AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18573, 27 November 1920, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

the famous n.z. diggers. THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT. The “ Famous Diggers,” who are making a farewell tour of the Dominion prior to fulfilling an engagement to tour tile East, will appear at the Theatre Royal to-uight. “The. Diggers ” met with much success in their recent tour of Australia under the J. G. Williamson banner. Mr Victor Beck is directing tho Dominion farewell tour, which is under the management of Taco Fame, Frank Perkins and Stan Lawson. ‘‘The Diggers” return to New Zealand with a very extensive repertory of entirely new numbers, and Will prosont many unique features during their tour. Commencing originally in France as a .Divisional Pierrot- Troupe, “ The Diggers ” became such favourites throughout the British lines that Sir Douglas Haig, Comman-der-in-Ohief, ordered them to give a oommand performance at General Headquarters, and lie personally thanked " The ’ Diggers ” for what ho termed “ one of tho most delightful entevtainmenta I have seen in France.” "The Diggers” are twenty strong, including an orchestra of.ten, which is a special feature of tho entertainment. Stan Lawson is still the “ misleading lady,” and speaking of him, “Reel Life,” Sydney, says Lawson, the misleading lady, is easily the best_ female impersonator Australia has over seen.” Also included in tho company are Tano Fama, comedian; George Proctor, tenor; Len Walker, dancer and light comedian; Frank Perkins, baritone; Donald Stuart, comedian; and Gus Dawson, rag-time exponent and dancer. “ The Diggers ” will present an en ; tertainment the brilliance kml versatility oi which must appeal to the most critical audience. The box plans are at The Bristol. CRYSTAL PALACE. At the Crystal Palace Theatre to-day, two star productions of a very ni&b . order will be screened. “ Lovo in a Hurry ” prestmts Evelyn Greeley and Carlyle Blackwell, who have already achieved many successes on tho screen. The story is a romantic drama laid in England, and the presentation is enhanced by lovely rural sceneß of fields, forest and streams. The hero is first depicted in a prologue aa a gallant knight rescuing his lady fair in th 9 days of King Arthur, and as the story -progresses it is seen that history repeats itsolf, ar.d his actions in the present day aro parallel with those of ancient times. Plenty of action is provided, and tho interest is sustained by the fact that the hero, although prssnmed to be a, spy, is actually' on a mission to help tho Government. Evelyn Greeley presents a oharming impersonation of an English titled beauty, and George M’Quarrio is responsible for some finely thouglit-out work in the nature of a satire on the usual pompous chief constable of a county The other star feature is Thou Art the Man,” featuring Robert Warwick. It is a Paramount-Artcraft production, and tho diamond mines of South Africa form a considerable part of its background. The film is an adaptation of F. E. Mills Young’s story, "Myles Cattliorpe, 1.D.8.” It is a story of fascinating adventure. The letters 1.D.8. mean Illioit Diamond Buyer, and ore written after the name of a man in his prison records if ho is caught at diamond smuggling. Mvles Calthorpe goes to gaol as a diamond thief to shield a girl’s name, only to bo impelled to seek revenge when, on his rolease, he finds that the guilty poisoned the girl’s mind against him. The scenes of the diamond mines and the methods employed to smuggle gems are intensolyin*. foresting. Robert Warwick is ably supported by Lois Wilson, J. M. Dumont and other screen celebrities. DANCE RECITAL. An entertainment of a most pleasing character was given in the Choral Hall last evening in the form of a dance recital by Miss Bessie MacDonald’s pupils. Miss MacDonald has conducted her danciug classes during the winter and spring months, and the recital last evening gave parents and friends an opportunity of seeing the work which had been done. The programme was well varied and included fancy dancing, stop-dancing and speotaoular grouping Among the solo danoers were Misses Mavis Ritchie, Iris Edmonds, Nanoy Ives, in an Audibert, Ella Pronter, Louie lies, Mao Quicke. Alioe Chapman, Btellft Chapman, Adeline* Belaton and Merle Smith. Among the performances which were particularly admired were those of Miss Nan Audibert. in the Dying Swan ” dance and Miss nouie • Ilos in the Italian begging dance. There were many speotaoular choruses xn whicn tho young people took u lively and picturesque part. Several songs were contributed, a most popular performer being master Jimmy Grieve, whose humorous Scottish songs were heartily appreciated, the audience, being very unwilling to part with him. Delightful items were given by little