ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2778, 20 October 1923, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EVERYBODY'S "THE ELUSIVE PIMPERNEL." Hundreds of thousands of people have read the st'ory of "The Elusive Pimpernel," by Baroness Orczy, the screen adaptation of which is showing at Everybody's Theatre to-night, and it is safe to say that practically everybody has heard of the adventurous character of the Scarlet Pimpernel who forms its hero. In the picture version the title role is wonderfully enacted by Cecil Humphreys, who is the ideal type for this difficult part. It is necessary to note that Mr Humphreys ia just now achieving further fame with Oscar Asche in the latter's colossal spectacle "Cairo," and the fact of Mr Humphreys being chosen stamps him as a distinctive actor. In "The Elusive Pimpernel" Cecil Humphreys demonstrates in an artistic manner how this loveable character outwitted revolutionary officers and cheeted the bloodthirsty guillotine, of both himself and a number of helpless victims g Mr Norman Page gives a. fine interpretation of the evil Chauvelin, and Miss Marie Blanche, who is well known as principal boy of Drury Lane panto, •mime, makes a charming Lady Blakeney, wife of The Scarlet Pimpernel.

ROSY. Those followers of Dustin Farnura, the Fax Star, who have not seen his oxcellcnt performance in "Bucking the Barrier" at the Kosy Theatre, are afforded their last chance this afternoon and evening. A good comedy, "Radio King" (serial), cartoon and news are also showing. - - PALACE. His wife had bolted her door on their wedding night! Where love should have reigned supreme, there was estrangement. His house was filled with strangers—friends of hers — whom she preferred to her husband. In tiis own study the spirit of his wife haunted him. Would she never realise the folly of a butterfly existence? What would kindle the flame of lovo within her? "The Bolted Door" is a big vital drama that will hold you enthralled. Round 7 of "Tho Leather Pushers" and a comedy are also showing.

"THE OAT AND THE CANARY."

ONLY PERFORMANCE TO-NIGHT,

Never previously in the history of the Auckland stage has a play created anything like the sensation as that achieved by "The Cat and the Canary," which is to be staged by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., company this evening. This romantic comedydiuma was greeted by a large audience on its opening performance in Auckland, and afterwards the "House Full" sign had to be hung out before 7.45 each evening. "There is not," saida critic recently, "a dull moment in 'The Cat and the Canary.' One moment the audience are being thrilled by some intense dramatic situation', and the next screams of laughter are compelled by genuine comedy scenes. The dialogue is particularly brilliant, and the interest o.f the play is maintained right' up to the fall of the curtain. Indeed, the identity of the impersonator of the cat is so cleverly concealed that wheni it is divulged a minute before the finale of the drama, the audience sit spelbound." "The Cat and the Canary" is a mystery play, but not like those we have witnessed in the past, as there are more laughs in it than in any farce comedy staged in recent years. The present J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Company, were all specially engaged for the production of "The Cat and tho Canary," and Mr George H, Highland, who pi-oduced it in Australia, paid a special visit to New York to familiarise himself with it. It was he who also selected the artists far their vaiious roles, with the natural result that they are all seen at their very best. Mr Garry Marsh, who last night scored a triumph as Mark Sabre, receives much better opportuni. tics in "The Cat and the Canary" to demonstrate that he is unquestionably one of the finest actors we have enjoyed in these parts. Whether in the light comedy scenes, Or in the intense dramatic moments, he is equally at home. His refreshing and delightful personality gets over the footlights and quickly places him ia the affections of his audiences. Miss Isobel Wilfard has achieved her'greatest triumph in "Tho Cat and the Canary," and so has the young Auckland artist, Mr Robert Geddes. Othera who will be seen to even greater advantage in to-night's production than in "If Winter Comes." are Miss Jane Saville, Allsa Grahame, Georgie Harvey, Sydney Sterling, George Blunt, Arthur Cornell, and Reginald Wykcham, all of whom were engaged for the types of characters they portray. The scenery and dresses are features of the production, and the special operatic orchestra will play some specially composed music under the leadership of Mies Marjorie Jurs.

"THE GEISHA." • The Palmerston North Operatic Society will present to honorary members and the public the charming Jalpanese musical Comedy, "The Geisha," in the Opera House during Show Week. This production will possibly excel anything yet attempted by the Society, and as is well known they have a record of successful amateur operas not surpassed by any other Society in the Dominion. There are an unusually large number engaged in the work this year the chorus alone being about seventy of the best local talent'. The opera calls for a very extensive and able dast, and never before haa the Society had the selection that it is able to command on this occasion. Mrs Hulme, the producer, is engaged all day and every evening, and the two acts are rapidly taking shape. Mrs Harry Palmer, in her usual capable manner, assisted by her lady workers, has the wardrobe almost ready," and in this connection it may ber Bald that the costume** and colour effects will make up a charming ensemble in the many stage pictures with which "The Gelsaa" abounds. The scenery is now

completed, and the orchestra of fifteen ; has linked up with the Society in regular practices. The box plan opens to honorary members on Tuesday morning next at nine o'clock, at Mr C. G # Swallow's, and to the public the following day at nine o'clock. The prices of admission are 6/, 4/, and 2/, with no extra, charge for tax or booking at the box office. "DICK WHITTINGTON" > PANTOMIME OPERA HONSE, FRIDAY AND - SATURDAY NEXT. Mr Tano Fama, who is noted for his splendid productions in the late famous Digger shows, has gone ' one better in presenting the dazzling spectacular pantomime "Dick Whitting. ton." He was fortunate while in Sydney, in securing Sir Arthur Collins' (of Drury Lane) version of this fine old pantomime, and it is said that no pantomime has such charm and attraction as "Dick Whittington." Mr Kavollo, the animal impersonator, is - another link with Drury Lane, he having played animal parts there with Wilkle Bard and other fine artists. The company are particularly strong in comedians, Mr Ted Stanley, Mr Will Cass, and Mr George Edwards making up a laughable trio of humourists. Ivy Bow. ment, the principal girl, has just concluded a twelve weeks' engagement with Harry Musgrove's theatres in Australia, where she made a great impression. Another artist o£ note is Miss Alice Manton, a comedienne, who spreads happiness and mirth, The beauty ballet and chorus was selected from the leading theatres in Sydney and Melbourne, and is calculated to create, apart from their ability, a good deal of interest from their charming apfpearance. The scenery makes for wonderful blending of colouring and glitter. Three outstanding settings are, the "Tropical Isle," "The Palace of Jewels," and the "Flower Setting." The dresses, particularly in the Dampshade march and the Jewel scene, are on a very lavish scale. Box plana will open at Oates* Music Stares on Wednesday next. »