Plays – Players – Pictures

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 152, 24 December 1926, Page 19

Plays - Players - Pictures

'4 THE SHOWS. >i •''Opera House— ■ ■>,J Maurice Moscovitch season, opens 28*11 \ December. Cj; "Is Zat So!" 15th January. £-;HU Majesty's—Fuller's Vaudeville jj,'« Eegent—Vaudeville and Pictures. r? Be. luxe Theatre—Pictures. fling's Theatre—Pictures. '. ,> Artc.ra.ft—Pictures. ■ v Our Theatre—Pictures. i'»?nipren Theatre—Picture!. „y Shorfcf» Theatre—Pictures. b SJrand Theatre—Pictures. "M BriUnnl* Theatre-Picturei. $ <|ue(in'» Theatre—Pictures. ;>! I'rinccst Theatre—Pictures i- Maud Fane is now making her final i' appearance in Australia' in "A Night '■ Out" "You're in Love," "Primrose," s and' "Kissing Time." She returns to •I London to fulfil an important engage'j inent there. - ' '''Rose Marie" was supposed to finish < its Sydney season at Christmas, but it • is so much the rage that there is no i chance, of it being taken off iuntil well !in the New Year. This, of course, .-means delaying the other portions -of ; tho Australian tour, which are ako ; likely to be extended, so that the prospective visit to New Zealand will be , not earlier than June.

William Valentine, who was a membei: of the cast in "The Lilac Domino" an! "Lady Frayle," has boen getting on. quietly in America, ■whilst other Australians not so progressive have been more widely advertised. Not long ago ho was starred opposite Marilynu Miller, which in the Broadway music show-world ia equivalent to playing leads with Sarah Bernhardt. Another Australian who is still touring for the Shuberts is the massive and popular Robert Greig, who has been doing a role in "The Student Prince'" for some time. When last heard of he was on the eve of going to Canada, thence working down to Los Angeles. Audiences at the Grand Opera House (says a Sydney paper) were delightfully surprised to learn what an excellent understady Miss Ada Eeeve has in. the person of Nora O'Malley. It was necessary for Miss Eeeve to be absent from the theatre during the entire week and Miss O'Malley handled the part in "Spangles" admirably. The Midnight Frolics' wonderful wardrobe, property, scenic effects, etc., were extensively damaged as a result of the disastrous fire at tho Opera House, Auckland, but arrangements are already under way to have this replaced and brought up to its former magnificent scale so that by the time the company makes its opening in 'Wellington on Boxing Day the full strength of tho Midnight Frolics' unusually large and beautiful "props" will be maintained.

It has beeu arranged by J. 0. Williamson, Ltd., that the premiere of "Frasquita" will be given in New Zealand, probably at Chris tchurch, during the tour of the Dominion by the "Katja" Company. Marie Burke will Have a very picturesque character to portray in the title role of this romantic comic opera, the music of ■which is by Franz Lehary of "Merry Widow" fame. Associated with Marie Burke will be a specially-selected cast, including B. Barrett-Lennard, Herbert Browne, Cecil Kell'away, Thelma Bur:uess, Noel Dainton, Marie Eaton, and others. The dancers will be Eobert Helpman and Sylvia Miller. Charles A. Wenman will come to New Zealand to produce "Frasquita," and Minnie Everett will also come across to '"'eraate" the ballets, dances, and arrange the ensembles.

This year Sir Benjamin Fuller and Mr. John Puller are putting up what is surely a pantomime record for any one management not only in Australia but in the world. They are staging no less than six pantomimes through the chain of theatres in Australia. These include three productions imported in their entirety from the London Hippodrome —"Jack-and the Beanstalk" at the St. James Theatre, Sydney; "Puss In Boots" at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne; and "Cinderella" at the Newtown Majestic, Sydney. The other pantomimes to be staged are "Bobinson Crusoe" at the Empire Theatre, Brisbane; "Cinderella" at - the Victoria Theatre, Newcastle; and "Mother Goose" at the Majestic Theatre, Adelaide. All tho pantomimes will be staged for the first time on Boxing Day. Grock, the world-famous French clown, has been booked for a tour of the Tivoli circuit in Australia. He receivta an amazing salary per week, and it probably the most highly paid vaudeville artist in the theatrical world today.

The objectionable person who habitually arrives late at theatres got the surprise of his life at the first night of "Mary Eose" at Melbourne King's. Dion Boucicault had given orders that latecomers should be excluded until the end of the act.

