ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18256, 24 November 1922, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"OUR MISS GIBBS."

An excursion into the realms of musical comedy has been made by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society this season, and the result of tho efforts of the performing members, their conductor, and their producer, is a very gratifying sue- j cess. The opening of the season at- His Majesty- Theatre last evening in the ever-popular " Our Miss Gibbs " was auspicious in that to a crowded house the performance appealed in no uncertain manner. Tho frequency of the encores, the heartiness of the applause, and the constant laughter during the evening were eloquent, testimony to the good impression made. The piece was admirably mounted and costumed, so that the spectacular effects were assured of i recognition. The parts were well apportioned among the principals, and the chorus and ballet work was in every sense high in standard. Mr. Colin Mtiston. the society'.? able conductor, had done wonders, both with his instrumentalists and his vocalists, the orchestra. soloists, and chorus alike gi v ing a remarkably fine interpretation of the score. Mr. Theodore Tresize, skilled producer ai'd stage manager, must have j felt, like the conductor, rewarded for his hard work in noting the animation and life which his forces put into their task. The stage business was far above the average in merit, and the groupings, ensembles, and general air of alertness pervading: the production left nothing to be desired. It. was difficult, in many of the chief scenes, to realise that the entertainers were amateurs. Devoid of the natural faults of. a first night, this offering of the society is certain to please the most critical, and may be commended to the attention of all in search of relaxation under favourable conditions. The cast was headed by Miss Nora McManus in the name part. Her portrayal was quite the best she has presented* to date. She imbued the role with plenty of dash and vivacity, unbending effectually to the moods of Mary Gibbs, holding her own in the coquettish chases, enacting the little sentimental passages with just the riarht, touch of sincerity, and generally delighting everybody in a graceful, smiling, and thoroughly satisfactory interpretation. Miss McM.anus sang charmingly the solos, " Mary " and " Moonstruck," and in tho duets falling to her lot. to take a share in. Another outstanding piece of work Was that of Miss Lynda. Murphy, as the smart little milliner, Jeanne. As a character study full of subtle points, her work was remarkably good. The assumed French accent and the occasional lapse into the girl's native Scotch was admirably done, and in the delicate outlining of the character, Miss Murphy was clever to an exceptional degree. Her song, " Hats," was a gem of character singing, and incidentally gave an opening for an attractive fashion display. Miss Evelyn Lynch gave an artistic sketch of the bored girl, Betty. Her singing in the fine solos, " Romance" and "Arms and the Man," deservedly won her pronounced popularity. Miss, Ethel Rao was also decidedly good in the character of the impecunious Mrs. Farquhar. There was both style and spirit about her portrayal. Miss Muriel Ban- was a satisfactory Duchess. As Timothy Gibbs, the country cousin, Mr. Cliff Crowther played with much drollery and an excellent conception of the part. His make-up and comical accessories helped in tho comedy, and throughout he acted and sang with his usual ability. His share in the I duets. " Country Cousins." " Our Farm," and " You Come and Stay With Me," added, to tho gaiety of the proceedings. Mr. George Warren, that veteran comedian, who has played many and varied parts in his time, brought rare artistry into the presentation of the amateur burglar and pick-pocket, the Hon. Hughio Pierrepont. His mannerisms and side-play created genuine mirth, and his entire work was of a high class. His solo " Hughie," was 6ung with good effect. Mr. Len Keven was natural a-s Eynsford, and sa,ng exceedingly well in "My Yorkshire Lassie. Miss Bettina Edwards gave a delightful solo danco with raro ability. The chorus did splendid work throughout, and especially in the beautiful number, " Moon Fairies." Tho concerted numbers wer« guncr and acted admira-bly, and every performer helped towa-rd the definite success achieved. " Outr Miss Gibbg" will be repeated each evening for a limited | season. j

