ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19061, 4 July 1925, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"WTLDFLOWER."

"Wild/lower," tho latest musical comedy success of J„ C. Williamson, Ltd,, will commence a six nights' season at His (Majesty's Theatro nest. Saturday evening. 'lha production will be interpreted by a ispccially organised company headed by .Miss Mario Burko. A Sydney critic, comment eg on "Wildflower'a" phenorrf enal season, stated' This success, it would appear, in due mainly to the originality of tho intriguing story, the lavLshness the costuming, the beauty of tno scenes and the exceptionally capable company that interprets the play, headed by a now performer of brilliant musical comedy gifts, Miss Marie Burko." Another Sydney critic said: "The delightful music is the chief charm of a thoroughly enjoyable entertainment." In addition to Miss Burke, members of the company who figure prominently are Messrs. Gus Bluett, Herbert Browne, Charles Zoli, Noel Allan and John Forde, and tho Misses Mario La Varro and Marjorie Daw. A specially brilliant performance is given by the Spanish dancers, tho Cansino Brothers, and Stoneburn. "Wildflower" will bo followed by another musical play, "Tho Cousin from Nowhere," which will bo staged for five nights. Box plans open at Lewis R, Eady and Son. Ltd., next Thursday.

PANTOMIME EXTRAVAGANZA. A highly Successful first-night performance of thu pantomime extravaganza, " The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe," was given in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. There was a good atteudanco and tho audience was warmly appreciative. The production was noteworthy for its elaborate costuming, the skilful dancing and tho almost unlimited variety of entertainment it provided. The numerous changes of costume were especially effective and added largely to the success of the production. The ballets included many attractive girls who appeared with tho various changes sweetly pretty and becomingly dainty by turn, Tho dancing throughout was so varied and of so high a standard that it would be difficult to select tho most meritorious, bnt perhaps the "ukelele" and the "hornpipe" in the first act and the "stiff" dancing of the dolls in the second proved most effective. Being always tastefully gowned the ballets were most pleasing and were responsible for many pretty pageants. The two tiniest members of the cast were truly bewitching and received well-deserved applause. There was much excellent comedy which won the enthusiasm of the audience again and ag;iin. In this respect Billy Evans, as the damo, gave a delightful performance. He was ably assisted by Tom McDermott as the squire and Aloe Murray as the demon. Miss Lorraine Barnes was effective aa Tom the Piper's Son and the role of Goody Two Shoes was ably filled by Miss Muriel Brown. The success of tho whole production was added to by wellarranged lighting effects.

TITVOLI THEATRE. Gloria Swan son has tho leading role in "Wage 3 of Virtue," a Paramount picturo directed by Alan Dwan, which heads the new programma at tho Tivoli Theatre. The story tells of a young Italian girl who falls in lov® with a travelling showman. Sho follows him to Algiers, where ho joins tho' notorious French Foreign Legion to escape punishment as a murderer. The [item life of the legion is depicted with groat fulness and provides many exciting incidents. The harsh treatment raotod out to deserters and other offenders against the terrible discipline of the legion is clearly shown in a striking scene. Tho unfortunate prisoners are forced to carry packs loaded with sand and driven round and round in what is known as the "circle of hell," under the blazing heat of the African sun. Ben Lyon, who plays opposite to Gloria Swanson, gives a splendid performance as a young legionnaire condemned to this torturing punishment. The supporting cast includes Norman Trevor, Ivan Linow and Armand Cortez. Mao Marsh has the leading role in "Nobody's Kid," the second feature. It is the story of a neglected little girl, who, on the death of her parents, ia 3eft to tho tender mercies of the world. Under the circumstances sho contrives to get as much amusement as possible out of life. The tears induced by her suffering are said to be nicely balanced by the hearty laughter created by her innocent fun. The plot is said never to become cheaply dramatic, while the incidont.3 are such as might easily occur in real life. Mao Marsh is uaid to play her part with great sincerity and to put much droll humour and quaint personality into the portrayal. In addition the third of the popular "Fight and Win" Eeries of films, featuring Jack Dempsey, will also be screened. The various films in the series tell entirely distinct and separato stories, and each ono is complete in itself.

