Plays – Players – Pictures

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 96, 27 April 1929, Page 25

Plays - Players - Pictures

Till: SHOWS

Town Hall— . ■ Organ nccital, over.v SiAiday, 5.30 p.m. Symphony Orchestra.: 2nd May. , : : Victoria Colleße Extravaganza; Ml, Oth, and Ttli May; V ■■...-.' Concert Chamber— ' Chamber Music riayors, 9th. May. ' Gpera House— ■ "The Patsy," 3rd 'May. ■ Sir Harry Lander, IStli May. "The- Wrecker," 2'ltli May. His Majesty's—. . ' , , '.' - licvuc. '-■■,■■ .■,■: Keficnt—Vaudeville and Pictures.. Do Luxe-Theatre—Pictures. Paramount-Theatre—Pictures. King's Theatre—Pictures. Artctaft Theatre —Pictures......... . Our Theatre—Pictures. .. , Khortt's Theatre—Pictures. .. : < . • Strand .Theatre—Pictures. , Britannia Theatre—Pictures. Queen's Theatre—Pictures. Princess Theatre—Pictures. ' ' Kilblrnie Klnema—Pictures. ...

The'-NeW Plymouth Operatic Society has commenced rehearsals- on."Miss Hook of Holland.",- • The Orpheus Society, under the new conductor, Mr. Hanson Cook, will give a concert version of "Tales of Hoffinak" by Offenbach. Gladys ;Moncrief, after her Melbourne season, which should terminate in about six weeks, will proceed to Adelaide and then Perth. ' ■ . : Interesting indeed have been the experiences ; 6f Guy Routh, who plays tne t important part of Horai',o Skect in the 1 sensational 'drama, '"The 'WrecKer," which comes to'-Is'ew.w:'Zealand next month. Ho was on the stage when war broke out, and immediately joined ' the colours, serving., with the BritishExpeditionary Forces 'in France and Belgium. At the conclusion of hostilities he returned to the; stage, and was chosen for one of the big-parts in J; C. Carlyle's war drama, "Faithless.'- Hewas associated with Fred Terry' and Julia Ncilson, playing leading character Toles. One of his favourite characters is Armand ;in "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife." He was also in the cast , "Three Wise Fools" and "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney," and played the important part of Alerio in the big London revival of "Peg o' My Hearts . Many in New Zealand will remember George Henry Trader, who plays in and is producer of "Applesauce," "Pigs," and other comedies now being presented by J. C. Williamson Company, which is headed by the noted: artist 3 Buth Nugent aid Alan'Bruce., Mr. Trader was with Miss Edith Crane and Mr. Beuben . Fax in the first production in New Zealand of "Trilby," iv which ho played the important part of Zou-Zou. Later he was associated with the famous ae- . tress, Mrs. Fiske, and with Miss Maude Adams and others. ' . - "Yoivng Woodley," the drama of college life which is having' such a successful run in Australia, and will come to New Zealand later on in the year, was a success in London. "Yound Woodley" has for its central theme the love, of a college boy for the sympathetic wife of the housemaster. Without really realising what she is doing, she allows ' the youth to kiss her and proclaim his love for her. The kiss is -witnessed by her husband. To save Woodley fromexpulsion she: agrees,;.not tbcseo 'him again, and (to cure him) pretends'thatshe has no real affection for him, and was but leading him on. .What follows whon "her appalling treachery", brings the world crashing about Young Wodley's eais is told (and played) in masterly style; ■ „..,.,: The death is reported from New 1 ork of Walter Howe, who first came to Australia' from England in' 1887. He was' loading man for -Bland■■ Holtt for many years, and was succeeded by Walter Baker. Ho%ve went into management with Hilda Spong. They'tourned New Zealand in 1894, and Howe then'went • to the United States, where he acted until 1926. Orlando Daly, also- once well : known on the Australian and.New Zealand stage, died recently in America. He was with Walter Bentley, George Bignold, and J. C. Williamson. > . Harriet Bennet, who was here in "Eose Marie," is- playing in "The Wishing Well" in San Francisco. In support; , there are several players well known to Wellington audiences, including r Beginald ' Dandy, of '' Bose Marie," Basil Badford, here in'"The Ghost Train," and the Ben Travers farces; Phyllis Nicholson,' who has i been seen in many of the Puller pro- ' ductions, and Peter Gaythorne, who paid a brief visit on his way'through to America. ' •' , Gcorgo Vallaire," who supported Josie Melville in "Kid Boots," is playing in "Merry Merry" in London. "Charivaria," which, is described as an English Chauve Souris, is the legitimate successor to the Co-optimists in . - London. The company includes: Dorothy Dickson, Melville Gideoii, Billy Bennett, Joan Clarkson, Wyn Biehmond, Claude Hulbert, and Eeg. Palmer. With, her company augmented by the addition 'of two English stars, Miss Yvette- Annjng and Billy Leonard, Elsie Prince is due back for a season in New Zealand shortly. She will have an extensive repertoire to delight New • Zcalanders, .including "Good News" and her present success, "Lido Lady," ' with which-she has made^suchla won- ■ derful impression in Sydney. ; A farewell concert under the auspices of the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society >vas tendered to Mr. Birrel O'Mal- , ley, the popular young tenor The eon- ' cert was particularly well attended, there being about 3000 people present,, and the profits amounted to over iS2SO. Mr. O'Malley has-left to, study singing at Milan. A staff farewell concert in honour of Mr. O'Malley- was held, at John Court'#, Ltd. Mr. John Court said he had known Mr. O'Malley for many, years, and had watched his career ■with interest. On behalf of the directors and. staff he presented Mr. O'Malley. with' a cheque, a rug, and a travelling trunk. In reply, Mi\ O'Malley said that his trip had .beeii made pos-. siblc-largely through the generosity of ■ the firm; '. ' "Judith,'-' tlic new English opera, of which Mr. Arnold B"erinett has written the libretto and Mr. Eugeno Goos- • ,' sens the music, is .to be produced at Covent Garden during the coming season. Colonel Eustace Blois, managing director of Covent Garden Opera Syn-

