ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19031, 30 May 1925, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NATIONAL AND LYRIC. " Name tho Man!" tho powerful screen version of Sir Hail Caine's iiovel, "The Master of Man," is attracting crowded audiences to tho National and Lyric Theatres. This is tho first picture made by Victor Seastrom, tho noted European director, since ho was brought too America by tho Coldwyn Corporation. An interesting account of tho. personality of, Seastrom reads as follows:—With him, making pictures is a serious, worth-while work, and his pictures reflect his attitude. Ho feels the drama of his scenes more keenly than even those who aro playing them. Tho stranger walking c.l tho sot cannot 'nit feel some of the tenseness, tho dramatic thrill which radiates from the big, earnest, erstwhile actor. Suffering _is written on his face as ho stands, with stiffened body, beside tho camera, and seems to force his players throng some bugic moment of the story. His lingers twitch as ho watches every movo—as tho players at first sometimes fail to put into tlio scene all that lie wants_ in it. Time passes without his knowing it, and often lunch hour goes until some electrician, at tho end of a scene, asks if it would not bo best to " knock off " beforo going on to tho next change of lights. A celebrated director, who saw " Name tlio Man!" at tho studio, said he envied Seastrom his ability to make his characters movo so simply, without (unnecessary frills, through the story. "I cannot fathom his secret," ho said. Perhaps tho secret lies in Seastrom himself, for Seastrom is a man utterly without frills. Ho makes no pretences about himself and as few compr imises to convention as he can. If tho weather s warm ho sheds his coat and works in his shirt sleeves. He has a pleasant word for everyone who works with him, but ho does not affect pleasantness. When he tells a player he is sorry ho called her an hour before ho needs her he really is sorry. Because he is so genuine, it would never occur to him to havo his players do tlie little " stagey " things fiat aro so noticeably missing in his work. There is no such thing as class distinction on 'i Seastrom set. At nine o'clock, or before, the director arrives, lie has a pleasant word for every member of his company. He has planned, tho night before, the work of the day, and once the greetings arc over tho work Starts. His story is so much a living thing in his mind that there aro no moments of indecision. He has a clear idea of what he wants, and with infinite patience he keeps on—sometimes doing a scene dozens of times if necessary—until the camera hn recorded the exact visualisation in his mind. Tho settings in which the drama of " Name tho Man !" is enacted are all the quaint villages and century-old stone castles of tho tiny Isle of Man. Castle RinJen, the largest structure on the island, was duplicated at the Goldwyn studios for tho picture. Tho stern, rockj coast-lino of tho islo and the beauty of the inland is also shown in a number of remarkable photographic studies. The locations, approved by a technical expert sent from England to assist Seastrom, are said to bo almost tho exact duplicates of the actual scenery of the island. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Thomas Moighan plays the leading role, in " Tongues of Flame," a Paramount attraction which heads the current programme at Everybody's Theatre. Tho picture tells an interesting story of adventure and romance in a small town of Western America. When Henry Harrington returns to Edgewater after the war he finds himself caught in the dull routine of the small town lawyer. The Indians on a near-by reservation are the only peoplo who remember him as a lawyer and tell him that their lands are being violated by a manufacturer named Boland. Ho promises to iutercede. Hornblower, an old lawyer, finds documents to prove that the Indians own Edgewater and files suit for them. Boland approaches Harrington, and, explaining his reasons, apparently openly engages him to buy the; reservation lands. Bo land's daughter takes