FOOTLIGHT FLASHES

Evening Star, Issue 19411, 20 November 1926, Page 17

FOOTLIGHT FLASHES

The third offering hy the Elton Black Town Topic Revue Company is entitled ‘A Week’s Pleasure,’ and it upholds its title, as the show consists of numerous bright comedy sketches, dance scenas, and concerted items. Elton Black will present a “ real Scotch ” number; Charles Sherman will be seen in some entertaining work at the piano; a dance divertissement will be presented by the Imperial Three; and the combined efforts of the company will be some novel and original song and dance scenas.

‘ Betty Lee,’ which went up at Fullers’ St, James Theatre } Sydney, on Saturday. November 13, is designed to keep winter and blue noses away. It is full of sunshine poured ,in by the limes through amber gelatine, slides, roses produced by the scenic and property departments, and pretty girls who are only responsible for their loveliness to Master Greasepaint and their maker. This scene is laid on the Texan and Mexican border, and Madge White tests her ingenuity as an ingenue who has never looked on men with anything more than the demure gaze of a button seller.

Ada Reeve plays Adelaide at Christmas, and opens a New Zealand tour early in 1927. Sir Frank Benson talks of coming to Australia. He started his English autumn tour in September at Ipswich with an alluring repertoire for the first week, consisting of ‘ The School for Scandal,’ ‘Julius Ctesar,’ ‘She Stoops to Conquer,’ ‘Hamlet,’ ‘The Rivals,’ ‘The Merchant of Venice,’ and ‘ Twelfth Night.’ Robert Chisholm, the Australian baritone, who was hero in ‘The Maid of the Mountains ’ —he played the part of Beppo—is touring in American vaudeville. He is now a “headliner.”

The Harris Family of instrumentalists, who were recently on the Fuller circuit, have been engaged as the permanent orchestra at His Majesty’s Theatre, Wanganui.

The Hamilton Choral Society, under Mr Harold Piper, is_ practising ‘ The Messiah ’ for production in December. Jascha Heifetz, who is to tour Austral a next year, recently underwent an operation for appendicitis. He is making a good recovery in Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. Little Tich, the famous London comedian, is booked for the Tivoli in Melbourne on December 6, and later he may visit New Zealand.

Joseph Cunningham and his English Comedy Company, headed by Mias Ziilah Bateman, will play ‘ The Unfair Sex/ ‘Eliza Comes to Stay/ ‘The Sports of Kings/ and ‘ Outward Bound ’ in the cities and important provincial towns of New Zealand. The whole tour is limited to ten weeks, as the company is due to open in Melbourne on February 5 of next year. Litigation has been instituted on behalf of Adelaide Mary Cotton, professionally known as Ada Reeve, theatrical artist, against Eric Edgley, Clem Dawe, Richard White, and Dorothy White, actors and actress, for an injunction restraining them from an alleged infringement of the performing rights of ‘ Spangles/ The applicant is also seeking to restrain them from performing a part of ‘ Spangles/ known as ‘ Telephone Booth at C ’ and ‘ Telephone Exchange.’ The Stanley M‘Kay Pantomime Company will return to Now Zealand in December. The company includes Misses Ruth Rucknall, Maudio Stewart, Laurie M'Leod, Yvonne Marella, May Brooke, Zetta and Marjorie Abrahams, Messrs Walter George, Frank Perryn, Arthur Meredith, Ernest Barraclough, and Arthur Harrison, and the Eleven Rascals. Mr Walter George’s little revues, which he gave on the Fuller circuit— ‘ The King of Dunnowhereski,’ ‘The Orange Girl/ ‘ My Geisha Girl’— will ho produced, as well as several pantomimes. Most of us will remember Frank Freeman for his interpretation of juvenile lead in lan Hay’s comedy, ‘Tilly of Bloomsbury/ That was back in 1920, and after the New Zealand tour he played Baldassare, the bandit, in practically the whole of the Australian season or ‘ The Maid of the Mountains/ Mr Freeman is now in the Galsworthy play at the Ambassadors in London, ‘ Escape/ under Leon M. Leon’s management, and afterwards he is to play in a new piece from the pen of the same actor-producer. Mr Ronald Riley, an English actor, well known to New Zealand theatregoers, is at present in Auckland, having recently been on tour with the Denis Kehoe Company. Mr Riley has played many parts during his lengthy stay in Australia under engagement to different companies, and can adapt himself with ease to a wide variety of character studies.