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Ranking as a classic in fiction, Victor Hugo's work, " Los -Miserables," has been adapted to the ucreen by William Fox in the form oi a super-feature film. This will be shown at the Queen's Theatre .as the principal attraction on the new programme to commence a week's season today. Hailed in the United States as one of the most virile and forceful pictures ever made, it is claimed also that for grandeur of production it has seldom, if ever, been surpassed. The favourite screen actor, William Farnum, will be seen in the chief part of Jean Valjean, supported by Jewel £armen, Dorothy Bernard, Soma Markovs, and Kittens Reich art. The theme is that of a man whose brutality and criminal instincts, nurtured by cruel circumstances, is at continual war with his kindness and manly virtues, which are hip natural heritage. The film pursues the life of thiy man, Valjean, throughout his chequered career, showing the stormy moments of his life, and Hie calm that affords temporary relief, until, cleansed and purified, he sinks to rest wearied and bent with the weight of troubled years. Interwoven arc the fortunes and misfortunes of many other characters, forming enthralling episodes in themselves. Farnum. in the role of Valjean, breathes the breath of reality into the interpretation. He has done nothing finer in his career. Tr, o scenes which follow one another upon the screen are replete with varied interest, arousing the spectator to enthusiasm as the greatness of the drama, is realised. There will he a strong supporting programme.

STRAND THEATRE. The first National attraction, " The Eternal Flame," featuring the favourite screen actress, Norma Talmadge, is to be the chief picture on the new programme commencing a week's season at the Strand' Theatre to-day. This is an adaptation of Hunore de Balzac's famous, story of the Duchesse de Langeais. The theme is one of tense heart interest. It revolves around the petty jealousies, scandals and romances of the court of Louis XVITI. The duchess, a beautiful young woman, finds that he>r husband, a warrior, wagers upon her goodness just as he would upon a falcon or a horse. His interest is centred upon. , his own life. With her husband away at the front with his army,'the duchess finds friends who seek her love. She remains aloof until General de Montriveau arrives on the scene. In a moment of vanity she aspires to conquer this man, who is said to have loved no woman before. He loves her, but, listens to evil whispers against her character. There ensue many heait-stirring situations, during which the duchess strives by all her arts and all her sincerity to convince the general of her purity of heart. He is adamant, however, and in her despair she resolves to enter a convent. The climax is said to be exceedingly moving. There will be other excellent films on the new bill.

CONCERT AND GARDEN" PARTY. By the Auckland Commercial Travellers' Concert Party, a, grand concert is to be given to-night at the Peerless Hall, St. Heliers Bay, in aid of the Sports Queen. To-morrow there is to be a garden party and dance near the wharl at Kohimarema. An admirable programme has been arranged.

MUNICIPAL CHOIR. Violin solos by Miss Ava Symona w»II he an "(.'active'feature o„ the program™ for the Municipal Coir conee.t m the Town Fall to-morrow night. D, B""J Lucie,, fSaroni, whose «ngi ng i -w *bn recent Saturday re makers farewell appearance on this occasion.

