ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18172, 18 August 1922, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NICOLA.

Large attendances at His Majesty's Theatre indicate the popularity of Nicola the magician and illusionist, who both entertains and mystifies in a programme which is remarkably varied. The stage settings are on a lavish scale, and the whole entertainment runs with a smoothness which in itself denotes the years of study and practice Nicola has undergone in order to perfect his tricks. The first matinee of the season will be given tomorrow.

AUCKLAND EISTEDDFOD. The musical competitions organised bv the Auckland City Band were continued at the Town Hall last evening, when the last ot the half-hour entertainments was given by four further groups of competitors. Miss Clark's party submitted a number of concert items, the best of which were the violin selections by Mr P Rogers and the songs of a talented mezzosoprano. The English Concertina Quartette party followed with an interlude wholly comprising compositions for the four instruments. More varied and altogether more artistic was the effort of the Lyric Quartette party, assisted by Miss Lois Evans and an accomplished accompanislo. Finally came Mr. Alford's party with a variety entertainment of a boisterous low-comedy type. At the close of the evening the decision of the judges, Messrs. J. F. Montague and Barry Coney and Miss Daphne Knight, was given as follows:—First prize. Lyric Quartette, 170 points out of a, maximum of 200; second, the Gondoliers party, 148; third, New Lynn musical party, and Mrs. Dreaver's party, 140 each. Non-competitive contributors to the programme were Miss Jessie Bartlett, contralto; Mr. Tom Han-is, elocutionist; and Mr. J. Bree, baritone, whose fine voice and expressive singing was impressed upon his hearers. This evening there will be dancing competitions under the control of the Auckland Highland and National Dancing Society. Tomorrow afternoon and evening will be devoted to the competitions for brass band; instrumentalists, for which there are several entries.

TIVOLI THEATRE.

The new programme at the Tivoli Theatre to-day, and for the ensuing week, will contain much of general interest. In " The World's Champion," featuring Wallace Reid, there will be screened a picture of strong dramatic attraction, with a special appeal to sportsmen and lovers of the noble art of self-defence. The popular actor named plays the role of a young son of the aristocracy who goes to America from the Old Country, and there becomes the middle-weight champion of the ring. Kid McCoy, once the actual holder of that title, and one of the most aggressive fighters of his time, is seen in action in this film. Wallace Reid, as Gunboat Williams, is opposed to McCoy in the glove contest, which ends in the victory of the hero, and it is said that a most realistic battle ' is witnessed, the athletic actor having to box with all the skill at his command to ward off the well-aimed blows of the exchampion. This phase of the picture is, i however, only incidental, the main theme being romantic and enthralling. The production is a Paramount, directed by Jesse L. Lasky, who has seen to it that ample comedy should permeate the atmosphere of the story. A second feature of the new bill will be a picture of an entirely different description. This is " All Souls' Eve," a Realart production, starring pretty Mary Miles Minter and Jack Holt. . The story is based on the legend of All I Souls' Eve, to the effect that if a child I recognises its dead mother when she returns in spirit, the spirit may than enter someone near and remain ■with the child. Jack Holt, as 'Roger Heath, has lost his wife Alice, and is driven to the depths of despair. Hisi little boy is ill, and calls for his mother, whereupon her spirit returns and hovers over the child's bed. afterward passing into the body of Nora O'Hallaran, the devoted young Irish nurse, who immediately awakes, cares for the boy. and' in every way becomes the personification of the dead mother. Roger feels that his wife has returned to him in the person of Nora, and he marries her. Miss Minter plays the roles of Alice and Nora. There will bo strong supporting films.

NEW LYRIC THEATRE. "The Three Musketeers," has proved ! such a success at the New Lyrio Theatre, that the management has decided to continue screening it for a few more dayy. There will be special matinees this afternoon and to-morrow afternoon. Based on the most enchanting and picturesque of the works of Alexandre Dumas, this fine film has an appeal for everyone, from the head of the family to the boy in his teens. From it the young may learn frankness, kindness, valour and generosity, while the elder folks may revel in its (gaiety and wit. The marvellous escapades and adventures of D'Artagnan, the dashing young Gascon, and three of King Louis musketeers, are told in most racy style, and the photo-play unfolds some of the history of France in the early 17th century which is of absorbing interest. No more vivid and alluring tale has been screened in recent times. From a photographic point of view, the picture is a work of art, and the costumes and stage settings are remarkable for their lavishness. Douglas Fairbanks, in the leading role of D'Artagnan, gives one of the finest impersonations of his career. Garbed in the picturesque trappings of old France, he is seen in a sensationally dramatic interpretation of the swordsman, adventurer and lover. The supporting cast is in every way satisfactorv. Excellent music, specially written for the film, is played by the New Lyric Orchestra.

GRAND THEATRE. The successful photo-play, " My. Boy," featuring little Jackie Coogan, which thoroughly pleased the patrons of the strand Theatre during the past week, is to be transferred to-day to the Grand Theatre, where it will run for another week. It should lend a decided interest to the new programme, being a very human and likeable" story, which must appeal to all who have feelings to be awakened. Jackie Slays the role of a small lad who arrives in New York from abroad, motherless and friendless. He attaches, himself ■ to .a surly old .sea-captain, against the latter s will but in the end wins his affection and repays His kindness. Also on the pro ; gramme will be the Vitagraph film. * Where Men are Men." a picture of the outdoors. There is a vigorous story which the Western scenes are well con \Ut ed with society episodes. William i Duncan plays the leadmg role .of V,c Foster, who has come out of a mining di& trict penniless and disillusioned. Reachin- a western township, he enters a dancehall, where he is attracted by a singer, played bv Edith Johnson. Inere follow, many exciting incidents, including a inurder " the recovery of a lost gold mine, , anl'thrilfng man-hunts. There will be a I crood selection of supporting films. I