[By LOITERER.]

people of flm Stag© mrit Senes ssrd oa tire latest recorded Mosk.

Recently Leslie Henson, the famous comedian, stated that England’s best comedians came from Lancashire. The fact is that most of the best comedians come from London. The odds are about stol in its favor. There _is Mr Henson himself, who was born in Netting Hill Gate, and there are also miide Gay, Gertrude Lawrence, Henry A. Lytton (the Gilbert and Sullivan comedian), George Graves, Stanley Lupino, Heather Thatcher, Ernest Thesiger, Gene Gerrard, Huntley Wright, Clifford Mollison, Athene Sevier, Olga Lindo, George Grossmith, W. H. Berry, A. W. Baskcomb, Marie Tempest, Sonnie Halo, Cyril Maude, and Charles Chaplin. Paul De Bur, who is now appearing at Fullers’, is known throughout the world as “ The Paper King.” Paper is his specialty. Ballet girls 1 He cau turn them out in dancing rows of a dozen. He can turn out Charlie Chaplins by the hundred, and turn them out joined up in circles. _ And he can turn out the most intricate _ designs, with whatever reading is desired. To De Bur it is easy. He can cut his papers behind his hack and bring forth a wonderful design. His is one of the most novel turns on the stage. Oscar Asche showed wisdom in choosing his stage pame. His full name, as stated by him recently in London, is John S'tanger Heiss Oscar Asche. “ John Ascho ” might have been fairly effective, and “Stanger Asche” (recalling “Spranger Barry” of the eighteenth century) would have been noticeable; but the name which ho decided to use was better for the purpose than either. On the stage there is a good deal in a sounding name. Gregory Ivanoff, the Russian violinist, appearing with Edgley and Dawe’s Midnight Frolics at Fullers’ Opera-house this week, comes of a very musical family. His father is a professor -at King.’s College, Canterbury, and he has two brothers, both talented instrumentalists, and well known in Europe, ono a violinist and the other a ’cellist. Ho holds the degree of M.A., entered the Conservatoire of Moscow, and in 1899 secured the first prize offered by that institution. He has appeared with great success as a solo violinst in Paris and London, and has also performed with distinction in Petrograd, Odessa, Sevastopol, and_ other places. M. Ivanoff served a term _of two years in the Russian army with t.be Life Guards, being the solo violinist of the orchestra provided by that corps, and had the honor _ of playing before the late Tsar’s family and tho Grand Duke Nicholas.

On September 30 the ‘ Ghost Train ’ registered its 400th performance in London. Of this number 236 were given in the Prince of Wales Theatre, and the rest at the Garrick Theatre, tho boards of which it was expected to occupy until mid-January. _ Manager H. X. Cohen reports that business continues good, and that the returns from the companies on tour are, highly satisfactory. The piece has met with an excellent reception in Holland, and it is to bo played in rho Far East, the West Indies, aud South Africa. It is sure to find its way eventually to Australia under the J.C.W. banner.

