ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18630, 11 February 1924, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE GROSSMITH SEASON. The revival of "Ambrose Applejohn's Adventure" at His Majesty's- Theatre on Saturday was welcomed enthusiastically. Such a comedy is all too rare these days, and an actor of the calibre of Mr. Lawrence Grossmith is not always seen in a role that fits him so well. The merriment rose and swelled as the play proceeded, and the climax left everyone in that exhilarated state of mind which is the purpose of comedy and proof of its success. It is a fine thing to see a house shaking hands with itself and carrying out into the world of reality some of tJie glad atmosphere of the show. No doufct many of those present hac? seen the comedy before, but it is, the kind! of thing that one can see a number of times and still enjoy. There is nothing very true to life about Mr. Ambrose Applejohn until he starts to rebel against the thraldom of the comfort and regulanw of his life and habits, but Mr. Grossmitn plays the exaggerated role with such art that the tide of mirth obliterates ewry reservation in the minds of those who do not know the play and therefore do not appreciate the significance of the first act. When, in the midst of adventures that have suddenly rushed upon the hearthstone of the old Cornish house, the dream of the bored Ambrose produces him in the role of his notorious pirate ancestor Captain Applejack there is a contrast which at once proclaims a versatile talent. What a glorious dream iv is! Whit a pirate! How satisfying a rascal to place at the head of a familv tree! _ But it isi the third act wherein the timid Ambrose is sometimes himself and sometimes Captain Applejack that the height of comedy is reached, and Mr. Grossmith maintains a dual character that makes him A master of the boards. His ejaculation "Scum"! is a masterpiece- There is an excellent supporting company. Miss Dienit Wilson plays the part of Anna Valeaka, the Cockney "crook" who poses as a Russian refueee and "vamp" with rare skill. Miss Dorothy Seacombe as Poppy Faire gives a charming study and Miss delaidfl Gunn has a fine comedy role as Aunt Agatha. Mr. Ash ton Jarry gives distinction to a difficult part, and the minor roles are all capably handled. The play will be repeated this evening and tomorrow evening. OPERA HOUSE. The programme to be presented at the Opera House to-day includes George Wallace and his new revue company, in "At the Cress Roads." To-night will be the last appearance of Carlton Max and Jerry, and Keeley and Aldous. Other vaudeville artists are Miss Rosina Gordon, mezzo-soprano, and Les Walton. Three new vaudeville acta will be presented to-morrow. The box plan is at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. BROADWAY THEATRE. A First National attraction, " Brawn of the North," will be screened at the Broadway Theatre. Newmarket, to-night and to-morrow. The picture features the wonderful dog Stronghanrt. On Wednesday and Thursday the theatre will screen the successful film drama " When the Kellys Were Out." LYRIC THEATRE. The film version of Martin Brown's " The Exciters " is proving a popular attraction at the Lyric Theatre. Featuring Bebe Daniels, " the speed girl of the movies," the picture contains a wealth of fast-moving action, culminating in a climax that has the merit of novelty. Speed is the God of Ronnie Rand, the principal " exciter," and she rushes through life as though nothing were so important as thrills and excitement. It is a stsry of an ultra-modern girl, who is portrayed by Miss Daniels with much success, proving herself an actress of no mean fascination, with a propensity for fast action. Antonio Moreno plays opposite her. TIVOLI THEATRE. " The White Rose" continues to be an outstanding attraction at the Tivoli Theatre, where large audiences have attended recent sessions. D. W Griffith's latest drama has now shown for over a week at the Tivoli, yet interest shows no signs of diminishing. Its appeal is almostuniversal, the producer having achieved remarkable success in developing intense heart interest and sympathy by means of a single little storv of every-day life. The acting of Mae Marsh is one of the outstanding things in the production. Ivor Novello and Carol Dempster have other prominent roles. The special musical score played by the Tivoli Theatre is a feature of the programme.