AMUSEMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 March 1925, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

— ——-aa^w- 1 —■* OPERA HOUSE. “Why Alen Leave Home,” a First National Picture produced by John M. Stahl, and presented by Louis B. Mayer which will be shown at the Opera House to-night, is one of the cleverest and most enterprising pictures that we have seen ior a long while. Adapted from Avery Hopwoods famous comedy, whose success on Broadiday became known throughout the land, the, film version has kept intact all the inimitable humour of the stage play, and has intensified it in many instances owing to the greater range oi the motion picture camera. Air Stahl’s enviable reputation rests on the dramatic pictures he has directed, and we were unprepared for the revelation of his genius along comedy lines, for the humour is handled with a deftness and surety that make the picture a joy for ever. It is sparkling and continuous fun, with never a letup in a swift procession of laughs. A brilliant playwright and a brilliant dircctor have created a screen comedy that scintillates with brilliancy. MISS MAGGIE FOSTER. Friday.—The management wishes to announce the special engagement ot one of the most distinguished of J. 0. Williamson’s vaudeville artists, Aliss Alaggie Foster, a young lady with a violin, plus a personality that has enraptured thousands <pf music lovers the whole world over. The type of violinist which' carries the strongest appeal as a rule is that which embodies a musical soul—a V’ide scope fdr ex-

pression and skilful bowing combined with the taste for popular melody. If this is what the patrons of the Opera House want, their most extravagant desires will be realised when Miss Maggie Foster makes her appearance on Friday.

THE NEW FOLLIES.

In the Town Hall last evening, before a large audience, the New Follies, a talentqd travelling company, opened their Gleymouth season. The show was very neatly pre'sented, and all the items well worth hearing. AU the members of the little company are artists of no mean order, and both in solo and concerted work display retook the form of a minstrel scene, but with an absence of the old well-known markable ability. The opening chorus jokes, new and original ones being inserted in their stead. The Joker was Jolly John Larkins and his name was well merited. He earned the approbation of the audience. The next item was a solo, “I Wonder if They Ever Think of Me,” sung in a beautiful soprano voice by Miss Lee Smith. As an encore she offered “Look for the Silver Lining” from “Sally.” Miss Jean Jeanette, the possessor of a voice sang “Free as the Sea” and “Hitch of remarkable pureness and range, Your Wagon,” the latter suiting her voice to perfection. In company with M.iss Smith, the Miserere duet from “Il Trovatore” was sung. This item was one of the best of the evening and the artists had to respond to a clamorous recall. They then rendered the old favourite, “Annie Laurie.” Miss Doreen Adela, a dancer and clever soubrette, entertained the audience, her work being of a meritorious character. Mr John Larkins was particularly pleasing in his comedy work, including the songs “Hinky Dinky Parlez Vous” and “The Green Fields of Ireland.”

In the second half of the programme the items were presented in an Oriental setting. Miss Jean Jeanette at the piano proved herself a thorough master of the instrument, and her two numbers were loudly recalled. A fine interpreter of good music was Mr Jack Warner, who handled his violin like a veteran. He rendered “Poet and Peasant,” and the intermezzo from “Cavalleria Rusticana.” John Larkins and Miss Lee Smith reresented an Indian ensemble, a most popular item being “The Indian Rag.” The programme was brought to a conclusion with the farcical comedietta, “Mrs Galagher. ” The season will conclude to-night, when a varied programme will be presented. MASQUERADE BALL. The masquerade fancy dress ball, to lie held to-morrow evening in the United Pavilion, the proceeds of which are for the No. 1 Swimming Bath’s Queen, promises to be a great success. Masks will be compulsory, and the superb floor and Williams’s superb orchestra will compel dancers to “keep moving.” The committee is working for the success of No. 1 Queen, and devising every means to gather in the amount necessary to “land her a winner,” when the flags are hoisted. The masquerade is one of the popular ways adopted for reaching the goal. Admission charges are small, but the dance and supper will be one of the treats of a lifetime. EASTER GALA DAY. On Easter ’Saturday, a. monster gala day will be held on the Recreation Groand. The greasy pig hunt is already creating interest. The proceeds will be in aid of Hie United Queen, for the Swimming Baths Fund.