an .nterest in Harrington and his success. Harrington goes to the reservation and secures all except one signature and finally obtains money from Boland to get this one. On the way across he is robbed, and when found is taken care of by Lahleet .the school teacher of the reservation. The signature is obtained and then Harrington learns that he has been a dupe and tho land is worth more than the pric paid. He thwarts Boland's scheme and is imprisoned on a charge of theft of iponeys entrusted to him. While he is in gaol tho suit filed by Hornblower is judged and Edgewater is declared th<> property of the Indians. Hie townspeople become an infuriated mob and fire the town. Harrington is temporarily released and collects many of the Indians who served under him at the front and quells tho riots. An interesting climax concludes the picture. Bessie Love, Eileen Percy, Burton Churchill, and Cyril Ring are included in tho supporting cast. STRAND THEATRE. " Her Marriage Vow," a Master picture, is tho featured attraction on the new programme shown at the Strand Theatre for the first time yesterday. The story tolls how a young man's devotion to his business interests threatens to wreck tho happiness of his married life. Bob Hilton, during the first seven years after his marriage, prospers greatly and is made a junior partner of his firm. He sacrifices everything for the sake of his work and his wife is frequently disappointed at his refusal to take her to tho theatre. Finally she meets once more Ted Lowe, a former sweetheart, and is invited to a party. That evening Bob returns homo to find one of his children, who have been left alone, about to drink poison in mistake for medicine. He rashes to his wife's apartment, to find her in the arms of his former rival. Refusing to listen to explanations ho turns her out of the house. Both endure much suffering before a. reconciliation is effected. The cast has been carefully chosen and includes Monte Blue, Beverley Bayne, Willard Louis, John Roche and Margaret Livingston. A varied supporting programme includes a Mack Sennett comedy, " Asleep at the Switch," featuring Ben Turpin, and the usual topical pictures. A film showing the dangers of reckless motoring, though very brief, has been made with a keen sense of humour. Only the feet and hands of the principal actors are shown, but the meaning is perfectly clear throughout. When the speedometer reaches 100 miles an hour the countryside seems to slido past in a smooth, swaying stream. The climax is both startling and amusing. At. the evening session a novelty musical interlude was provided by Miss Cecil Hall and was accorded a warm reception. TIVOLI THEATRE. " Butterfly," a screen version of Kathleen Norris' well-known novel of the same namo, heads the current programme at the Tivoli Theatre. It is a Universal-Jewel production and is said to follow the original story with great fidelity. Laura la Plante has the leading role and shows remarkable finesse. Ruth Clifford as tho older sister sustains the rolo of sisterly self-sacrifico with conviction, and this is said to be without doubt the greatest piece of acting she has ever done for tho screen. Norman Kerry gives a realistic interpre tation of the role of Kronski, (lie violinist. Although these three players carry the weight of the story, other members of tho east in roles of lesser importance contribute greatly to the value of the picture by their excellent performances. Tho remaining five major characters are portrayed by Kenneth Harlan, Cesare Gravina, Margaret Livingston, T. Roy Barnes, and Freeman Wood. The strength of the picture lies in its simplicity. It is claimed to be a real triumph for tho director, Clarence Brown. The photography is also said to be remarkably line. The,second featured film is " You Are Guilty," featuring James Kirkwood and Doris Keriyon. The story tells of a man who was falsely accused of a crime by his adopted brother and who suffered in silence in order to spare his mother's feelings. The supporting cast includes Mary Carr, Edmond Breeso, Robert Edeson, William Hi ley Hatch, and Russell Griifitt.