Dunedinitcs will be interested in the success of Mr John Kirbv, who made his debut in Sydney on the Fuller circuit, and is now singing at the Winter Garden in London, where ho is drawing £6O per week. No singer hailing from the dominions has made such rapid strides as Mr Kirby, for whom a great future is predicted. He is the eldest son of Mr John F. Kirby, who will bo remembered as head stevedore for the Union Steam Ship Company at Dunedin in the early nineties. Changes from time to time in the Christian names favored by actresses were a subject of comment on October 16 {says the ‘Argus’). A correspondent, “M.V.8.,” shows a considerable acquaintance with the Australian stage of the past and of recent years by adding surnames to many of the Christian names of Australian and visiting actresses which were mentioned. “M.V.B.’s” list includes the following, arranged alphabetically: —Ada Lester, Ada Reeve, Ada Farrar, Ada Lee (sister of Jennie Lee), Agnes Thomas (mother of Eily Malyon), Aggie Kelton, Alice Lingard. Alice Wooiridgo, Alice Barnet, Alice Deorwyn (mother of Beatrice Holloway), Alma Santon, Annie Taylor, Annie Mayer, Annie Man, Beatrice Day, Beatrice Holloway, Beryl Faber, Bessie Major, Blanche Stammers, Blanche Lewis, Henry Bracy), Clara Clifton, Constance Deorwyn (Mrs Richard Stewart), Cora Urquhart Potter (Mrs Brown Potter), Daisy Belmore, Daisie Coppin, Demica Moore, Docy Stewart, Docy Mannering, Dora Santon, Edith Crane (the first Australian Trilby), Ellen Terry, Elsa May, Emclio Melville, Emma Fischer, Emma Chambers, Emma Temple, Essie Jenyns, Ethel Irving, Fanny Read, Fanny Ward, Fanny Robina, Fannie Liddiard, Flora Anstead, Flora Graupner, Florence Young, Florence Trevelyan (Mrs Robert Brough), Florrie Esdaile, Florrie, Gjeeson, Frances Ross, Gertrude Elliott (Lady Forbes-Robertson), Gertrude Wilmot (Mrs Maesmoro Morris), Grace Palotta, Gracie Warner (daughter of Charles Warner), Gracie Plaisted, Harrie Ireland, Henrietta Watson, Hilda Spong, Ida Osborne, Isabel Walker. Irene Vanbrugh, Irene Browne (recently in ‘ No, No, Nanette,’ in London), Ivy Moore, Janet Achurch, Jennie Lee, Jenny Watt-Tanner, Jenny Nye, Jenny Bryce, Jessie Grey (who was Griolet, the drummer boy, in ‘ Tambour Major ’ before Nellie Stewart took up the part), Kate Bishop. Mr Geo. Walters, who has been caretaker of His Majesty’s Theatre for the past ten years, and in the employ of the Fuller firm for fifteen years, is relinquishing the post to enter business on his own account. Mr Walters has been well and favorably known' by visiting players and managements, and is equally well-known as an ardent motorist and motor cyclist. “ The outstanding performance was that of Miss Kate Campion as Marguerite,” says the Wellington ‘Post, in reference to the appearance recently of the Auckland singer in the Wellington Royal Choral Society’s production of ‘ Faust.’ “ She sang her part with enthusiasm, with vitality, freshness, and a clear enunciation. Her soprano tones had beauty and breadth, with a leaning towards the dramatic. Her interpretation of the ‘ Jewel Song ’ and ‘ O’er the Sea in Thule of Old ’ were conspicuously beautiful pieces of singing, and showed a sympathetic grasp of the character. _ Miss Campion rarelj consulted tho musical score, and in this she was in striking contrast to Mr Drake, the tenor.

SGKENUKD JOTTINGS Cable advice has 'been received from John W. Hicks, jun., Paramount Australasian managing director, to_ the effect that the month of March will be celebrated as Paramount’s _ fifteenth birthday month greater movie season. This event will be by a campaign,, and it will be participated in by exhibitors throughout Australia and New Zealand. The popular Hoot Gibson’s many admirers will see him in a great race in ‘ The Arizona Sweepstakes,’ to bo released shortly. This class of western thriller never seems to grow old. There is every evidence that Zane Grey’s ‘The Vanishing Race,’ now at the Empire, is to have a record run. It was the intention of the Paramount Company to withhold the release _of this picture until next year,_ but owing to the fact that that production is working at such high pressure in the United States and that Paramount have so many big pictures, including' ‘ Beau Gesto,’ ‘The Sorrows of Satan,’ and ‘ Old Ironsides ’ on the way, it was decided to pre-release this picture in New Zealand.

Antonio Moreno is the dashing, handsome hero in ‘ Beverly of Graustark,’ the screen version of M'Cutcheon’s novel. Creighton Hale is the real prince and Marion Davies proves herself a clever comedienne.

