Plays – Players – Pictures

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 51, 28 August 1926, Page 25

Plays - Players - Pictures

THE SHOWS.

Opera House— Williamson Vaudeville Conipanj, Town Hall— Wellington Competitions Society. His Majesty's—Fu/ier'a Vaudeville. De Luxe Theatre—Pictures. King's Theatre—Pictures. Artcraft—Pictures. Our ■ Theatre—Pictures. Empress Theatre—Pictures, bbortt's Thsatre—Pictures Strand Theatre—Pictures. Britannia Theatre—Pictures. Queen's Theatre—Pictures. Princess Theatre—Pictures

■ When Alan Wilkie returns to Australia from England in December he : will produce "Henry VIII." as his i Christmas attraction. Wilkio will play Cardinal Wolsey. The pieco has not been done on the Australian stage since the days of W. H. Vornon and Gcnevieve Ward in the 'eighties. Allan Wilkie, before leaving England by the Urmonde, will broadcast, a farewell message of thanks from 3AE prior to embarking. "Until misfortune arrives, one does not realise what a host ox friends one has," he remarked. Nellie. Wallace, one of the most brilliant comediennes on the English stage, has signed a contract to appear in Australia. In all probability she will also visit New Zealand.

According to the Sydney papers, Maude Pane is due back in Australia an a week's time. Miss Fane is a wonderful artist. She is the ideal musical comedy actress. And her success on the Australian stage has been remarkable. The.late Frank Morton, most brilliant of Australian and New Zealand journalists, said of her: "She will retire again and again, but always she mil come back. There is only one - =Maude Fane in a hundred years " Miss '- tr"?! h3\ been spending a vacation in Malta, where her husband, Lieutenant ' £ 6y,.,?£iSnt> is stationed. "Tip Toes," "Castles in the Air," and other comedies are to be got ready for .her. This is Maude's fourth fareWell appearance. The repertory theatre movement has the enthusiastic support of Miss Muriel Starr,, .the well-known actress. "I think_ repertory work is splendid," she said in an interview. "There are so many- exquisitely beautiful plays that eannpt-possibly be produced in the commercial theatre. It is a pity that people.should not see them." She went on to explain how the ■ Theatre Guild was' established jn America. A number of artists of different kinds, amateurs so far .as the theatre was concerned, formed themselves into a company known as the Washington Square Players. Their object was to perform plays which would otherwise not be produced in America. There was no thought of financial gain, and the subscribers were guaranteed six plays a year. Prom the start the movement ■ ..was. a success, and it finally became the Theatre Guild, now one of the greatest, theatrical propositions in the United States, The greatest stars coming, to America are invited to appear m the guild theatres, and they consider it an hfcnonr to do so. << All that came from a.small repertory movement " she said.

The J. G.-Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan opera season opened in Auckland on. Wednesday night with "The-Gondoliers." It will be followed by "The Yoemen of the Guard," which 'opens to-night. On 31st August and. Ist September, "The Pirates or'Penzaifce" will be staged; on 2nd, 3rd, : and .4th,,September, "The Mikado";: on 6th " and ' 7th September, "H.M.S, Pinafore"; and on Bth, 9th, and. 10th September, "lolanthe." The season will close-with two performances On Saturday,:llth September, of "Princess Ida.". ' ,The: Wellington season commences early in., October... Mr. John Farrell is the toiiring manager. Guy Bates Post and his Australian artists, .including Dorothy Brunton, left for South Africa last Monday Dot Brunton did not forsake musical comedy ?f or comedy as did Nellie Stewart and Marie Tempest, because they found that their singing voices were 'going. Miss Brunton's voice—she uses it in "The Climax," the last.Post production in Australia—is reported to be fresher and more powerful than over. Miss Brunton has met with the most' success of any Australian musical comedy actress—Gladys Moncrief is a comic opera artist and Maude Fane, though typically Australian, is not Australian born. Miss Brunton first made a hit when, in about 1912, she went on at. short notice for the lead in "The Girls of Gottenberg." She was a star in her own right a year later, when she appeared here as Sylvia ..Dale in "High Jinks." Miss Brunton was succeeded as principal of tho firm's musical comedy company in 1917 by Maude Fane. Word has been received in Sydney from London that Vera Pearce, the well-known Australian actress, is to play the lead in the new British film production,'' Tip Toes." " Tip Toes'' is one of the biggest hits of the American musical comedy stage this year, and its adaptation to the screen by a British company marks another milestone in the progress of the picture industry in England. Miss Pearce will have the support of Dorothy Gish, Will Eogers, and Nelson Keys.

