FOOTLIGHT FLASHES

Evening Star, Issue 19724, 26 November 1927, Page 18

FOOTLIGHT FLASHES

[By LOITERER.]

Chaliapin, tho Russian bass singer, 'states that lie usually receives £BOO for s single performance. Diana Wilson, hero with Lawrence tirossinith, is playing in ‘ Up With tho Lark ’ at tho Adelphi , Theatre, London. A Now York paper states that Rosalie Stewart has completed arrangements with David Belasco for Judith Anderson to come under her management for the new George Kelly play, ‘Behold, Tho Bridegroom!’ Tho play will be produced in New York early in December.

Discussing tho worth of theatrical stars, Me R. H. Gillespie, managing director of the Moss Theatres, London, stated that in certain theatres Harry Lauder had been worth about £2,000 » week;, Maggie Dickinson, the Australian dancer, has been starring at the Alhambra Theatre, London, under the management of Sir Oswald Stoll, Her act consists of various types of dancing, interspersed with pantomimic action, and is made additionally elaborate by a ballet. In a letter to Mr Charles A. Wenman, Miss Dickinson says that that is the most elaborate act she has yet presented. Writing of George Geo in a recent London production, ‘ Tho Girl Friend,’ an English, critic says:—For an hour and more in tho second scene our contentment was immense. This was due entirely to two artists, Emma Haig and George Gee, gifted creatures of unimaginable drollery. To describe in their fullness tho antic dispositions of this pair would bo impossible; let mo just say that Mr Gee looked and acted Jibe an animated caricature by Caran d’Ache, while Miss Haig presented in her small person all that tho puppet world holds of the wild, illimitable grotesque.” Mr Charles Wheeler lias come over from Australia as stage manager of ‘ Cradle Snatchers.’ Air Wheeler has recently concluded a lengthy tour of the Australian towns with ‘ White Cargo,’ of which he was the producer. He also plajeu the part of Witzel, the role taken here by Leon Gordon. Bayard Veiller, who made thousands out of his plays ‘ Within the Law ’ and ‘ The Thirteenth Chair ’ (both seen hero), is again trying to enlist public patronage for Ids latest ‘ The Trial of Mary Dugan.’ This is original in the presentation, which tolls the ■whole story in a court room, with judge, prosecuting, and defending counsel, and reporters assembled. Mary Dugan is accused of the murder of tho millionaire with whom she has been living, and with that incurable, inclination to sob stuff which besets so many Broadway dramatists tho author allows it to bo slowly revealed under the cross-examination of tho lawyers that the wages of Mary’s sin have been almost exclusively used to educate an aspiring young brother in California. The lad, of course, goes in for the law, and his first case is to tear away to New York as soon as ho learns of Alary’s arrest, and save her from the electric chair. A great play for tho proletariat, and with the Australian Cyril Keightley in tho role of a wicked attorney, who actually delivers the fatal stab, it seems like proving profitable to its author. Keightley will be remembered by an older generation of theatregoers. He appeared hero on many occasions, one of his best roles being Bassanio to tho Portia of Airs Brown Potter.

