ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18297, 13 January 1923, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"MARY." The J. C. Williamson, . Ltd., New English Musical Comedy Company -will stage at His Majesty's Theatre this evening for the first time in New Zealand the latest London musical comedy triumph, "Mary," which recently broke 'all records in Melbourne. "Mary," said an Australian critic, "has plenty of snap and ginger, and a large measure of romance, for it is the story of the poor girl ■who marries the rich young man and lives happily ever after. But it is told in a new and sprightly manner, with a number of entrancing melodies, one of which, 'The Love Nest,! is appealing enough to carry any piece to success." A feature of the production is the dancing; in fact, in Melbourne "Mary" was called the dancing musical comedy. In "the name part Miss Maud Fane will, it is stated, be seen and heard to even greater advantage than in either "A Night Out" or I "Oh, Lady, Lady." Her singing with i Mr. Ronald Hogue of "The Love Nest" created a furore in Melbourne, and her acting of the sentimental part of Mary gives her every opportunity for the display of her histrionic powers. As a vivacious little Frenchman, Mr. W. S. Percy scored his greatest success in Australia, and it is said that this popular comedian has the audience in screams o! laughter the whole time he is on the stage. THE LAWRENCE GROSSMITH SEASON. At His Majesty's Theatre next Friday night, J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will present for the first time in Auckland, the famous English comedian, Lawrence Grossmith, in the successful comedy, " Tho Silver Fox." which will be presented for the first six rights. Epigrams, satire, hearty laughter, and unexpected situations are all said to be combined in this clever comedy from the pen of Cosmo Hamilton, the author of " Scandal." The new play has been a great success in England and America, and when presented in Sydney recently was hailed by the Sun as " one of the smartest comedies that has reached Sydney for tho past few years." Edmund Quilter, as portrayed by Lawrence Grossmith, is not a figure in a comedy, he is a living —wonderful, lovable, understanding creature, with simple likes and dislikes, and a passion for his work. Miss Diana Wilson, as the wife Helen, is a delight. As an actor of rare ability is Ashton Jarry, who plays the part of the young poet idealist. Doris Kendal, the young poet idealist. Doris Kendal, as Frankie Turner, who succeeds the novelist's- wife, proves her versatility as the fawning artist and later as the wife. Paul Plunkett, as Captain Belgrave, a professional lady-killer," is most convincing. The box plans for the six nights of " The Silver Fox" will open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., next Wednesday morning. LYRIC THEATRE. A rare treat for followers of the silent drama is offered this week at the theatre >'n '•' The Man from Hell's Riv.-.r," the principal picture on the new programme wh.ch commenced a week's run yesterday. Three dominant features stand out to give this production of James Oliver Curwood's fine story a special appeal. One is the marvellous scenery of the Yosemite Valley dunnir the winter season ; another is the story itself, unique for its novelty of presenting & variation of the usual North West Mounted Police theme, and replete with thrills, swift action, and compelling' characterisations; ' while the th'rd is the introduction of the wolf-dog, Rin Tin, who acts as pilot to the dogteam of the police. . This canine proves to the satisfaction of all how devotion and k ndness can encourage a lasting friendship, which will stop at nothing tb save a life. The vivid, colourful, turbulent life of the North West forms a striking backround for the stirring action of the film, rving Cummings is the director and tho featured player. As Pierre '" he returns from the frozen North to d : scover that his sweetheart has married another man, who turns out to be a vicious renegade. How Pierre triumphs over this man in one of the most crashing climaxes over screened is enough to send shivers of suspense up and down the spine of the spectator. In this particular s ene Pierre gives chase to '* Squint " Gaspard, the villain, and follows his tra'l over the dean snow. Kin Tin has picked up the trail, . and' at the edge of a mountainous cliff the officer gives battle to his enemy. It is a struggle for life. Gaspard. a cruel and cunning adversary, has drawn his knife and sent it spinning through space. But it misses Pierre and is embedded