ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18090, 15 May 1922, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" MOTHER O' MINE." " Mother o' Mine," the iirst prodnctiori presented by the George ()ross Dramatic Company, was very -well received by large audience-s at the King's Theatre on Saturday. The piece is a romantic Irish drama, containing moments of tense action, which are relieved by much excellent humour. The romance of the story keeps the interest sustained till the final curtain and if the following plays maintain the standard set by " Mother o* Mine," the company should meet with marked popularity. The scenes are laid in Ireland in the latter pai-t of the eighteenth century and the story tells of a country boy who falls in love with a young society girl. Later he has the opportunity of going to America, wLero ho secures rank and position. Final'y he returns to Ireland to claim his brids. The costuming of the play was excellent and true to period, while the scenery was very effective, the representations of the fip at Ballincolly and of the Dublin treet being particularly pleasing. Mr. George Cross, who took Ihe chW part, that of Larry Dwyer, was a complete success in every way. His acting was never forced, though the characterisation of Larry as a colonel of the United Slates Army evidently suited him much better than the role of the young rustic. Mr. Croas was responsible for most of ':,he humour of the play and nis lines wet* well 6poken. The scene between Larry and his brother's footman was excellently done and both actors deserve ever,- praif-e for a really fine piece of comedy. Miss Vera Remee, who is also well known to King's Theatre patrons, filled her part very capably. Her acting was distinctly good and her work with Mr. Cross please-1 the audience. The role of John Dwyrr, Larry's wealthy brother, was ably portrayed by Mr. Jack McGowan, who gave a manly interpretation. Lady CaTolme Dw\er, John's brilliant wife, was flayed by Miss Juanita Cole, whose acti-ig was of a high standard. Her dignified attitude, which she retained throughout the piece, was never exaggerated, but given the right amount of emphasis. Mr. D. MacCormack played the part of Captain Marchmont, the " villain " of the piece, in a true blustering styki. Mr. Tom Buckley gave a faithful portrayal of the priest, Father MaJoney, while Miss Nana T>avey did her work capably. Little Olpa. Tollefson, as Susie Morris, did very well and her actins was delightfully natural. Mr. Billy McGowan as Cuzack. the footman, provided splendid low comedy, while the minor parts were in capable hands The drama will be stasred every nieht this week until Saturday, when " A Sister's Sacrifice" will be presented.

OPERA HOUSE. A change of programme will be submitted at the Opera House to-day. Jack and Sadie Trent, comedy entertainers, will make t'heir first appearance in Auckland, and Sam and Elise Goldie will present a new ofiering, entitled " His Night Out." Mdlle. Dupont will divulge the secret of Phrozo, the mysterious electromaton. Other artists include the Sisters Sprightley. Brightiie and Carlvon, Til ton and West, Frank Whitman, and Maggie Buckley.

ROSIN A BUCKMAN SEASON. The box plans for Miss Rosina. Buckman's concert season will open this morning at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. NEW LYRIC THEATRE. The fine Charles Chaplin film, "The Kid," is repeating at the New Lyric Theatre the success which attended its presentation during the preceding two weeks at the Strand. On Friday and Saturday crowded houseis witnessed the picture and greeted it with shouts of laughter —truest testimony to satisfaction. The fact that "IHie is not confined to funny incidents, but has an abundance of human interest as well, makes it doubly attractive, Chaplin and Jackie Coogan win freith admirers at every screening of the film. The hill also includes the very laughable extravaganza, "Alf's Button," which relates the "magical" adventures of two British "Tommies" in the Orient.

TIVOLI THEATRE. The new double bill being screened dt the Tivoli Theatre this week is a particularly strong one. An adaptation of the diverting musical comedy, "Oh, Lady, Lady," is one of the chief films shown. This features the daiirty and petite actress, Bebe Daniels, in the role of a fascinating girl -who "butts in" on the romance of an old sweetheart and manages to make a fine muddle of his affairs. There is an exceptional supporting cast. The second feature film is' •'White Oak," in which William Hart is seen in one of the most convincing and virile portrayals of hit screen career. This picture is replete with powerful situations and sensational episodes. There are excellent supplementary films, and high-class music.

GRAND THEATRE. Crowded houses at thd Grand Theatre have been enjoying thci excellent fare provided at that popular home of the movies. This week's special attraction at all the day and evening sessions is the Charles Chaplin masterpiece. "The Kid," in which the famous comedian and his little partner, Jackie Coogan, are thoroughly delightful la the leading rolee. Laughter and tears alternate as the unique film is passing across the screen. Its appeal is to people of_ all ages and tastes. Followers of the_ doings of the man-ape, Tarzart, are being regaled this week to a further chapter in that strange being's life, and the incidents unreeled are of a very interesting description. "The Kinsiman," a British film, is also on the bill.