NATIONAL THEATRE. The amazing amount of money expended by Universal in the production of ""Foolish Wives," a film which commences a limited run to-day at fho National Theatre, makes it stand out among its modern competitors for public favour. More than £200,000, o:- 1,000,000 dollar?, was laid out by the company in preparing tho spectacle. A complete replica of Monte Carlo was built at its Cs.hfornian studios, and huge sums were also spent in costumes, jewels, furnishings, etc. Ibe result is .said to be surprisingly picturesquo and impressive. The story concerns the doings of " Count" Sergius Karamzin and his two accomplices, Russian " princesses," who are in reality international criminals preying upon the wealthy visitors to Monte Carlo. They occupy * costly villa which is a rendezvous for adventurers. At tho opening of the picture they are planning to victimise Andrew j. Hughes, newly arrived Envoy from the United States, and his wife. The dapper and polished " Count,'' in his dress uniform, quickly arouses the interest of Mrs. Huphes. who is pretty, frivolous, and has a somewhat neglectful husband. Sergius and hi.s accomplices "sponsor Hughes and his wife through the gaieties of the Mediterranean pleasure resort. A climax in Mrs. Hughes' innocent but foolish indiscretions with the " Count" is reached one evening when she goes to his villa in response, to a fraudulent call for aid. She and the " Count" are trapped in a burning tower, set on fire by a servant maid, who hag been victimised by the jaunty Lothario. The fire scene and tho rescue of the pair are said to form a melodramatic sequence of realism and thrills. His eyes opened at last Hughes seel;.* it-dress, and after a personal encounter in which the " Count" is worsted, the adventurers are ordered out of Monaco. The strange turn of the plot, from this point is said to constitute a rare piece of craftsmanship. Erich von Strobeim plays the " Count" and Mrs. Hughes i s portrayed by Miss du Pont. TIVOLI THEATRE. " The Good Provider," a Paramount feature, will be one of the leading attractions on the new programme to bo screened at the Tivoli Theatre this evening and for the ensuing week. The famous portrayers of mother and father roles, Vera Gordon and Doro Davidson, appear in this tale of humble life. The story is by Fanny Hurst, who wrote " Humoresque," in which the two artists named also appeared. " The Good' Provider" reveals the heart-stirring emotions a father's affection will inspire in him for the sake of his family. The picture opens in a little town near New York and shows tho daily life of the poor Jewish family oS ,/uliiis Binswanger. the pedlar. Years pass and they prosper. The old people sacrifice their home and take their son and daughter to New York. There they live beyond their means, and the father is only saved from bankruptcy by Max Teitelbaum, the fiance of his daughter, Pearl. In the meantime there have been realistically shown the struggles of the old man to gratify the whims and fancies of his family. Throughout the picture it ia said that the silent force of father-love throbs through a mist of laughter and tears. As Pearl, Vivienne Osbomo is said to be admirably cast, while William Collier Junior is described as excellent in the rolo of her brother, Izzy. Tho second feature on the new programme will be, " Two Weeks with Pay," starring the delightful actress, Bebe Daniels. This is the story of Pansy O'Donnell, a pretty sales girl in a fashionable millinery establishment. The owner of the store sends her on a two weeks vacation. She is to take two weeks pay, proceed to an exclusive hotel at a summer resort, and advertise the firm's autumn stock bv parading abouE in j samples. What "follows is said to ho vastly entertaining.

GRAND THEATRE. An entire change of programme will b« presented at the Grand Theatre to-day, when the leading picture will ,be " The Girl with the Jazz Heart." Madge Kennedy plays a dual role in this film. She is seen "alternately as the girl of the title, a telephone operator in an hotel, and as Miriam, a delightful girl from the country, who meets with strange ! adventures in New- York. An advertiseI ment for a husband bringr. on to th« scene young Miles Spragw. Miriam persuades the other girl, Kittle, to impersonate her, and the two meet Miles and go to a cabaret with him. Kittie loses interest in him on finding that he does not care for the jazz, but this fact appeals to Miriam, who also prefers other means of enjoyment. In the end both Miriam and Miles are converted to the dance and the spirit of it, and many amusing situations arise, The picture ia said to radiate clean, wholesome comedy and to give admirable entertainment. The supporting films will include the third chapter of " Robinson Crusoe," in connection with which the management has organised a competition for children. BROADWAY THEATRE, The fine Paramount picture, " The Sheik," featuring Agnes Ayrea and Rudolph Valentino, is attracting largo audiences to the Broadway Theatre, Newmarket, where it will be screened for the last time this evening. Many of the scenes aw magnificent in the Oriental splendour, they reveal, and the whole film lifts the spectator ont of his surroundings and t&msports hirn to the land of bright sunshine, Eastern customs and beliefs. It is this faculty the fiim ha« of creating an atmosphere all its own that has contributed so largely to its popularity. The story of the .picture was adapted from a popular novel, and is smooth-going, pleasant, and interesting. It relates how an aristocratic English girl ventures alone into the desert, and is captured by a Sheik and taken to his luxurious tent. A band of brigands takes her from her original captor, and *he latter sets out to rescue her. In the end the Sheik and the girl find that the happiness of each is bound up in the other. The feature on the bill tomorrow evening will be " The Last >f the Mohicans."

LYRIC THEATRE. The abnormal success of the fine I>. W. Griffith film, " Orphans of the Storm," when screened during the past week at the Strand Theatre has induced the management of the Lyric Theatre to secure it for a week's run there. It will be> the principal attraction on the new programme commencing to-nitrht. The story is a powerful and appealing adaptation of the tale, " The Two Orphans," and it has the qualities which produce applause, laughter, and tears in turnLillian and Dorothy Gish are tlit* two stars in the picture. Their work?,*jjn the roles of the sisters, Henriette and Louise, is remarkably good- The canvas is so large and the figures so numerous, colourful and interesting that many people i will witness the film a second time wuh I keen enjoyment.