ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18059, 6 April 1922, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE SIGN ON THE DOOR." Many of the situations in " The Sign on the Door" are original and thrilling, and lovers of the melodramatic type of playwill find plenty of material in it to hold their interest to the final curtain. Tho theme is one that has been worn almost threadbaro by a certain class of American author. It i 8 that of tho profligate son of the rich man, whose chief occupation in life seems to bo to play the "spider " to the " fly " of somo poor girl, and, by way of a change, to despoil another man's home by " hunting " his wife or daughter. In utilising this motive for his drama Chanmng Pollock has run the risk of offending people of refined tastes, especiaily in his outspoken prologue, which concerns the despoiler's attempt upon the honour of his father's stenographer, and which might well have been left to the imagination. Tho fact that in tho end the piece resolves itself into a Police Court story is of lesser importance, seeing that in construction it is undeniably clever, and not without its momenta of suspenso and surprise. The central character is drawn as a veritable cad, and if he is taken as a type against whom the playwright intentionally directs public indignation, he may be" accepted at that rating, and those who witness the play may rejoica that he should meet tie fate he i deserves. The indictment against him and his sort is certainly heavy in " Tho Sign on tho Door," but tho more one sees of such productions the more one prefers those in which tho themo is sweetor and tho heart interest more real. The strength of this piece lies in its dramatic craftmanship, its cumulative atmosphere of tenseness, and tho ingenuity of the way in which its mysteries are unravelled. On its first Droduction at His Majesty's Theatre last evening it, was accorded a hearty reception. Miss Maude Hanaford made her reappearance here in the role of Ann. tho stenographer before referred to, who afterwards marries a middle-aged widower, and with him becomes involved in unexpected complications becauso of the episode which has been told of in the prologue. The part is not consistent, and is thereby rendered very difficult to enact with "anything approaching real impressivencsa. Miss Hanaford was admirable up to a certain point, but, in the inconsistent phases of the role, sho seemed to lose that poiso and self-control which had otherwise stood her in good stead. Her tragedy did not ring as true as her dramatic work, largely becauso it is less convincingly written. In the part of tho middle-aged husband Mr. William J. Kellv was forceful, both in manner of speech and in general deportment. His styile was well suited, and he succeeded in striking the right note in all his scenes. Mr. Kenneth Brampton has seldom been seen to better advantage than in his portrayal of the unscrupulous philanderer, Frank Deveraux. He did not spare himself in his study of tho caddish young man, his coolness and callousness being ever in the ascendant. Mr. Sidney Sterling was excellent as the district attorney who sets about clearing up the murder mystery. The remaining principal roles were well interpreted by Mioses Doris Duane, Phyliss Coghlan, Messrs. Herbert Leigh, Frank Carlton, Reg. A. Long, Charles Wheeler, and others. " The Sign on the Door " will be repeated this evening and for five moro nights.

"MERRIE ENGLAND."

Commencing at His Majesty's Theatre on Thursday cvenhig next Messrs. J. ('. Williamson, Ltd., will offer what is described as one of the biggest productions ever staged in the Dominion. This is " Merrio England," a comic opera in two nets by Edward German, with the libretto by Basil Hood. The Telegraph, Sydney, says: " 'Merrio England' is the greatest comic opera since Gilbert and Sullivan. Apart from the fact that the story is one of absorbing interest, with a delightful love romance interwoven, the music in itself should make the opera a success. Edward German has given of his best, every number is embroidered with pearls of melody, and the music throughout is of the most tuneful and varied order, ranging from paUer numbers to madrigals and catchy humorous tunes that tickle tho fancy and cling to the memory'.'' " Merrio England " and revivals of " The Chocolate Soldier," "Mikado," "Gondoliers," and "The Yeomen of the Guard," will be played by J. C. Williamson's specially reorganised Gilbert and Sullivan's Comic Opera Company, including A. Howett-Worcester, C. Mettam, Chas. H, Workman, John Balaton, Molly Tyrcll, Patti Russell, Byrl Waike'ly, Grace Crotty, and other favourites, together with tho famed chorus and orchestra. " Merrie England" will be played for five nights, with matinees on Easter Saturday and Monday. Tho box plans for the seven performances of " Merrie England " will be opened at Lewis R. Eadv and Son, Ltd., on Tuesday morning next.

STRAND THEATRE.

Tlio final screenings of " Woman's Place," with Connie Talmadge in the lead, and of " With the Prince in India," will be given today and this evening at the Strand Theatre. To-morrow a new programme will bo presented, the chief attraction on which will be an adaptation to the silent drama of James Oliver Curwood's story, " The Golden Snare." This is a powerful tale of a North Western mounted sergeant on a man-hunt, of a babv found in a blizzard, and of a snaro made of a girl's golden hair. It is a story of Arctic mystery and frozen peril. Strango tales filter down from the Far North of a half-mad man who has for his only companions savage wolf dogs, who attack* man or beast at their master's; bidding. Inspector Fitzgerald, of the mounted police, hears that he is a man who has been wanted for 20 years, so ho sends his best man, Sergeant Raine, to bring back the outcast, " dead or alive." How he fares in his task is tho dramatic theme of the film. Lewis S. Stone is castas the sergeant, and he is supported by Ruth Renick, and other film favourites. In addition, there will be a Mack Sennett comedy, and a new Tony Sarg cartoon, together with scenic and topical films.

"THE AFFAIRS OF ANATOL."

The change of programme at the Tivoli Theatre to-morrow afternoon will introduce a special feature film in Cecil B. de Mille's Paramount production, " The Affairs of Anatol," The occounta received of this attraction are such as to arouse pleasant anticipations regarding its qualities. The tale told in the course of the action is that of a social lion's adventures gin love. Th« scenes have been described as " rustling in silken luxurjr, and alluring with lieautiful women." Woven into the main theme is a heartstirring story of great human interest. In the chief role is Wallace Reid, claimed to be the best-dressed actor on tho screen. Gloria Swanson is the young bride, thoughtless and gay, who comes to her tenses when she sees her love being alienated. Agnes Ayres, Elliott Dexter, Bebe Daniels, Monte Blue, Wanda Hawley, Theodore Roberts, and other stars are in the cast. Tho claim is made that, with due regard to " Mulo and Female," " Why Change Your Wife?" " Something to Think About," and other de Mille super-films, " Tho Affairs of Anatol," attains the highest standard yet reached by that skilled director.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE.

The last three days of the current programme at Everybody's Theatre are announced. The chief attraction is the remarkably fine sfcries of English views in the film " Beautiful Britain." This is creating great interest, not only among regular picture theatre patrons, but among educationists. Included in the bill is tho dramatic photo-drama, " The Amazing Partnership."

GRAND THEATRE.

The final screenings of the British-made film " Carnival," will be given at the Grand Theatre to-day. Among the supporting pictures is the second chapter in the "Adventures of Tarzan." To-morrow the principal film on the new programme ■will be " Wits v. Wits," an entertaining comedy-drama featuring Margaret ■Marsh. Anothor Tarzan episode will also be shown*