ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16498, 26 March 1917, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

; "WATCH YOUR STEP" REVUE.In a riot of colour, and .with' a blaze of spectacular stage effects, ■"' : theH> Watch Your Step"! revue, played and produced under the auspices of the Returned; Soldiers' Association; by a company of Auck; landers, commenced its season to a good house at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday night, .-.lt'is as a spectacular production that the revue succeeds ' most; - succeeds not merely by the mechanical stage effects of lighting 'and scenery— these are such as no professional company need find fault with— by the telling effect produced on the eye by beautifullycostumed and well-trained ballets and choruses. Much depends upon the principals, _ but the balance between success and failure rests with the company as a whole in the many massed effects. From the opening scene, "The meet at Lady Angelina's,' where huntsmen and huntswomen costumed in the conventional pink, in green and in blue, perform one of the most effective ballets of the evening, to the massed finale, dance and tableau follow one another with an almost bewildering succession of bright spectacles. Particularly noticeable was the almost I entire absence of that nervousness and > gaucherie usually expected of amateur first nights. The company took the stage with a self-possession and verve which indicated earnest rehearsal and careful training. Most noticeable numbers following the hunting scene were the change of the seasons ballet, the "by the sea" scene, where, a partially-lowered curtain gave the Watch Your Step interlude from which the revue takes its name, the " domain gardens," adorned with living statuary, the roller-skating ballet, nd the cabaret scene of the last act. Following the revue convention the chorus frequently invaded the audience over a specially-con-structed gangway, and in one of the seasons ballets bombarded the house with stage snowballs. The part of Lady Angelina is played by Mr. J. Wallace Atkinson, who makes up as the conventional pantomime dame, and scores one or two, distinct successes. Ho appears to best advantage in his " Tea Shop" solo, and in his duet with Mr. J. H. Davey, "In the Springtime." The latter is quite the best piece of comedy of the evening. Suzette, portrayed by Mis s Eva Cardston, i is the most exacting part of all. It calls I for much versatility, and Miss Cardston, both in singing and dancing, won the approval of the audience. In one of her numbers, in which a tiny child figures, the house became most enthusiastic,, Much good work was done by Miss Ethel Rae, who is the fortunate possessor of a charming voice and an excellent stage presence. As the beneficent fairy foiling the designs of Mephistopheles she gained much applause. Supported by a strong chorus she sang " Here's to Love " most effectively. One of the most artistic items of the evening was the singing of " Rendezvous " by Miss Ida Histed in the domain scene. Mr. J. H. Davey proved a decided acquisition to the company, both in comedy and solo work. Other performers worthy of individual mention were Messrs. W. J. Meredith as Mephistopheles, 0. James, N. Kent and E. MacCormick. Taken altogether the production was of surpassing merit and speaks volumes both for the enthusiasm of Mr. Owen Cardston, the producer, and for his power of infusing others with that enthusiasm. With a little speeding up in action, which will probably come now the first night is successfully past, it will he difficult to find fault with the revue.