But a few days ago the 'writer heard a young singing student remark that she was preparing to sing before an audience.for, the first time in her. own native tongue! Apparently English, the language of Shakespeare, Milton, Shelly, Keats, and Tennyson is not regarded as suitable for song by some local teachers of singing. They point out that the liquid;sounding Italian' provides a more graceful passage for the voice, and the long-suffering poople of the Dominion who attend recitals accept their dictum without comment. They listen to a soprano of a year's training' attempting—no other word is possible—Mozart's "Voi che Sapete" (LeNozze di Figaro) in "faultless" Italian, or a tenor with a similar term of tuition making heavy weather through "0 Parodiso." Why do teachers ruin voices and mislead students by placing such impossible tasks ia their way? Have they no patriotism and love of the music of their own country? There are a thousand and one purely British songs, of British music, and breathing British sentiments, that would last any student a lifetime. It would seem that the word "opera" places every aria on a pedestal, whereas there is just as much poor music in opera as in anything else, excepting a jazz creation. Why not discard all this show and delve into folk songs— the sincerest of all music—and unfold the great beauty of men like Elgar, Stanford, and Parry? Here is a field where British is easily superior to the bel canto Italian, whose phrasing, in the vast majority of cases, in any song outside his own tonguo is all at sen.

"Rose Marie/ which is being produced by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., at Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, is the biggest musical comedy success the firm has ever achieved. Sir George Tallis said that he had received a cable from Sir Alfred Butt stating that "Boss Marie" had completed its first year in London and was the biggest Hucceas that had ever been staged at the historic Drury Lane Theatre since 1660. The piece has caused an absolute furore in Sydney, and Sir George Tallis expects it to run for many months. After seeing the production in London and New York, Sir George Tallis said that he considered the Australian cast "one hundred per

cent." The principals include Harriot Bennett in the title role, James Hughes as the Sergeant of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police, Eeginald Dandy as Jim Kenyon, Frederick Bontley as Hard-boiled Herman, Stephanie Deste as Wanda, Noel Allan as Edward Hawley, Lou Vernon as Emile la Flamme, George Bryant as Black Eagle, Yvonne Va-ivard as Lady Jane, Jean Robertson as Ethel Brander. The play has been produced by George Highland.

The characteristic of latter-day musical taste is the popularity of Bach. When a Bach programme was given at a symphony concert at the Queen's Hall recently, there was a crowded hall, and a large proportion of the audience was composed of young men. Sir Henry Wood's programme included a concerto for violin and strings, a concerto for piano and strings, a . suite for . full . orchestra, and two other concertos for two pianos and two violins. Ten years ago it would have been amazing that such a programme was even in contemplation, yet here was Bach attracting hundreds of young men from the football field. Sir William Hadow, Dr. Vaughan Williams, conductor of the London Bach Choir; Dr. Sanford Terry, and others, have formed a Bach Cantata Club, the special object of their attention being, the 199 cantatas which have been preserved, out of the 295 written by Bach. The opening concert was given in St. Margaret's Church, Westminster, and it will be followed by others at the Eoyal College of Music and the Queen'b Hall, where the B Minor Mass will be given with the aid of the Oriana Choir. The three pieces chosen to introduce Bach lovers fo the cantatas were Nos. 122, 51, and 32, the last being the lovely "Dearest Jesu, Whom I Long For," in which the soprano part was sung by Miss Dorothy Silk. The cantata seems to represent a seena between the believing soul and the risen Saviour, the music associated with the soul being the soprano part. A lovely oboe accompaniment for the soprano was played by Mr. Leon Goossens. Another item in the programme was the prelude and fugue in B Minor for the organ. The 199 cantatas include music of all types—duets, trios, and chorus music of every sort —as well as the wonderful chorales.

