ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 929, 30 January 1924, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PALACE. Viol i Dana is very sweet in a flne'’6-reel Metro picture, “The 5-Dollar Baby,” at the Palace. Bebe Daniels in “The March Hare” is light comedy acted at high-speed. As Li: beth Ann she exercised her woman’s preroailive to change her mind twice. It was the second change that caused the trouble. “NERO”—AT EVERYBODY’S. “The motion picture world has been thrillei 1 as never before by the production of the William Fox screen masterpiece, ‘Nero, writes one critic of this film, now showing at Everybody’s. For magnitude and stupendous scenic effects ‘Nero’ has never oeen equalled. The story deals with the risi to world power of the tyrant Nero, his mi d infatuation, for a young Christian girl, her love romance with a victorious young Roman who ultimately. saves her from the tyrant, and the downfall and death of Neto through the evil plottings of the Einpre is Poppuea. One of the most gigantic pictorinl effects ever accomplished is the burning of Rome shown ill this picture. It is without the slightest doubt tho crowning climax of motion picture achievement up to the present time.” “Nero” will be shown to-nigh; for the last time. ROSY. Glimpses of acquisite natural scenery, fascinating vistas of mountains, woods, quaint landscapes, villages and hamlets, are among the attractive settings in “If I Were Queen,” Ethel Clayton’s latest picture. HUMPHREY BISHOP CO. CLEVER, EXHILARATING SHOW.

The iollowing appeared a few days ago in a Hamilton paper and speaks for itself : A m< re delightful entertainment than that piesented by the Humphrey Bishop Comedy and Operatic Company at the Theatre Royal last night would be hard to imagine, and it is not surprising that for one i a Hamilton audience belied its reputation for ‘coldness,’ and became exceedingly responsive, recalling the clever, versatile performers again and again. From the exhilarating opening by the orchestra and tlie original introduction of tile members of the company by Mr Bishop until tha finale in which jazz and grand opera were effetively contrasted, the programme rippled along gaily, and the audience laughed hilariously and applauded wildly. There was a little of everything —splendid singing, sparkling burlesque, clever dancing, entertaining monologues, a little ventriloquism, much merry nonsense —-and everything was remarkably well done. As the large audience left the theatre there was but one verdict—the brightest, most satisfying show seen in Hamiltoi for a long time. The Hurnmhrey Bishop Company came with a big reputaticn; by its performance last night it more titan justified all the complimentary thii gs said and written about it, and pleased so much that there is little doubt that the Theatre Royal will be crowded to-night. Visits from such talented and entertaining people are rare. There was not a wtak spot in the whole programme, j Mr Robert Roberts is a performer of really remarkable versatility. He first created unrestrained merriment with the broadly comic, “Oh, it was a Lovely War,” and then gave a life-like study of a “broken’ soldier, which impressed with its pathos and grim truth. Later, Mr Roberts, in a burlesque with Miss Mario Crowther, on the little ways of men before »nd after marriage, proved himself a clever character actoi, and with Mr George Ross indulged in some diverting patter and clever simultaneous dancing. Then ho harmonised effectively with the Male Quartette. Truly a versatile and gifted artist. Mr Edward Elliott pleased old friends and made many new ones by his woebegone countenance and lugubrious manner of telling tl e most funny stories. At times during h s presence on the stage some of the members of the audionce seemed to be threatened with hysteria ! Something original mar always he looked for from Mr Elliott, and last night he did not disappoint in tins respect, his topical allusions mal ing a decided hit. He also manipulated his talking doll, “Sunshine James,’’ with telling effect; Jimmy’s conversation with other members of the company boiag very diverting. Mr George Boss, another versatile comedian, won much pi piffarity. His impressions of various performers at a “Wild West” concert, ranging from the soprano soloist without a “roof" to her mouth to the man who had to dance and play the piano at the same time, were as funny as they were |

clever. Later, Mr Ross Joined with Mr Roberts in some humorous patter and danoing, led the girls in “My Southern Girl,” and - proved himself an unusually good pianist, dancer, and comedian. The company includes several fine vocalists. Mr Walter Kingsley (baritone) has a magnifioent voice, musical and resonant, and of great range and volume, and he singS with unusual artistry. Twice recalled for “Friend of Mine,” ho responded with the always popular “F«oral Danoo” and “Western Wind.” Mr Kingsley was happily associated with Mr Maurice Jaffoy (tenor) in the duet, “Two Beggars,” and was a tower of strength in the concerted numbers, his singing of “O Star of Eve” from “Tannhauser,” with “Pilgrims’ Chorus” by the company, being especially fine. Mise Louise Meadows, soprano, whose voice is sweet, true and powerful, took the load in several pretty song scenas, and was heard with Messrs Jaffey and Kingsley in a well-rendered trio from “Faust.” Mr Jaffey’s fine voice was heard to particular advantage in the concerted items. Tho audience could not get enough of the Ragtime Quartette Messrs Jaffey, Kingsley, Roberts and Ross —and they were forced to supplement “Chicago” with “Crooning,” “The Older They Get the Younger They Want ’Em,” and "Oh, By Jingo,” before they were allowed to depart. Miss Marie Crowther danced gracefully, sang pleasingly, and ably seconded Mr Roberts in the funny matrimonial sketch. Mi’sb Mahana Nay, a clever comedienne, was very successful in the song-at-the-piano, “My Idea of a Girl,” and “They Never Leave You Alone Till They Get You.” The “Beauty Chorus and Ballet” added much to the success of the performance, giving good support to the principals. Quite a feature of the evening was the work of tho orchestra, with Mr Humphrey Bishop capably wielding the baton. Their jazz selections, with Mr Billy Tointon (a veritable wizard of the drums and other instruments) and Mr Frank Egan (violin ist) putting exhilarating “pep” into their work, roused the audience to enthusiasm. The only' fault that could be found with the orchestra was that ocacsionally it was ,c overpowering.

The stage sottings were effective, and the dressing very pretty. In fact, the whole show lacked no detail to ensure success, and from beginning to end was bright, merry and entertaining. Exactly tho same programme will be presented at the Opera House, Palmerston North, on Saturday next.