"WHO KILLED JOHN WATSON?" "Who Killed John Watson is a melodrama of more than ordinary merit, because of its clever construction and the mystery surrounding the identity of the murderer. Unlike most melodramas, the final denouement is not obvious in fact, it is concealed so effectually that the audience is treated to a dramatic surprise. The play, which is replete with clever dialogue and abundant .cornedv, is_ from the pen of Mr. jj. Youlih Birch, the author of the libretto and lyrics of the comic opera, " A Moorish Maid," and the musical comedy "Manuella." The work,. distinctly meritorious, would be oven better were one or two more characters introduced into the murder scene. Produced for the first time on Saturday night at the' King's Theatre by the Brandon-Cremer Dramatic Company, which is now in its 24th week, the drama was an instantaneous success, • the audience, which filled the theatre in all parts, demonstrating its approval in no uncertain manner, a scene of enthusiasm following the final fall of the curtain. Mr. Maurice Tuohy gave a fine interpretation of the part of Dick Feiuaerly,' his reacting of the murder scene in the third ; act being a noteworthy effort. As John Watson, Mr. Edga Kenna was convincing, as also was Mr. Geo. Henderson as Jack Greardon, the. accused man. Kenneth Carlisle succeeded in making the Judge at.the trial live, his interpretation being an excellent study. • Miss Kathleen Arnold, as Fennerly's sweetheart, displayed considerable talent in the portrayal of a difficult part, while Miss Alice Rede gave a pleasing performance as Dick Fennerly's mother.* In the part of Helena Desmond •Miss Mabei Hardinge ! scored a distinct dramatic success, • her acting in the final scene being worthy of special commendation. " As said, the play is rich in comedy I'nes..which at the ablo hands of Mr. I'rank Neil and Miss Biddy Hawthorne lest nothing by their presentation; rather did they gain. Miss Hawthorne has seldom been seen to more advantage, while Mr. Neil was equally good. The mystery as to the identity of the murderer of John Watson should be responsible for capacity business at the King's throughout the week.

OPERA HOUSE. A new vaudeville programme will be offered at the Opera House this evening. The combination of musical comedy and variety turns is still adhered to, the Victor Prince Company of comedians providing the former class of entertainment. Their offering is entitled " Push the Bell," which serves to introduce tho latest song and dance numbers. Other newcomers are St. George and his statuary models, Mark Erickson. comedian, and -The Caleys, Scotch singers. Maude Faning and the Elliots, who are in their last week, will afro appear. . ' ORGAN RECITAL.

A carefully selected programme of organ music was played by tho city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, at the organ recital at the Town Hall on Saturday evening. Widor's " Allegro from the Sixth Symphony" gave a great deal of enjoyment to ' the audience, while the Intermezzo from " Cayallcria Rusticana" was a popular item. The concluding number, Russian songs and dances, evoked warm applause from an appreciative audience. Vocal items interspersed the organ pieces, Miss Jessie Bartlett singing Willeby's setting of "Crossing the Bar," and Bohm's '" Still as the Night." The accompaniments were played by Mr. Leo Whit- ** "" LYRIC THEATRE. '

A charming love romance is portrayed in "The Girl of Yesterday," the photoplay featuring Mary Pickford at the Lyric Theatre. Screened for the first time oil Saturday, it proved to be very popular with the large audience present at each session. Mary Pickford portrays a role which is well" suited to her abilities. _ She has been brought up by an old-fashioned aunt with strange ideas of social demands. The family, suddenly becoming possessed of riches, changes the tenor of an even way. Mary, however, continues to affect her old-fashioned clothes and ways, and con-' trives to effectually put to rout' a modern society rival.- An exciting incident in the play is an aeroplane flight. The supporting programme is ft varied one, and in keeping with picture standards maintained^' the Lyric Theatre..' '■ .'.»

. TIVOLI THEATRE. ■/ An excellent programme of pictures.was shown at the Tivoli Theatre for the first time 'on Saturday AThe- leading; film was Little 'Lady' Eileen," a dramatic production ,"'. featuring Miss Marguerite Clark, and the Various' startling scenes of the piece were portraved with '-■ a > wealth ■. of detail and photographic effect. In '.this picture Miss Clark excels 'any of her previous performances ~ before the camera. The .fight and shade displayed in ; her acting and the careful characterisation shown, made her' performance an excellent . one. The picture depicts a charming Irish . lore