dicate, discussing the production with a reporter, said: "Judith" is very modern in musical treatment and the libretto is modern, too. It is difficult in the ordinary way to find English work which we can produce during our short season at Covont Garden, but we think this opera with the libretto by a distinguished^ writer, and the- music by a young English composer has every chance of succeeding. \ The return of Marie Tempest to the West End stage and Gladys Cooper's production 'of "The; Sacred Flame" have added brilliantly to the rather exceptional amount of fine acting in London just now, writes, William Pollock in the "Daily Mail." Miss Tempest goes with superb smooth comedy through "Her Shop," owing far more to herself at closing time than .to the authors; but,. Somerset Maugham's melodrama —it follows "The Lady with a Lamp"- and "Journey's End"; as the third fine English play already staged this season—makes < the opportunities for .acting. "The Sacred Flame" ran only a fortnight or so in New York— perhaps because tho film and "mammy" songs have so glorified mothers in American minds that a . murdering mother killed its chances. But what a play it is, as done at tho Playhouse, and what acting there i 3 in it from Miss Cooper (oho of'tho best performances in her career, to my mind), Clare Eamegj Mary Jcrrold, and Eichard Bird.

If I were asked to say what are the best fifteen performances on the West End stago at the moment I would pick the following:—Marie Tempest, in "Her Shop.-' Gladys Cooper, Clare Eames, Mary Jorrold, Richard Bird, in "The Sacred Flame." Edith Evans, Gwen Ffrangcon Davies in "The Lady with a Lamp." Mary Newcomb in "Jealousy." Yvonne Arnaud, Leslie Faber, Ronald Squiro, in "By Candle Light." Ernest Milton iv "The Mock Emperor." Alice Delysia in "Her Past." Colin Clive iii "Journey's : End." Ered Terry iv "The Scarlet Pimpernel." Purposely I am leaving out of reckoning musical plays . and plays that have been running somo considerable time. Taking such pieces into account, the list, could be easily doubled, with the addition.of such names as Torn Walls, Evelyn Laye, Paul Eobeson, ■ Jack Buchanan, Hugh Wakefield, arid Marion Lome, Leslie Henson, Sidney. Howard, Binnie Hale, and Bobby Howes. And, even then, there are others. The London stage is in a pretty good way just now. ; . Memories of the best musical comedies of many years are recalled by the death'of J. A. Ef Malpne, theatrical manager and. producer, which is reported by a cable from London. For a long period Mr. Malone had been the London representative 'of J. C. Williamson, Ltd. He made an early visit to Australia in; 1895. as manager for George Edwardes of the world tour of. a complete London company from the Gaiety Theatre.'- There liad been sev-- . oral earlier visiting Gaiety companies, but they had appeared in a type of burlesque which has long vanished. All thef-members of : the company were well qualified for this class,of work. One who then made her first appearance in Australia was Grace Palotta, whose delightful'acting, was seen in several later-.visits.. -Another was., Blanche Massey, who, returned within . recent years in "The Man From Toronto."The prima donna was Decima Moore, and when there was a boy character —Lord Clanside of "In Town"—it was taken, by Florence Lloyd. Among the men were Charles 'Ryley, i earlier known in Gilbert and Sullivan;, the comedians Harry Monkhouse, W. Louis Bradfleld, Fred. Kaye, and Leedham, Bantock; and such others' as .Arthur and Cecil Hope, E. 0. Woodhouse, and Fritz Kimma. Other names were those of Mrs. Edmund Phelps, and Miss Maud Hobson, Laura Kearney; Sophie Elliott, Ethel Selwyn;.