Miss Alice Chapman, whoso songs were interpreted with artistio simplicity. An extra turn was given by Miss D. White and Mr E. Parlott, whose novelty double darning was very clever. Tho success of the musical pait of the programme was heightened by a very capable orchestra. A xylophone solo by Mr E. Shelton waa an appreciated ntm. The programme will be repeated this evening. NORMA TALMADGE AT THE LIBERTY THEATRE. Norma Talmadge in " A Daughter of Two Worlds,” from tho famous novel of New York life by Leroy Scott, her initial production under her newly formed contract with the First National Exhibitors' circuit, will be the special attraction in the new picture programme to be presented at the Liberty Theatre to-day. The story relates the experiences of Jennie Malone, daughter of an underworld dance hall keeper, who was taught tho ways of crooks; who later was sent to a, fashionable girls' school and finally made a flight into society. “ A Daughter of _ Two Worlds” is a well thought opt film, interesting and beautifully produced. It is claimed to be the supreme drametio triumph of Miss Taimadge’s screen career. James Young and Edmund Goulding adapted the story for the screen, and -Mr Young directed tho picture, providing a brilliant company and elaborate and effective settings. The list of supporting jplayer* is headed by Jack Crosby, Virginia Leo, Frank Sheridan and William Shea. Supporting films consist of the Pathe Gazette, Topical Budget, “Fists and Fodder ” (a Vitagraph comedy), the Educational Weekly and a new chapter of the sensational serial, " Smashing Barriers.” An additional and noteworthy attraction will be the exclusive starring engagement of Meg Cimino, an enchanting little sevon-year-old wonder, who has created-- a furore wherever she has appeared. Meg Cimino is ft delightrully clever songster and dancer, and will be hoard in a number of songs, some sung in French and some in Maori. The titles of the principal songs are " Frenchy,” “ Sergeant Daddy, Y.C.,” and "Give me Now Zealand.”WALLACE REID AND ETHEL CLAYTON AT EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. A Paramount-Artornlt apodal attraction entitled " The Dancing Fool,” starring Wallace .Reid and Bebe Daniels, is to be screened next week at Eveiybody’o Theatre It is a very pleasant illustration of the fact that, although business comes before pleasure, the two can bo happily blended. A country youth, born with tiroless feet and a restless ambition, comes to New York to won; for an uncle whoso business methods were antique when the Ark was contemplated. His feet win _ him success as a dancer and his ambition, despite many trials makes a wonderful success cf his uncle’s business. A very protty love interest is interwoven, and, after illustrating that tho course of true love never runs straight, finishes _up with an unusual but happy marriage. Wallace Reid displays a comedy vein of very high order as the country youth; whilo Bebe Daniels, remembered for her work as "Vice” in “ Everywoman,” interprets a far liappiei role as the girl who is instrumental in makiiig a success of the voitth. In addition to this comedy, the latest Pnramount-Artcraft drama will be shown. It is entitled " The 13th Commandment,” and

atars Ethel Clayton. It is a picturi*ari°n et Rupert Hughes's novel of the same name, and talks about marriage, the idle, extravagant wife, forcing sacrifices from her hashand so that her whims may be indulged, J ami the wife who makes herself independent i by going to business. The cast includes Charles Meredith, Monte Blue, Irving Cum* axing* and Anna Q. Nilsson, Everybody’*-;. Select Orchestra will present a new musioal programme. Reserved seats may be ' obtained at The Bristol or by telephoning 1925. “ARGRS,” AT THE GRAND. Owing to the great success of the wonder* ful boy *• Argus," whom Mr Louis Alsace is presenting at the Grand Theatre, the management has decided to extend the season, as there are so many who bav e not been able to gain admittance this week and who wish to see the marvellous performance. To-day • and to-night the programme will contain! also an excellent vaudeville selection, comprising musical items by Mr Louis Alsace, Miss Anita Green, the Campbell Brothers and Miss Marie Colen. The show is a bright one, a-nd tho audiences have been signifying their appreciation by insistent encores. But the great attraction is undoubtedly ' Argus,” the wonderful ten-year-old boy, who has been mystifying the big audiences during the week. This boy appears Jo. be . possessed of supernatural powers and, blindfolded on thg stage,-gives prompt and accurate information about cards, jewellery,-Ly missing friends, answering written questions* promptly, and concluding with, lightning calculations. Some startling revelations aro promised during the coming week. The picture portion of the