Jottings oa tb© people of fho Stage and Screen smd on the latest recorded Mss&w

A welcome caller this week was “our own” comedian, Joo Brennan, who arrived and sailed tho same day by tho Manuka, cn route for Greymonth. Air Brennan leads 1 Tho Futurists,’ a band of comedians who have come over from Alelbourno, where they played under tho Fuller banner, to tour tho “smalls” of New Zealand. Tho company includes many people well known here, as Ida Newton (Mrs Brennan), G. W. Desmond, Cyril Northcotc, and Gus Dawson. Tho tour opens at Greymouth to-night. Joseph Hislop, tho famous tenor who sings here on Tuesday next, hies relatives in New Zealand. A cousin called upon him in Auckland the other day. Ho is also, looking forward to meeting an uncle in Dunedin. AVhen he is at home the tenor likes to make London his headquarters, where lie has a flat. But it is to his country estate in Sweden that the singer, his wife, and their three children invariably return. Airs Hislop is fair, blue-eyed, a,ml smiling like our own Roslua Buckman. Tho Ilislops, by the way, are well acquainted with Ilosina Buckmau and Maurice D’Oisly, her husband. Both since their return to England have proved indefatigable publicity agents for this country, and Joseph Hislop more than once has heard Maurice extol tho scenic attractions of New Zealand as well as tho hospitality of his wife’s country people. Alberto Sciarrctti, the solo pianist to the famous tenor, Joseph Hislop, who will be heard hero next week, hails from Now York. The piano and conducting are his principal interests in life. Ho returned to tho land of hie fathers, however, for his education and carried off the first prize at the Naples Conservatoire. Sciarretti has brought some new music for Now Zealanders to hear. Among the “moderns” he is calling upon Martucci, CastelnuovaTedcseo, Frauco-da-Venezia, Grovlez (French-Spauish), and Cimara. “ Let me say that 1 am deeply grateful to tho people of New Zealand for tho very cordial welcome extended in the cities already visited,” said the famous singer Joseph Hislop to a Pressman in Wellington. “ What cheering, and what an appreciation of all that is best in the musical and artistic sense! Someone told mo that New Zealand audiences were ultra-critical and coldly analytical. Well, my happy experience would surely tell me that tho man who said those words either did not understand New Zealanders or that ho was not in a position to judge of the real people. I have never met with greater enthusiasm or conversed with more intelligent people. They did not come to one as cither flattering or patronising patrons. They met my wife and me together with Mr Sciarretti—who is a most accomplished musician and wonderfully sympathetic accompanist—as they would have greeted long-lost brothers and sister, and. the warmth and genuineness of their welcome have touched us more than can he expressed in mere words. I will never forget it.” Exhibited in tho_ local music stores is the song, ‘Caring for tho Rose,’ which was written and composed by a Dunedin musician, Air D. S. Sharp. This number was featured in F. Gale Wyer’s Revue, and was splendidly sung by Aliss Ena Gordon during Labor Day week. It is hoped to have records on sale on tho near future. Ale Sharp also wrote ‘ The Prisoner’s Return.’

Stan. Lawson, whose interesting stage career in Australia and New Zealand had its initiation in his success at the Dunedin Competitions in prewar days, is coming back to Dunedin early next year with the intention of establishing a studio of stage dancing. While in America Air Lawson specialised in modern stage types of dancing. Tho announcement made of the engagement of the Australian baritone, John Brownlee, by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., for the forthcoming season of grand opera, commencing at His Alajesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, in Alarch, has aroused interest, it was mentioned by Air Frank Tait, one of the managing directors of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., that he had commenced negotiating with Mi - Brownlee in Paris as far buck as last Alarch, and when ho left negotiations had not yet been finalised. “1 am delighted that wc have been able to secure this young Australian,” said Air Tait, “as in the near future he will rank as one of the world’s great operatic artists.” Overseas newspapers which have just been received contain appreciative references to Air Arthur Bourchicr, the English character actor, who died of pneumonia in South Africa recently. ‘ Arthur Bourchier: One of the Best,’ is tho heading of an article by Mr J. T. Greiu in the American ‘ Christian Science Alonitor.’ After recalling some of Air Bourchicr’s stage triumphs, Air Grein writes: —“ For all that ; Bourchior did not quite reach the pinnacle of his ambitions. Ho might have become one of the greatest actors of his time; ho stopped at being ono of the finest. Ho elected to he his own manager, and economical circumstances combined with a certain peculiarity of character—ho was pontifical as well as difficile—rendered his policy wanting in firmness of determination. Had he listened to counsel and criticism the mantle of Tree might have fallen on him. For his following was largo at one time—-his name one to conjure with. But he—an excellent judge of others—seemingly could not sec straight for himself. There was a theatrical flavor about an originating summons before Air Justice Harvey in tho Equity Court at Sydney recently. It arose out of the trusts of the will of the late Kate Rickards Lcetc, commonly known as Kate Rickards, widow of tho late Harry Rickards, who was a well-known person in the theatrical world many years ago. The plaintiffs were Harry Rickards, Alaas, a grandson, and Frank Harwood, a son-in-law of deceased, while the defendants were Edmund Coveil and George Arthur Robinson, executors of the will. Under the will Harwood is entitled to a legacy of £5,000, and Alaas to £I,OOO, the latter on attaining 21 years of ago (which happened only this year). They asked for a declaration that each of them was entitled to receive forthwith from the trustees tho legacy bequeathed to him either in cash, shares, or securities, together with interest and dividends, neither of which they had received. Testatrix, who died in 1922, left an estate worth over £31,000. The assets included 49,000 shares in Harry Rickards’ Tivoli Theatres, Ltd., worth about £33,280, and jewellery worth £7OO. Ample time, it was stated, had elapsed to enable tho executors to discharge tho legacies, which the executors were prepared to do, but there was a difficulty as to the adjustment of duty in respect of tho legacies. The executors were directed to furnish certain information, and the matter was adjourned. Pachmann is with us .once more, aged 80 years, and ns talkative as ever, writes a London correspondent. Two years ago he retired to Rome, but inactivity proved to bo burdensome, and he has opened a long English tour by playing Chopin fo an audience of 9,000 at the Albert Hall. Some of tho old-time power has gone, hut tho • Nocturne in G Sharp Minor ’ was played with all the old-time sense of poetry, tho player yielding himself utterly to tho mood aroused by tho music. Nor is the musical memory what it was. though still marvellous for a man of SO years. Playing a Weber sonata, Pachmann came to a halt, rose from his chair, bowed to tho audience, and waited until two attendants emerged from below tho platform, one bearing the score of the sonata and tho other a music rest. Then Fachmaim proceeded _ to a triumphant close. The old pianist is as insistent as over on his system of fingering. As he told the audience at the Albert Hall: “Ten years I have played like it. Not like tho music teacher tells. Hands all out stiff, like this. Bali! No! But like Nature. vSo. Quite easy.” Pachmaim cannot bear that the public should regard his mannerisms as a pose. 11 It must bo remembered that my years are many,” he says. “ Sometimes, as I play, my piano is surrounded by the ghosts of the departed and the memories of the past. For myself, I cannot interpret music unless everything is just so. Once, on a tour, I refrained from speaking at all during a recital. Not only was the restraint terrible to me, hut I received my largest post bag two days later, all tho letters containing expressions of disappointment at my ‘departure from the ’usual.’” Tl'io 9,000 listeners at the Albert Hall welcomed Pachmann back with tremendous enthusiasm, and, when tho concert ended, they refused to let tho old man go. There arc not many musicians who can recreate fully to the magic of Chopin, but Pachmann is one of them. Air Boucicault is very pleased to have been able to include Air Norman AlTCinnol, a distinguished London actor, in his company, now in Melbourne (savs the ‘Australasian’). Mr M‘Kimiel will play most of the “ heavy leads.” Mr APKinnell reminds Mr Boucicault of a fine actor who was associated with him and Mr Brough for practically the whole time of their partnership in Australia, which existed between 18SG and 1890. This was tho late Mr G. S. Titlierage, whoso name, coupled with those of the famous partners, must bring a flood of reminiscence to older playgoers. Looking back through the years Mr Boucicault, who has a good memory for names, recalled many great personalities whom he had met in those ten years in Australia. He talked of Australians who have succeeded in literature and the arts, and then said, “You Australians seem to be such a promising people in art, and yet you have not really produced a first-class dramatist. In painting, sculpture, and music you are very far forward. It would be a great thing if yon could encourage dramatists in your own country.”