The death in Melbourne is announced of Mr. Frederick Garneti, who introduced to the public .of Australia the original "dummy-clown", act. Mr. Garnett was such a pronounced success in this role that he was always able to obtain engagements- until, ill-health overtook him a few years ago. He visited Australia under engagement to Messrs. Wirth Brothers. Mr. Garnett, •who belonged to a family of circus performers in England and America, met hia death through falling down in the Street and fracturing his thigh.

William Anderson, the famous Australian, melodrama producer, who was well known, to New Zealand playgoers of a few years ago, recently successfully closed his fifth stock seauon at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Adelaide, putting on thirty-five plays in his season of thirty-eight weeks. His company consists of Australian actors and actresses. It is the veteran's ambition to run simultaneously four stock companies in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, and to change ■(hem round every three months. The stumbling block is tho impossibility of securing theatres in Melbourne and Sydney for any length of time.

Mrs. Iva E. Hayes, who, as a child, enacted the role of Little Eva when "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was first produced on the stage, died at Spokane (U.S.) on 14th October, at the age of 73.

In the House of Commonsi, Colonel Day recently asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he was aware that two musical plays during the last twelve months had paid royalties to the American holders of tho rights amounting to £100,000. He wanted to know what income is paid on theso royalties, and suggested the introduction of legislation to tax in future these huge amounts at their source. Tho two plays were "Rose Marie" and "No, No, Nanette." To the rationalist Barries mind must for ever be a sealed book (says the Melbourne "Herald"). But to those who do not live according to the principles of pure reason ho is tho one author who, more than any other, gets to thß very heart of life. He never discovers the secret of the dark springs that flow with Buch force beneath its surface, but he does express, and in "Mary Eoso" especially, the ordinary humanity of human beings, and some of the strange aspirations and faithß that are part of their lives. Never was the genius of Barrie more spontaneously or more tenderly exhibited than in "Mary Bose." There is the homely, fcujnan touch (in. the fireside squabblo, ti tfce rival connoisseurs, pacified \>y

the gentle intervention of the housowifo); there is tho dainty freshness of early and happy love in the scenes between Mary Rose and Simon; there is tho "eerie" atmosphere of the island that likes to be visited; and there is a pathos almost too poignant for tears in the return of Mary Rose, still young, to tho parents and husband grown old, to say nothing of that wonderful scene of the son cherishing yot half-shrinking from the mother's ghost.

Vera Pearce, who is now among the loading Australian artists on the English stage, was hurriedly sent from London to Glasgow recently to play Alice Delysia's part in "Tip Toes" owing to the illness of the latter.

Reynolds Denniston is now managing tho Logan Square Theatre, Chicago, U.S.A. This enterprising New Zealandor is meeting with great success, and the Logan Square Players, which include his wife, Valentine Sidney, are giving a season o£ modern dramas and comedies, including tho famous mystery play, "The Cat and the Canary."

The French dramatic critic has traditionally been in one respect the envy of his fellows in other lands, says an exchange. The notice of a play in an English morning newspaper has usually to be written with one eye on the clock and with the fume 3of the playhouse still dizzying the brain. But .in France a "repetition generale" for the benefit of the Press and the friends of the management has for long preceded the actual first night, and with a day to think ovor the play the critic has been able to get a perspective in his view and a polish in his style that are wanting in more hasty work. Nowhowever, according to the Pairs correspondent of the London "Observer," many managements think this kindly provision is wasted. Perspective or no, they get nothing but hard words from too many of the critics. They have resolved, therefore, to let the public be the first judge and to admit the Press only after its verdict has been given. Miss Anne Nichols expects that her ,comedy-drama, "Abie's Irish Eose," which has already broken all long-run records in America, will hold out for perhaps a coupla of years more. The now affluent author of "Abie's Irish Bose" i« writing two more plays. One of them is to be a comedy and the other is semi-serious.

