ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18949, 21 February 1925, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE GARDEN OF ALLAH." Th'o spell of the desert has long held sway in tho kingdom of literature. Novelist and word-spinners without number nave used it to aid romance, and although many people discern the mirage in much of thift printed word, they are still attracted by the mystery which the desert, setting of a story creates. The stage is often a better vehicle for the literary artist who endeavours to produce desert enchantment, for incidental Arab characters give colour and a degree of reality that sometimes escape the novelist. 'IJio Garden of Allah," presented by the Muriel Starr Company of Messrs. J. C. Williamson at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, is a very fair sample of the desert story, with a theme that is new. It is not a common stoiy of love and passion', because the lover is so unusual ;i dramatic character as a Traffist monk who has left the seclusion that has been his life for 20 years to live the life of a common man. Furthermore, a strong religious sentiment pervades tho story, saving it from a charge that can bo levelled against many modern dramas. Although the author, Robert Hichens, has .not curbed an inclination to put long and somewhat elaborate speeches into the mouths of some characters, ho has succeeded in providing a number of tense situations, to which Miss Muriel Starr and Mr. Frank Harvey bring fine t-deut. Miss Starr plays with a nice sense of the dramatic and with a moving restraint. Her role is that of Domini Eufilden, a girl half English but with gipsy blood in her veins, who finds herself in the North African town of Beni-mora, in obedience to the call of the desert. There the erstwhile monk, a fellow-traveller, woos and wins her. During the honeymoon his identity is revealed, and the story ends with tho monastery doors closing again upon the man, who returns to his order to do penance for his broken vow. The young wife would have it so, and Miss Starr .succeeds admirably in creating the pathos of the lofty idealism of the situation. Mr. Frank Harvey has a difficult part, which he handles with outstanding art. His portrayal of the monk just become man in an agony of freedom, at war with his conscience and humanity, is a distinguished niece of work, as also is that in which he makes revelation of his identity. Mr. Maurice Tuohey, as Count Anteoni, holds an at tractive roL which he adorns, and Mr. Harvey Adams makes a thorough success of tho part of the kindly old priest, Father Roubier. There is little comedy in the. play, but what there is is ably brought out by Mr. Roger Barry, who acts the part of a young military officer, and Mr. John Fernside, as Batouch, an Arab. The minor roles aie well sustained. Several of the scenes are charmingly set, a true desert atmosphere being created. The play will bo repeated each night until Tuesday. " BROADWAY JONES." "Broadway Jones" will be the second Seymour Hicks' production at the Opera House, and will be .staged on 'I uesdav next. Broadway Jones, as a reveller, a spindtbrift in despair, and ad the proprietor of a great business which comes to him unexpectedly, does not give tho house one dull moment. It is said that in his comedy Mr. Seymour Hicks shows himself a master. There is no dallving with Broadway Jones; he takes cverv hurdle at, a terrific speed, and a breathless house inevitably laughs hysterically and tries to keep pace with him. When ail is over he has his fortune, his lovely bride, and some romantic memories. "Broadway Jones" fairly leaps with laughter. It. is an ideal role for tho distinguished London actor; and it is interesting to note that the character was created by him in the original London production—a replica of which Auckland is to s f, o on Tuesday. Miss Ellaline Terriss will be seen as Josie. the stenographer a part that should suit her admirably. "Broadway Jones" was, in England, precisely the same success as it was in America and Australia. The humour is described as international. The box plans are now open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. J. C. WILLIAMSON VAUDEVILLE. The fifth company of J. C. Williamson vaudeville acts presented in the Dominion by N.2. Entertainers (by arrangement with J. C. Williamson, Ltd.). inaugurates a season at His Majesty's Theatre on Wednesday, March 4. The previous companies, Bransby Williams, Hetty King, Harry Wildon, and the Havana Band, arc all pleasantly remembered by theatre-goers, and this, the fifth, company, is said to be all round the most powerful of the lot. The Versatile Three. A. Haston, saxophonist, and singer. A. Tuch. mandolin, C. Mills, pianist and entertainer, are at present heading the bill at the Tivoli, Melbourne. The Argus says: "The Versatile Three, negro harmonisers, still hold the favoured first place in the hearts of the patrons. Their work is interspersed with songs, reminiscent of tho Southern States of America. Their negro spirituals