AMUSEMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 1 October 1920, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS

HAYWARD’S PICTURES. “THE LESSON.” Two scintillating stars, Constance Talmadge and Tom Moore, adorn the new programme at Hayward’s tonight. “The Lesson,” in which Constance Talmadge appears as a young bride married to a husband who is “something in the city,” and who is suffering from that distressing ailment so common to modern husbands m these strenuous days, a tight pocket, is one that has an appeal to every family Connie as a bride is captivating enough to tempt the festive but all too rare pound note from any stony-hearted husband—-one would think—but in the story her tightwad spouse is immune to her blandishments, and our heroine has to supplement her meagre allowance with odd cheques that she picks up for decorating work. It’s a good, (dean, fresh story that one can take the family to, knowing that they will enjoy it, and a further enticement is provided in the fact that the girlhood lover who secures the love and affection that the unworthy husband casts away i s no * ef,s a, favourite than the genial Torn Moore. The picture is adapted for the screen from the well-known stories by Virginia Torhune Van do Water, and it is a highly pleasing, wholesome slice of life. Another instalment of “Liberty” is included in the bill, which, will be finally screened to-night.

PEOPLE’S—SATUROA Y

A NEW SERIAL, There is certain to be a rush for seats at the Theatre Royallo-morrow. “My Lady’s Dress” is not altogether a happy title for probably what is the b,est English production that has reached Now Zealand. Presented in London last year it was a wonderful success, with the beautiful English actress Gladys Cooper, in the lead. It is a story somewhat after the nature of “Eyes of Youth” and “Roads of Destiny,” in which in a dream or viuo-i, the character sees unfolded many, unusual incidents which have a bearing on her experiences in real life, .men a story of course, can be told with tar greater force and beauty on the screen than on the stage, and the picture possibilities of the story were quickly seen by the leading English producer, Lamuelsou, with the result that a iehiarkable and fascinating film has been produced The story is unique, with powerful dramatic situations arising at every turn, and at the same time beautiful glimpses are given of other lands, for in the course of the min s unfolding, the West and East End ofi Loudon, Italy, France, Holland, and Russia are visited, and in a vivid ana forceful manner characteristic of oami country are brought out. Malcolm Cherry, the well-known English actor, plavs opposite to Miss Cooper. ‘the Riven Flag” is the name ot the first fjpisodk? of the sensational tsei'iai 3 ino Man of Might ” A hidden treasure on an uninhabited island starts the tumble in the story. An old sea captain who knew where the treasure was bidden drew a map of the place on a tag, and then gives his companions pieces or the map. One of the survivors turns up when the uncle of the heroine dies and tries to gain possession of the peceof Hag left her by the dying man. Her sweetheart happens in about tl at time, and a dead-in-earnest William Duncan-Joe Ryan scrap gets into action at once.

“LA MAiSOOTTE” SEASON',

OPENING PERFORMANCE ON MONDAY.

Tile “La Mascotte” season. is at hand. The Blenheim Amateur Operatic Society have had a successful run in. Blenheim, and the prospects ior the two nights’ season which commences in the Theatre Koyal, Nelson, on Monday night are bright, Public anticipation has been quickened in connection with this production, Audran s opera is so tuneful attd birght, besides giving spectacular features, that the oollab oration of Mr. Tom Pollard (producer) and Mr. C. A. Forrest (inimical director) has had splendid results. The cast is uniformly strong, and the chorus has excellent scope to display its quality'. The march militaire will give a military flavour to the production, and 32 young ladies have been carefully drilled in order, to provide this speciality. The third act will furnish a striking spectacle, when all those taking part in the opera—about 91) altogether—will be assembled on the stage for the finale. The principal roles are being filled by Miss Marlett Watson (Bettina, “La Mascotte”), Miss Mav Pigou (Fiametta), Mr. L. Griffiths (Laurent), Mr. G. H. Gray (Pippo), and Mr. John Young- (Hocco). The fact that each performance will commence at 7.45 should be particularly netted.