. romance interwoven with old folk-lore."bo : . dear to the 'hearts of Irish people. Quaint • dresses and scenery add to the picturesque atmosphere. The story portrayed is well ( iconstructed,'•": and ~is | continuous m its • presentation. The Famous [ Players "*** added another success ' in i-.[ Little Lady/ Eileen ".k to their long list of entertaining screen dramas. The 1 supporting programme showed good-judg.', • ment in its selection, all the pictures bejijr J . of.* a high-class and enjoyable nature. ;.■:,.: PRINCESS THEATRE. ' .•• A modern romance is depicted in the • Metro ;photo.play,'."Dorean's; Divorce," • which' i 8 being shown■' at : / the ' x Princess > Theatre. - Screened "for. the 'first.- time on [ Saturday the piece proved to be in keepi ing with the \ Metro standard ;of animated , pictures. ...The story concerns ' Dorian ! Keene, ..a/, successful broker, /who [ finds .himself- in financial if difficulties. , His . wife objecting ■; to '; the altered i conditions of life wants a divorce, he see- , ing.no reason' why ho should not grant , her wish. At this stage her godfather . confesses that he has misappropriated cer- . tain money belonging to her, there is a violent scene-, a shot is heard, and the i man is found dead. The husband shoulders the blame and escapes in a motorcar. After . some , thrilling incidents the ; mystery connected with the story is cleared up and happiness reigns supreme. A Drew comedy, "Duplicity," and a , Metro travelogue support the principal picture. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The . leading picture in the new programme at the Queen's Theatre presents its main scenes in the midst of society. " Madame de Thebes" is a film that 'is distinctly worth seeing. Tho plot of the picture, which is carefully constructed., introduces a countess and a gipsy, each a strong personality in the community she frequents. A child is born to the countess, but its life being very short, she. cannot face her husband. At this stage she comes in contact with the gipsy, whose child she adopts. At this point the story becomes very interesting and concludes with a startling climax.

KING GEORGE THEATRE. The new programme to be presented a the King George Theatre to-day featurei Victor Moore' and Anita King in a sensa tion picture, "The Race." Victor Moon is well known for his character impersonation of Chimmie Fadden, and in this new photo-play he is the hero of an exciting motor race. The story tells of a 3000 mile dash for riches and honour, and hat to do with the adventures of Jimmj Grayson, the frivolous eon of a wealth} automobile manufacturer. Jimmy loses ten thousand dollars in gambling, and is disowned by his stern father. Ho secure employment as a mechanic in a motor garage and finally falls in love with his employer's daughter, .a. transcontinental motor race to advertise the features of a new car gives Jimmy a chance of driving one of the machines, and, unknown to him, his sweetheart is at the steering wheel of another car. The race is said to be very exciting and features some sensational scenes. The story ends happily, by the lovers sharing the prize-money. STRAND THEATRE, A Triangle Production, " The Sin Ye Do," was screened at the Strand Theatre for the first time on Saturday. Frank Keenan and Margery Wilson, playing the leading characters, gave, excellent peN formances, and were responsible for much of the success of the piece. Called on to play with his life for. having been too friendly with a married woman, Keenan asks for time to defend his daughter in, Court, who has killed her employer in! defence of her honour. The reprieve is granted, and the father's defence of his daughter saves not only her life, but his own. A further episode in "Gloria's Romance" is also screened. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The leading picture presented in the new programme at Everybody's Theatre on Saturday proved to be -particularly attractive. Featuring , Gail Kane in the principal part, "The Men She Married" makes a thrilling drama. The plot concerns an adventurer, who, posing as a single man, tricks a young girl into a false marriage. A hilarious comedy by the Keystone people, entitled, "The Two O'clock Train," is a wildly humorous piec», and serves as support to the principal picture.

GRAND THEATRE. Mary Pickford in the photo-play, " The Girl of Yesterday," proved very popular at the Grand Theatre on Saturday. Largo audiences were in attendance at each session, amply demonstrating . that "the world's sweetheart" is more than maintaining her popularity. An excellent selection of . supporting films are also screened. GLOBE THEATRE. The new programme presented at the Globe Theatre on Saturday found immediate' favour with patrons. The leading! picture is "Broken Chains," while the supporting programme includes an entertaining co. jdy and a topical war picture; WEST END THEATRE. The current programme at the West End Theatre is headed by the photoplay, "The Matrimaniac." * t . /