‘ Dorothy,’ to bo revived by the Melbourne ‘ Opera Co. at the Princess Theatre, brings up recollections (says Melbourne ‘Table Talk’) of tho earliest productions of the opera, the most conspicuous of which was the appearance of Nellie Stewart, supported by the composer, Alfred Cellier, in the conductor’s chair. That was a notable cast. Fannie Lydiard was Lydia Hawthorne; Ida Osborne was Phyllis Tuppitt, and F. Federici had the role of Squire Bantam. With Alice Barnett as Mrs Priyett, C. M. Leumane as Geoffrey Wilder, Knight Ashton as Harry Sherwood, C. Rigby as John Tuppitt, T. Fitzgerald as Tom Strutt, and Will Elton as Lurcher, the show brought all Melbourne crowding to the Princess, and so ‘ Dorothy ’ had an extended season with marked signs of congestion in the cashbox. Seventy-four pictures have been purchased by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., for the vestibules of their various theatres. These pictures, selected by Sir George Tallis, with the assistance of Mr Board, arc examples of French modern art, the painters represented in the collection including Gerver, Tondu, Beaumc, Picasso, Maillot, Kars, and others. There are also two pieces of sculpture by Bacque. Mr Bert Roylc, New Zealand representative of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and .Messrs J. and N. Tait, announces that the season of tho specially organised comic opera company, now appearing with such marked success in the attractive Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire, is to bo extended, and that this talented combination will now remain in the dominion until after Christmas. Under the original arrangement the company -was to leave New Zealand for Australia on December IC. But so many requests have been made to Mr lloyle, either for return visits to the cities and towns already played, or for an extension of tho tour to districts not included in the originalitinerary, that the firm has consented to an extension to enable ‘ The Chocolate Soldier ’ _ (and _ possibly other equally attractive comic operas) to bo produced. Details in this connection are at present being arranged, and an official pronouncement will shortly be made. Suffice it to say just at _tho moment that ‘ Tho Chocolate Soldier ’ is under rehearsal, that if possible a comprehensive tour will be arranged, and that this charming opera will bo the Christmas attraction for Wellington. If such favorites as ‘The Merry Widow,’ ‘ln Town,’ and ‘The Belle of Ncwv York ’ can ho included, what a treat is in store for the many thousands of music lovers in New Zealand I SCREENLAND JOTTINGS A gala naval scene was presented at the Prince Eel ward Theatre, Sydney, last month on tho occasion of tho visit of their Excellencies Admiral Sir Dudley and Lady Do Chair to witness the screening of ‘The Flag Lieutenant. Tho Vice-regal partv was received by a guard of honor furnished by the Naval Veterans’ Association and the Navy League Sea Scouts, with hand in attendance. Tho picture proved of particular interest to His Excellency and senior officers of the lleet. Ernest Torrence has been cast for a supporting role with John Gilbert in ‘The Cossacks,’ which is being produced by Metro-Goldwyn Mayer.

