ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 28, 2 August 1926, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. It' one goes to the theatre to be amused, then all roads should lead to the De Luxe Theatre during the present week. That theatre is now screening one of the in .-o humorous comedies that it has been the privilege of the amusement lover to witness, and "Skinner's Dress Suit," the title oi the film, should go down in memory as one of Wellington's real laughlerniakers. Reginald Denny, as Skinner, an under-paid clerk, who is in mortal dread of the authority of the ''boss," gives a rendering of a character that is met with almost daily in the realms of commerce, where one man Kays ''go" and another goes without question. His wife, Laura la Plante, i; an entirely different character, probably because she lias never experienced the authority and discipline that exist in the world of business, and die is terribly keen for the advancement of her husband, who she considers to be one o£ the world's geniuses. On the programme is a gazette containing many topical subjects, and a short comedy film. The music as usual has received special attention, and as an overture the De Luxe Orchestra, under the direction of Miss A. Bryei-s, plays Alford's "Musical Switch." "ROMOLA." Following close on Lillian Gish's phenomenal success, "The White Sister," which is still shattering records, comes another triumph for this remarkable star, and incidentally for her talented sister, Dorothy. Henry King, whose genius and fine imagination enabled him to make "The White Sister" a truly great screen play, has found yet another feature in winch Miss Gish is given further opportunity to display her dramatic ability and her exceptional emotional powers. This is in. "Romola," which commences a season on Friday, with a matinee on Saturday, at 2.30. It is a screen ..version of George Eliot's English, classic, which _ has been read by the millions, and considered the greatest romance of all time. The picture tells of the exciting life of. the Florentines in the romantic days of Savonarola, and reaches a high degree of artistry from the point of view of photography as well as acting. Apart from the two stars, Ronald CoJman, who will also be remembered in "The White Sister," has a part that stamps him as possibly the finest male star on the screen to-day. The special musical score compiled for the New York presentation will be rendered by the Orchestra De Luxe. In addition, there will be a. prologue. Assisting artists are Miss Kells and Mr. Herbert F. Wood. The box plans are open at The Bristol, Aitken's Book Arcade, or ring the theatre. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The English Futurists Revue Company is attracting "bumper" houses to the Paramount Theatre each evening. Ira Love 6ets the ball rolling with, a dainty Irish song in costume, and George Corelli follows with an Italian operatic selection, to which his fine tenor voice did full justice. Eily Dalgleish scores a hit with her characteristic song, "That's AH There is." Ira Love, George Corelli, and the irresponsible G. W. _J)esmond create an operatic uproar which has the audience in roars of laughter, and Gus Dawson, of "Diggers" fame, is assisted by the Cabaret Kittens. One of the most laughable novelties is Cyril Northcote's recitation, "A Tale of the Sea," to which G. W. Desmond, in huge sailor trousers, supplies more than a touch o£ humour. Winnie Edgerton sings dainty soprano songs. A musical revuetle, "At the Grand .Hotel," provides a splendid opportunity for G. W. Desmond and his comedy interlude. Joyce Turner demonstrates amazing skill in a solo acrobatic dance. Gladys Thomas has the leadership o£ the Paramount Orchestra, and also sings "Always" delightfully. The film in conjunction with the show is Kuperfc Hughes's dramatic story, "True as Steel," in which Aileen Pringle and Huntly Gordon have the leading roles. KINO'S THEATRE. In an amazing dual role as a society girl and an actress in a low-grade theatre, Marion Davies achieves a notable triumph by her brilliant work in her latest starring vehicle, "Lights of Old BroaU way," a remarkable production, which is now showing to large audiences at the King's Theatre. With her in the east are Conrad Nagel and George K. Arthur. This charming actress is cast, in the dual role of Ophelia, a beautiful variety actress, and Anne, a cultured girl moving in the most exclusive social circles. They are actually sisters, who were parted in infancy, but neither is aware of the other's existence.' The story is an adaptation of Laurence Eyre's sensational stage success, "The Merry Wives of Gotham," and is an excellent basis for an unusual film. An extensive and well varied supporting programme includes screen snapshots, a crossword puzzle film, New Zealand scenic, and the latest budget of news. The King's Select Orchestra is heard in delightful incidental music. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Positively the very last opportunity of seeing "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" in Wellington is afforded patrons this evening at the Artcraft theatre. It should be noted that owing to its extreme length, the screening eomnnences at 7.45 p.m. precisely. Mention must also be made of the very fine musical accompaniment by James Haydock, which is most appropriate, and greatly enhances the screening of this magnificent production. Seats may be secured by ringing the theatre. Commencing to-morroy, for three nights season only, the world's favourite, Jackie Coogan, will be seen in Bis famous female impersonation in "A Boy of Flanders, ,, with the great dog Petrasche, as his companion. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The Empire Theatre has two fine attractions screening to-night. There are "Man and Maid," a glowing romance of war-time Paris, with a fine cast, headed by Lew Cody, Harriet Hammond, and Renee Adonee. Also Harry Carey is seen in "Crashing Thru," a Western drama. SHORTT'S THEATRE. Much of the action of Rafael Sabatini's famous novel "Captain Blood," which is the attraction at Shortt's Theatre to-day, is laid on the Barbadoes, an island of the British West Indies. J. Warren Kerrigan has the title role and Jean Paigo the leading feminine role. In support will bo screened comedy, gazette, and scenic. BRITANNIA THEATRE. The latest thing in "crook" plays, "Silk Stocking Sal," will be screened this evening at the Britannia Theatre. It is said to have more tense situations than "Within the Law." Evelyn Brent, brilliant and beautiful young star of the cinema, essays the role of an underworld character and comes off with flying colours. The other attraction is Marshall Neilan's production, "The Sporting Venus." The supports are excellent. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "Little Annie Rooney," the comedydrama of tenement life in New York in which Mary Pickford stars, and which is screening to-day at the" New Princess Theatre, appears to have been written to order for "The World's Sweetheart." The second stellar feature is "A Regular Fellow," which stars Raymond Griffith and Mary Brian. It is the story of a European count and a prince who loved outside his station. The supports are good. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The attraction to bo finally screened at Our Theatre to-night is "A Broadway Butterfly," starring Dorothy Devore and Cullen Landis. The story tells of romantic adventures charmingly interspersed with comic flashes of a trio of beautiful chorus girls, who seek fame and glory on the stage. The supporting and musical programmes are excellent. \ STRAND THEATRE. The Great War is brought back to memory by the splendid film "Ypres," which is being screened at the Strand Theatre today, having already had a most successful showing at the Grand Opera House. The film records many deeds of daring heroism, especially ot Passchondaole. An a support Johnny Hines's comedy, "The Crackerjack," will be shown. DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS SOCIETY. The twenty-fifth annual festival of the Dunedin Competitions Society will be held in His Majesty's Theatre, Dunedin, from 20th September to Cth October. Intending competitors are reminded that entries close next Saturday. Entry forms, book of words, and syllabuses are obtainable from music warehouses, or from Mr. E. S. Wilson, secretary, P.O. Box 92, Dunedin.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. "The Yankee Seuov," with Tom Mix in 'the title role, is the star attraction at the Queen's Theatre this evening. T-ho story, which was adapted from.-, the popular novel, "Conquistador," by Katherme Gerould, is much more than a mere Western thriller. It is a colourful romance, the scenes of which are laid in Old Mexico, and it affords Mix some splendid opportunities for virile acting. His role is that of a civil engineer who accepts an assignment to build a railroad from the Mazillu mines to San Jose, a woll-nigh impossible undcrtr.kin;;, owing to the climate and labour troubles. There is a good supporting programme, and t.ie (Juuen s Select Orchestra contributes excellent music. EMPRESS THEATRE. v "A Broadway Buttorfly," > a Warner Bros.' classic, is screening at the Empress Theatre to-night. There is -a luro aliout Broadway, with its moth-attracting lights, and Irene Astaire, just up from the country, found that .dancing her way to tame was not as easy as she imagined it to be when in the quiet precincts of her small town. But when three of the most beautiful of the chorus combine, there is bound to he trouble for the males. Dorothy J)evore is cast as the irresistible country girl; Louiss Fazenda is Cookie and is responsible for much of the con I ay elemcit; and others make up a superb cast. In "Woman-handled," -Richard Dix again demonstrates his burlesque talents in the role of a rich young man who goes West to make a man of himself. There are i?ood supports, and excellent music by the Empress"'Qrchestra, under Mr. M. Dixon. TOTI DAL MONTE. There was a heavy demand for scats this morning for the three concerts to be presented by Signorina Toti Dal Monte, one of the world's greatest sopranos, who. will be presented by Messrs. J. and N. 