STRAND THEATRE. A dramatic story forms the basis of the Master picture, "Breath of Scandal," which was [screened before largo audiences at the Strand Theatre for the first time yesterday. The plot centres round a girl whose gay life is brought to an abrupt end when her father is found shot in his mistress' apartment. Shocked by the occurrence the girl escapes from the scandal that follows by leaving her wealthy home and going into the slums, Hor father's assailant, the divorced husband of his mistress, is not satisfied with his ven.geanco, and laysi a plot against the girl. Ho manages to placo hor in a compromising position in a questionable resort which is about to bo raided by the district attorney, who is also the girl's fiance. Discovering her ho postpones the raid, but breaks off their engagement. After many vicissitudes, thanks largely to tho exertions of the hero, tho family are reunited. The mother is pors.uaded to give up her society meetings and pay more attention to the homo. The as a result, is once more contented. Tho charming Betty Blytho plays the part of tho "vampire" convincingly, while Lou Tellegen shows admirable talent as tho father. Others in the cast aro Patsy Ruth Miller, Jack Mulhall, and Phyllis Haver. A delightful Mack Sennett comedy was responsible for much merriment. It consisted of a series of original and highly-amusing "stunts," which kept the audience bubbling with laughter. At the evening session a novelty song and dance scena was provided by Beryl Nettleton and Lynda Murphy. It was a enjoyable performance, ana was received with hearty applause, PRINCESS THEATRE. Betty Blythe, who achieved such success in "Queen of Shoba," has a modern role of an ulujost similar type in "'Folly of Vanity," a Fox picture which heads the current programme at tho Princess Theatre.. The heroine of the story is a young wife whose vanity persuades her to wear a string of almost priceless pearls lent her by a millionaire. With tho pearls about her neck she falls into a troubled and remorseful slumber. A terrible nightmare comes to torment her. She seems to seo tho wino-maddened millionaire break down her door and attack her. Fighting desperately sho tears herself from his clutches and runs to tho npper deck. Ho pursuos her and sho leaps into tho sea. The breathless audience vainly awaits her reappearance. The scene fades and the Aladdin-like beauty of Neptune's realm appears and the body of the heroine is seen lying on the coral hummocks. Brought by Neptune's guard of swimmers to the throne sho is named Tho Mortal and a glorious carnival is ordered for her entertainment. This carnival forms the most spectacular portion of tho film. It was staged at Santa Cruz Island and over 600 beautiful girls took part in it. The cast includes, in addition to Betty Blytbe, BUlio Dove, Jack Mulhall, and John Sainpolis. Charles do Roche, Maude Bellamy and Wallace Mac Donald are the featured players in "Love and Glory," which is the second attraction. The story deals with adventures of Pierre du Pont and Gabrielle Picard, sweethearts in a little French .village, and Anatole, Gabrielle's brother, just at the outbreak of tho German invafkta oMfraneo xja 183k

RIALTO THEATRE.-..

" Feet of Clay," a Cecil B. Do Mille production, is the chief attraction on the current programme at the Rialto Theatre. The cast includes Vera Reynolds (a De Mille discovery), Rod La Rocqno, und other world-famous actors and actresses, in a drama of misunderstandings tinctured with the elements of tragedy. The incidents which occur amid most beautiful scenery are sensational in their effects, A particularly bright scene is that showing a race by 20 beautiful girls on surfboards drawn by fast speedboats. Amy Loring's half-sister, jealous of Amy's marriage with Kerry Harlan, a man whom she wanted herself, cuts off Amy's generous allowance. Kerry is crippled by a shark and Amy is forced to work (engaging herself as a model) to keep the home going. The husband is frantic at not being able to givo his wife tho life she had been used to, and disaster almost occurs when Amy comes home one day to find her jealous halfsister with her husband. * But no Do Mille production is complete without a dramatic, if unexpected, ending, and the finale to this picture is in keeping with the greatness of tho story, the power of tho acting and the splendour of the sotting. Tho whole production is claimed to be in every way worthy of its famous producer. The fdm is a most ambitious one, and tho lavish and spectacular settings, together with the ingenuity of tho director and his assistants, combine to provide several scenes of a most unusual nature. In addition, a dance item will be given by Viria, by permission of Miss Daphne Knight. A special programme for children will be screened at the matinee this afternoon. " Little Lord Fauntleroy," featuring Mary Pickford, will be tho chief attraction." 1

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Harold Lloyd's popular Patho comedy, " Safety Last," heads the now programme at tho Queen's Theatre. Many thrills are combined with tho comic incidents in tho film. Lloyd seemingly climbs a 12-storey department store, all for the love of a !;irl, and to win enough money to make lis wedding possible. A hundred times ho seems to hang by an eyelash and shrieks of laughter invariably greet some of the occurrences in his perilous position. The nervous thrills are many, as when a flock of affectionate pigeons descend on the head of the fear-racked Harold. Then a mouse runs up his leg as he balances on a ledgA. Next an excited customer drops a tennis net upon tho worried climbor, and finally he misses his hold and seizes tho hand of the great stone clock. But " Safety Last " is not entirely a climbing "stunt." Theru is much good legitimate fun-making with Harold as a department-store worker under the eye of a floor-walking autocrat. There is a particularly joyous moment when Harold, to impress the girl of his hopes, takes possession of the general manager's office. In addition, a Western picture, " Partners of tho Sunset," and a Buster Keaton comedy are also shown.

