ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18121, 20 June 1922, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOtTSE. Seldom has a more perfect aad convincing illusion been presented than that which mystified the audiences at the Opera House yesterday afternoon aad evening. The name, "Sawing Through a Woman," describes exactly the operation which, as far as the uninitiated can unravel, is performed in actual fact upon a prepossessing and an undoubtedly living young woman. The interest of the spectators is obtained from the first appearance of the "victim" and is retained until the last vestige of doubt as to her final safety is dispelled. Securely ti&d with ropes round her wrists, neck and ankles, the girl is lifted into a long wooden box which cnly just contains her. The lid is closed and padlocked, the ends of the ropes passed through holes in the box and retained tightly in the hands'of four members of the audience to prove that tho girl does not leave the box or move from her position. Several sheets of plate glass are then threaded' through slits in the box, apparently passing right through the human freight in various places. This part of the illusion is extremely .uncanny in appearance, and but for the fact that the box is well raised from the floor of the stag© and a tapping audible on the inside, one would imagine the box to be empty. To complete the mystification the, whole box is sawn completely in halves with a cross-cut saw, but on drawing the two halves* apart the girl falls to the floor, smiling and shaking the sawdust from her costume. Solutions would be most difficult to offer, for practically no loophole for guessing has been left for the spectator to grasp at. Mr. Selbit, who presents the illusion, obtained every ounce of effect out of the act, and kept- his audience in great good humour the while. A good vaudeville programme was presented in addition, Hartley and Wright harmonised sweetly in several songs and raised many a laugh with their jokes. Newman and Wynne gave an excellent sketch in which pathos and humour mingled. A little girl, who acted and sang in the piece, was a warm, favourite. Lloyd and Raymond, in songs, ; olres and simultaneous dancing;, were distinctly amusing, and Davie and Richie, in their juggling act, retained all i-heir former popularity. A male quarfc&tte, which included a coloured singer with a distinctive voice, sang several well-known ballads, and concluded with a laughable encore, 'The Monk." Hal Raie, at the piano; Kit. Tomß and Fred Roma., in burlesques; and Don Wallace, who made a reappearance in several good songs, concluded a very acceptable programme. It, will be repeated each evening this week and at the usual matinees. "THE BULGARIAN BUG." The Auckland University Ccllega students' extravaganza, "The Bulgarian Bug," will be - - presented at His Majesty's Theatre for the first time this evening. Great interest has been manifested in the production, which has been written specially for the occasion by Mr. L. P. Leary. It is described as being full of humorous,situations, and the many topical alliisions should make the.piece doubly attractive. The chief parte will be taken by Messrs. George Warren, Friday Easther, (Bryce Hart, and J. A. Coppard. Other parte will be filled bv Miss Joan King, Messrs. N. McNair, D.' -Russell, S. 0. Johnstone, H. S. Alleman, H. Walker, and ■B. - P ; Levien. There will be a full chorus., ani» music will be supplied by a student orchestra under the direction of Miss Inea Stretton. The season for " The Bulgarian Bun " has been extended till next Tuesday, and the box plan for the season, is at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. . ' STRAND THEATRE. i ' A story of gay city life is told in ! " Why Girls Leave Home,'' the chiqf pic- , tare on the current programme at- the Strand Theatre. Two girls are the prin- ' cipal. characters,. One, Ann, quarrels with her. father and leaves home. The other, Madeline,, has been brought up amid the most luxurious surroundings, but her parents allow her to do exactly as she pleases. At last her father at- . tempts to do something to make up for his past neglect, ; but his efforts prove fruitless, and Madeline * leaves home. She meets Ann, and after some time, both girls return, and are reconciled to their respective parents. The acting in the picture is of a very high ■ standard. Anna Q. Nilsson takes the principal part, and her work is never forced, but always natural and effective. Magnificent settings make the picture very attractive, and some splendid effects; have been obtained in the scenes at the Palais Hes Artes, the home of Madeline, aad the Bohemian quarters. There is a good supporting .programme, including au excellent Mack Sennett tomedy, " Call a Cop." '- . QUEEN'S THEATRE, J A William Fds production, "The Cyclone," is the principal picture at the Queen's Theatre this week. Sergeant Tim Ryerson, cf the Canadian NorthWest Mounted Police, is the principal character. The sergeant, who is recognised as the best rider in the troop, is detailed for special work against a band of smugglers. After a fight, Baird, the leader of the smugglers, escapes taking him Sylvia Sturgis, Ryerson's sweet"heart. The police activities are then redoubled, and Ryerson eventually catches up Baird and rescues Sylvia. Tom Mix plays ihe principal part, and any amount of scope is given in the picture for his characteristic acting. He escapes from alarming situations with ease, and surmounts all obstacles without seeming difficulty. -' * -: . PRINCESS THEATRE. "Nobody's Pool" is the leading picture at the Princess Theatre this week. The two principal characters are Artemns Alger, a woman-hater, and Polly Gordon, who despised equally the opposite sex. To'ly's wrath was raised by Alger's hook, "The Unnecessary Sex-" However, it chanced that Polly, who meanwhile had inherited a large fortune, went toe friend's mountain lodge to escape her suitors' attentions. Here sho meets Alger, and although each hated the sex of the other, they fell in love and a ha'ppv" conclusion is reached. Marie Prevost plays the part of Polly, first as an unassuming schoolgirl, then as the beautiful and much-sought-after young lady. Many humorous situations arise during the development of the plot, and altogether th* picture is a very enjoyable one. A special attraction is announced for Friday, when Selig and Rork's* production, " The Rosary," will be screened for the first time. The chief paH s are taken by Jane Novak and Robert Gordon. SCOTS HALL CONCERT. A concert under the auspices of the Auckland Tramways Recreation Club will be given in the Scots Hall this evening. An attractive programme has been arranged, and the soloists are: Mjjis Jessie Bartlett, Messrs. A. EL Ripley, H. Richards, and J. W. Ryan. Items will also be given by the Lyric Quartette, Mr. Alan McElwaia, and Mr. Henry Engel. Mrs.. A. H. , Ripley will be the accompanist. ■.--; ■ {'; - ,',..-• -■■ '. -