Plays-Players-Pictures

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 56, 9 March 1929, Page 25

Plays-Players-Pictures

Mr. Ernest Uolls stated to a Sydney

paper recently that the new company in which ho 33 associated witl'i Mr. Georgo Marlow liail practically completed arrangements to build a new theatre in Melbourne. Three shifts of workmen arc to be -mployeil in demolishing tho premises now occupying th * site and constructing the new building, for Mr. Rolls has determined to ' havo tho theatre ready in timo to transfer to it in Juno "Clowns in Clover,' tho musical piece with which the- company will begin its operations , in Sydney next month at the Empire. TLo new Melbourne theatre is to cosf. more than £80,000. The spacious circle and the stalls will seat, between them 2400 people. ' The equipment of the theatre" provides for comfortable lounges and for a cafe. The stage mea•ures 50ft by 80ft, and will bo suit : able for musical productions on a large scale. The style of decorations has 'not .yet been decided upon.'''but it will probably be Egyptian, with'an "atmospheric" vaulted roof such as Sydney poople have become familiar with in the Capitol Theatre. Upon the decorative scheme depends the theatre's name. Mr. Rolls said also that negotiations Wore proceeding as a result of which |fco Grand Opera House in Sydney might be redecorated at a cost of £10,----000, and made the sceuo of somo elaborate musical productions. Tho forthcoming concert season will sec a new pianist added to the list of pianistic geniuses that have Visited Australia. Alexander Brailowsky has played , in practically every country of importance since his debut in Paris in 1919, excepting Australia. Brailowsky, was born in Kiev in 1896, and received his.first lesson from his father, a reputed professor of music, amplified with studies 'at the' Kiev Conservatoire. Later he went to, Vienna and studied with tho famous Leschetvkzy. . During the war ho lived with his family ia Switzerland, and furthered his studies with Busonil. Later in Paris ho had the benefit of lessons from Moszwoski ■ and Francis Plante. His first appearance in P,aris created a furore, and. ha eventually played the whole of Chopin's works in a series of six concerts. The New World, tho Mecca of the musician to-day, began to call Brailowsky. Brailowsky is a great favourite; inEngland, and has played repeatedly in London and the principal towns of Great Britain. Last year ho toured the whole of Germany,, and is at present engaged on his fifth American tour. Ho,makes his first appearance in Australia at tho Sydney Town Hall on Saturday, 18th May, under the direction of E. J. Carroll. It is strange to read of the Schubert Centenary having been celebrated in Japan. Accounts have reached England of two ■ concerts given in| the Grando Theatro Takaradzuka and a third in 'the Moyen Theatro Takaradzuka. Masdaines Huzieff and Karasalowa and M. ■ Loechner were, tho principal singers, collaborating with the Osaka Choral Socioty. A suggestion has been made in Christchurch musical circles that the Cathedral City inaugurate a musical festival. The matter was proposed by, Mt-. W. H. Rose, vice-president of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society at the society's reception to its new conductor, and if the idea is carried out, it is expected such a festival would do more for music in Canterbury, and the Dominion as a whole, than all the competitions held. From the jute mills >on the Clyde to a Knight of the British Empire is Sir Harry Lauder|s achievement. All the world has paid tribute to his art, and it is generally conceded that he has no "equal in the world to-day. Sir. Harry is to make his tri-anmtal farewell tour of New Zealand, commencing at Auckland on 17th April, j when" ho will be supported by a new company ■of international artists.. Mr. X J. Carroll, tho well-known entrepreneur, • who has been associated with Sir Harry for over twenty years, will again direct iho business side. ' '.'The Flying Squad," the Edgar ■Wallace drama, .which was recently presented for the first time in Australia, ■ will be seen in tho Dominion. The play will be staged in New Zealand ini-. mediately after the Australian season. The cast of "Young Woodley" (which will introduce a new English Company to Australia and New Zealand) contains a large number of high-standard artists, including Natalio Moya, Frank Boyde, Lowis Shaw, George Preston, Michael MacOwau, and others. \ It has 1 been definitely decided that "The Patsy, 1' with dainty Irene Homer in the name part, will be the Easter attraction at Auckland, after which a tour of* New Zealand, will be undertaken. "The Patsy" has proved one of the most • successful comedies ever introduced to Australian audiences. "The Midnight Frolics" (one of, the best variety companies which has visited the_ Dominion for some time) has mapped out the following for the North fsland i tin crary t-r^-Wel-lington, 26th March to 13th April; Ma3terton, 15th and 16th April; Hastings, 17th, 18th, 19th April; Gisborne,-20th to 24th Aprilj Wairoa, 25th April; Napier, 26th to 29th April; Waipukurau, 30th April; Dannevirke, Ist May; Palmerston North, 2nd to 4th May; Wanganui, 6th and 7th May; Hawera, Bth May; New sPlymomuth, 9th and 11th May; Hamilton, 14th May; Auckland, 15th to 23fd May. A large audience, though not one that completely filled the Oamaru. Opera House, greeted tho second performance of "The Man from Toronto," by Mr. , Stanley Warwick and his' well-trained company ,of Oamaru amateurs (states ' tho "Mail"). . And it was an audience thrilled with delight and kept in a continuous state of merriment, for the comedy i 3 smartly written and;replete with exceedingly, droll and laugh-ter-generating situations, and it weut with an easy swing from beginning to end. Then, too, it was remarkably well presented, all tho very varied characters finding good exponents, and the striking tableaux being developed in a natural manner, nothing being forced or overdone. Indeed, it can bo said'in all sincerity that we have witnessed worse presentations of comedy by somowhat pretentiqus professional companies; The season of the Georgo Wallace Kcvue Company alj tho St. James Theatre, Auckland, has run now iuto some twelve weeks, and as yet there has been no definite dn£f fixed for his doparturc. It is expected he will remain on until April at the earliest. Brailowsky, the Russian pianist, who will commence a-season at the Towii Hall, Sydney, on 18th May^ is considered by many American critics to be the greatest Chopin flayer of the day. "One of the Best," a British film, is a story that breathes the old-time spirit of the Army, its rigid discipline, and the severe punishment meted out to wrongdoers. The picture provides mili tary scenes which have never been bettered. .The big scenes of tho court martial and the .^drumming out of" a regiment aro impressive. "One of the Best" is popular melodramatic entertain"; 'ent Alice White has been given the leading role in several sound features. Her voice is said to be outstandingly musical, and, in her first synchronised picture Miss W^liitc was called upon to do mrich solo singing and dancing. TimiM'Coy will be seea shortly in "Morgan's Last Eaid." The now story is Van historical romance dealing with the adventures of Morgan, raider and