-. Clairo Leighton, \and the brilliant solo dancer Madge Bossell.' Dancers who appeared together were Maggie Crosslaud,! Lucy Murray, and-May-Lucas. The musical director was -Granville Bantock, 'since widely known not 1 only as a. conductor.-but as composer. In addition to "A Gaiety Girl" and ".In Town," the company played "The Shop Girl" and "Gentleman Joe.",' Mr. Malone, who left medical studies to become an actor and a stage manager, was associated with the productions, from 1893 to the time of Edwardes's death, and he produced for that manager at the Gaiety and Daly's many noted light musical pieces. Among these were "The Geisha," "The Circus Girl," "A Runaway Girl," "San Toy," "Kitty Grey," "The Toreador," "A Country Girl,'*?:. '•'Three Little, Maids,',' ''The Cinga-: lee,"'.'The Mqrry. Widow," "A Waltz, Dream, ""The Quaker Girl," and "The Sunshine Girl." In Australia and New Zealand these and many others became Williamson productions. Miss.lsabel Wilford plays the lead in "See a Fine Lady," produced last.; night at the "Q "■ Theatre, Kew (writes "The Post's" London correspondent; under date 19th Mai'eh). This theatre' is one of the trying-out grounds preliminary to the production of a play in the West End. The principal eharaetef is Judy Moss (Isabel Wilford), who has a soul above her Hammersmith 1 tenement. She runs away from home and becomes a very successful actress, Judith; Mosely (generally understood to be a cousin of the Northamptonshire Moselys); she falls in love with Lord Milf ord, and lives with him on' the understanding that he will marry her when* his divorce conies' through. But when, the time came,

Lord Milf ord seemed not so eager; so Judy,- deciding to have one last glorious bust-up, invited Lord Milf ord and all her other 'fine friends to supper and confronted them with her most unpresentable parents. The friends failed to survive the ordeal,' but Lord Milford did, and the curtain fell with one more King Cophetua clasping; his beggarmaid. "This, (in the words of the "Daily Telegraph'?) is one of tho oldest (and best) of plots; but just becauso it has been so often told beforo, it demands of anyone who sots out to tfll it again a. special sincerity and a special freshness. Mr. John Prosper aschews life and writes only in terms of tho theatre. His situations do notarise naturally, but are arbitrarily thrust upon.the characters. Judy is a snob, hurling he rfactory-girl origin'-.in everybody's face—as if it would matter to anybody, except to command respect; as if anybody expects successful actresses to come only of county families! Judy is "acted with spirit by Miss Isabel Wilford. Miss Helen Haye and Mr. Allan Jeayes. lead the aristocrats." The< "Daily Mail" says':f The author ■■of this 'play of. East. ( and West is Mr; ■John Prosper. 1: "None of his characters approaches -. reality. .Mr .Allen Jeayes ■acted with ease and polish as a-blase 'mau-about-town'; Miss ' Helen Hayc showed her usual.deft touch.of character;. Miss Isbel Wilford put ■ immense enthusiasm into the part; of the factory girl, and even contrived to suggest thatshe believed \ in the part. Several others of- the cast struggled gallantly, with the Cockney accent." The young English actor, Jphn Lodor, has one of-the leading roles in the latest Zane Grey story, "Sunset Pass," which will be one of the early silent picture releases. Other featured roles are played by Jack Holt and Nora Lane. George Bancroft's voice will be heard for the first time in the all-talking picture, "The Wolf of.Wall Street." The whole of the cast-including Paul Lukes, Bedanova, Nancy, Carroll, and Brandon Hurst, speak their parts. A silent version of tho ; picture was made independently of the sound production.