Sir Benjamin Fuller and Mr. John Fuller have- mapped out a pretentious programme of. attractions for their palatial St. James'a Theatre. Sydney. "Betty Lee," the popular New York musical comedy, commenced a four weeks' season on 13th November. It will be succeeded on 18th December by "Jack and the Beanstalk," the big London Hippodrome pantomime for which, a splendid cast has been assembled. Elsie Prince will appear as Jack the Giant Siller, and prominent parts will be played by Charlton Morton, Harry Burgess, Jimmy Godden, Joe Brennan, and Ida Newton. In. Melbourne, Jim Gerald, the popular comedian who has become such a firm favourite in Fuller vaudeville,'will have the chief comedy part as Billy the cat | in"Puss in Boots," .which will be staged at the new Princess Theatre, i "Jack and the Beanstalk" will be bucceeded in Sydney .by "Lady be Good," the musical comedy which has achieved as much popularity in Aus- j tralia as "No, No Nanette." "Jonahs" are as much a feature of the stage as the footlights (says a London paper). They are actors and actresses whose presence in. the cast means failure and .loss. They are not "duds'^j they are usually very able and capable performers, far above the average. They do not fail becauso they have no ability, but because they have no luck,! or are persistently pursued by ill-luck. They are . harbingers of misfortune, and managers fight shy of them. TheaI trical history is full of "Jonahs.'* All sorts of mishaps befall the players and tho play; sometimes it is a fire in the flies, sometimes the leading lady ia taken ill in the first act and the underi study has to Toad her part; sometimes j the scenery collapses and buries a few I stage hands in the canvas ruins. All these mishaps are set to the account of the "Jonah" in the cast; and once a man or woman is so labelled, all the king's horses can never put them back on the wall of success. There have even been cases of suicide from this { cause. The stigma cannot be removed, it would seem, and life becomes not worth living. The profession throws poor Jonah overboard, and there is ne'er a whale to swallow him even and convey him to tho dry; land of a mere living. '■ : i Musical Notoa. An Australian tenor whoge voice, according to Mr. John Lemmone, the noted flautist, gives promise of eclipsing even that of the late Enrico Caruso, will return from Europe next year with Dame Nellie, Melba (says the Melbourne "Herald"). On the day that Caruso died, five years ago, a San Fran-ciaco-bound steamer drew out from Sydney Harbour carrying the young Australian in quest of musical renown in the Old. World. Hia name waa Batti Bernardi, and those who had faith in his'voice claimed the coincidence to be a happy augury for the future. Since that day Bernardi has studied in many lands, and at length he has reached Paris, speaking and singing in five languages—English, French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Hearing him singing in a Parisian studio, Melba was at once enthusiastic over the young Victorian's voice. "A man with a voice of gold," she said, and Batti Bernardi's steps have been sent on the way which leads to fortune.

At Melba's instigation he has been placed under a Parisian teacher, with the view to being included in the Australian National Opera Company which Melba proposes to found when sße returns next year. Born in Ballarat 28 years ago, BernaTdi is the son of an Italian and an English mother. In 1918 he left his employment in Brunswick and secured his first engagement —in the chorus of the Eigo Opera Company. A period in the chorus of tho Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company followed, and for the greater portion of the ensuing three years he sang in the chorus of other J. C. Williamson musical entertainments. His one big opportunity came in Sydney, where he sang the title role in the concert version of "Lohengrin" with the Sydney Philharmonic Society. M. Andre Skalski, the brilliant young pianist who toured New Zealand some two years ago, has been seriously ill in Paris, according to a letter received in Christchurch recently. He is now recovering, however, and when restored to health will take up an appointment as conductor of one of the leading Paris symphony orchestras. "When last heard of, Fraser Gange, who with his wife, Amy Evans, toured New Zealand a few years back, was in the United States, doing extremely well, singing and judging as musical competitions. Our recollection of Fraser Gange is o:E a very cultured singer and one who took his work and public appearances seriously. Miss Ida Walker, formerly of Auckland, who has spent three years in tho j Melba Conservatorium, is to sing the contralto solos ia "The Messiah" at the Melbourne Auditorium this month, | besides participating in. the Christmae.i

Festival at the Melbourne Exhibition. She is to remain in Melbourne until the return from Europe of Damo Melba. Miss "Walker is a sister of Miss Laura Walker, of Auckland, who also studied at the Molba Conservatorium, and both are cousins of the famous prima donna. The Pictures. Clara Bow and Percy Marmont arc I cast as the two sides of the well-known triangle in "Mantrap," which is one of Paramount's early fifteenth birthday group leases for tho Now Year. Ernest Torrence is tho third party. "Mantrap," which has been adapted from Sinclair Lewis's latest novel, is the first story in which the author has cast aside his penchant for satirising tho American small town, and turned to a love theme. "Mantrap" is an unusual love drama, one that is decidedly far from the beaten track.

Allan Forrest has finished work on "Summer Bachelors," with Madge Bellamy in the leading feminino role. Madgo Bellamy is busy giving her impersonation of "Bertha" in the Fox production, "Bertha, the SewiiigMachine Girl," -which Fox Films are preparing for early release. "Bertha" was an old melodrama, but tho screen version, will bo far more attractive to modern audiences.

John Barrymore has one of the most complete libraries in Hollywood,. and it is while he rests there after strenuous days at the studio that he is inspired for future productions. It was there that he came upon a copy of Herman M'llviUe's "Moby Dick," and knew immediately that as a film it would be a remarkable success. "The Sea Beast," his latest production, was the result, and it won for Barryritore fresh laurels. "Don Juan," his latest production, was born, as an idea in his library, and it is announced for early release by Master Pictures. MaTy Astor and Estello Taylor support the great star in this elabroato picture of Medieval Italy.