hero of tho South. M'Coy plays the rolo of a young officer in the Clivil War. Dorothy Sebastian plays the horuine, and a charming love atory is set amid battle and adventure.'

"Tho Canary Murder Case" was put into production recently as an ontalking picture, '.'he silent version rus beon complotcd. William Powell will again,-play the role of the detective Philo Vance in the dialogue production. Other members of the cast remain the same, including James Hall, Jean Arthur, and Louise Brooks.

The production of Warwick Deepiug's famous novel "Kitty" amidst the picturesque and natural settings of one of the most charming beauty spots on tho banks of the, river Thames, makes this latest British attraction of more than usual interest. . It is interesting to loam' that the rights of this book were obtained in the face of keen competition' from -America. Like his other great >novel, "Sorrell and Son," this latter work of Warwick Deeping 'a is a world wide best seller.

",The Charlatan, "which'as a Broadway play was produced by Adolph Klauber at the Times Square Theatre, will be made as a sound picture. Two important additions have been made to tho cast "The Charlatan." They "are Holmes Herbert, who plays the title role, and Rose Tapley, who is returning to the screen after an absence of several years. /

"Ginsberg' the Great" features George Jesscl. In the cast are Audrey Ferris, Gertrude Astor, Douglas Gcrrard, Jack Santoro, f Theodore Lerch. Jimmie Quinn, and Stanley Sauford. "Ginsberg the, Great" details tho adventures 1 of a tailor's apprentice who joins a carnival .with tho intention of winning fame and fortune.. Ho is impressed as "Jo-Jo, the Dog-faced Boy," "Tho Bearded Lady," and Sleight-of-hand trickster. He inadvertently witnesses a robbery, croaks the crooks temporarily, 'and wins a reward. One of the most interesting and entertaining of the new British films Jo be released in this country is Mabel'Poul-. ton's latest picture, "Wild Cat Hetty." The story concerns a-handsome young scientist, who, through unusual circum-j stances, meets Hetty, a product of,the London Slnms. He becomes obsessecl' with the idea that environment and his scientific efforts will make a lady out of Hetty; 1 His experiences lead' to some very amusing situations, with which is mingled.a suggestion of pathos.. Mabel Poulton, as" Hetty, once more proves her ability ,as a screen actress, aud Eric Bransby Williams, as the lover, shows a keen sepse of rofined acting. '

Bebc Daniel's latest picture, "What a Night,"'is now' being titled, and edited. Neil Hamilton plays tWmale lead- .■; Karl Dane' and George K. Arthur are partners iin crime as well as comedy in "Brotherly Love."

(1) "Grand March"—from Tannhauser" (Wagner); (2) "Coronation March —f rom "The Prophet" (Meyerbeer). Played by tho Royal Guards Band. This is a-record that is bound to please the multitude. Good stirring music from the pens of Wagner and Meyerbeer, it is bravely put forward by the Royal Guards .Band. They attack, the music deftly and vigorously and ahow considerable musical insight in the carefully' held balance between instrument and instrument. Tho tone has a crisp military "bite," chiefly in the brass. Good use of the percussions gives a dramatic colour to the whole. Well recorded and exceptionally'well played. ,'

An important rolo in Clara Bow's next production, "The Wild Party," will -be.played by Marcelinc Day. Fredric March will be Miss Bow's leading man. Other members of the cast are Jack, Oakie, Shirley O 'Hara, and Jack Luden. , In the. "Mysterious Lady," Greta Garbo brings fresh triumphs to the screen. In this new production she achieves new heights' in character delineation and again demonstrates her ability to surround an unusually unresponsive role with sympathy. As the beautiful Russian spy in this drama ,of European military intrigue, Miss Garbo plots the downfall of a young enemy officer who has fallen in.loye with-her. Conrad Nagel, as the dashing Austrian cavalryman whos,e trust was violated, gives'a remarkable performance as the lover. ' '