are a delight and joy. They certainly do present a whirl of harmony and jazz." Felovis is described as " the best exponent of the juggling art seen in Australia since Cinquevaili," by the critic of the Age. He goes on to say: " His wonderful feats with sticks and balls drew rounds of applause from an enthusiastic audience, and at the completion of his act he was recalled again and again." From the Hippodrome, New York, arc. Haydon and Nevard, in old songs and new. Direct from the Continent are "The Daros, " billed as astounding equilibrists on the ladder. A welcome reappearance will be W. V. Robinson, a recorrteur who made such a " hit " with the Bransby Williams' Company. A big combination of the latest English, American, and Continental artists will also be sent over with the company. Air. A. R. Shepard is at present in Australia selecting the best of the J. C. Williamson acts for these Dominion tours. The box plans open on Monday noxt at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., for .six nights and one matinee. ETHEL OSBORN TOUR. The many friends and admirers of Miss Ethel Osborn will ho. gratified to hear of the great success which she has achieved in the past year. Her success has been so marked that she is now about to do part for broader fields. In a few weeks she will sail for Italy to obtain operatic experience. In this she is following tho advice, of Dame Nellie Melba, who has shown her practical sympathy by inaugurating a fund on behalf of the. young singer. Before leaving. Miss Osborn will say Surewell to Now Zealand audiences in a. tour of both islands, supported by a strong company of Sydney artists. Mr. Roland Foster, of the State Oonservatorium of Music, Miss Osborn's teacher, is partly responsible for (his tour. The Auckland concerts will be given in the Town Hall on March 3, 5, and 6. Tho box plan is at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. HIPPO DRO M E Til EA T RE. A wonderful reception was accorded La Ventura on her appearance at the Hippodrome Theatre last, evening. The audience displayed unbounded enthusiasm, and there could be not the slightest doubt of its appreciation of this remarkable act. Tho display of kaleidoscopic colours surrounding La Ventura, combined with her own graceful beauty, made a spectacular picture. Tho remarkable manner in which the rays of light, arc harnessed to add to the brilliance of tho whole display renders the act one of tho most novel seen in Auckland. An interesting Paramount picture. " Tiger Love." featuring Antonio Moreno and Estello Taylor, was also screened. DIXIELAND CABA RET. Week-end attractions at Dixieland Cabaret include the usual afternoon session to-day ami a gala night this evening. Dancing will be continued until midnight. Fhe clever young Australian dancer, Miss Vcrria Bain, will present another novelty. NftSt Tuesday evening a theatrical night •will bo held. Dancing will be continued until 1.30 a.m.

TIVOLI THEATRE. "Mademoiselle Midnight,," a Metro production, featuring Mae Murray, and "The Reckless Ag<v," a Universal picture, with Reginald Denny as the hero, make up the double-feature programme, at present, being shown at the Tivoli Theatre. With languorous and Leantit'u! Mexico as a background and a thrilling story ol love and intrigue sot in it like a jewel, Mae Murray is said to have the best role ol her career in "Mademoiselle Midnight." She plays two character roles—that of a French lady in the court ol Napoleon ill., and that of a daughter of Mexico, a senorita famed for beauty, wealth and cleverness. The story, written by Carl liar ba ugh and John Russell, concerns the daughter of a Mexican ranch owner, who is afflicted with an odd midnight madness. With this as a premise, the film works up to many thrilling moments. Mae Murray has an opportunity to wear gowns of the" Spanish style, and she introduces some sensational dances. The supporting cast is made up cf many favourites, among them being Monte Biuo, Robert McKim, Robert Edeson, John Sainpolis, Otis Harlan. Nigel de Brulier, Nick de Ruiz and Evelyn Selbie. "The Reckless Age," a film version of Earl Derr Biggers' Saturday Evening Post story, "Love insurance," is a lively story of comic complications surrounding the attempt of an insurance agent to protect the interests of a client who has taken out a policy against, failure to wed a rich fiancee; it is a rapid, series of alternate thrills and laughs. A sensational fight, a chase in a speeding auto that adds further thrills, and a daring kidnapping arc interspersed among hilarious difficulties resulting from a threatened breach of promise suit, a bogus claimant to a title, and the faked theft of a nobleman's ancestral pearls. Ruth Dwyer is seen as the heiress in question, and Denny plays the guardian angel iron) the insurance company—until lie falls in love with her. Others in the case are Hayden Stevenson, William Austin, May Wallace and John Stoppling. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Wanderer of the, Wasteland," the Paramount picture in natural colours, is still proving a great attraction at Everybody's Theatre. It will be screened for the last, time next Thursday evening. The cast is a strong one, and all the principal players are familiar to picture-goers. For instance, Kathlyn Williams appeared recently in "The Enemy Sex" and 'The Spanish Dancer," Noah Beerv in "Lily of the Dust" and "The. Fighting Coward," Jack Holt in "Empty Hands," and Billic Dove in "All the Brothers Were A aliant." The story tells how Adam Larry works at the gold mill in a small township, when his brother Guerd arrives. When the steamer calls at a small landing stage, the whole town is drawn thither, and it is there that Adam meets Ruth A irev with her parents. On returning to the town he finds Guerd attempting to steal money, and grapples with him. In the struggle Adam's revolver explodes, and Guerd falls apparently dead. Believing himself a murderer, Adam goes out into the desert and becomes a lonely wanderer. Without food or water ho attempts to cross the desert, and reaches a camp of friendly Indians in an exhausted state. He changes his name to Wansfell, and for four years strange, tales come out of the desert of the grim justice of Wansfell. Hearing one day of a prospector who is being robbed of his goldmine, he goes to his aid and finds that it is a man who formerly aided him. Before ho dies, the prospector tells Adam of a strange couple who live in a near-by canyon. On visiting the cabin he recognises the couple as the parents of Ruth Yirey. The wife tells her troubles to Adant, and says her husbend has hallucinations and is gradually becoming insane. That night her words are proved (rue, for the husband, in a fit of insanity, kills both himself and his wife. Adam, left alone, sets out in search of Ruth, and the story ends in a happy romance. PRINCESS THEATRE. Shirley Mason has the leading role in "Curlytop," which is the chief attraction on the current programme at the. Princess Theatre. The story is by Thomas Burke, the celebrated author of "Limehouse Nights." The production was directed by Maurice Elvev, who has utilised his firsthand knowledge of London's Limehouse district and given "Curlytop" an authentic atmosphere that adds much to the screen version. Shirley Mason--though many may not recognise her in beautiful blond curls—is typical as the dainty, saucy Burke heroine, and fits admirably into the story of the little girl whose beautiful locks brought her the love of men and the hatred of women. Two men in particular, Shanghai Dan, who has lived so long in the company of Chinese sailors that lie seems almost more yellow than white, and Bill Branuigan, arc attracted by Curlytop. But a jealous rival suddenly attacks her with a huge pair of shears and cuts off her golden locks. She loses her position and goes through many trying adventures before finally attaining happiness. The supporting pro gramme is headed by "Salvage," with Pauline Frederick in the leading role. The story tells of a woman who soon after her marriage learns that her husband's one creed is to get gold, and that his purpose in marrying her was to perpetuate the family name of Ridgewav. Fate mocks him, however, when his heir is born hopelessly deformed. With no regard for the suffering of his wife, he orders the child to be taken away, and when the mother recovers from her illness she is told that her baby died. The story is an appealing tale of mother love. A Fox Sunshine comedy is also shown. STRAND THEATRE. Mr. Bert Raltou's Savoy Havana .Lund is the chief attraction at the Strand Theatre this week. The band, the excellence of which is recognised the rid over, has been specially engaged by the management, and gave its initial pcrfi-nu-ances at the theatre yesterday. It will play at the afternoon session ur.d evening session each day this week, and is bound to attract large audiences. Modern music is often adversely commented upon. It the hands of the Havana Band, pre»e.nt.day compositions are played to the fi llest advantage, and none could, on bearing this talented group of instrumentalists, deny that they have a charm of iheir own. The Havana. Band does more than merely play its piece*. It expresses their sua it. The conductor of the band, Mr. iVit Ral ton, i.i an entertainment in himself, ami his huiidrcd-and-oiie little mannm i-ans and cheerful smile add not a little to the enjoyment of the performance. The programme contains a number of popular pieces, including "Three O'clock in the Morning" and other favourites. These wi re so greatly appreciated yesterday tl at the audiences showed the greatest ii'.uetauco tn let the band leave lhe stage. "Daughters of Pleasure" is the main feature of the supporting programme of pictures. Fascinating Marie J'revo-t. sid Monto Blue have, leading r01e... the (dm deals with a poor family's sudden rise to wealth, which docs not prove an unmixed blessing. A delightful corn.mv, "Stage Fright," starring juvenile •«< tors, provides ample amusement. The latest Strand Magazine is also screened.