ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 134, 2 March 1929, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

regent theatre. A particularly attractive programme Is being offered to patrons of the Regent Theatre for the ensuing week, and last night there was a crowded house for the first presentation. The feature is an animal performance, described as Gautier s Bricklayers. The actors are twelve dogs, who have been trained to a high Pitch, and who go through their parts with amazing ability. They appear as bricklayers engaged on a building, and the manner in which they performed was watched with real wonder. In the garb of humans, and walking always on two legs, they carry bricks, run up ladders, and work the windlass with more energy than trade unionists. The adjoining public house proves too great a temptation, however, and one by one they disappear through Its portals to make their subsequent appearance with suspicious gait. From the largest to the smallest, these dogs show remarkable sagacity, and their performance is one of the most remarkable that has been seen In Wellington. Stand, and Deliver” is a lively picture, starring Rod La Rocque, who Is afforded one orthe most picturesque roles he has essayed for many months. He has the part of a young Englishman, who finds life dull after serving on the French war- front, and to get new thrills he joins the Grecian army and battles with bandits, ,-^ka t he gets more thrills than he bargained for Is a mere detail which fans, however, will enjoy. The heroine Is Lupe Velez and the villain of the piece Warner pland. A special, scenic, and comedy are also showing.

DE LUXE THEATRE. A battle between the cruel forces of the sword and the mighty power of the pen is the dramatic theme upon which "Freedom of the Press” is based. Adapted from the story by Peter B. Kyne, this splendid production, which commenced screening at the De .Luxe Theatre last night, gives an Insight Into American political methods as they affect the freedom of the Press.. Bound this themA has been woven a thrilling story of a newspaper editor, who, in spite of the threats against his life, kept faith with his public, and of his son, who carried on the tradition, although his very, happiness depended upon the attitude which he adopted towards the political bosses. John Ballard, owner and editor of the “Free Press,” discovers the identity of the man who Is behind the municipal scandal#, which have long been disgusting the citizens of a progressive American town. Despite threats against his life, Balland determines that he will expose the sinister figure. A revolver shot from a passing car ends his life, but not before he passes on to his son the responsibility of the great work. The whole forces of the underworld are unleased In an effort to prevent the paper going to press, and the resulting climax makes a fitting conclusion to a great picture. Henry B. Walthall and Lewis Stone, two of the greatest character actors on the screen to-day, fill the respective roles of John Ballard and Daniel Steel. The supports are good. The Orchestra De Luxe and the Wurlltzer unit, both under the direction of Emanuel Aarons, provide excellent music. Box plans are available at the Bristol, Begg's, and Aitken's, Courtenay Place.

“BELINDA” AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE. ' As much for the type of comedy they are producing, as for the brilliance of their acting, the Irene Vanbrugh-Dion Boucicault Company, at present performing under J. C. Williamson, Limited, manageriient at the Grand Opera House, has been drawing full houses each evening. It Is to be remembered also that this is the farewell tour of these two great English artists, and that they are paying New Zealanders the compliment of staging comedies, each of which might have been written specially to suit Miss Vanbrugh and Mr. Boucicault. Those, therefore, who attend the performances of "Belinda,” commencing a short season to-night, and Mr. Plm,” which is to follow it as the final play, will be assured of taking away with them the Impression of Miss Vanbrugh and Mr. Boucicault at their very best. “Belinda,” which will commence a short season to-night, is a joyous creation of that prince of gentle humorists, A. AMilne. This sparkling comedy Is full of clever dialogue and witticisms. Miss Van-brugh-plays the part of the frivolous and flirtatious “widow,” with her long-lost husband, and a couple of Importunate wooers to add zest and attractiveness to the “eternal triangle.” As Belinda Tremayne Miss Vanbrugh essays one of her favourite and most congenial roles. Mr. Boucicault Is most happily cast as the serious-minded old man who falls In love with the pseudo-widow, subsequently suocumbs to the beauty of the daughter (Miss Rowene Ronald)-with stirring stories of his' experiences with the ra J ,terl , onB ..®' Robinson—and who later forgets both. Ronald Ward, as a poetic individual with a flair for romance, plays one ot his best parts; and Miss Ronald as Belinda's charming daughter, has ample opportunity to display her undoubted talents Mr. J. B. Rowe, as the long-lost husband who manages to at , ra! ® l1 o te ,? Vl^ e tangle at the end, has a role to his liking. Miss Annie Saker, as the maid Betti’,-is said to play her part most capably. There are many amusing scenes In this April follv.” After a snort run of three nights, "Belinda” will give place to Mr. Plm Passes By,” In which Mr. Boucicault will play his original role.