English audiences, which used to be lauded for loyalty to old favourites, have recently shown serious lapses from traditional grace (writes a London correspondent). The other day Cissie Lof tvs, once Harry Irving's load-ing-lady, forgot her lines at the Holborn Empire and was rewarded with the scornful laughter of a crowded house. Bransby Williams, the Dickens impersonator, also had an unlucky experience the other day. His audience showed such impatience that he was compelled to put the question, "Which is it to be —you or I?" The verdict was emphatic, and ha did not finish. At a recent student celebration in the provinces^ George Eo'ney narrowly escaped serious injury. His letter on the subject was a masterpiece of scathing but dignified rebuke. Even Sir Gerald dv Maurier not long Ago was refused a hearing at his own theatre —Wyndham's—when he came on to make a speech after an unsuccessful premiere. Though the most notable figure on the concert--: stage • to-day, Chaliapin modestly declares that he has not- yet finished learning his art. A singer's work, in his opinion, is never done. There is always more to learn, even in the'most familiar song. "A singer who is completely satisfied.is a singer lost," he says. "That is what is the matter with most of the singing one hears today. Singers have grown disinclined to work. When they have obtained applause, they cease to make any effort to improve ■ themselves, and believe they have solved the problem of their art. But applause is nothing. It is pleasant to have, and without it ;.u artist's life would be hard indeed. Still, its only real use is an encouragement and an incentive to go on and do better." Chaliapin added that it saddened him to hear singers who are utterly self-satisfied, although they have scarcely begun the very grammar of 'singing.' The Pictures. One of the biggest release pronouncements of the year concerns the Paramount laughter special "Behind the Front," which shows the sunny side of the war. Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton, one of the funniest pair, the screen has ever kuown, are featured in the leading roles. The picture is to go both to New Zealand and Australian audiences at one and the same time—Paramourit Week. This will constitute the biggest individual release that a picture has had in this respect, outclassing the release of "Peter Pan." This comedy will show that even in the midst of the horrors, of the war there were irresistibly funny episodes, barrages of breeziness that not even twelve-inch guns could silence. "Behind the Front" will be screened in Wellington on 28th August, and will then go on circuit as one of Paramount's current season special attractions. It is anticipated that this picture will prove one qf the most popnlar comedy films that have over been:released in this country. John Barrymore, Warner B;;os.' screen star in the : Master Pictures "The Sea Beast" and "Don Juan," dispels all doubt as to his intention of remaining in pictures in the book' he has just had published by Bobbs-Mer-rill. "Confessions of an Actor." This popular favourite says that he may take an occasional fling at the legitimate stage, but he frankly admits his love for the movies.

Gardner James, a discovery of J. Stuart Blackton, has been signed by Warner. Bros, to play the role of Willard Louis's younger brother in the E, Phillips Oppenheim story "The Passionate Quest," in which May M'Avoy has the feminine lead. :

Lloyd Bacon, son pf the late Frank Bacon, of "Lightnin' "fame, has just become a member of the Warner Bros.' producing organisation. Young Bacon has been signed to a directorial contract, and his first assignment is the direction of the Master Picture "BrokBii Hearts of Hollywood," which will feature an all-star cast headed by Patsy Kuth Miller, Louise Dresser, and Doug. Fairbanks, jun. A strong cast is being lined up by Warner Brothers for the Master Picture ''The Footloose Widow," one of the four remaining productions on the current schedule of the organisation. The picture is scheduled to go into production in the immediate future Eecently three popular players have been assigned to important role 3. They are Louiso Fazenda, Jacqueline Logan, and Andre Beranger. Previously announced in the cast were Neely Edwards and Arthur Hoyt. Another addition to a Warner cast is that of Warner Oland to "The Tavern Knight," the third of the John Barrymore starring vehicles.

New .York newspapers unanimously praised '' Other Women's Husbands,'' a new Master Picture, and acclaimed it a good lively comedy replete with laughs. Erie Kenton, the director, came in for more .than the usual amount of praise, while Monte Blue, Marie Prevost, and • their supporting cast were warmly commended for their good work.