GALLI-CURCI. The great singer, Ameljta Galli-Curci, will give a farewell conoert in the Town Hall on Monday evening. She and her party will return to Auckland by the limited express on Monday morning from Wellington. Reports show that the great diva is meeting with enormous success there. The programme for the farewell concert hero on Monday evening will be a special one, drawn up to satisfy all tastes. Included in the programme items are: "Lo! Here the Gentle Lark," with flute obligato; "Caro Nome," from the opera "Rigoletto"; "Qui La Voce," also with flute; "Les Filles de Cadiz" (Delibes); "My Lovely Celia" (old English); "I've Been Roaming" (C. E. Horn); and "Come Per Me Sereno" (Bellini), in addition to several special request items. The bookings are reported to be very large, and intending patrons are reminded of the fact that several hundreds were unable to gain admission at the previous concert. The box plans are at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. On Monday morning a limited number of unreserved tickets will be on sale at His Majesty' 3 Theatre Confectionery. KREISLER FAREWELL. Kreisler, the world-famed violinist, will give a farewell recital in the Town Hall on Monday, August 3. He will leave tho next day by tho Niagara for America. Kreisler s tour of Australia and New Zealand has been a great triumph. Without one dissentient note the critics have said that he has lived up to an ideal of perfect artistry. All who have heard Kreisler have felt that a master mind controlled his every note, that tho music ho played came completed and matured in every inflection. An entirely new programme will .be presented for she valedictory concert and a generous number of special request items will be played by way of extras or recalls. Requests for special numbers should bo addressed to the manager of Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd, where preferential seats may be applied for.

" BABES IN THE WOOD." " Babe 3 in tho Wood," tho second pantomimo to bo staged at tho King's Theatre, will commenco a week's season at tho matinee to-day. Now thoroughly acclimatised, as it were, the company should surpass its opening efforts, more particularly as it is to be reinforced by Miss Lillian Scott, a London "boy" of ability. Lester Sinclair, Jack McKonzio, Viola Rene, Adelaide Taylor, Arthur Pearce and other favourites have suitablo parts.

ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR. The Royal Auckland Choir will give its second concert of the season in tho Town Hall next Thursday, when Madame Winnie Fraser, tho popular mezzo-soprano, will make her first appearanco in Auckland since her return from two years' study in Vienna and London. Her items will include several numbers by Marx, which have never been heard here before. In tho concerts she has given, critics in tho South state that Madame Eraser's voice has greatly developed as the result of her European training. Another contributor will bo Mr. J. Bree, a baritone who possesses a fine resonant voice. Miss Lalla Hemus, 'cellist, will make her first appearance on the choir's platform. Tho choir will sing a number of new items. The box pan opens on Tuesday morning at Lewis R- Eady and Son, Ltd.

AMATEUR MUSICAL CLUB. The Auckland Amateur Musical Club will give its second concert of the season in the Town Hall concert chamber on Tuesday evening. Items by the orchestra will include: —"L'Adieu du Gladiateur" (Blackcnburg); an overture, 'Commedictta" (Gurlith) ; selection from "iolantho" (Sullivan); the Adagio front Beethoven's "Pathetic Sonata"; and works by Finck, Wagner and Holzmann. The talented young singer, Miss Lois Evans, will contribute two vocal items, "Ernani! Ernani! Involami" (Verdi), and "The Lass with the Delicate Air" (Arne). Mr. Selwyn Hamlin will sing "Pagan" (Lohr), and Mr. J. Finlayson will contribute humorous items. Mr. W. Edgar Webb will bo conductor, and Miss Eileen Slado accompanist.

COMMUNITY SINGING. Community singing, under the direction and leadership of Mr. Abel Rowe, will bo held in Everybody's Theatro to-morrow evening, commencing at a quarter past eight. A popular programme of sours and choruses has been arranged. In addition, Mr. Rowe, who is a well-known local tenor, will sing the "Ten Commandments Spirituals" and a number of other items. Mrs. Rowe will bo pianiste- Sundiy evening community singing, which hn3 Droved a success in other centres, should be a welcome innovation in Auckland during the winter months. GRAFTON LIBRARY COURSE. "New Zealand Bird Life" is the subject of the lecture to be dolivered by Mr. R. A. Falla at the Grafton Library on Tuesday evening, in connection with the winter course. The bird life of New Zealand is particularly interesting, on account of the country's pre-eminence as the land of birds. The proportion of bird varieties which it can show is greater than any oiit&c cooniqk