ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18294, 10 January 1923, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" MARY."

The New English Comedy Opera Company will present the London musical comedy success "Mary." at His Majesty's Theatre, on Saturday night next, and three following evenings. "Mary" is called the dancing musical comedy because the dancing is a big feature in it. In the name part Miss Fans is said to have opportunities to further prove her versatility. As a dapper little Frenchman, Mr. W. S. Percy should appear at his best. Miss Madge Elliott, Miss Floie Allen, Miss Millie Engler, Mr. Cyril Richards, Mr. Field Fisher, Mr. Cecil Kellaway, and Mr. Ronald Hogue are also in the cast. A matinee performance of " Oh, Lady, Lady," will be given this afternoon.

LAWRENCE GROSSMITH. " An all-English attraction " is what is promised Auckland' play-goers shortly, when J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will present the eminent English comeiilian, Mr. Lawrence Grossmith, in the first production in this city of the successful play " Captain Applejack." The season will commence at His Majesty's Theatre on Friday, January 19. The new play, which is by Walter Hackett, has been an immense success in England and America, and was received with overwhelming enthusiasm by Australian audiences. Mr. Grossmith is a brother to Mr. Ge'orge Grossmith, jun., and it is a singular coincidence that while these two brothers of this generation should be famous comedians, the same was true of their father, George Grossmith, sen., whose brother (uncle of Lawrence and Ge'orge) is the famous Weedon Grossmith.' In London, Mr. Lawrence Grossmith has played leading roles in many '■ successes; the' most notable being " An Englishman's Home," " The Brass Bottle," "The Glad Eye," and "Havana," but he has been starring in New York for several seasons. He went over for one engagement, but stayed on. He is said to be a polished comedian of quiet methods. Incidentally, he is married to the only sister of Vernon Castle (Coralie Blythe). A strong company will support the star; including Misses Diana Wilson; Doris Kendal, Adelaide Gunft, Mattie Brown, Katie Gower, Messrs: Paul Piunkett, Norman Barrington, Gus Wheatman, Ashton Jarry, .and Edmund -Duggan.- " Captain Applejack " will be staged for the first six nights, and will be followed by another success, "The Silver Fox," which will be presented for the last five nights. The plans for the first six nights. will open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., next Wednesday morning.

NATIONAL THEATRE. . - The programme at the National Theatre will be changed to-morrow instead o£ on Friday as is customary. To-day and this evening, therefore* will witness the final" screenings of " The Kentucky Colonel," and "Paid Back." Heading the new bill to-morrow will: be the first of a series of films featuring Richard Talmadge, brother: of the famous sisters of that name, who is rapidly acquiring fame as one of -tha greatest " stunt " performers in the silent drama of the day. It is said that in "Tak- ; ing Chances " Talmadge gives the spectator a genuine riot, of fun and thrills, vim and-action, comedy, loys, and entertainment. The story is said to-be a wholesome mixture of melodrama and vigorous r comedy, with never a halt in its breathless pace from the first reel to the last. It is declared to be consistently snappy» ;exciting,-: romantic ' and full of tertsa action. "In the course of the film.Talmadge leaps from one roof-top to another, springs from the back of a horse into a moving motor-car, and risks 1 his neck in many other ways. Also on the new bill .will be, "Heart of the North," featuring.Roy Stewart and Louise Lovely.

I y^. ;. - ; STRAND THEATRE. ; .. : "The last two days of "Trouble," fea-turing-Jackie Coogan, at the- Strarjd. Theatre, are now announced. Heading I the hew programme to be screened on Friday will be "The Ruling Passion,'' starring ■ that ' fine actor, George _ Arlus,' who made ; such a success in- "Disraeli- '•' In the new film he plays two parts, that of a millionaire and that of - a mechanic. Doris Kenyon plays opposite the star:

; GRAND THEATRE. " • The popular favourite, , Mary.- Pickford,, in "Little Lord Fauntleroy/'. con-, tinues to draw crowded houses at * tie Grand Theatre.' This enjoyable • film cart only he screened for two more days; It reveals Mary Pickford in a dual role remarkable for the opportunities it offers her. Also on the bill is tta ninth chapter of "Robinson Crusoe/." :•'•:

TIVOLI THEATRE./ " The Man Unconquerable" is the main ~ feature on the programme .the Tivoll Theatre thi3 week. .Jack Holt plays the leading role and the story is of great in-=■ terest. On Friday there will; be a complete change, of bill. The, chief film will be " Over the Border," starring Betty Compson and Tom Moore. This has been; adapted from -Sir Gilbert ■ Parker's work, "She of the Triple Chevron," and is a, tale of love ' arid the/law delightfully •:■ woven ; amid the border snows. It is said to -ba ; packed with thrills and to embody a wonderful romance. • The second feature of the new programme will be another Paramount film," "Such a Little Queen;'' starring Constance Binney. ,'.,** '_ "_•