ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18891, 13 December 1924, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

SAVOY HAVANA BAND.

The season of the Williamson Entertainers, headed by the famous Savoy Havana Band and the English impersonator, Bert Errol. has been extended owing to its phenomenal success. This company is proving an even greater attraction than the Bransby Williams' company which pioneered the Williamson vaudeville companies in New Zealand a few months ago, and the addition to the season will he viewed acceptably by Auckland theatregoers. Capacity houses have been experienced nightly since the season opened last Saturday. The reception accorded the Savoy Hand in Auckland has been warmly approving and the enthusiasm which is invariably displayed at the conclusion of each performance is a striking indication of the universal popularity of a good dance, band and a tribute to the showmanship and personality of its leader, Bert Ralton. Another "matinee will be given this afternoon, and the final presentation of the current programme will be offered at the performance this evening. On Monday a change of programme will be given, including an entirelv new scries of musical numbers bv the band.

NATIONAL THEATRE. The double-feature programme which had its initial screening at the National Theatre yesterday was a delightful one. The chief attraction, a First National picture, " Flirting With Love." is based on the theory that certain persons have in reality two distinct personalities. As Gilda Lamont, the feigned possessor of two widely different, personalities, a vivacious, carefree actress on one hand and a modest retiring young woman on the other, Colleen Moore has every opportunity to maintain her reputation as the screen's " perfect flapper.'.' In the story she attempt.-, to increase her audience by means of an unconventional play and a publicity agent whose imaginative pen raises her to notoriety. There is a touch of tragedy in the sequel when her castles of fame are dashed to pieces by the biting criticism of a play censor, acted by Conway Tearle. Her one desire is then revenge and to gain her end she assumes an entirely new temperament, under the pretence of loss of memory. Posing as a psychological subject she invades the censor's home, using his fascination for the study of psychology as an excuse. His confidence won she induces him to let her play the leading rolo in his drama, intending to ridicule the whole performance. However the story takes a novel turn, and, love overcoming her desire for revenge, she finds she has been " flirting with love." Miss Moore is given an excellent opportunity to display her rare talent in the emotional episodes and humorous passages with which the film abounds. It is altogether a refreshing romance. The second feature of an attractive bill is an Arrow film, " Luxury," with Rubye do Remer in the principal role. An enshrouding mystery of absorbing interest forms the basis of the film, which is interspersed with exciting moments and stirring situations. "The Optimist," a Lloyd Hamilton comedy, is bound to place the. audience in a happy frame of mind. The programme will bo continued today and next week.

STRAND THEATRE. All the glamour of Scotland, with its locks and fells, burns and braes and its stalwart people is depicted on a magnificent scale in the film version of Sir Walter Scott's famous romance, "Rob Roy," which had its initial screening at the Strand Theatre yesterday. Seldom is a national drama so realistically portraved on the screen as has this British production, dealing with the fight for existence of the MacGregor clan against the malevolent Duke of Montrose, whose chagrin at his failure to gain the love of the beautiful Helen Campbell spurs him in his oppression of his successful rival, Rob Roy. All the players are admirably cast, David Hawthorne as Rob Roy, revengeful, impetuous and fearless as a leader, and tender and loving as husband and father, being all that the author could have wished him to be. Gladys Jennings is a worthy wife. From beginning to end the picturo is a procession of incident and romance, not without the shedding of blood and tears. Rob Roy's protectionseeking visit to the duke, liis return with a bride, the duke's vindictive retaliation and the burning down of the MacGregor homestead prepare the audience for the stern warfare that follows. Then conies the final desperate but successful ruse by which Rob Roy and his band of staunch and shaggy followers regain possession of Inversaid from the marauders. The atmosphere of Scotland is everywhere apparent. Scotland's scenic glory forms an inspiring background for the enactment, the costuming and customs are true to the period, while the pleasure of the entertainment is completed by Scottish' orchestral airs and an elaborately staged interlude, in which Madame Annette Hayward sings Scottish songs and Mr. J. Mackel provides humorous recitations. Supporting this fine production are a Mack Sennett comedy, entitled "One Cylinder Love," and the usual topical budgets.

" THE TEX COMMANDMENTS." The continuation of the season of "The Ten Commandments" brought the picture into its third week at Everybody's Theatre yesterday. This massive production is divided into two sections: first the prologue of five parts, and secondly the main story of nine reels. The prologue deals with Egypt in the days of Rameses and the Children of Israel in bondage. The subtitles are extracts from the Book of Exodus, and the story has been carried out faithfully as read in the Bible. The great exodus across the desert is a marvellous piece of coloured photography. In the making of a picture of this class there is no room for cast mistakes, and none have been made. Theodore Roberts is deeply impressive behind the shaggy beard of Moses, and every action is fraught with the liveliest appreciation of the dramatic side of this great character, which adds another gem to his wonderful gallery of character impersonations. Charles de Roche as Pharaoh cuts one of the most handsome and commanding figures yet seen on the screen. Estelle Taylor's youth and beauty are nicely displayed as Miriam, the boy Terrence Moore is charming ns Pharaoh's son. In the modern story the. honours are carried off by Richard Dix as ..John, and Rod la Rocque as Dan McTavish, with the former as the more colourful and stronger artist. Nita Naidi is impressive as Sally Lung, and Lea trice Joy is bright and superficial as Mary Leigh. Good work is also done by Edvtb Chapman as Mr.--. McTavish and Robert Edeson as Redding Dan's crooked partner. Everybody's orchestra plays the original musical score at both the after, noon and evening se.nsii >!).••.