Matthew Betz, a well-known character actor, plays a villainous role- in the picture, "The Wedding March," in which Erich yon Stroheiin has the main role. Fay.Wray plays the feminine lead. Production is now well advanced on the all-talking picture, "The Woman Who Needed; Killing." The picture has a setting in tropical Africa, and the main roles are being played by Baelanova, Olive ■' Brook, and Neil Hamilton. A rural comedy drama such as "Widdecombo Fair" happens to be should not fail to meet with approval. It was adapted from Edin Phillpots' successful novel. Edgar Wallace's film success, "The Ringer," reached Wellington last week per s.s. Tainui. All present at a private screening of the production at. the British Dominions' Kirn Exchange were impressed by the.entertainment value of the picture and the faithful way in which the film adheres to the story of the widely-read book. Jack Buchanan, the musical comedy star, is shortly to appear in the comedy melodrama "Toni," from the pen of the playwright Douglas Furb'cr. Jack Buchanan, an Englishman, is also a fine athlete, and in "Toni" his prowess has been used to the full as the story contains'fast moving incidents from beginning to end. Howovor, apart from his athletic powers, ho is also a I comedian and provides innumerable

laughs and thrills as the young man who assumes the identity of .1 rnmous detective. The shoit and dangerous caicer oi the Polynesian ppail-cUvcr iumishes ouo of tho most interesting scones loi "Whito Shadows in tho South Seas," which will be released shortly. If over a pictuis has been filmed that has eveiything—a locale nevei phofogiaphed before, actors who ha\c ne\er boon seen on the screen before, a plot that is new and almost radical —this picture ihns them all.: Mpnto Blue and Baquel Tories are in the cast. The Swedish s>tai Lars Hansen has. been chosen to play the role of "Tho Informer," -which is adapted tor tho screen tioin Liam O'Flaherty's novel of the same nanie. "The Doctor's Seciet," an all-talking production, leceived its Austiahan premiere at the Capitol Theatio, S)dnoy. on oth Apul. 11. B. Waniei, John Lodci, Buth Cnatteiton, Ethel Wales, Bobcil .Ddeson, and Wilfnd Noy head the cast. "The Shop Worn Angel" is one of the early sound pietuie leloases in Aus tralia. The main roles are played by Naucy Can oil, Paul Lukas, and Bichaid Arlen. Miss Carroll sings the theme song, "Just a Little Thing Called Love," during the picture. "Dawn" has now been shown in. every part of the British Empire save New Zealand. A British motion-picture production that is causing quite a stn in film circles m England, Fiance, and Geimany is "The Silent House," which reproduces the cngiossing story of the novel of that title. The London '.'Daily Mail" writes of it as "a pietuic that challenges the stage." ; Although the director contrives to keep the onlookci intei^tcd in flic stoij, it is Anna Maj 'Wong's •ictiiig that leally mattcis. in "Show Lite." Whethei it bo a diamatie situation, a pathetic scene, or a touch of comedy, she makes each episode a perfect study. Warwick Deeping, the authoi of "Sorroll and Son," who ,has co-operated in the production of "Kitty," says: "My book hag been picturised with unusual respect to its authoi's feelings, and no trouble or expense has been spaied by the director ia his efforts to bring tho story to the screen in its correct atmosphere." The picture, which was produced amidst the picturesque settings of one of the charming beauty spots on the banks of tho Hivcr Thames, stars Estolle Brody and' John Stuart. Bichard Dixs next picture to be seen iv Australia is "Bedskin." It is an all-colour production and has a complete musical synchronisation, sound effects, and songs. In "Bedskin," Dix plays his first Indian role ' since "The Vanishing Bace." Emil Jannings will be heard singing ian operatic song in. "Sins of the Fathers,"- his next picture.- Euth. Chatterton plays the f eminino lead, and Barry Norton, Joan Arthur, and Lano Chandler are featured. Mary Astor is the star in "Now Year's Eve," and is supported by Arthur Stone and Marjorie Beobo. Something novel in the realm of murder mysteries is' promised with the latest all-talking feature, "Thru' Different Eyes." The story unfolds for the audience through the eyes of the prosecuting , attorney, the defence lawyer, and a girl of mystery. Warner Baxter aud Mary Duncan' have tho leads. Both these players were seasoned before- the footlights beforo entering upon their careers in the silent films. , Norma Shearer assumes tho first "crook" role of her career in "A Lady of Chance," which will be show.n shortly, ■In this picture, which is crammed full of romance and mystery, Miss Shearer plays the role of a telephoneoperator in a New York hotel, manages to acquire a goodly portion of the wealth of flirtatious old inon who cannot understand that there might be a catch when a beautiful girl seems to fall in love with them. Johnny Mack Brown—that good-looking young leading man—Gwen Lee, and Lowell Sherman are seen in support of Miss Shearer in this production. Ono of the most dramatic incidents in "Chinatown Nights," the picture previously titled "Tong War," is a firework riot in a Chineso theatre. The riot is ■an historical fact. Under cover of the noise, five notorious "Tong men" are killed. Wallace Beery, Florenco Vidor, and Warner Oland play the leading roles in the picture, which has talking and silent versions.