PRINCESS THEATRE. " Dante's Inferno," a _ spectacular William Fox production, is the chief attraction on tho current programme at the Princess Theatre. It is described as an photo-play, lavishly produced, while the story is intensely gripping, pointing out tho foiblc:> of human nature and tho natural consequence of greed and selfishness. The spectator is taken through tho nether regions and sees such fantastic effects as assuredly havo never before been brought to the screen. As all who have read the poem will appreciate, tho scope that has been offered the producer was illimitable, and it cannot bo gainsaid that he made excellent use of it.. It is a story that makes a lasting impression on the memory becauso of its candour. Concerning a millionaire tyrant, the story deals with his mind after ho receives a copy of tho Dore edition of "Inferno," upon which there is written a curse. lie reads tho book, and with tho spectator ho goes through all the different compartments of hell, as described by the poet. Then he commits a crime and is electrocuted and his soul is taken post haste to the hot underground region whero ho makes the acquaintance of tho Devil, and is told that he will henceforward havo his quarters in that compartment set apart for the greedy and the unjust. It is only then that the story really begins, and it carries tho audience away with its dramatic action. It points out forcibly the wages of selfishness. It depicts the agony of the millionaire when his gold is of no more use to him and ho is helpless. "Dante's Inferno" stands out as one of the big motion pictures of the year. Every caro has been taken to innko the production a worthy one. Many of the sub-titles are passages photographed direct from tho book, while the influence of many of tho illustrations by Dore are strongly felt in the backgrounds and settings of the picture. The second featured film is "Champion of Lost Causes," with Edmund Lowe in the leading role. HIPPODROME THEATRE. Fred Thomson and his beautiful and highly-trained horse, Silver King, whose work rivals in interest that of the hero himself, appear in "Galloping Gallagher," a Master picture, which heads the new programme at the Hippodrome Theatre. ; Tho story tells how Bill Gallagher, a wanderer, arrives at the town of Tombstone as bandits are robbing the bank. Tho populace is cowed but the hero captures one culprit while his horse corners the other. Bill is made sheriff and the townspeople expect that his life will be brought to a sudden end within a week. A young lady evangelist, bent on gaining converts, comes to the town and the newly-appointed sheriff takes it upon himself to guarantee her safety during her stay there. He aids her in winning converts, but Joseph Burke, president of the local bank and secretly the leader of the bandits, lures her into the hills. Bill follows and rescues her and disproves Burko's story that he was attacked. The latter manages to have Bill imprisoned, but Silver King brings him the keys and he escapes. Tho excitement rises to a high pitch until the end of the picture. Tho film contains hard riding, fierce fighting, and plenty of action at all times. Tho cast includes, in addition to Fred Thomson and Silver King, Hazel Keener and Frank Hagney, who both do good work. The remarkable feats of Silver King should be especially pleasing to tho younger generation. DENIS KEHOE. Tho young actor-singer, Denis Kehoe, and his dramatic players will make a first appearance in New Zealand on June 13, in tho Irish folk play, " Mother Machree," in three acts, from the pen of Maurice Wehlen. For several years Mr. Kehoe has been steadily building a reputation in Australia for the quality of his productions. "Mother Machree" is described as a sweet domestic drama based on the age-old theme of mother love, with a quick-moving plot enlivened by spirited dialogue and songs. Denis Kehoe is said to possess a resonant baritone voice which ho uses with skill, and to be a musician of considerable ability. He will be supported by a company of selected dramatic artists from tho principal Australian theatres, beaded by Miss Frances Kayher, a j'oung actress of distinction and charm, Misses Helen Fergus, Gwen Dorise and Muriel Dale and Messrs. Ronald Riley, Manribe Lynch, Chas. Keegan, Lester Carey and A. Beeby also appear. Tho musical direction is in the hands of Percy Kehoe. The box plan will open at Messrs. Lewis R. Eadv and Son, Limited, on Wednesday, June 10. WILLIAM HEUGHAN. Threo concerts are to bo given in tho Auckland Town Hall by Mr. William Heughan. the Scottish bass singer, the dates being Juno 16, 17 and 18. Mr. Heughan has just completed a highly successful tour of Australia,* while his ten concerts given in Wellington aroused considerable enthusiasm there. He is described not only as the possessor of a 'wonderful voico, but also as a dramatic actor of outstanding merit. A critic writes of him as a singer "such as we seldom havo tho opportunity of hearing, ' and he never fails to captivate his audienco by the beauty of his voice and great dramatic art." Mr. Heughan will