ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 August 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE

Tho double feature programme showing at the Empire to-night is made up of two delightful comedies and stars two of the most popular screen artists in the world. The first is “Swim Girls ,Swim,” starring the vivacious Bobo BaiiteLs. This i.s a miie-a-minuto comedy of campus life and lias numerous thrilling situations. 'Tile big event in this picture is the appearance of Gertrude Edorle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. She plays an important part of coach to Miss Daniels in the swimming sports. “Lonesome Ladies,” starring Lewis Stone, supported by Anna Q. Nilsson is the second attraction. It, is a comedy of domestic life, with gay parties and pretty women. This programme is one that should not he missed. Box plans are at Cull’s or 'Phono 18G

REGENT -A- double star programme will be ■shown to-night. Adolphe Menjnu in “Ace of Cads” is the film version of Michael Arlen’s novel.. Menjou portrays “Beau” Maturin as no other player could possibly have done. The dissolute young Guards lieutenant who reforms for love of a woman,' is betrayed by a false friend, loses her and conies back twenty years later only to kill a second love so Hint the first may live—becomes an intensely real person in Menjon’s skilful hands. The second star production is of quite a different character. “The Dixie Flyer,” which features Cullen Landis and Eva Novak. Just imagine if you can a father’s feeling, when he learns that he has sent his only and well beloved son to his death. ’This is only orm of the thrills contained in this great railroad melodrama. Ring 1102 for reserves. THEATRE ROYAL ,/,‘V ■ “Bachelor Brides” is a rollicking comedy, the. story of which deals with certain strange happenings on a stormy night, in an old c.istle in Scotland. Mr La Roeque is a. British peer who is about to wed flic daughter of a millionaire American butter and egg man, and a rich pearl necklace destined for the bride, is the stake for which a trio of crooks play a most desperate game. The Englishman, aided by Littlefield as the butler, block their plans. The situations are laughable"as well ns thrilling. The cast is well balanced.

George O’Hara is one of the few fortunate screen players whose' popularity increases with each new picture, and his latest F. 8.0. release, “California or Bust,” also at the.'Royal Theatre, is one of the reasons for this increase. O’Hara's immensely likeable personality and bis versatile and expressive acting ability are much in evidence in this new production. Tho plans are at tho Empire till 7.15 p.m.

DAISY HALL

A CHARMING ARTLST

Of Daisy Hall the brilliant New Zealand coloratura soprano d keen critic writes:—“She sings with sparkling vivacity and responsiveness, with a natural grace and appeal that cannot fail to rouse the enthusiasm of any audience. Daisy Hall is the fortunate possessor of a pure soprano of extensive range and ingratiating quality. The lower register is very full and even, while the tipper notes are round, powerful and sweet. She has also the inestimable boon of accuracy of pitch, striking her notes dead in the centre Throughout her long and generous programme, the intonation was absolutely flawless. It is a. flexible voice arid rich in colouring. Daisy Hall’s dramatic effects are pronounced and she has what few coloraiswa sopranos can boast of, an effective touch in comedy. The most ambitious numbers were the “Bell Song” from “Lakme”. Only singers confident of their technique will attempt this exacting aria, but Daisy Hall’s performance fully justified her ambition. She sang the aria effectively, and clinched home the fine impression she made on ~ the occasion of her first recital here. “The Jewel Song,” inviting the inevitable comparison, convinced the' most discerning that no recent performance given here could approach her’s for purity of tone, for technical evenness and characterisation; Daisy Hall’s recital left the audience, convinced that no more satisfying and at the same time more promising soprano lias been produced by this country. Daisy Hall will overcome all prejudice against the fact that she is New Zealand bom if people will only hear her, because she can confidently challenge comparison with the best singers heard in this country in recent years.” . In her recitals she will he assisted by Miss Wilding at the piano, and the Regent Orchestra. The box plan is at Begg’s.