Warner Bros, will produce this year "Black Ivory," by Polan Baaks, "The Better JOle," by Bruce Bairnsfather, and "Bevillion," a Trench play by Meilhac and Halevy. Ernst Lubitach will diract "Bevillion" in place of

'The Doormat," which he was scheduled to do. "The Doormat" has been temporarily placed aside. All these pictures will be distributed by Master Pictures.

A pro-release showing of "Silken Shackles," the new. Master Picture in which Irene Rich plays the starring role of an irrepressible flirt, is an intensely dramatic story in which Miss Rich far surpasses anything she has previously done. Huntly Gordon has a splendid part .opposite Miss Rich, as the adoring and violently jealous husband, while Robert Schable, Victor Vareoni, Evelyn Selbio, and Bert Marburgh complete the cast.

Dolores Costello, John Barryniore's leading lady in "The Sea Boast," an exceptional Master Picture production which will soon be released throughout New Zealand, is the daughter of Maurice Costello, the old-time screen idol. She worked in pictures as a child, and received her education from a private tutor at home. Then she joined a vautlcvillo company as a dancer, but <'.ould not resist for long the fascination of a screen career. In "The Sea Beast" Barrymore is seen in the most brilliant characterisation of his remarknhlo career.

'■' The Clack of the Wolves'' and '' Compromise," two more of the Warner Bros.' forty Master Pictures for the season, have been completed at thf Hollywood studios of the company, and are now in preparation for distribution. Rin-Tin-Tin is the star of "The Clash of the Wolves," and is supported by a cast that includes June Marlowe, Charles Farrell, Charles (Heinie) Conklin, and Pat Hartigan. Irene Rich is starred in "Compromise," which is an adaptation from the story by Jay Gelzer. In the supporting cast are Clive Brook, Louise Fazenda, Pauline Garon, Winter Hill, and Baymond M'Kee:

Another big picture has been added to the list that Dolores Costello, the new screen beauty, will be seen in very soon. This time Warner Bros, have cast Mis Costollo for tho leading role in "The Heart of Maryland," a charming story which is being adapted for the screen by Bess Meredyth, and will be directed by Millard Webb.

By now the completion of D. W. Griffith's "Sorrows of Satan" has vindicated the selection of Lya de Putti for tho role of Lady Sybil, mistress of Good and Evil. The picture marks the first appearance of Mme. de Putti in an American produced picture. She ia signed to a long contract, calling for her exclusive appearance in Paramount pictures.

One of the sensations promised for 1927 by Paramount will be the spectacle for the first time in history of five hundred aeroplanes in the air at one time. This will be offered as one of the attractions in "Wings," a picturo which is being- announced in advance as "The Covered Wagon" of the air. Tremendous organisation is being roquired to bring about' this, and the chief contributing factor is to be found in the whole-hearted co-operation that is being lent Paramount by the American Government, which has placed evory aeroplane at the disposal of the Paramount organisation for the maki.ng of this picture. Paramount Week will be celebrated in.New Zealand between 28th August and 4th September. It will be participated in by all tho loading theatres throughout the country, and it is fully expected that the shield will this year go to a New Zealand exhibitor, it being won last year by an Australian. "What Price Glory?" is one of the several attractions which are classed as "giants" under the Fox release schedule for 1927. This production is a memorial to the memory of tho men who fought in France during the recent Great War. The story itself is taken from the groat stage success of the same name, and has a cast of such notable actors as Edmund-Lowe, Lou Telleg'ani Delores Del Rio, Phyllis Haver, Victor M'Laglon, Ted M'Namara, Sammy Cohen, Leslie Fenton, and J, Farrell Mac Donald. Directed by Raoul Walsh, who was responsiblo for "The Thief of Bagdad," "Zaza," "The Coast of Folly," and other notable successes, this film will come as ono of the successes of recent' years. Virginia Valli establishes the fact that sfie is a screen comedienne par excellence in the Fox release, "The Family Upstairs," which is being prepared for early release next season. This story is a comedy success of family life in a New York flat. Emily Fitzroy, J. Farroll Mac Donald, and Leslie Fontou aro tho supporting players.

