ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 64, 13 September 1926, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CHALIAPIN. Feodor Chaliapin, the great Russian world renowned basso, arrived in Wellington this morning by the R.M.S. from Sydney. For years efforts have beeVi made to induce this celebrated artist to visit New Zealand, and now the fact has been accomplished. "His Australian tour, just completed, has been a great success, and, although somewhere in the vicinity of ninety thousand people paid for admission to hear him, there is a limited number o£ concerts, it is claimed that almost an equal number of intending patrons were unable to gain admittance to the town halls and theatres to hear Chaliapin. Chaliapin comes at a time when the Wellington public is decidedly musical. The charrr of Toti Dal Monte could not exert a merely ephemeral impression upon the musical mind of the community. The impression of that artist will remain for a long time, so that the present great visitor will find Wellington filled with the desire to appreciate his work, and be impressed with it in accordance with its true value. His songs cover a wide range, and are sung in Russian, Italian, French, and English, while the music and text are said to be transcended by an active living of the scene, situation, and sentiment. The box plans for the two Wellington concerts, the first to take "lace on Thursday, are now at The Bristol., and the indications are that the Grand Opera House will be full for the two concerts. DE LUXE THEATRE. Some very fine settings are provided in the excellent film, "Watch Your Wife," now screening at the De ■ Luxe Theatre. The scenes in the cabaret and on the roof garden are some of the. best and most beautiful seen at a picture theatre in Wellington, while the lobby of one of America's largest hotels is a real eye-opener in regard to these places in the bigger cities of the world. Virginia Valli, as the young wife who demands considerably more from her husband than he is able to give, presents a delightful interpretation of the spoilt little lady of fashion, while Pat O'Malley, as the husband who ie immersed in the writing of books and poetry, acts up to the star in splendid fashion. The supporting programme is interesting, the Gazette in particular including many subjects of topical interest, amongst which are scenes of Commander Byrd's flight to the North Pole. The comedy screened just before the interval is a lausthterTaiser, and altogether the programme is a good one. The musical side of the evening'e entertainment has been well chosen. EMPRESS THEATRE. Paramount and British Master Pictures are represented on the present bill at the popular Empress Theatre, where comedy and drama hold sway. Paramount presents Richard Dix and Lois Wilson in a racy comedy, "Let's Get Married," in whic". Dix has one of his virile roles, and makes the most of the opportunities afforded him for fun-making. In the picture, "The Eleventh Commandment," winsome Fay Compton, who has figured in many big successes of late, plays opposite stalwart Stewart Rome in Brandon Fleming's famous play, originally produced at the Royalty Theatre, London. Mr. Dixon's orchestra adds to the enjoyment of patrons. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Norma Talmadge, as "Kiki," in the film adoption of the great stage success of the well-known author David Belasco, has gained yet another success, and the large audiences present at the Paramount Theatre each evening realise something of this talented actress's versatility. Miss Talmadge is not seen in her characteristic role, but appears as a comedienne. The story circles around the life of a Paris street gamin, who, feeling the lure of the stage, decides to apply for a position in the chorus of a show. Also on the programme is a splendid "Gaumont Graphic," scenic, and a "Felix the Cat" cartoon. The Paramount solo orchestra, under tlio direction of Mr. R. R. Caulton, is a further attraction to the entertainment. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "The Cowboy and the Countess," in which Buck Jones plays the lead, is screening on the programme at Shortt's Theatre to-day. The second feature, "Elsie m New York," is an 0. Henry story of a country girl's experiences in a large cjiy. The supports include "She Wolves," "Off Shore Trails," and a Topical News reel. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Betty Compson appears in "Ramshackle House at the Britannia Theatre to-day. Ihis picture is the screen version' of Hulbert Footner's murder mystery. The climax of the film is as unusual as it is hair-raising. Lo'n Chancy in "He Who Gets Slapped" is the other attraction. The supports are excellent. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. The programme screening to-day at the New Princess Theatre is headed by Joseph Conrad's splendid sea story, "Lord Jim. ' A young sailor breaks the traditions of the sea when he deserts his steamer in distress, along with the others of a rascally crew. His certificate is cancelled, and he drifte from port to port, always further east, hoping to get away from the stigma of his act. Ttie supporting feature is Louis Joseph Vance's astounding story "The Brass Bowl," featuring Edmund Lowe. During the day sessions a new episode of the rSaDter-play "Swiss Family Robinson" w:[| be shown. At all evening sessions from 7.30 the Princess Trio will render appropriate music. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Way Down East" ie considered to be David Wark Griffith's greatest picture, and to-night is the last time it will be shown at the Artcraft Theatre. The sory of Anna Moore is a human document, but the director makes it something more. That he could call into action Lillian Gish. and surround her with players of the highest order of ability in their parts, further indicates the care which Mr. Griffith has given this photoplay. The screening of this 12----reel production commences at 7.45. Beautiful music by James Haydock adds to the picture's enjoyment. "The Judgment of the Storm" is the feature for to-mor-row's change. STRAND THEATRE. The double-feature programme at the Strand Theatre, is headed by a clever Western comedy-drama, . "The Bandit's Baby," starring Fred Thomson and his wonderful horse, Silver King. The story revolves largely around the situation of an outlaw who is granted an amnesty of one day to ride in a rodeo for the honour of his town. The second feature, "Combat," stars House Peters in a surging tale of lumber camp life, and is cammed with excitement. In addition, a comedy, the latest Gazette, and a scenic are being screened. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The attraction to be finally screened at Our Theatre to-night is the latest Master picture, "Tho Eleventh Commandment," starring Fay Compton and Stewart Rome. It is tho story of a household dominated by the influence of family tradition and stern, uncompromising respectability. The supports are excellent and the musical items of Our Orchestra well rendered. VIOLIN AND PIANO RECITAL.. A violin and piano recital will be given in the Concert Chamber to-night by Mr. and Mrs. Eric Meier (violins) and Miss Elsa Walter (piano). The Togramme has been chosen from the works of Cesar Franck, Bach, Schumann, Chopin, Debussy. Cvi, and Sarasate. The box plan is at The Bristol. QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Wolf," the famous dog of the war, has now been given his chance in pictures. He appears to-night at the Quality Theatre in James Oliver Curwood's great story, "Baree, Son of Kazan." Anita Stewart has the lead. An excellent comedy is included in the supports. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The final screening takes place at the Empire Theatre to-night of "Lights of Old Broadway," with Marion Davies playing a dual role. There is a good supporting programme. IRISH CONCERT. The monthly concert under the auspices of the Wellington Irish Society was held on Sunday night, and was largely attended by an appreciative audience. Mueical items were given by Messrs. Dean, Gibb, Duncan, and Lapworth songs by Mrs. Duffy and Miss Monica Kelly, Messrs. J. Duffy and O'Hagan, and a musical monologue by Mr. L. W. H»nlon.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Those thousands who read Vaughan Kester's powerful novel, "Hell's Four Hundred, will not be disappointed with the William Fox production bearing the same name, now showingat the Queen's Theatre. Scenes on Broadway in some of tho finest theatres are magnificently portrayed, and tho whole production is presented on a lavish scale. Margaret Livingstone, Harrison Ford, and Wallace M'Donald head the distinguished cast. There are excellent supports. The last dash of the homesteaders for tho purpose of staking claims on the old Cherokee Land Strip between Kansas and Oklahoma, is depicted for the first time on the screen in William S. Hart's new screen production, "Tumbleweeds," a United Artists Corporation releaso, coming to the Queen's Theatre next Friday. Hal G. Evarts wrote the story and it was adapted for the screen by C. Gardner Sullivan. The tremendous scenes of tho mad dash for land, the moving of tho enormous herds of cattle, the episodes around Caldwoll, which jjrew to a raw metropolis almost overnight, the love, laughter, grim determination, pathos, tragedy and drama of those stirring day* m that land will be seen in Mr. Hart's picture—the biggest and best he has made to date. A fine cast surrounds the star—including Barbara Bedford as leading woman—and King- Baggot was the- director. KING'S THEATRE. _ For dramatic acting, coupled with thrille, it is probably safe to assume that no recent picture can be compared with Wild Justice," the new starring production of the great police dog Peter the lireat, which is commanding huge attendances at the King's Theatre. Peter the "tSmj t y . car , ries awa y the honours. In Wild Justice" he performs feats of athletic prowess that are well-nigh miraculous, and frequently displays almost human understanding. It is essentially a dog /story, and as such will delight all the myriads who love dogs, and are the recipients of their friendship. A well-bal-anced supporting cast appears, George isnerwood playing a romantic young backwoods doctor Frances Teague the girl with whom he falls in love, and Frank Hagney is the villain. Comedy and the latest British budget of world's news comprise the fine pictorial programme. The Kings Orchestra is heard in some eplendid selections. * HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Another all-vaudeville programme will be presented at His Majesty's Theatre this week The chief attraction will, of course, be the Veterans of Variety, a group of music-hall stars of thirty years ago, who nave been induced to come out of retirement and sing the old »ongs in the old way. Many will remember them when they were at the zenith of their, popularity; all of them were great favourites. They are:—Jake Friedman, "the original one-man opera"; George Campbell, with his earliest song success, "The Man that Broke the liank at Monte Carlo;" and Lily Burnand and Florence Hinton, both of whom retan all the winsome freshness o£ thirty years or more ago in the replicas of the «ostumes in which they first sang their famous old songs. Several other vaudeville acts complete the bill-of-fare. Claude Dampier, with the assistance of his partner, Miss Billie Carlyle, will be seen in wlint has been described as one of tho funniest and cleverest acts on the vaudeville stage. Also . appearing are:— Miss Rebe Kesslova, the talented young Gipsy pianist; Drew and Romaine, at the piano; Enrico Palmetto, popular Danish tenor, and Miss Rayna Carbette, a Russian singer. ORGAN RECITAL. The Towa Hall was well filled last evening for the weekly organ recital given by the City Organist (Mr. Bernard F. Page). The programme comprised the following selections:—Andante in F, by Beethoven; Cortege (from Suite for Strings), by Debussy; Peer Gvnt Suite (Op. 46), for orchestra, by Grieg; Largo in F (from "Xerzes"), by Handel; Scherzo (Op. 70), by Hofmann; Summer Sketches, by Le-mare—-"Dlwn," "The Bee," "Cuckoo," "Twilight," and "Evening." TRAMWAYS BAND CONCERT. The Wellington Municipal Tramways Band held its tenth recital of the season in His Majesty's Theatre last evening, when, despite the decidedly boisterous weather, there was a large attendance. The programme was of the usual high standard, and the work of the supporting artists was very fine. The items by the' band were: Hymn tune, "Bradford," "Stars and Stripes" (march), "In a Persian Garden," "The Smithy in the Woods," and "Le Crociatto in Eggito." Miss Rebe Kesslova the talented young gypsy violinist, played "On the Wings of Song" and "Variations." "Canois" and "Home, Swoet Home," sung by Mr. Enrico Palmetto, were very much appreciated. A banjo solo by Mr. Charles Brazier a trombone solo by Mr. E. Ballantyne a musical monologue, a "Baekwood Penance," by Mr. Norman Aitken, songs by Mr. Hilton Osborne, "After I Say I'm Sorry," and "I Never Knew How Wonderful You Were," played with muted band and piano*accompaniment, completed the programme. Mr. J. Haydock was an efficient accompanist.