ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18948, 20 February 1925, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE GARDEN OF ALLAH." | The first presentation in Auckland of ■Robert Hichen's enthralling romance. "The Garden of Allah," at His Majesty's Theatre to-night, has aroused great interest among local theatregoers. For the purpose of this piece it is stated that the Dniry Lane tradition of spectacular drama lias been taken at its best and improved upon. "The Garden of Allah," which was enthusiastically received by Melbourne and Sydney playgoers, is stated to be sound, popular drama, consisting of ft clearly-presented set of related episodes (called "parts" in preference to "acts") illustrated elaborately by every possible aid in production. Both Miss Muriel Starr and Mr, Frank Harvev are said to have their opportunities, and both are said to rise to great dramatic heights. The scenery is said to he remarkably fine and remarkably varied. In the" first act, there arc three elaborate set scenes, any one of which usually would be considered sufficient for an act. The Hotel de Desert, Boni-Mora, ths garden of Count Anteoni, the desert at Mogar, a dancing house, the monastery, the sandstorm in the desert—all are said to be most ingenuously presented. The incidental music, which has been specially composed for the play by Sir Langdon Ronald, is said to lie unusually good, and ill itself worth going a long way to hear. The supporting cast will include Maurice Touhy, Harvey Adams, Roger Barry, John Eernside. Fred Coape, Charles Wheeler, and Rosamunde McMillan. Wednesday next, the last night of the Auckland season, will be devoted to a, revival of George Broadhurst's notable dramatic success, "Bought and 1 aid For." The box plans arc now open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. NATIONAL AND LYRIC". " The Sideshow of Life," a film version of William .1. Locke's well-known story, "The Mountebank," is the chief attraction on the new programme shown at the National and Lyric Theatres tor the first time yesterday. 'lho author lias a name for packing sufficient romance and movement for two or three ordinary books into one. "The Sideshow of Life" is no exception and contains a remarkable \aiiety of adventures which arc shown to good effect on the screen. It is Lie story of Andrew Laekaday, an Enghsh'man, the favourite comedian of a secondrate French circus. When financial stress compels the circus to close down Andiew Ts left with but one near friend, his dog. But soon the dog is run over by a motor and the heart-broken Andrew is left alone. The kindly sympathy of the gill To the motor makes a deep impression on him, and another girl appears while he is Tmrviug the dog, and finally becomes his partner m vaudeville acts. Ihe war gives a new turn to their affairs and Andrew enlists. Scenes of heroism at the front arc shown and Andrew is awarded the Legion of Honour and made a BrigadierGeneral. On his return lie meets Lady Auriol Davne and recognises her as the girl from the motor who sympathised with him on the death of his dog. Interesting complications, including the return of Andrew to the circus and }iis decision to emigrate to Australia, lead finally to a happy ending. Anna Q. Nilsson and Ernest "Torrence have the leading roles ilhd are supported by a strong cast. Iwo comedies of unusual merit complete the programme. "Dizzv Daisy, the first of the 1925 Mermaid comedies, with Louise Fa/enda in the leading role, is irresistibly amusing from beginning to end, and "Wet and Warmer," the first _of the Henrv Lohrman comedies made for first National is almost equally good. F.Y ERY BODY'S THEAIRE. V Zane Grev story, "Wanderer of the Wasteland." filmed for Paramount m natural colours, heads > the. present granime at Everybody s theatre. /.sue Grey is one of the most popular writers | of Western stories of the present day, 1 His stories of "The Call of the. Canyon/ "the Heritage of