QUEEN'S THEATRE,

'Rupert of Hentzau," ;j film version of the celobrated novo] by Sir Anthony Hope, is one oi the two main features at the Queen's Theatre. This story of a royal romance, of a princess who gave her heart to a dashing Englishman who had dared to woo and win her affections, is said to he told again with all the adventure and intrigue for which tho story is noted. The cast includes such film notables as Elaine Hamme.rs.totn, Bert Lvtell, Claire Windsor. Bryant Washburn, Lew Cody,. Hohart Bosworth and Marjoric Daw. The soetmd attraction in the programme is the Thomas 11. [nee production, "The Soul of the Beast," featuring Madge Bellamy and Cullen Landis. It is a storv of the circus and tho bond of attachment between the girl and a circus elephant, I CAROL CONCERT. The carol concert, which attracted n largo audience last Saturday, will bo repeated in the Town Hall this evening. The Municipal Choir, Madame Irene Ainslev, Mr. Maughan Barnefcfc, city organist, and Mr. Cyril Towsey, will take part.

TIVOLI THEATRE. "Half-a-Dollar Bill." a Metro picture, featuring Anna Q. Nilsson, is one of th* two main attractions at the Tivoli Theatre. The story tells of the finding; of an abandoned baby by a sea captain and his cook. The mother hopes at a future date to claim the child by presenting the other half of a dollar note, and by strange circumstances she is engaged as housekeeper. Her husband, who has deserted her, rinds out where, the boy is, and attempts to kidnap him. In the struggle on board the captain's ship at sea, the father is killed, and the way is opened for the happiness of the captain and the girl. The second featured-film is a Metro pro. duct ion, "In Search of a Thrill;" with Viola Dana in the leading rdc. The heroine hecomes heir to a considerable fortune, but this leads to an enstrangement between her and her sweetheart. The latter, fearing his attentions will henceforth he misconstrued, leaves her. much to the young woman's chagrin. Garbed as a maie, she breaks into his apartment and is captured by the man she means to capture. The latter, believing her to be but a mere boy, decides to give his victim a chance, and reform her. Then he finds out that it is his old lover, and they both get to understand each other in the good, old-fashioned way.

ROYAL COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

i Spendid musical fare is promised for i Christmas and the New Year. This is in the shape of the welcome reappearance of the J. C. Williamson Royal Comic Opera Company, headed by Miss Gladys Moilcrieff. A2O nights' season will commence with a matinee performance on Boxing Day. The initial attraction is announced , —the first production in Auckland of the j brilliant comic opera *' Sybil,"' with Gladys Moncrieff in the name part.Dlir- ! nig this highly-interesting season will be presented " A Southern Maid "—also for | the first time here—and revivals of the " Merry Widow " and " The Maid of the j Mountains." The company includes Miss I Gladys Moncrieff, Messrs' Claude Flemi mine, Arthur Stjgant, Leslie Holland, Noel Leyland and Misses Bervl Walkcley and Nellie Payne. The box. plan for '« Sybil " will be opened at Lowia R. Eadv and Sou. Ltd.. on Mondav week. "Sybil" will be played for the first five nights and one matinee.

" THE MESSIAH." The Auckland Choral Society's nnnu.il performance of Handel's " Messiah." will take place next Thursday evening, li will bo noteworthy for the introduction of a talented soprano singer, Miss Teresa to an Auckland audience. Miss McEnroe, who has recently returned from a course of study abroad/has lately been appearing before Wellington audiences. Madame Ainsley will take the contralto solos once more, while the tenor and bass solos will be sun bv Messrs. H. Gasquoine and A. U. Cofledge respectively. Special lighting arrangements are being made.

SVMPHOMA ORCHESTRA. r i'lio Syinphonia Orchestra will give a grand concert in St. Sepulchre's Hall next Monday evening. With consistent practice the orchestra-has worked itself into an effective combination and a musical treat can be anticipated. The numbers to be played will include selections from Yerdi's " Rigoletto," and Lumby's caprice. " The Music Trap." There will also be songs and recitations on the programme.

AVONDALE ORCHESTRA. The Avondale Orchestra of 60 performers will give a concert in the Avondale Town Hall next Wednesday evening. Arrangements have been made for motor-bus services to run from Pitt Street, Blockhouse Bay, and Mount Albert before the concert, and to return after it.