"THE VAGABOND KING. "The Vagabond King,” the stupendous musical play, to be presented at the Grand Opera House, commencing on Tuesday, March 12, for a brief season, la said to be the best and most gorgeous production yet staged by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management. Those who remember Cnyler Hastings many years ago will recall that he played a drama centred about Francois Villon—a sort of Haroun Alraschld Incident, In which the beggar becomes for 24 hours the king. It was called “If I Were King,” and It Is this fine play by Justin McCarthy which forms the ground-work of “The Vagabond King.” The play Is full of dramatic situations and romantic Interludes. but the comedians also have some excellent material for funmaking. The music is py Rudolph Friml, composer of “The Firefly,” “Katlnka.” and “Rose Marie,” and It Is generally acknowledged that he has given us his very best In "The Vagabond King,” the delicious melodies ot which are among Its outstanding features. The Williamson management was evidently fortunate In being able to procure Mr. James Llddy for the role of Francois Villon and Miss Strella Wilson for the part of Katherine, as they are both fine singers, and their voices are heard at their best In the glorious numbers allotted their respective roles. Mr. Llddy gave a taste of his abilities, both as a singer and an actor in “The Student Prince,” and Miss Wilson’s singing was quite a feature of the Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas when they were last presented to the playgoers of New Zealand. Thost two Inimitable character comedians, Messrs. Arthur Stlgant and Cecil Kellaway, are extremely popular with local playgoers, and they are always amusing in any character they are given to present. It is said that It cost over £20,000 to produce the original Sydney production of "The Vagabond King,” which will not be staged In Melbourne until the termination of Its brief tour of this Dominion. There are considerably over 100 people concerned In the production, Including a grand operatic chorus and orchestra.

The box plans will be opened at the Bristol on Friday next for the season.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Better than ever was the new programme presented at His Majesty’s Theatre last night by Mike' Conners' and Queen Paul’s “League of Notions” Revue Company. The fact that this talented company is now in its sixteenth week alone speaks volumes for the entertainment. From the overture to the final curtain there is not a dull moment, and the audience was reluctant to see the show come to an end. As is usual, the sketches wore a great hit, popular ones being "Small Gifts” and “After Hours,” and hilarious, sketch regarding after hours trade in a hotel. "Twentieth Century Child” was a scream, and "There’s One Born Every Minute," a great hit. Other amusing pieces were "The Innocent Wife,” “Keep to the Right” and "The Railway Station.” Throughout the show Syd. Beck, that prince of low comedians, keeps the audience in a thoroughly happy mood. His lecture on the superiority of rhubarb over woman was a riot of fun. Miss Paul and Mr. Connors could not give the audience enough of their melodious duets, and ware recalled time and again. “Fortynrwi Ginger-headed Sailors,” “Lily of Lagntte,” “Old Man Sunshine,” and "Oh, ’.Tohnnr Callaghan” were their offerings last night. Dainty Audrey Lewis sang sweetly, and was most effective in "A Smile for Every Day” (specially written by Queenle Paul). The Paulastro Brothers were as good as ever, and William Beresford sang well. Phyllis Baker and Gerald Connelly were very vivacious and were at their best in a dancing act with the Exquisite Six. These six girls are one of the hits of the show, their dancing, especially their acrobatics, being a feature of every performance. Linn Smith and his orchestra are another popular turn on the bill. Last night they were loudly applauded, especially for “The More We are Together,” which was put on In a most novel manner. Gladys Shaw was excellent in all the sketches. The music was provided by Miss Skewes and the orchestra. ARTHUR HIRST. To convev in simple and direct language, a wealth of information regarding sources Of Information of the great composers of music is a task that Mr. Arthur Hirst has solved in his lecture-recitals. He has a world-wide reputation as a man with a definite mission to bring home to the average man the beauties of the great composers. He will appear In the .Concert Chamber bn Wednesday. March «. The box UtXM.M MM U* M** *»*