It is now announced that the production which was to have been titled "The Pelican," has now been changed by Fox to "Marriage License." Alma. Rubens plays Wanda Heroit, the heroine, who portrays the middle-aged mother in the latter part of the story, and she is supported by Walter M' Grail and Walter Pidgeon. The story is taken from the play by the English authoress, F. Tennyson Jesse.

An innovation was made at the Quality Theatre, Island Bay, last Saturday night, when the Island Bay Surf Club's "Boomerang" Mouth Organ Band, which has been formed during the last two months under the supervision and direction of Mr. Dicker, gave a very creditable performance in solo work, duet work, and medleys, which wore heartily received by the

audience. This innovation shows the possibilities of interesting the boys of different clubs in bands of this kind, which Mr. Dicker says not only train their musical ear but is an incentive for young folks to go in for bigger instruments. This is the first band of its kinji in New .Zealand.

Races seem to fall to the lot or May M'Avoy, leading feminine star in '.'My Old Dutch," Universal's quain' romance of London Coster life. She finished her role in "Ben Hur" as a central figure in chariot race scenes; a donkey race began her work in "My Old Dutch." With Miss M'Avoy are Pat O'Malley, Jean Herscholt, and Edgar Kennedy. Several hundred people take part in big spectacles that embellish the story.

One of the big scenes in "Watch Your Wife," a Universal Jewel, is that staged on the top of a roof-garden. The set is a combination of the Astor roof in New York and a famous roofgarden in Copenhagen, Denmark. The latter feature was furnished by Mr. Svond Gade, the director, who was one time director of the Eoyal Theatre, in Copenhagen.

Pete Morrison, popular star of '' Chasing Trouble," a Universal Western attraction, and who is the holder of rodeo and round-up awards,, given him in all parts of the world, has performed his feats of horsemanship in almost every State in America, and in England, France, Spain, and Australia.

One of the most daring and spectacular railroad wrecks ever filmed will be seen shortly in "The Transcontinental Limited," to be released by Universal. An engine and a long trail of cars, speeding at sixty miles an hour, were completely demolished to produce this thrill.

Melbourne picturegoers have during the past month had the opportunity of expressing their screen star preferences in the selection of their favourites through the medium of a popularity contest. The contest has been staged by "The Theatrical," edited and published by Mr. C. B. Howden, and distributed on a selling basis throughout all of the theatres in the Hoyt's Associated Theatres combination throughout Melbourne city and suburbs. Open to every star of the film firmament, the contest has waged at a white-heat pitch throughout five weeks, at thq end of which time the selection for the supreme stellar favourite was overwhelmingly in favour of the Paramount star, Eichard Dix. Cash prizes were awarded by "The Theatrical" for those selecting the nearest combination of winners, and in addition to the cash prize the winner will receive a beautiful autographed photo of Kichard Dix. A special feature of this photo is the fact that Mr. Dix will personally autograph it to the winner, both tho star's and the winner's names appearing.

The following Wellington theatres will be taking part in Sixth Annual Paramount Week (29th August to 4th September): —Empress, "The New Klondyke," with Thomas Meighan, and "The Grand Duchess and Waiter," Florence Vidor; De Luxe, "Behind The Front," with Wallace Beery and Eaymond Hatton; Princess, "The King on Main street," with Adolphe Menjou; "Irish Luck," Thomas Meighan; Artcraft Theatre, "The Arab," Eamon Novarro; Shortt's, "The Ten Commandments"; Britannia, "Manhattan Madness"; Suburbs, Island Bay (Quality Theatre), "Introduce Me," Douglas Maclean; "New Klondkye," Thomas Meighan j Lyall Bay, "Irish Luck," Thomas Meighan; Eastbourne, "The King on Main Street," Adolphe Menjou; Petone (Palaco and Grand), "Irish Luck," "Tho Sky Eaider," "I Pagliachi"; Miramar, "A Son of His Father"; V.M.C.A., "Tongues of Flame," Thomas Meighan;. Khandallah, "The Spaniard," Ricardo Cortez. From the. above it will be seen that Paramount Week is regarded as one of the most important events in the moving picture industry.