the Desert" and "lo ' the Last Man" have already appeared Paramount pictures. In the future, "J he Border Legion," "The Thundering Herd," "Light of the Western Stars" and others will be made. "Wanderer of the Wasteland" is entirely in natural colours, being photographed by the Technicolour process. Most of the outdoor scenes were taken in the actual places that are mentioned in the novel. The hero of the story is Adam La rev, who works at a. gold mill in the picturesque little town of I'icacho The arrival of the steamer at the landing stage draws most people to that spot and it is there that Adam meets for a few brief moments Ruth Yiroy on her way down the river. On his return he finds that his brother is trying to steal money that Adam had refused to give him to cover his gambling debts. In the struggle that follows a gun is fired and Adam s brother falls apparently dead. The sheriff attempts to arrest Adam, but flinging the gun in the officer's face and blinding him he makes good his escape. He then becomes a wanderer of the wasteland. For four years he wanders the desert, and then one day he finds himself at the bottom of a deep canyon where stands a small hut. In it live* the parents of Ruth whom he had met long ago. Ruth's S father is gradually becoming insane, and I | his wife, is greatly troubled. That night I ft thrilling scene occurs, and Adam is left alone to seek Ruth to tell her that her parents are dead. A strong supporting programme is also shown. PRINCESS THEATRE. ''Curlvtop," a story of the underworld of the Limehouse district of Loudon, will be the chief attraction on the new programme at the Princess Theatre to-day. It is the story of a, diminutive girl named Connie Raymond, who, because of her beautiful hair, is generally known as "Curlvtop." She works in a dingy cafe, where'she attracts the attention of many men, but particularly of Bill Brannigau j and Shanghai Dan. a sailor on a Chinese ship. Another girl, Bessie, becoming jealous of her, invites Curlvtop to her home, and there, suddenly springing at her, cuts off her golden locks with a large pair of shears. Henceforth Curlvtop loses her attractiveness for men and before long she is dismissed from the cafe. She is in desperate straits when she obtains a position aboard a Chinese barge. Here she is found by Dart, who has learned many weird tricks from the Chinese crew and attempts to hypnotise Curlvtop. Bill Brannigan in the meantime' has heard of her downfall and reaches (he dock just in time to see the Chinese vessel drifting down the stream owing to the breaking of a mooring rope. 'lllere is a sudden crash as the vessel collides with a coal barge coming upstream in the darkness. There are many thrilling scenes before the climax is reached, Shirley Mason has the leading role and is supported by Wallace MaeDonald and Diana Miller. The supporting programme includes "Salvage," a story of mother-love, featuring Pauline Frederick and Milton Sills, and a Fox Sunshine. comedy entitled "Pin-bead." QUEEN'S THEATRE. A romance of the. forest lands of California entitled. " Big Timber," is the chief attraction on the new programme at the Queen's Theatre to-day. The, story is a thrilling one, and tells how Walter iSandry, a young timber king, on arriving at his newly acquired properties finds himself faced by the hostility of his own men and the rivalry of another company. His men desert wholesale and the insolence of the rival foreman leads to a furious fight Just as prospects seem to be brightening a forest, fire, sweeps into his property. As the fire raged Sandry saw the figure* of two girls running toward him, and then in the midst of peril and excitement ho found himself faced by the necessity of deciding between these two girls, both of whom appealed to him. The situation is a striking dramatic one. The supporting programme, includes, " The Masquerador," and a Century comedy entitled. " The BlowOut/' featuring. Buddy .Messenger.