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Flippant Alice White and Smiling Jack Mulhall lend their combined “Naughty Baby,” the hirst National comedy-romance which commenced screening Jit the Paramount Theatre last night. “Naughty Baby” is a typical story of life In New York and its surrounding resorts, and 1* directed with the speed and humour for wjiilch Mervyn Le Roy Is noted. Alice White la a check girl at a Ritzy hotel, and Is end of the girls of flapper face and figure Who have a champagne taste and a beer Income. Mulhall, as might be Imagined, is the youthful heir to a fortune, and he provides the champagne possibilities He is seeing life in capital letters, and the fair Alice helps him to see It. She laarne that Mulhall is to spend a weekend at Long Beach. Fitted out In all her finery she puts up at the same hotel as Mulhall) and once there things begin to movel And with the assistance of a bevy of beauties the film sparkles through a numliar of amazing episodes to a thoroughly satisfactory finish. Supporting the stars are Thelma Todd, Doris Dawson, James Ford, Natalie Joyce, Frances Hamilton and Fred Kelsey. The film itself is breeay and replete with laughs from beginning to end and thoroughly entertaining. 1 ‘‘Dear did Calford,’ the latest of the popular “Collegians” series, featuring George Lewis, Dorothy Gulliver, Eddie Phillips, ’Churchill Ross and Hayden StevenAon, Is another attraction, and Is one of the best of these bright and breezy stories of American college life. An Interesting gazette, scenic and amusing comedy are, also screened. Under the direction of'Mr. R. R. Caulton, the Paramount Orchestra supplies a bright programme of appropriate musical numbers.

KING’S THEATRE. When Horace Annesley Vachell wrote "Qulnrieys',” thaft delightful romance written around the professional and domestic career of a successful dealer in antlauesj he managed to infuse into tne story .the mellow atmosphere we usually associate with old and beautiful things. The plot covers twenty year®— Quinney’s marriage to Susan Biddlecombe to th* denotement arising from their daughter’s love affairs. Now a film, based partly'on the book and partly on the play, has been made so skilfully that a triumph has clearly been achieved by its It commenced screening at the » Theatre for the first tlmi last night. The keen dharacter studies In the novel naturally demand Interpretation by artists whose skill tn this direction is unquestioned, and John iLongden, Alma Taylor and Henry Vlbarti —“Quinney,” “Susan and Lord Melchester” respectively— individually score distinct personal successes by their performances in this unique film. The treatment C'f the picture is brilliant, being modern without undue and Irritating indulgence in camera tricks merely for the sake of effect. The atmosphere, too, has been remarkably well maintained In the picture, the producer making excellent use of some charming Interiors In which a tasteful arrangement of genuinely valuable antiques Is noteworthy. Splendidly photographed as these scenes are, the spectator derives the pictoral satisfaction so essential to complete screen entertainment British made and British in character, Quinneys is certainly a film that will make screen history. Featurette No. 7 of the popular “New-Greater Collegians” series heads the supporting programme which includes a British News and comedy, while approprlab# music is also rendered by the orchestra under the direction of Mr. A. H. JtSrome.