‘Over the Hill,’ the Fox success of some years ago, has been re-issued, and in its now form will shortly be seen in New Zealand. Few picturegoers will forget the work of Mary Carr as tho mother in this wonderful old play. ‘Moana’ Paramount’s wonderful film of Samoa, New Zealand’s mandate in the Southern Seas, was screened privately to a number of prominent persons in Wellington last week. _ The screening was held in the projection theatre of the Government Department of Internal Affairs, and there was 'present Sir Maui Pomaro (Minister in charge of Cook Islands), the Hon. R. A. Wright (Minister of Education), the Hon. G. J. Anderson (Minister in Charge of Publicity), Mr J. D. Grey (Secretary of Internal Affairs), and representatives of ohe New Zealand Government Publicity Office; also Lady Pomare. The film * Moana ’ proved to be a most interesting story of the scenery, life, and customs of _ the Samoan people. Tho picture will bo released throughout New Zealand at any early date by Paramount. Some of the most lavish creations in women’s wearing apparel ever presented on the screen is seen in ‘ Monte Carlo,’ the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, which is about to be released in New Zealand. ‘ Monte Carlo ’ is an excellent comedy drama that deals with the adventures of three small town girls at the world’s greatest gambling casino. They have won their trip to Europe by way of a popularity contest, and their adventures on tho Riviera are hilariously displayed. Roy D’Arcy and the inimitable Karl Dane are featured with Lew Cody and Gertrude Olmstead. To satisfy the tremendous demand for Dolores Costello, the sensational screen find of the year, Warner Bros., discoverers of this star, announce that she will appear in a series of pictures on their 1926-27 programme, which Master Pictures will distribute throughout Australasia. Miss Costello is the newest and brightest personality on tha screen, and lias been put under a longterm by Warner Bros. Her performances in tho first two productions in which she played important parts won her instant approval. ‘ Beau Geste,’ tho namo of tho mystery story written by P. C. Wren and filmed by Herbert Brenon, translated from the French means “ gallant gesture.” Because Wron has given the title of this story of the French Foreign Legion a _ double meaning, no littlo confusion has resulted by some motion picture and reading public as to its exact significance. Tim story centres around the sacrifices of a young Englishman for those he loves. As the story unfolds it becomes increasingly evident that his actions are a “ gallant gesture ” —a real gentleman’s efforts to unravel the unfortunate situation in the household of his aunt. Mabel Normand has completed her third Hal Roach comedy, 4 The Nickel Hopper.’ It relates the ludicrous adventures of an instructor, or percentage girl, in a public dance hall, and Mabel has Theodore Von Eltz as her leading man. It was made under the personal supervision ol F. Richard Jones, director-general of the Hal Roach Studios, who, incidentally, directed nearly all of Mabels former successes, including ‘ Mickey,’ 1 Molly o,’ ‘ Suzanna,’ etc. Mabel is elated over the fact that her next comedy is to consist largerly of “ water stuff,’ at which she is very proficient. Her first Roach comedy, ‘ Raggedy Rose,’ will be released by Pathe this month. Australasian Films, Ltd., have bought the old American schooner Inca for use in the filming of tho picture based on Marcus Clark’s ‘ For the Term of His Natural Life.’ The vessel will be fitted up to represent tho old convict ship, Success. After playing her part in the film it will be necessary that the vessel be taken to sea and blown up, thus providing the necessary realism for a film subject which promises to bo easily tho most ambitious yet turned out in Australia. Lou Tellegen, George O’Brien, and Joan Renee appear in the leads in ‘The Silver Treasure,’ the Fox adaptation of tho blazing, tropical romance, ‘ Nostromo,’ from the pen of the late Joseph Conrad. George O’Brien, as Nostromo, the heo of tho story, has a part which is well suited to his dramatic and athletic ability, for the hero of the tale is a leader of the cargadores, a man of prodigious strength, and the idol of the girls of the village. Nostromo and his band have the trust of the of sil ■ ver which Sotillo and his bandits are endeavoring to appropriate. Legend has it that whoever touches the treasure becomes obsessed with avarice, and even Nostromo himself does not escape the taint. However, the love of the girl for whom he wanted the silver treasure prevents him from becoming a thief, while his courage and daring enable him to overpower Sotillo and his gang. (This, of course, is very different from the story.),

RECORDED MUSIC An interesting, strongly rhythmic Jota by Da Falla is well sung by Tito Schipaj on the reverse is a “Madrigal Espanol ’ by Huerto, a very pleasaat record if played ■ with a fibre ndfcdie; most of ther modem records on a modern cabinet machine demand fairly soft needles.

