ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18495, 4 September 1923, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE OPERA HOUSE.

_A new revue by the Bert le Blanc Travesty Stars' and several new vaudeville features marked the change of programme at the Opera House yesterday afternoon and evening. A bright. performance of a type that has an extensive vogue on the vaudeville stage was given by Pat and Paula Hansen, who made their 'initial bow to appreciative audiences. Their work was brisk; with an embodiment of cleverness, and met with entire approval. Opening with an amusing child character study, tho girl.'in pinafore and the boy-in an Eton jacket, they interspersed a little step dancing, and Concluded. with a dashing dance. of an eccentric character. Two other newcomers who established a reputation from the start were Dale and Barling, clever male dancers, with new and refreshing ideas in simultaneous dancing and sewral good jokes and catches. In smart and fashionable dress, their opening appearance was in harmony with their precise and agreeable work, which included the exchange of witticisms of an acceptable nature. The taller of the pair, who was an admirable medium for the deliver/ of these jokes, appeared in an amusing schoolboy costume that seemed to suit his stature.- They both made a success of the song "In Old Nantucket." The reappearance of the Fredo Boys, tumbling violinists, was the signal for much applause, the pair receiving a flattering acknowledgment at' the close of their clover performance. As tumblers and acrobats they would rank highly, yet their : astonishing ability to play violins While balancing in most difficult and apparently strained attitudes excited general lidmiration The remaining performers in ihe vaudeville section of the programme were M. Poincaire, the bird and animal ::nimic, and Abdy's performing cats, dogs, monkeys, and cockatoos. The Travesty Stars ■ entered their sixth and final ":. week with a musical . revue entitled "The .Spring of Gladness," containing much that. was humorous and musical. The two' Hebrew comedians. Bert le Blanc and Jako Mack, were excellently cast as Ike Colin, the ruler of _an imaginary kingdom,' and' Dr. Morris Levi, the Court ■physician. Entering to the blare of tram•Dels, .le Blanc carried out his . amusing role with" laughable grandiose, attired in. •imposing regal robes, surmounted by thci "dome of admiration." He was ably supported by his portly companion. On the musical side, the revue; served, to introduce many pleasing numbers, in which principals and chorus alike shared honours. The' Harmony Four, in particular, we're firm favourites, ' two part songs which they s»\ng being features of the' programme. Miss Hazel Fuller's sola was perhaps the best liked > individual song of tMm all. and she was warmly applauded. She also took part in another success. '"A Paradise .Two," 'sung with Mr. Mark Erickson. Mr. Frank PerTyn gave a -received item, "Sergeant Major," various other songs lining sung bv Sophie-Vivian, Gene Carlton, Mark Erickson, Allan Shrimpton, and Bert le Blanc. Miss Verna Bain contributed a pretty old.-fashioned da'nc?. 'the programme concluding with the singing by 'the company of a number of popular songs. The programme will be repeated each evening this week, and at the usual matinees.

. ;., PRINCESS THEATRE. : I The' remarkable Paramount version of Joseph Hocking's "Prodigal Daughters" is creating unwonted interest and enthusiasm among the numerous patrons of the Princess Theatre this week. Apart, from the /fact, that the story is a strong and convincing indictment of the gay life, with its flouting of the, conventions, the acting of Gloria Swanson and the supporting cast is of outstanding merit. Tho experiences cf "Swiftie," the heroine,' range from jazz revels to the -perils of. the gambling saloon, and end with a sensational adventure on a runaway engine. The moral of the tale is firmly implanted in the mind of the spectator without _ undue effort to preach a sermon. It 'is- a. fine film. • .-.-,,.' .5. STRAND ! THEATRE, : -•. : Crowded houses are. being attracted to the Strand Theatre where there is an ■ unusually interesting double-feature programme this -week. "The Old Nest," a Goldwyn production of a' human story, of: family life aud mother love, is one of the leading pictures. In this the/acting; is worthy, of the theme, which is that of a mother and father whose children grow up and leave the old home. ; The parents! are apparently forgotten in the,'; fresh interests that soon surround them. \ There. is pathos and! drama in the sequel. Charles' Chaplin is also seen in . his., latest: "Pay Day," which evokes the heartiest kind of laughter .from beginning, to. cipd. -:■ There are excellent, supporting pictures. ;

\ '.■" EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. ■•" ; The admirable picture, "The Dangerous Age," now the chief attraction at Every.-.? body's Theatre, ' is attracting large audiences to each session. It -is a ' well-told story, offering' a problem of deep interest to married people. Apart from that, the theme is of-general interest.. ; Lewis Stone is the' star.' Another ; chapter of -the serial, "Around the' World in.' 18 Days.',' is also being shown, featuring William Desmond in further exciting : adventures. The supporting programme is admirable, and of 'a: varied nature. .'; V .--:*...' . NATIONAL THEATRE. ' The Mack Sennett" special feature, "Susanna," starring Mtrbel Normarid, is creating 'general interest [ among ; the numerous patrons of the National Theatre, where it beads the current programme. .It is a fascinating story of old California, admirably produced, and ; introducing many quaint and interesting. characters. There is a. good supporting bill. . . :' " , ; • •;._" QUEEN'S THEATRE.' • ' " :■■ TH 'triple - bill /at,', the Queen's Theatre this week is strong in attractions. Heading the programme is "The Wakefield Case," a remarkable drama of the criminal underworld, with Herbert Rawlinson in the role of a. clever investigator. The Paramount picture, "Love's Boomerang," introduces many fine circus scenes, and "Never Weaken" is a diverting Harold Lloyd comedy.