■ QUEEN’S THEATRE. LiliSan Hall-Davis, one of England s most promising screen stars, plays the leading role in fi The Ring,” which commences screening at the Queen’s Theatre last evening. Carl Brisson is the young boxen, doing the rounds ot the carnivals, fighting all-comers, barely ekelng out an existence until one day the boxing booth is visited by a great fight promoter and his heavy-weight champion. Struck by the skill of the side-show man, the promoter) offers him a position as sparring partner at the training quarters of the champion. Now the young boxer Is able to marry the girl he loves, and the young coupte find themselves transplanted to a world where boxing Is regarded as a classical science and not as pure brute endurance. The film is full of moments of tense excitement, and the acting of Carl 'Brisson is superb. With him appear lan Hunter, Gordon, Harker, Harry Terry, and Forrester Harvey. Alfred Hitchcock, one of England s foremost directors, was the maker of this production. I An excellent supporting programme includes a Fox News reel and comedy, whila the orchestral numbers left nothing to ba desired. “THE MESSIAH.” A Preliminary notice is given of the performance of Handel’s Immortal The Messiah A on Good Friday night, March 29, in the lowa Hall, when, under the baton of Mr. HI. Temple White, the Wellington Harmonic Society, with an augmented choir and Orchestra, will render this work in aid oft the Dominion Museum and National Art Gallery Fund. The Harmonic Society invites all who have sung In The Messiah’ -under Mr. White’s conductorship during the past 25 years (for it Is a quarter o/a Aentury this year since his first public performance of the same) to take part in the performance on Good Friday. It: is hoped to have a chorus of 200 voices, and all wfco are desirous of assisting will be welcomed at the practices to be held in the Y M.CJL, Willis St., on Wednesday, March 6,' 13, and 20, at 8 p.m.

WELLINGTON PLAYERS. Mlsu Elizabeth Blake and her Wellington Players repeated their entertainment at the Blue Triangle Hall last evening, when the promising amateurs fully sustained the most favourable Impression they created bv their opening performance on Thursday night. The entertainment the Players provide make? up a first-class evening’s enjoyment, Including as It does the comedietta by Tchekov, “The Bear”; acenes from ‘The Merduint of Venice,” and a b£e e ?Y ® ea storyr“A Love Passage.” The Wellington Players will proceed to Napier to-day and will »lve a performance at the Napier High School Hall this evening. They will appear at the Havelocvk North Hall on Monday afternoon and evening.

BTRAND THEATRE. Commencing to-day at the Strand Theatre will ba "The Wise Wife,” a comedy of Outstanding merit. The featured players iare the vivacious Phyllis Haver, who la a sure draw In any picture, and John Moore. Beautiful Jacqueline Logan la also In the least The picture tells the story ot an .adoring but neglected wife. It tells of Ihow she fought to retain her husband’s dove for her, and how she finally won. It Hs a picture no one should miss. There will j>o excellent supporting films and good orfchestral Items.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA. “The Way of All Flesh.” Emil Jannlngs'a (finest American-made picture, was preraented at the Kllbirnle Klnema last night. At finds the great star in a human, sympathetic role that demands all ot his talients. The story takes Jannlngs through (three separate and distinct cycles of life, reach demanding an exactitude of treatUnent. As August Schilling, the cashier of ia bank, he Is shown as a soft-hearted (father, even more kind to his children than sils wife. The second feature is “Beau {Broadway,” and stars Alleen Pringle, Lew ]Cody, Sue Carrol, and a host of others, ilt Is a sparkling romance with a sportting background and ultra-modern scenes. (The same programme will be presented (again to-night. A well-arranged programme of music will be played during the Screening, and patrons may reserve their Seats at tha theatre confectionery’, or by [telephoning the theatre. ORGAN RECITAL. , Mr. Bernard F. Page (city organist) will give his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow evening, and the programme has been arranged as under:— fliverture to “A Midsummer Night’s Biream,” by Mendelssohn; Choral from ‘fSulte” (Op. 14), by B. de Mallengreau; Serenade (No. 5). by Gouvy-Page; Prelude, Fugue and Variation (Op. 18), by Caesar Franck; Three Preludes, Op. 11, Nos. 4, Si and 5, by Scrlablne; Preludo (Act I), ‘TTrlstan and Isolde,” by Wagner (this flatter Item Is by request).