STRAND THEATRE. A unique entertainment has been arranged for patrons of' the Strand Theatre, commencing front to-day, by the engagement- of Mr. Bert Italtop s world - famous Havana, Band from the Savoy Hotel, London, to render a musical programme each evening. It is not long since the band was in Auckland, and, judging by the enthusiasm -evoked on that occasion, it should receive a warm welcome this evening. The Havana Band has a wide world reputation per medium of the gramophone as it is without doubt the most reproduced band in the wprld. Its success on the stage has not been equalled by any . similar organisation. Every appearance in London at the Coliseum created rounds of applause, and again in Australia, its success was wonderful. It is also a favourite dance band of the- Prince, of Wales, and has had the honour of many command nights before the Prince. One of Mr. Hilton's critics wrote: "His orchestra has reached a wonderful level of excellence, and has carved out a position in the world of music in the lighter vein, which no other organisation of the kind has yet occupied. When the Savoy Havana Baud plays, wo hear syncopated melodies rendered with beauty of tone, and a really musical sense." The first appearance of the band in one New Zealand city was thus described: "Syncopated airs predominated, but they were more than ordinary ragtime. Bert Kalton, the loader of the band, was a host in himself. He was on his feet throughout the long turn, snatching up first-one instrument and then another, and all the time his feet twinkled to the lively strains. He was the most versatile of a very versatile and merry team. His comedy was good, he even whistled melodiously, but throughout it all the harmony and rhythm of the playing- of the whole band never faltered." A strong picture programme will also be screened as usual, the. chief attraction being "The Fire Patrol," with Anna Q. Nilsson, William Jeffries, Dicky Brandon. Madge Bellamy, and Helen Jerome Eddy. TIVOLI THEATRE. " The Reckless Age," a Universal picture featuring Reginald Denny, and " Mademoiselle Midnight," a Metro production with Mae. .Marsh in the leading role are the. principal attractions on the new programme to be shown at the Tivoli Theatre for the first, time to-day. The latest, Reginald Denny picture, " The Reckless Age," oven surpasses his other great productions. It seems as though this popular actor is determined to rise to greater heights each time he appears before the camera, and lie. has succeeded splendidly in his endeavours so far. " Sporting Youth" will be remembered for many a long day as a picture crammed with excitement, but it may be expected that "The Reckless Age" will easily mil-distance it. The latter film is full of vitality, action, and situation, both dramatic and humorous. The theme into which all these incidents are woven is, like the other features of the production, something off the beaten track. Reginald Denny plays the part of an insurance man detailed to protect the romance of a nobleman who has insured himself to' marry an heiress whom he loves. The whole production is well mounted, and the climax is a fitting termination to the picture. Supporting Reginald Denny is Ruth Dwyer, who acts with distinct charm. Others who show talent above the average are William Austin, Havden Stevenson, May Wallace, and John Stoppling. " Mademoiselle Midnight," is a. romantic story of a, bewitching Spanish maid laid amid the backgrounds of beautiful Mexico. A strong cast includes Monte Bine, Robert Edeson, and Robert McKim. HIPPODROME THEATRE. A novel vaudeville act. in three parts will be presented at the Hippodrome Theatre for the first time this afternoon, when La Ventura will appear, assisted by Miss Vera. Murray, The act is said to be a remarkably spectacular one, depending for its effect, on the scientific harnessing of light and its effect on colour and motion. One critic has said of it: "It was a bewildering display that would take much space to describe, the setting of colour designs in which La Ventura was the central figure charming the spectators to wonderment:. She finally emerged as Britannia and was accorded an ovation." This is claimed to be the greatest vaudeville attraction ever presented on the stage, and the only act of its kind ever seen in Australia or New Zealand. It was played with great success in the principal cities of Australia for over a year. The act will be repeated at both afternoon and evening sessions, when a Paramount picture, " Tiger Love," with Antonio Moreno and Estellc Taylor, the wife of Jack Dempsey, in the leading roles, will also be screened. ETHEL OS BORN FAREWELL TOUR. Many notable singers have come from the studio of Mr. Roland Foster, oi the State Conservatorium of Music, but- probably the most general appeal to the musical public of New Zealand and Australia, has been made, by Miss Ethel Osborri, the new soprano, whose voice will once more charm audiences throughout New Zealand prior to her departure for Europe. Opera, ballad, folk-song or birdsong. her every style has a definite and lasting charm. A simple ballad or a brilliant operatic aria sung by Miss Osborn should not be easily forgotten. Strong support, will be afforded by a specially-selected company of Sydney artists. The Auckland concerts will bo given in the Town Hall on March 3, 5 and 6. The box plan is at Lewis R. Eady and Son. Ltd. CAREV-HUTCHENS RECITALS. A second successful ncital was given in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening by Mr. ('live Carey (baritone) and Mr. Frank Hutchens (pianist). The artists proved very popular, and were warmly applauded. The programme was an entirely new one. and both Mr. Carey and Mr. Hutchens acquitted themselves with the same distinction as on the previous evening.