ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3290, 9 March 1926, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

WILLIAMSON MUSICAL COMEDY. “LEAVE IT TO JANE.” Of the J. C. Williamson Musicali Comedy, "Leave it to Jane,” to lie seen hero on .Monday next at the.: Opera House, the critic of the Wei-1 lington "Dominion” writes: —“The' company engaged in the production: of the comedy is well up to the J.I C. Williamson standard, and there! can be little doubt that all Welling-' ton will wish to bo innoculated withj the joy germ the comedy spreads.] The music is bright and catchy, and' there is always something doing to enchain the attention and delight the eye, including the kaleidoscopic, motion of a full singing ballet and; chorus. Wellington had the pleas-! urc of showing its appreciation ofl the clever comedy of Miss Dorothy! Lena, an English comedienne, who| as Flora Wiggins showed a remark-i ably fine vein of humour. Miss Elmer Gibbs also scored a success as Bessie Tanner, and her many intimacies with Stub Talmadge (Mr Leyland Hodgson) lost nothing in warmth and piquancy. Miss Mona Barlcc, a tall brunette, was admirably suited as Jane, to whom everything is left. Mr Leyland Hodgson .made Stub Talmadge one of the king pins of the comedy’s action. He is robustious in character and lends hearty cheer to any song or situation In which he is concerned. One of the most grotesque characters seen in musical comedy for quite a time is the Bub Hicks of Mr Athol Tier. Mr Tier has the silly comedy business down to a fine point, and is a wonderfully funny eccentric dancer. His big laughing hits were in the songs “I Miss My Swiss (sung in absurd Alpine attire), and “I Had to be Home by Nine.” Capital character studies were given by Mr Jack Cannot as Dr. Witherspoon, and Mr Harry Wootton as Htram Bolton. Mr Percy le Fre was bright and dapper as Howard Talbot, a college tutor, also capital in the scenes in which he was concerned as the Hon. Elam Hicks. Mr Cecil Scott made Billy Bolton a very presentable young man, and acted the role with becoming seriousness. One of the bright features of the play was the college concert, in which the old quartet, “Sweet and Low,” is charmingly sung by the full chorus among other numbers. There is plenty of dancing. This production will be followed by “Whirled to Happiness.” OPERA HOUSE. “WAGES FOR WIVES.” A very human picture is being shown just now at the Opera House, called “Wages for Wives.” It is a comedy-drama with many laughs against the sterner sex, which seems to give a lot of satisfaction to the ladies present. When three women go out on strike for a half share of the weekly payroll, the men attempt I to fond for themselves, but they get into a hopeless muddle and are pleased to have their spouses back on any terms. The short comedy in this programme is a sure laugh-getter, and With a topical, a Christchurch local picture, and good music, deserves full attendances. ROSY. FINE DOUBLE BILL. First a novel, then a stage play, now a motion picture. Such is the career of “Excuse Me,” th 0 famous Rupert Hughes light comedy theme which will be seen as a Motro-Gold-wyn production at the Rosy Theatre to-day. Enacted by a fine cast, headed by Norma Shearer, Conrad Nagel, Renee Adoree, Bert Roach, and Walter I-liers, “Excuse Me” will please large numbers of people because of its spontaneous humour and dramatic thrills. The climax in which the trans-continontal flyer smashes through a burning bridge is breathtaking. The sweep of Western plains, the rugged character of the men and loyalty of the women, the intrigue of blackguards and all the other elements of thrilling interest that Eugene Manlove Rhodes puts into his fiction stories, combine to make “Good men and True” by all odds the best production in which Harry Carey has ever appeared. It is being shown at the Kosy Theatre to-day. There is anexcellent supporting programme. PALACE THEATRE. “ONE GLORIOUS NIGHT.” AMERICAN FLOTILLA JAZZ BAND Last evening’s programme at the Palace Theatre was one of the most enjoyable offerings that, has been made to the public within recent months in Palmerston North. The Master Picture. “One Glorious Night,” with its supporting numbers, was a revelation of the art of photography for the screen, while the acting of the cast was of a very high order. Palace standard was well maintained throughout, and full houses may be predicted for the remainder of the season. The American Flotilla Jazz Band met with a very hearty and enthusiastic reception at the hands of it’s first Palmerston audience, and they have every reason )to feel that their efforts in the entertainment line are highly appreciated by the critical Palace Theatre-goers. Every number was rendered with all lh 0 verve and vim that is recognised as part and parcel of the “Jazz” code of music, and the noite of appreciation was sounded by the crowded house in the emphatic recalls which were made. The remaining nights of tho season will ho all too few to satisfy the jazz lovers of Palmerston North. PARAMOUNT. “SALOME OF THE TENEMENTS.” Ludlow street —in the heart of New York's Ghell\o —buzzed- with excitement. Little groups of gesticulating

women gathered on the curb near Spring street to discuss the big news; "Tiic little Edelstein kids and Lily Polka, no bigger than a minute, and Willy Wasserman and Becky Kaufman and Ada Kramer—in the movies!” “No! Beal actors in th G movin’ pictures?” "Yes! For pay!” Jackie iCoogan, so the story runs, got his start in filmland through an impromptu introduction to Charlie .Chaplin, but !these youngsters of the lower East I Side, got their chance to appear on j the screen solely because of their I lively, spontaneous antics in Ludlow ;street, while at play. The Casting ■Department of Paramount’s Long Island studio needed half a dozen chil- ! dren to appear in the prologue to "Salome of the Tenements’’ under Sidney Oleott's direction. “Salome of th® Tenements" is an adaptation of the i novel of Anzia Yezierska. Sonya Lovjion wrote the screen play. Jotta GouIdal, Godfrey Tearle and Jose Auben •are featured in the. leading roles. It tells of a little waif of the streets who .grows up to be a ravishing beauty and (marries a millionaire philanthropist and will be shown at the Paramount (theatre to-night and to-morrow afternoon and evening. ODDFELLOWS’ DANCE There was a good attendance at the Oddfellows’ Hall last night when the second dance of the season was held. "Excuse Me" foxtrots added variety, and the twilight dances were, as usual, loudly encored. Extras -were supplied by Mr. Les. Grummitt, of the Flotilla Jazz Band, whose playing drew loud applause from patrons. Mrs. L. S. Catterick chaperoned the assembly. Messrs. Dilks and Catterick were M’s.C., and the music was supplied by an efficient orchestra.