rougal, Phyllis Baker and Mr. Beresford. Linn Smith's jazz band supplied saxophonie cacophony in ample measure, and broke the usual rhythm to give the Toreador's song from "Carmen ’ and a muted cornet solo (very well played by Tut Coltman. The programme, which" is well up to standard, should attract big houses for the coming week. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. An unusual series of laughable complications from the theme of the Universal production, “Phyllis of the Follies.” which commenced screening at the Paramount Theatre last night. The story concerns the love affairs of a wealthy young man, Clyde Thompson, who is continually getting Into legal difficulties on' account of his leaning toward Follies girls. Dicker, his lawyer, handles these affairs, and one day while he is consulting him, and the lawyer is out of the room for a moment, Mrs. Dicker rings up and Thompson answers the telephone. A flirtation is started. The lawyer becomes suspicious of his wife when some time later he sees her get into a taxi with Clyde. Phyllis, a Follies girl, tells Dicker of the deception, aud pretending anger, he leaves alone for a beach resort, telling Thompson he is going away on his second honeymoon. Clyde tells this to the real Mrs. Dicker, and she immediately sets out after him. Allee Day is the Follies girl who Impersonates Mrs. Dicker for the purpose of confounding the other man. but who on meeting him falls in love with him. She makes a very vivacious Follies girl. Matt Moore is the fumbling legal expert, and Lllyan Tashmau plays the role of the lawyer's wife, who mischievously Intends to have some Cun with her husband’s client, and Edmund Burns is Clyde Thompson. The supporting programme is a well-varied one, and a delightful musical score Is well rendered by the orchestra, under Mr. R. R. Caulton. “A TALE OF OLD JAPAN.” Coleridge Taylor the man is dead; but Coleridge Taylor the musician still lives. His work was good, and will keep him alive amongst us for a long while. Wellington has a special affection for this composer, gained through a pretty thorough acquaintance with his beautiful work, “Hiawatha.” “A Tale of Old Japan,” ■ which is to be performed at the Town Hall to-night by the Royal Wellington Choral Union, under the direction of Mr. John Bishop, is by that talented English poet, Alfred Noyes, a master of metre and a versifier with charming ideas teeming with colour. In addition Is “The Tale of Old Japan.” an orchestra will perform two items, the first being Wagner’s overture from "The Meistersweiger” and Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” The latter work has not previously been heard In Wellington. The soloists engaged for the night’s performance are as follow: Soprano. Miss Naomi Whalley: contralto, Mrs. Wilfred Andrews: tenor, Mr. Roy Hill; and baritone, Mr. Len Barnes. ST. MARY’S COLLEGE PUPILS. The entertainment to be presented by the pupils of St. Mary’s College on Friday, November 30 gives the children plenty of scope for displaying the freshness of their young voices and the grace of their movements In eurythmics and dancing. The operetta, “Lalla,” is the story of a festal day in the Swiss mountains. The scene opens upon the frolics of the mountain children. Their gaiety Is interrupted by the arrival of some beggars who are at first repulsed by the children, and then nt the solicitation of Lalla. are urged to remain and Join the festivities. Subsequently Lalla leaves her companions and loses her way. She is helped by the fairies who conduct her safely home and then declare that they befriended her ou account of her kindness to the beggars who were in reality fairies in disguise.