'fait at the Town Hall on Thursday, Saturday, and Tuesday nights next. It was the recent successful tour of Galli-Curci that induced Messrs. Tait to send Dal Monte to New Zealand, as the latter's concerts in Australia attracted larger audiences than the first-named artist. One of Dal Monte's outstanding successes in London. America, and Australia was achieved in the "Mad Scene" from "Lucia di Larnmermoor." Her presentation of this aria is marked by due emotional significance, and the series of flig'its, at the end where the voice vies with the flute obbligato (which is brilliantly played by Mr. Stanley Baines) always arouses the audience to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. By contrast to such music, Dal Monte includes on the same programme "Caro mio ben," which enables her to appeal , in a new light. With, the latter number is bi-acketed Puccini's "Vieni al Mio Seno" and Paisiello's "Chi vuol la Ziugarella," two weil-contrasted pieces, the latter a gipsy ballad. On the opening night in Melbourne a triple encore was accorded these numbers, and the famous soprano then sang the "Cuckoo Clock," by Schaefer, and Max Reger's "Slumber Song:" Augusto Beuf, the celebrated young Italian baritone, scored his best triumph on the opening night in "Amrilla" and "Largo al factotum." Mr. William James is the pianist and accompanist. MURIEL STARR. When one thinks of the best in emotional plays and high-class comedies, one thinks of Muriel Starr. Of all the signal successes which Miss Starr has achieved in London, New York, and other great centres of the theatrical world, there is' none of which she is more proud than those in Australia and New Zealand. Miss Starr holds the unprecedented record of being the only actress on the ligitimate stage who, by the reason of the brilliancy of her technique, combined with her personal popularity, has been able to pay as many as three long visits to thi3 country, and she is now at the zenith of her career. Wellington theatregoers will welcome her return here when she opens at the Grand Opera House on Wednesday in Gladys Unger's delightful and witty comedy, "The Goldfish," which has just finished a successful tour of Australia. Miss Starr's portrayal of the part of Jenny Wetherby is said to be realistically convincing right through . the play. Playing opposite to Miss Starr is a young English actor, Mr. Harvey Adams. The box plan is at The Bristol. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The new programme to be presented at His Majesty's Theatre this evening should satisfy all tastes. Elton Black and the members of his popular Town Topics Company will be seen in "Miles of Smiles," a rovuo which contains clever sketches, excellent musical numbers, variety dances, and catchy choruses. The pieces* gives Elton Black ample opportunity for comedy work. la addition to the revue there is a first-class vaudeville bill. Black and White, two clever English comedians and eccentric dancers, make their first appearance in Wellington. Harry North, "The Concertina Swaggy," will make a welcome reappearance after a long absence. Blondi Robinson will provide a new act, while Keith and Joan Dingley will offer a variety of new and original dances. Apdale's Circus, which proved a big attraction last week will continue until Saturday next. TRAMWAYS BAND CONCERT. Remarkable enthusiasm was shown by the huge audience which filled His Majesty's Theatre last evening for the seventh recital of the Wellington Municipal Tramways Band. Under the conductorship of Mr. H. Berry, the band scored a great and well-deserved triumph, ■ and their concert was one of the finest that has been heard locally for some time. Every item was given a rousing reception, and the splendid work of the conductor was the subject of much favourable comment. The beautiful selection, "Tristan and Isolde" (Wagner) was accorded a masterly interpretation, which the audience were not slow to appreciate, and the majestic hymu, "With All the Saints" (Barnby), brought forth round after round of applause from the delighted listeners. The other band items were equally good. Miss Ronnie Thompson and Mr. H. Montgomery, late of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, were happily suited in their duet, "I'll Sing to You," and were encored. Mr. W. Haydock played several brilliant violin selections, his solo, "Czardis," proving a. big success. Miss Jessie Shmith used her fine contralto voice to advantage in "Ombra Mai Fu" (HandeFs Largo in G), with obbligato by Mr. Haydock, and. another popular artist was Mr. P. M'Kay, of the Fuller circuit, who sang "I Wonder Will You Think of Me?" very well indeed. Mr. Hilton Osborne, the band soloist, was in fine voice and came in for much applause. ORGAN IfECITAL. An organ recital given by Mr. Bernard P. Page (City Organist) in the Town Hall last evening was well attended. The programme comprised:—Melody, by GluckPage; Sonata No. 6, by Mendelssohn; (a) Prelude from "La Damoiselle Blue," (b) Prelude from "L'enfant Prodigue," (c) Cortege from "Suite for Strings," by Debussy; Fantaisie in A, by Cesar Fraiick; Summer Sketches, by Lemare: I. "Dawn," 11. "The Bee," 111. ""Cuckoo," IV. "Twilight," V. "Evening" (this item was by request); Peer Gynt Suite (No. 46), by Greig. QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Colleen Moore will be seen to-night at the Quality Theatre in one of the most lavishly, beautiful films yet' screened, "Irene," the story of a little Irish cinderella.