A laborious apprenticeship in the railroad yards to equip himself with a genuine knowledge of the workings of his role was the experience of JackDaugherty, famous screen hero, who plays the leading role in "The Runaway Express," a Universal Jewel. Daugherty's labours were not in vain, for the result is a most realistic performance.. Has leading woman is Blanche Mehaffey. The;title of Raymond Griffith's latest starring vehicle in "Wet Paint." Griffiths is one of the best comedians on the screen. Paramount, having caught wind of his popularity, has given, him a complete comedy unit of* his own. Consequently "Wet Paint" may be anticipated as the very best thing that Griffith has yet given to the screeh. Helene Cogtello, daughter of tho famous screen star, and sister to Dolores, is featured along with Bryant Washburn, a man whose popularity never seems to wane.

• When the "Return of Peter Grimm" was produced as a stage play by David Belasco, some controversy was aroused regarding the spiritualistic angle of tho play. Peter returns to undo a mistake he had planned when he was ia the flesh, and disciples of Spiritualism saw in this play a confirmation of their belief that disembodied spirit returns from beyond the grave. Belasco himself took no sides in the discussion, and this is the attitude which Fox Films, who have recently produced tho film version, intend taking. A fine entertainment has been planned with no thought of exploiting Spiritualism, and nobody's beliefs will be shocked by the picture. More than the success of an established company a.nd a few artists is at stake, depending on the popularity of "For the Term o:f His Natural Life." Bather does the entire Australian film industry depend on the releasing of this film t<> inspire confidence and greater power. This great epic of the convict day and the struggling colony that was then Sydney, now almost complete^ is the greatest attempt at world marketable films ever made in this country, and it is considered the first definite step towards the producing of successful local films. "The Term of His Natural Lifo" is a Union-Master picture due for early release next year.

The announcement is made of the pieturisation of "Crimes of tho Armchair Club," the sensational series of Arthur Soiners Boche. The picture is shown under the title of "The Mystery Club," and it is produced by Universal. Director Herbert Blache has assembled an all-star cast, including Matt Moore, Edith Roberts, Mildred Harris, Charles Lane, Warner Oland, Henry Herbert, Charles Puffy, Alphonse Martell, Finch Smiles, Earl Metcalfe, Nat Car, Jed Prouty, Alfred Allen, and Sidney Bracey.

Two more names have been added to the cast of "Mother Machree," which John Ford is now making for Fox Films. These are Eodney Hildebrand and Frances Howard. Frances Howard plays the role of the sweetheart of Brian, "Mother Machree's" son, grown to manhood. The title role of the Irish mother is taken .by Belle Bennett, who wears a black wig over her blonde tresses for the part. Miss Bennett has just finished "The Lily" for Fox Films, in which she has the intensely dramatic role of the older sister who has been denied love and life in order that the whima of her selfish old father may be satisfied.

Almost a thousand miles were travelled on a railroad for the filming of "The Eunaway Express," a Universal Jewel attraction, starring Jack Daugherty and Blanche Mehaffey. The closest location embracing every need for this super-tale of the railroads was Caliente, Nevada. The 3tars are supported by a capable cast, including Harry Todd, William A. Steele, Charles K. French, Tom O'Brien, and others. Edward Sedgwick, master of outdoor ,produ> tions, directed the picture.

Harold Lloyd's latest for Paramount is "College Days," which ia at present showing in the New Zealand centres. There is no doubt that this is one tl! tJTe best pictures the famous comedian has made-for the screen, and it is bound to establish him still more popularly among his many followers. Harold Lloyd haa been signed on a long term contract with Paramount, and he will be seen in several of the fifteenth birthclay group which Paramount is releasing in New Zealand next year. These will include "For Heaven's Sake" and another story, which is at present in the course of making.

Wellington pictures-goers are looking forward, to the advent of P. C. Wren's "Beau Geste," the Paramount Picture chosen to open the new Begent. Theatre. Prom this story of the French Foreign Legion has been made one of the real screen classics of the year, and no better subject could have been found for the opening attraction, in the Regent. As a novel, "Beau Gesto" has been one of the year's best sellers, and it is prophesied that the picture will eai'n a place among pictures, similar to which the book holds in the literature of tho present yea.r. An outstanding cast was assembled for the picture Ronald Colman, Neil Hamilton,, and Ralph Forbes are cast ag the three Geste brothers, Noalj Beery is Adjutant Lejaune, and other important roles are assumed by Alice Joyce, Mary Brian, Norman Trevor, William. Powell, and "Victor M'Laglan.