programm B will includo Iho Desperate Hero,” a rollicking-comedy--' orama in which the part of the hero is played by Owen Moore. The mounting and settings aro stated to be very good. Another exciting episode of tho serial film, " The Great Gamble,” will also bo shown. The Grand Orchestra will play appropriate and pleasing music during the evening sessions. Patrons should reserve their seats at Tha .Bristol until noon, afterwards at the theatre. OPERA HOUSE. . . j The all-vaudeville programme at the Opera-' House was enthusiastically by a* full attendance last nip-lit. Leonard Nelson (topical songs and impersonations), 1 Ernest Crawford (song and recitation), Helen Charles (in child stories ' sni impersonations), James Schofield (tho “laughing tenor”), the Rev Frank Gorman (tho "singing parson "), Boynon (a local cot jurer), Henri French, the Musical Blanchards, Ernest Brinkman and tho Steele Sisters, and the Darwinians, all contributed popular items in a most pleasing entertainment. There will be tho usual matinee- this afternoon, and an evening performance at a. Next Saturday the nivr Musical Comedy Company will be the attraction at the Opera House. This combination, has just .been,, formed and will be under tho supervision of Walter Johnson. The principals will include several notable performers, amongst them being Kennedy Allen, . Daisy Yates, Brull and Hemslcy, Georgia da Law, Ernest Cranford, Daphne Leigh and Jack M’Kelli--. get. The first production will be “ Six. Little Wives.” The box plan will open on Tuesday morning at The Bristol. “ QUEERS THEATRE. „< "The Flaming Clue,” with Harry Morey and Lucy Fox in the lead, will head the new programme to he presented at the Queen’s Theatre to-day, commencing *t 11 a.m'. It I is the story oi a Secret Service man and his 1 ' round-uo of a gang of counterfeiters. The. clue is found in a note made by an old-time counterfeiter, -Ooddington. The detective arranges to hoard at Goddington’s house, and sets to work to trap the gang.. He is suspected, but avoids trouble until his plans are completed. The film teems with exciting incidents, and the climax and finale are highly-, sensational. Supporting films will include, tha last Gaumont Graphic, chapter seven of the serial story “ Mystery of 18,” “ Seaside Romance ” (comedy). and the Queen’s Pictorial Budget. .The -added attraction on Monday will be "Who Cares?" featuring Constance Talmadge. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “The Toll Gate,” William S. ..Hart's initial production from his own studio, was again screened at Everybody’s Theatre yes--terdav to crowded attendances. “ The To”. Gate” is one of the best pictures that Hart has yei appeared in. The second attraction -• is the Paramount-Artcraft super-special entitled “ Th* Cost," starling Violet Homing, who was recently fieon in the title role .of “ Everywoman.” The pictures will have their final screening to-day. SYDENHAM PICTURES. J 4 “Wild Primrose,” a Btory of -romance in> the mountains, is the leading film of thee, , programme to be. shown at the Sydenham Picture Theatre to-day and on Monday., The chiof roles in this fine production a?a--taken by Gladys Leslie and Richard Bar,„ thelmiM. Included in the support will ba episode five of ” Smashing Barriers." STRAND THEATRE. f Two films of more than • usual merit head 1 -’ the new programme to be shown at the Strand Theatre to-day. Buok Jones is shown’' in "Forbidden Trails,” * sensational picture ’of life in the West. In this ; picture Buck Jones performs all tho daring stunts that made him famous for his wonderful horsemanship. It is a film that ■ holds the attention of the audience from beginning to end The other big picture a Fox production entitled “Never Say Quit,” and - it is the medium whereby George Walsh does some, first-olass comedy acting. In a. list of first-class supports are included a Fox World’s News and a Mutt find oetf production showing tho famous pair as private detsetifte. ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. The Christchurch Orchestral Society’s fourth concert of the 1920 season will be held in th„ Choral Hall on Wednesday, December S. The orchestral programme will include the “ Egmont ” overture (Beethoven), suite " Byzantine ” ' (Louis Ganno). symphony in'. D-minor (Cesar Franck), prelude to . third act "Lohengrin" (Wagner), and intermezzo from Mlniatur e Suite (Erio Coates), The vocalist of tho evening will be Mr, J. H. Cocks. Mir Howard Moody will play a pianoforte concerto (Weber) with full orchestral accompaniment. MALE VOICE CHOIR. The final programme by the Male Voice Choir for the season is announced t-o take place in tti„ Choral .Hall on Thursday and Saturday, December 9 and 11. A ooncert in aid of the Selwyn Free Kin-" dergarton will be held in tho Selwyn Street Schoolroom on Thursday, December 2.