Hardly any musician of note is omitted from Columbia’s enterprises, and the company did gramophonists good service in recording examples of the art of ignaa Friedman. This. Polish pianist, little, known by name in this part of the world, has a groat European reputation, and long before the war was recognised as one of the finest pianists of his generation.' He recently came before musical London, captivating with his rendering of the Chopin ‘ Sonata in B Minor,’ among other classic works. This one, by the way, is now here in the form of three records (L 1695-97), having been wonderfully played by that great Australian pianist, Percy Grainger,. Friedman’s single record (L 1750) ■—all who have it look forward to others —gives Hummel’s ‘ Rondo in E Flat Major ’ and Gaertuer’s ‘ Viennese Dance, No. 1 ’ —both exquisitely played, and demonstrating a marvellous technique and a subtlety in tone, and fingering that betrays the real virtuoso. The Gramophone Company’s (H.M.V.) latest issue includes Nellie Melba’s “ farewell ” at Covent Garden Opera, represented by her singing of Mirai’s good-bye song and the artist’s own speech. The late season was also utilised for recording Chaliapine in Boito’s ‘ Mefistofole ’ duxlng an actual performance. There is a gain of actuality, as when the singer stamps a foot to emphasise a dramatic point, but extraneous noise more frequently detracts from the musical quality than adds to it. The shifting positions or the stage, too, seem to affect the consistency of the recording by, presumably, fixed or less mobile instruments, it is quite different in the case of concert room performances, as Has already been shown in numerous orchestral and choral records, and again in the reproductions irom the .Royal Choral ,Society's singing of oratorio at the Royal Albert Hah. There is in the Jatwtr case that sense pi spaciousness and of weigUt witnout noise.

