ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15236, 25 February 1913, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"GET-rtIGH-QUICK WALLINGFORD."

A REFRESHING COMEDY.

It is not a new experience to find tho work of an American dramatist commanding admiration, and hence it comes as no surprise to discover that " Get-Rich-Quick WaUingford " is diverting and refreshing to a degree. The comedy, of course, represents a combination of brains, being an adaptation by George M. Cohan of George Randolph Chester's stories of the central figure. The play is another evidence of the fact that the British playwright must needs look to his laurels, lest his cousin across the water should altogether annex them. Not only does this latest product from the drama market of the States break new ground, but it also brings to life types of characters to know whom is to obtain real enjoyment. An atmosphere is created in " Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford " which instantly envelops the onlooker, and, that much effected, an irresistible .spirit of hustle compels his interest and close attention to the end. Scarcely has tho curtain risen than amusing situations begin to tumble over one another. The plot progresses so speedily that at a first sitting some of the finer points in the humour, or the sentiment, or the worldly-wise philosophy of it all, may be missed. One realises this when the curtain finally falls, and one registers a determination to see the piece again. The rattling pace at which the action is sustained does not, fortunately, prevent the incisive directness of the dialogue, with its many witty garnishments, from being impressed upon the mind, however lightly. It is the subtlety of the argument and the vividness of the character drawing, which run the risk of evading notice unless one is keenly on the alert for them. On the whole a more entertaining comedy has seldom come this way. " Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford," whilst penned with anything but a serious object, is, nevertheless, not a little informative as to the methods of the American " crook" in the game of company promoting. The joke of it lies in the fact that a pair of rogues, descending upon. a town with the sole object of swindling the prominent and the i humble citizens thereof out of their monetary possessions, accidentally r - fortunes for all concerned, including themselves. Precisely how this b". >py state of affairs is brought about juid spoil in the telling. Suffice it to .y that merriment is the dominant note all through four acts, and that, despite the fact that so much laughter is occasioned, the collaborators have yet found opportunities for also striking a chord which lends a pleasant human interest to the whole.

The first production of "Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford " by the J. C. Williamson Co., at His Majesty's last night, was witnessed by a large audience, and its success : was never in doubt. At the end of each i act, and at the close of the evening, there were pronounced demonstrations of approval. In the title-role was introduced Mr.' Fred Niblo, a comedian of marked ability, wonderful resource, and intense vitality. His exuberant delivery of apparently impromptu speeches, and the manner in which he can led all before him in the colossal swindle, -which turned out to be no such thing, made it seem veritably natural that " boobs '' (or commercial victims) should fall before him and be netted in. Mr. Niblo gave a very fine performance of a part calling for an unusual degree of talent. The-motto of Wallingford might well be said to be " Veni, Vidi, Vici," which phrase would well, express his whirlwind capacity for conquering all men whom he sought to* conquer. To play such a part to the life is a feat, and that Mr. Niblo accomplished just that 'is the i least that can be said. A splendid foil to Wallingford was his partner "Blackie" Daw, and in the interpretation of this part Mr. Harry Corson Clarke was equally successful. His quaint dry style was well applied to the delineation of the character, and throughout he was most amusing. Miss Beatrice Holloway played the important role of the stenographer who captivates Wallingford, and though her American accent was not American, she showed an appreciation of the inner meaning of the character and interpreted it creditably. The remaining roles in a long cast were decidedly well played. A feature of che evening: was the excellent music provided by an orchestra under Mr. G. von Heck. "Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford" will bestaged again to-night and until further j notice.

OPERA HOUSE. The fine new vaudeville programme presented at the Opera House last evening, met with, a full measure of appreciation. A feature of the performance was the novel act introduced by Electra. This artist takes 1700 volts of electricity through his body, and performs, among others, the unique feat of ejecting forks of electricity from his tongue. A demonstration is also given of the working of the "death chair,' the method by which electrocution is carried out in the American States. The : enthusiastic reception accorded plectra was fully deserved. The clever turn provided by Athas and Collins also met with much appreciation. A feature of their performance was the splendid dancing of the former artist. Fred. Curran appeared in two new songs, and the demand for encores proved that his popularity remains undiminished. Mark Ericksen also established himself a firm favourite. Austin and Cowan appeared in a popular turn. The Punchinellos appeared as usual in the first part of the programme, and assisted materially in bringing the performance to' its high standard of popularity. The programme will tie repeated this evening. KING GEORGE THEATRE. The new programme presented at the King George Theatre yesterday was a very entertaining one, and attracted large audiences to both the day and evening sessions. "The Girl and the Cowboy" was perhaps the best of the dramatic films, while " Through the Breakers" and "The Bowstring" were each highly interesting dramas. "Sigovia" and "The Western Coast of Sicily" were excellent scenic films while "A Lively Dispute," " Polidor at School," and "Diddled" provided the comedy element. The programme will be repeated to-day. LYRIC THEATRE. An excellent programme was presented at the Lyric Theatre to a large audience last evening. The star picture, " With the Colours," gave one a fine insight into the British territorial system, from tho orderlies to the latest airship. Another edition of tho Auckland Animated News was screened, a prominent feature in which ! was a display of the latest millinery creations, principally hats, by tho Newton Bon Marche. " The Counts " and " Sunshine " were two excellent dramatic films, and some good scenic, and comic pictures com- ! pleted a first-class programme. GLOBE PICTURES. The principal picture in the new programme screened at the Globe Theatre yestej-day was a fine coloured dramatic picture entitled " The Work of His Hands," which described how a blind sculptor, thinking his wife was unfaithful to him, destroyed .in a fit of rage a magnificent group which _ he had modelled. "The Good-fox -Nothing" and " The Finger of Scorn " were the best of tho other dramatic films. The Gaumont Graphic depicted a number of recent happenings of general interest. A number of comedy and scenic pictures were also included "in the programme. ■>, FULLER'S PICTURES. A large audience greeted the new selection of pictures presented by Messrs. Fuller and Sons at the King's Theatre-last evening, and the various films tart with general approval. A highly sensational picture, entitled "The Panther's Prey" in. which a ferocious panther played a prominent part, was one r of -the best films, while a pictorial representation of the

" Lady of Shalot" was also intensely interesting. A number, of other, dramatic films of more than ordinary merit, were included in the programme, which, was'also strong in humorous and industrial subjects