in a tree. The two men fight for its possession, and at the critical moment the faithful dog comes to the rescue of his master. Eva Novak and Wallace Beery support the j star. PRINCESS THEATRE. In " Domestic Relat'ons,'' now the principal picture on the new programme at the Princess Theatre. Katherine Mac Donald, " the American beauty,'' plays the .role, of the young wife of a judge* She dotes upon her husband who is much older than herself, a coldly ambitious, egotistical man, forever engagecT" with his books and papers, especially when be is at home. His wife seeks a portion oJ his. t ; me and tHere is a clash, leading to the inevitable misunderstandings, an unjust accusation, and the entire collapse of all that the future had held for the judge and his wife. There is a parallel story concerning the manner in which another man,. a labourer, nial-. treats his wife in a situation that is almost identical with that between the judge and his wife. The only difference is that the judge is of the opinion Hiat he. ought not to be censured for his actions, while he sends the other man to gaol for his less refined cruelty. There is a strong scene where the judge goes to the home of the wife he had driven from his side, intent upon apologising to her. There fie makes a discoverv which stuns him. How his wife eventually saves his" life is one of tho most thrilling features of the picture. Katherine Mac Donald as the judge's wife plays with much force and emotional power. Her supporting company includes WilVam P. Carleton, Frank Leigh, Lloyd Whitlock, George Fisher, Barbara le Mar, and Gordon Mullen. The film is one wHch should appeal to all patrons of the silent drama, because it is a tale of real life, dramatically told and beautifully staged. The programme also includes several other pictures of a varied and interesting description. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The latest picture featuring J. Warren Kerrigan, The Green Flame," is the principal attraction on the new programme nt Everybody's Theatre. At its first screenings yesterday this film created th". best of impressions. ' It tells of Frank M'arkham, a great detective, who disguises himself as a country yokel, in order to protect from a gang of thieves a valuable emerald, from which the title of the picture is token. Frank soon finds himself enmeshed in adventures of a most exciting descrintion. He cains the confidence of the leader of the.thieves, effects an exchange of an imitation emerald for the real one, and plunges into a murder mystery in which, he is himself involved and placed under suspicion. How he traps the real murderer and vindicates himself is told in a series of enthralling scenes which teem with excitement. The climax to the plot is very dramatic and the interest and suspense are well maintained. Also on the new programme is "Caught Bluffing," featuring Frank Mayo, and other interesting pictures. HIPPODROME THEATRE. The William Fox feature, " For Big Stakes," starring the favourite actor, Lorn Mix, appealed strongly "to the many jatrons of the Hippodrome Theatre at yesterday's sessions. An outstanding incilent in * a photo-play full of realism and brilling situations, is the scene in which Mix rides through a prairie fire to the ■escue of his • sweetheart. There 'are ex client supporting films.

QUEEN'S THEATRE, ~:..,£ An excellent programme is being j>r©^,; seated at the Queen's -Theatre this week,'' the first screenings of which yesterday attracted large numbers of spectators. Beading the bill is " My Old' Dutch,", featuring Albert Chevalier, the English impersonator of coster characters. The story of the film is based'on Chevalier's song of the same name! It concerns the deep bond of affection existing between an old couple. There is ft quaint humour which is cleverly set in contrast to the more pathetic episodes of the tale. Also on the programme is a. Western drama, starring Jack Perrin, " Stand tip and Fight." Harold Lloyd, the unusual comedian, is featured in " Bumping into Broadway," and another laughter-maker is "The Pugilist," in which Charles Chaplin is the chief mirth-provoker. MR. CARTER'S CONCERT. . A concert will be given by the wellknown tenor, Mr. Hubert Carter, in the Town Hall on January 24. Mr. Carter has appeared in many Southern tours during the last 18 months. He will be assisted by leading Auckland performer;?. BAND CONCERTS. TEe Temperance Guards' Silver Band will play in the Domain Gardens tomorrow afternoon The band of the . Third Auckland Mounted Rifles will also play to-morrow ! afternoon at the Ellerslie Racecourse.