W agners ‘ 0 Star of Eve ’ from ‘ Tannnauser,’ is the subject of several Columbia issues, vocal and instrumental. This delicious air has never been heard to greater advantage than as a 'cello solo played by tne incomparable Pablo Casals, with orchestra (ViibU). Jiis string tone is maguincently caught by the recorders in every subtle shade of tone ana tune. Coupled with it is the very beautiful Evening Song ’ from the greatest of ail “ romantic ” composers, Scnnmann. Delicate and full of expression and meaning, this lovely air is brought out by Casals with all tho linesse and artistry of a really great player. A big dance music selection is otimed by ii.M.V. it includes tho Pavoy Urpheans m ‘ I’ve Got Those Wanna Go Home Again Blues ’ and ‘ Mysterious Eyes,’ ‘The Prisoner’s Song’ and ‘By the Waters of Perkiomeu,’ “ Just Drifting,’ with ‘ i Wonder' waltz by tho Havana Laud oh the other side. Each band is also associated with Mr Pete Mandeli, tho Havana Band in ‘Take Tour Pick’ and the Orphoans in ‘Get Going.’ Jack Hylton's orchestra has a ‘Lady Be Good ’ medley (as well as the selection already mentioned), ‘ Flours d’Amour ' (Padilla) and ‘ Nothing Else to Oo,’ ‘ Thanks lor the Buggy Rido ’ and ‘ When ton See That Aunt,’ and a fox-trot medley of Leslie Stuart's songs that will bring memories back to old-timers. Then there are the KitCat Baud in 4 \Vho Loved You Best?’ and ‘ I’m Still in Love With You,’ fox-trots like most of the rest; the Rio Grande Tango Baud in 4 Milonguita ’ and ‘ El Dormiton,’ tangos, and rUe Savoy Tango Orchestra in ‘ Matador,’ and the Urpheans in ‘ Barcelona,’ two one-steps on one disc. Scotch and Irish Columbia records will be found attractive, for they are of the type that unfailingly appeals to a wide public, and each is typical of the dance and music spirit of their country of origin, in the Scottish section there is tho GleneagJes Hotel Band playing ‘ Gieenagles Eightsome Reel,’ two parts (9098), and ‘Fantasia on Scottish Airs,’ two parts (9099). Laidlaw Murray, a very capable baritone, sings into 3,966, ‘ My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose ’ and ‘ John Anderson, My Jo,’ and into 3967, ‘ Wi’ a Hundred Pipers ’ and 4 Oh, Bring. Tae Mo a Pint o’ Wine.’ Irish music essentially suggests art and poetry, as well as music, and to hear W. F, Watt sing 4 Tho Fairy Tales of Ireland ’ and 4 Little Town on Quid County Down ’ is to live for a few moments in a real ould Irish setting. The singer gets the atmosphere unmistakably, and has a pleasant voice and good diction. This Irish disc is to shortly arrive; the others are here. The new recording may be responsible for the appearance of old favorites in song and orchestral performance. Peter Dawson is responsible for ‘ ''Tie Prologue’ from ‘I Pagliacci,’ and tho two sides of the disc contain tho whole of tho orchestral section connected with ‘ Tho Prologue, ’ which enhances die successful singing of Peter Dawson. And next comes the first two examples of ‘ Four Indian Love Lyrics ’ —‘ Less than the Dust ’ and ‘ The Kashmiri Love Song,’ of Amy Woodforde-Fin-den, and played by Do Groot and tho Piccadilly Orchestra. It is onatural to assume that these new recordings will replace what have gone before. Gilbert and Sullivan at home—at anybody’s home where there is a gramophone. That is one of the commonplace miracles the gramophone has made possible. Tho leading companies have each produced complete sets of records of these immortal operas, and maybe there is little to choose between one make and another. An advantage that the Columbia set does enjoy, liowever, is that reproduction on these non-scratch records lends an added charm to lyrics and music that have no parallel. ‘ Tho Mikado ’ provides material for four Columbia discs—223, vocal gems; and 994, selections; and 3327, tho famous ‘ Tit Widow ’ and 4 Flowers That Bloom ' songs. ‘ The Gondoliers ’ coatriubtes three: 1883 and 979, selections; 3335, ‘ There Lived a King ’ and ‘ln Enterprise of Martial Kind’ vocal), Then there’s ‘ Pinafore,’ with four records by the same alert company; 265 vocal gems; 986 and 3239, selections; ' and 3150, * Little Buttercup ’ bracketed with ‘Lord High Executioner ’ (vocal). ‘ The Pirates of Penzance ’ another three: 297, vocal gems; 993 and 3287, selections, each disc having two distinct sets. From ‘ Yeomen of the Guard ’ one may select 317, ‘ I Have a Song to Sing ’ and ‘ Like a Ghost ’ (vocal); 984, selections; 2925, ‘ls Life a Boon’ and ‘Free From His Fetters ’ (vocal). Here are, in all, seventeen double-sided records, giving the pick of five of tho most popular' Gilbert and Sullivan operas, each record bearing vocal and orchestral names well known to the majority of gramophiles, so much so that, coupled with good recording, Gilbert and Sullivan at home is nothing of an exaggeration. ‘ Tolanthe,’ ‘Patience,’ and ‘ Princess Ida ’ supply their quota, so that not one’of the favorite Gilbert and Sullivan operas is omitted in record form. In addition, there is a Columbia album containing eight 12in double-sided records giving orchestral selections from the eight operas mentioned above. This series is beautifully played by the Court Symphony Orchestra.

Friend (in hook store): “ Hello, old man. makinga purchase?” The Other: “Yes; my wife’s going to Europe, and she wanted me to get her a book about the famous historical places in America so that she will he able to describe them to the foreigners she will meet.” Jane: Mildred, would you marry a widower?” Mildred: “No chance, i want to tame my husband myself.”