be assisted by Mr. Hvman Lenzer, a young violinist, who is said to have great technical ability and expressive powers, and Miss Gladys Saver, a successful English pianist. The box plans for tho three Auckland concerts open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., on Thursday, Juno 11. KREISLER RECITALS. The great violinist, Fritz Krai filer, will ; open his Auckland season in tho Town Hall on Tuesday, Krcislers first programme will include tho Handel "Sonata in A Major," Bach's " Suite in E Major," Mendelssohn's " Concerto" and a group embracing Louis Couperins " Chanson Louis XIII. et Pavane," Tar-t-ini-Kreisler Variations, Sclmbert-Kreis-ler Ballet Music, Rosamunde Rimsky- - Korsakoff-Kreisler's _ " Hymn to tho > Sun " and Kreisler's own compositions, 1 " Caprico Vicnnois " nnd " Tambourin Chinois." Box plans aro now open at Messrs. Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., for reserved seats of various prices. PARNELL LIBRARY COURSE. , The Parnell Library winter course of entertainments, similar to the courses , which have been proved so popular at other branch libraries, will bo inaugurated next Tuesday with a concert arranged by Mr. John F. Bennett. Tho programme is an extremely varied one, particularly strong in instrumental items, which include piano solos and duos and violin and harp solos. Vocal and elocutionary items aro also included. MUNICIPAL CHOIR. The Municipal Choir, Miss Mina Caldow, tho city organist, Mr. Maughan ' Barnett, and Messrs. Edgar Randal and Cyril Towsey, accompanists, will "contri- ■ buto to the programme arranged for the 1 recital in the Town Hall to-night. Tho choral works will be selected from compositions by Elgar and Lassus and English and Irish folk-songs. Miss Caldow ; will sing a negro spiritual and songs by Goring Thomas and Cowen, and the organ 1 solos will include works by Cesar Francis 1 and Lemaro and Tschaikowski's "Sugar Plum Fairy." SACRED CONCERT. A sacred concert will be held in the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, to-morrow evening. The entertainers will include a concert party from H.M.S. Dunedin. A collection will be taken and the proceeds will be given in aid of the Devonport Boys' Band. DIXIELAND CABARET. The usual Saturday night attractions will be offered to patrons of Dixieland Cabaret this ■evening. Dancing will be continued until midnight.

"SO THIS IS LONDON" Tho Auckland season of " So This is London " opens this evening at Ilia. Majesty's Theatre, when the well-known comedy actor, Mr. Thurston Hall and tho j. C. Williamson Company will make their first appearance in Auckland. Tho piece is said to be pure comedy, and has proved a grjat success on both sides of the Atlantic, for it deals with tho exaggerated prejudices, which exist between tho English and Americana. There are several novel and scenes where the American describes just how ho thinks an English family will look, and another giving the Englishman's impressions of the American's family. "So This is London "is described as being one of tho best comedies of a distinctly propagandist tendency seen in tho Dominion for many years. The romantic attachment of the son of a wealthy American to an English girl is tho cause of tho parents of both parties, in an endeavour to bring tho alliance to an end, blaring forth ridiculous impressions of the other's life and manners. There is just that amount of exaggeration imported to the acting which gives point, to the absurdity- of the views expressed. Thurston Hal), as tho wealthy American, is described as showing himself as a great comedian. Tho cast includes Misses Gladys Webster, Helenor Bevan, Joan Cross!ey, Madge . North, Messrs. Reginald Carringtou, Leslie Barrio, Kenneth Brampton, Herbert Leigh. Carleton Stuart and Felix Bland. The box plan for this evening will bo at Lewis R. Eady and Son. Ltd., till noon and after at the theatre kiosk. GALLI-CURCI. Galli-Curci has gained the appellation "the nightingale of the gramophone" from thousands of admirers in Britain, and it is stated that during her recent six weeks' tour of the Old Country she received £20,000. She is also credited with receiving £IO,OOO for a single gramophone record. For four years Signor Caruso sang under Mr. Conrad's management for a nightly fee of • £220, but Madame Galli-Curci, it is said, received £2OOO for a song. This, hov .•ever, must have been exceptional, as was the £4OO fco a certain millionaire paid to Paderewski for 25 minutes at the piano. When singing in opera in the United States, Adelina Patti actually received for a single concert as much as £I2OO. Plans for booking for the Auckland Galli-Curci concerts, commencing'on June 24, may be seen at Lewis 11. Eady and Son, Ltd. THE MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band will play at tho Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon. A programme of high-class music will include the whole of Beethoven's " First Symphony " and two beautiful hymn tunes—" Jerusalem the Golden " and "Saviour, Breathe an Evening Blessing." Mr. 11. C. McLennan will give a piccolo solo.