It was announced that ‘ Red Hair ’ would he Clara Bow’s next for Paramount. There has been a change in the production schedule, and ‘ Will You Marry Me<' ) is Miss Bow’s next starring vehicle. ‘ Red Hair ’ will follow at a later stage.

The two humorists of ‘ What Price Glory,’ Sammy Cohen and Ted M'Namara, arc being co-featured in ‘ Tho Gay Retreat,’ a rollicking romance of the Great War, which Fox Films are now preparing for release. In the cast are also Miss Judy King and Miss Betty Francisco. A story of_ modern collegians will give the junior stars of the Paramount firm their annual opportunity to prove their worth. It is ‘ Roiled Stockings,’ an hilarious comedy, moving at breathless speed, and will be released shortly. Leading parts are laken by Miss Louise Brooks, Miss Nancy Phillips, James Hall, Richard Alien, and El. Brendel.

Early next year a most unusual ami thrilling picture will-bo seen on tho screens of New Zealand theatres. That picture is ‘Chang.’ Filming the picture under extreme danger two men, Morian Cooper and Ernest Sehocdsack, have brought back to civilisation many scones which have hitherto been tho hidden secrets of tho Siamese Jungle. ‘ Mother Machree,’ tho Fox screen version of the novelette of the same title by _ Rida Johmmn Young, also author of the words of the evergreen ballad, is a story of mother love and sacrifice, woven into a film of dramatic depth and strong appeal. Miss Bello Bennett is in the title role, and is ably supported by a strong cast.

A potential star has Hashed on the horizon in the person of'Stephen Carr, who is playing a juvenile part in ‘The Life of Riley,’ tho First National comedy in which leading parts are taken by Charlie Murray and George Sidney. He is the son of no less a person than Mary Carr, the celebrated “screen mother.” ‘The Life of Riley ’ cast also includes Miss June Marlow, Miss Myrtle Stedman, Sam Hardy, and Edwards Davis.

Tho Paramount epic of the air, ‘ Wings ’ which is having such a sensational run' at the Criterion Theatre, New York, is drawing unprecedented houses. Recent advice from New York states that every seat in tho Criterion Theatre is hooked eight weeks ahead. Wires requesting reservations for January are being received almost daily. Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton have completed their newest Paramount co-starring comedy, ‘ Now-AVe’ro in the Air.’ Louise Brooks is the girl in the story.

‘The Gay Defender,’ depicting the adventurous career of Joaquin Muridta. bandit king of the early days in California, is Richard Dix’s latest Paramount starring vehicle. One of three most influential leaders of tho financial side of moving picture production was removed bv tho death in America recently of Mr Marcus Loew. Lnew was the head of Motro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Tho others are Mr Adolphe Zukor, of Famous PlayersLasky (Paramount), and Mr Joseph M. . Schouok. of United Artists. Beginning independent life as a newsboy, Loew entered showmanship as the proprietor of an arcade peep show. It is estimated that he died possessing a fortune of from £7,000,000 to £10,000,000. His monument will be the firm which hoars three names, none of which is his own. Lacking the established and .recognised stars and directors who were almost to a man in the hands of the Paramount organisation, Motro-Goldwyu-Mayer became in an amazingly short period a serious rival to Paramount. Their pictures, although they lack the cleverness of many Paramount pictures, and do not offdn attain tho heights reached by a rare few films, maintain a better standard than any American company. Incidentally they have made ‘The Big Parade’ and ‘Ben Hur,’ among outstanding popular successes. Among their players are Lon Chaney, John Gilbert, Norma Shearer, Ramon Novarro, and Lillian Gish * Australasian.’