ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18927, 27 January 1925, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. An nltmptivp programme is presimtid at tho Qporri House This Week. The feature which gains most, attention is undoubtedly the remarkable performance of Afrikander aiid his lions and tigers. Five lions and two tigers take part in the act, and. all show striking intelligence and pei'fet obedience to the tfish&s 0? their master. Armed only with a light whip, Afrikander moves about, the cage with the utmost ease and frolics with the great beasts as if ihey were dogs. The whip is cracked sharply from time, to time as a signal to the animals, but not one of tllem recenes more, than the gentlest flick ffotli it. hi fact, they show a decided inclination to plfty like kitteilS"' with the lash. But their deep-tht'oated growls, the gleaming of their toeth and the .snapping of their jaws would discourage most people. from accepting them as playmates. They understand the wishes of their master completely however, and obey iiifti implicitly. Wit.li remarkable docility they form living pyramids, perform acrobatic feats, play at .see-Saw, and jtnnp through a burning ring. After every item each beast rettirns at once to its appointed post at the side of the cage to await the nest command of their trainer. All the animals are in firSt-elnss condition, the tigers i being particularly sleek and attractive in | appearance. Another highly popular item is presented by the clever comedian, Ciiiudo D&nipiet, with the aid of his charming assistant. Miss Hilda Atteitboro. Mr. Dampicr has an inexhaustible supply of humour that keeps his audience iii constant laughter. His manner is ;i!l his own, and his unique personality assures him of lasting popularity. Newacts were introduced by the I/eeardo Brothers, who won much popularity by a note of humour. A feature of their act was their slow-motion boxing, which proved most entertaining. A neW iteiii was /|ive"i by Lena Jooste, who gained applause by her novel dancing and a stock of anecdotes. The Megan Brothers again proved themselves clever comedians and dancers. Their fund of humour is ever fresh, and is much appreciated by the Audience. The programme was completed by Mr. tieorge Storey's BeVtic Company in a new musical extravaganna, "A Spanish Romance," written by Mr. Storey himself. The story tells, of the love of a Spanish inn keeper's daughter for a young and dashing toreador. A Spanish grandee, anxious to Win the girl's love, has the toreador drugged the day of a great bull-fight in order that he may not win fresli laurels in the eyes of the inn-keeper's daughter. The place of the toreador is taken by the waiter at the inn (Mr. George Storey), and oti his encounter with the bull a ludicrously cotniti episode occurs. : Among a profusiOh of musical numbers "Old Manila" (Miss Mabclle Morgan and Mr. Fred Moiiu- | merit), "Rose of the Rio Grade" (Mr. Mftrk KricksOn), "Drearily Seville" (Miss. Mabellc Morgan and chorus) were particularly appreciated. PRINCESS THEATRE. " The Great Diamond Mystery," a William Fox production, featuring Shirley Mason, and " The Three Buekaroos," with Peggy O'Dare and Buck Humes at the head of the cast, are the chief attractions on the current programme at the Princess Theatre. The heroine of " The Great Diamond Mystery " is tho authoress of a novel in which the theory is advanced that conscience drives a murderer batik to the scene of his crime. Later she finds herself in the role of a detective, trying to elucidate a situation very similar to that, described in her own book, " Tito Three Buckaroos " is a cowboy story in which the spirit of the heroes of Dumas' " Tho Three Musketeers " is transferred to three scouts of the Western ranges. TIVOLI THEATRE. Gloria Swanson's latest Paramount picture, " Manhandled," heads the present programme at the TiVoli Theatre. It is the story of a shop girl who tires of her monotonous work arid longs lof rich gowjis and gav company. She attains her object but finds that, these things are not worth the sacrifice she is expected to make for them. The film contains a good cortiedy element, which shows Gloria Swansea ill quite a new role. Shfe is already wellknown for her part in " Zaza " and " The Humming Bird," but some of lies 1 impersonations in this picture have a new touch that proves most interesting. J.he supporting cast is headed by Tom Moore, and the picture was directed by Allan Dwan. LYRIC THEATRE. " The Leavenworth Case," an adaptation of the mvstery story by Anria Katharine Green, heads the present programme at the Lyric Theafm It is a thrilling picture, in which the suspense is maintained til! the end, atid even made more intense in the film version than in the Original story, The tale is a mingling of love ami 'murder that cannot fail ( to interest those who like such detective stories. Seena Owen, Martha Mansfield, and Wilfred Lvtell have the principal roles. " The Critical Age." an adaptation of Ralph Connor's famous " Glengarry Schooldays," is also shown. It concerns the rivalry of two men for the love of I the same girl. A political story introduces added complications. Two dogs and a bear play a prominent part in the picture, and show unusual intelligence. DIXIELAND. Dixieland Cabaret's special attraction this week is a ".Monsieur Beaucaire" night, which will be held on 'lhnrsday. Dancing will be commenced at 8 p.m., ! and -Will be continued until 2 a.iii. The Paramount production, "Monsieur Beaucaire," featuring Bodolph V&letitiiio, will be screened. Patrons are requested to wear costumes of the "powder and patches" period if possible. Prizes will be Awarded for the best representation of Rudolph Valentino in any of his past successes, and also for the best lady's dress of the period. The talented young Australian dancer, Miss Verna Bain, wilt present a specially-produced "Powder and Patches Gavotte." St. PAUL'S CHURCH RECITAL. An organ recital will be given by Mr. John Tait at St. Paul's Church, Symonda Street, to-morrow afternoon, commencing at 3.15 o'clock. The programme is advertised in this issue, Half-liotir recitals will be held every Wednesday at 3.15 p.m.