ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18244, 10 November 1922, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS.

. ROYAL AUCKLAND f CHOIR, A large and enthusiastic audience greeted the third programme of the season by the Royal Auckland Choir of 80 performers, under Dr. W. E: Thomas, at the Town Hall last evening. Prominent among a lengthy • list of items was E. Prout's male voice cantata, based upon the'ancient story of Damon and Phintias. This elaborate work, taking close upon an hour to perform, makes heavy demands in both the solo and concerted portions. The many gloomy passages of the score are relieved by dramatic episodes, the more inspiring opportunities being necessarily in the second part dealing with the return of Phintias. Much of the music is, however, somewhat ungrateful to sing, and a certain academic .dullness pervades many of the harmonies, skilled though thev be. In the solo department, outstanding success was gained by Mr. Barry Coney, who fully rose to the requirements of the baritone part of Phintias. His air, "Hear, Oh God," and later the fine solo describing the dangers through which he had passed, were impressive ;Oxamples of vocal declamation. Mr. W. Walter gsive evidence of careful prenaration of the tenor role of Damon, while Mr. L. Honoycpmbe was invariably au fait with the music of the tyrant, Dionysius. The choir had evidently been well trained in the choral episodes, and were strikingly effective in "Hail, to the Mightv Master," "Oh, Where is the Man ? ! ' "From Tower and Turret," and the finale, "Oh, Love, Thou Breath of Heaven." Prominent in a budget of partI songs was "Love's Slumber Song" (Lovatt), in which the finer nuances were presented with charming effect. Miss Evelyn Wyman and Mr. Cyril Towsey scored a richly-deserved success in their bvilliantly-played duo for two pianos, entitled "Silhouettes," by the Russian composer, Arensky. The particular style of each of the five movements gave both executants ample opportunity to display their skill to such purpose that a hearty recall resulted. Miss Doris Bayne's pleasing mezzo-soprano was well suited in the "Jewel Song" from Gounod's "Faust," > and the "Waltz Song" from "Tom Jones" (German), and Mr. Barry Coney also aubmitted a graphic reading of "Lorraine. Lorraine, Loree" (Spross). Both soloists were recalled. Mr. Cyril Towsey provided excellent pianoforte accompaniments. .•''■:

LOUIS BENNISON SEASON. The far© provided by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., at His Majesty's Theatre, with Louis Bennison in the delightful farce comedydrama, " Johnny, Get Your Gun," is proving most acceptable, and each night the theatre resounds with hearty laughter at the quaint sayings and doings of "Johnny Wiggins," . the cowboy and gentleman. " Johnny, Get Your Gun " will be presented for the last time on Monday night, for on Tuesdav, a totally different play, " The Great Lover,'* by Leo Ditrichstein and, Frederic and Fanny will be produced, This play has had a wonderful run in America, and created a sensation throughout Australia. There is no farce in " The Great' Lover," but character .comedy is its chief attraction, and it in said that although there have been many plays dealing with stage life, none has ever had snch an array of convincing types. Jean Paurel. played by Mr. Louis Bennison, is a celebrated operatic baVitone. ,It is described as an exceedingly difficult part, but it is said that Mr. Bennison plav6 it to perfection. The box plans for "The Great Lover" open at Lewis'R. Eady and Son, Ltd., toI morrpw morning. e

STRAND' THEATRE. " Hurricane's Gal," which is to be the leading feature on a . diverse new programme at the Strand Theatre to-day and for the following week, is a First National production, starring, Dorothy Phillips and Robert Ellis. A strikjj&g phase of the film is 6aid to be the great storm, on the open sea, which takes place at night, and whjch was'actually filmed after Rundown, on the ship employed for the picture. It is said to be a veritable whirlwind in. the swiftness of its its suspense aftd general interest. Dorothy. Phillips has what is said to be a highly emotional role. She is first shown an a,wild, untamed girl of the sea, .who inherited warm blood from her Spanish mother and a spirit of t lawlessness from her lather! She is seen later, as the mistress of a San Francisco mansion, regenerated ,by the love she bears her. husband. It is claimed that; the story is one of .fast action ,and/ many thrills. . There will be varied supporting pictures.. ! . .. , ! ', ~; • HIPPODROME. THEATREi ; ■:?;' A> new .doubleibill will be presented'at •the Hippodrome Theatre for the first time to-day. One is a William" Fox' production, "A Self-made Man," with William. Russell in : the ' leading role. The story is said to be -interesting from beginning to end £ and to-contain plenty of dramatic action. The adventures of .a modern young man. are given-in the picture, which ias said to contain plenty of Jiumour, The othor picture is "The Man Under Cover," which- was adapted from Carl, Laemmlo's plaj'." Igie story is "a detective one, in i which)mystery is a 1 strong element. , Her- ] belt Rawlinson plays j the, leading part. There. is a, good progranwne of supporting pictures.,'. . . >'~ '\' .. ;.,'] _"."' NATIONAL THEATRE. ■'" .A good, wholesome entertainment is said to be contained in the .Universal photo-play, *' Out? of the Silent North," which will be the chief attraction at .the National Theatre for-the week commencing to-day. The film Earned has been described as being as refreshing as , a sea breeze. It tells a simple story unusually well, say the .critics, and the scenic effects are stated to be beautiful.. Frank Mayo as Pierre Baptiste, a- good-natured FrenchCanadian, living., in a Northern outpost of civilisation,, is said to give a fine performance. Pierre's willingness to sacrifice himself to Mve for the girl he loves the man -on,whom he thinks her happiness depenis,' is described as the-strongest part of the drama. Also on the new programme will be /'/The-Green'Flame. This "is J. Warren Kerrigan's latest feature play. The*,star jiamed plays the. role of a cerebrated private detective who is called m by a firm of jewellers ■in New York to cope with the depredations, of a gang of jewel/thieves, who have eluded all other means taken for their capture.

TIVOLI THEATRE. , 'A' double Paramount programme "is to commmence a week's run at the Tivoh Theatre this evening. One oi the princi{>al features will be "The Crimson Chalcnge," starring Dorothy Dalton and Jack Mower. This is said to be a picture-story of surpassing dramatic interest,' which ,will make a wide .appeal. In Lost: Valley, which hi dominated by Buck. Courtrey, • a cattle thief and all-round scoundrel, 'Charon' Last, daughter of a ranch owner, is beloved by everybody. Buck designs' to ■ wed her, and one day, in a quarrel; he j kills her father. Tharon swears ven- ' geance, and developing into a "two gun "woman, she finally meets Buck, fights a duel with him and slays him. In : the development of this story there is a love interest, in which Tharon and Billy, a cowboy,, are the centra] characters. The picture is said to be filled with thrills of a gripping description, holding the spectator to the end. Frank Campeaui is. said 'to invest the role of Buck with great force and realism. The film is based on the novel. " Thardn of Lort Valley." In the seqond feature of the new programme the spectator 'sees Wanda Hawjey and Forrest Stanlev as a young coup:!e starting out in their married .life, poor, hustling,- and thoroughly happy. The wife is a splendid littjo,home : maker real hefpmate. Then thei busbancsecure, a fine position with a'huge, salary, ana he move from'thefr modest.suburban wife has grown indolent,; stout> : dul|, ana A i ,»'., i •;;'•■ 'jj'"''"■.•■'. •■■• - ••'.J. ,'.■;.

quite unattractive. The hnsband bfsgma td awake to the faet thai his wf« ifljio longer hie ideal. At this juhctore M °™ e » woman appears on the scene.' Being beautiful, the husband inevitably- contrasts her with his wife, and ;«w«r •by neglecting the latter for her.' However, Cora comes to her senses and wins, her husband back. There will be excellent supporting films, including a Burton Holme* travelogue and a Paramount gazette. - , GRAND THEATRE. The numerous admirers of Mary Pickford are to have another of witnessing her delightful acting in "Pollyanna," which is to be screened as the principal attraction on the programme ia commence a week's, season' at the Grand Theatre to-day. Onlookers who have not already seen, this production will be charmed by the playful humour of it,,, in contrast, to the delicate, notes of # pathos. The theme contains a suggestion for everyone in quest of happiness, namely, that sweetness of disposition and personality is the golden rule of personal conduct. Mary Pickford's role is one of the most difficult because of its bare simplicity. It is merely that of a very young girl, radiant with the glamour of pure childhood. Yet she has only appeared on the screen a few moments wnen she arouses heartfelt interest. In the supporting cast there are many fine types, all of them well chosen. Thero will bis other good films on the new bill. LYRIC THEATRE. The first picture produced by Oliver Morosco for Tirst-National, "The Halfbreed," is to be the principal attraction on the new programme to commence a week's run at the Lyric Theatre to-day. Wheeler Oakman is the stir. It is said that in this film Morosco has provided a new thrill. It is based on a stage play, and in the climax only two characters are concerned. The sweeping spectacle of a herd of cattle in maddened stampede is said to furnish a pinnacle of emotion and sensation for a story of dramatic and swinging interest, and. a rousing' ending. To Defmar Spavinaw, the university educated half-breed, a career of repulses and disappointments is capped by the realisation that he has found a girl who believes him worthy of her love. To escape the stigma of his caste, to which , he ia constantly subjected, the. two plan a sudden elopement. In the rush of discovery a wild race ensues. The rest of the action is swift-moving and enthralling There will be a strong supporting programme of interesting films.