ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19062, 6 July 1925, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"BABES IN THE WOOD." 'A house that was crowded almost to the doors greeted the initial presentation of the pantomime "Babeo in the Wood," at the King's Theatre on Saturday evening. It was an amusing production and the various performers played their respective parts in a manner which won the hearty approval of the audionco. j Xiillian Scotte, a new arrival from England, played the part of principal boy and proved herself a decided acquisition to the company. Others in tho cast who attracted particular attention wero Jack Mackenzie, Viola Reno and Lester Sinclair. The story dealt with tho doings of Robin Hood and his merry men, the outlaws who robbed tho rich but aided the poor, and the scenes aro laid in Shorwood Forest. Many of the stage settings 'depicting the forest wero very effective. ,There was an abundance of comedy throughout tho whole length of tho production, perhaps tho best being that provided by the damo's school. The work t>{ the chorus, and ballet also added its Iqnota to the entertainment, the costuming being always an attractive feature. A number of tho principal performers were 'gifted with vocal talent and won tho applause of the audience. A picture programme was also provided, tho feature being "The Gold Diggers," Hopo Hampton in the leading rolo. HIPPODROME THEATRE. A double-feature programme is at J ? resent being shown at the Hippodromo beatre. Tho chief attraction, a Selznick picture entitled " You Aro Guilty," tells the story of a man who is falsely accused ;of a crane by his adopted brother and becomes a wanderer over tho world, suffering iu silence in order to spare his mother's feelings. The interest is well sustained throughout, and the plot leads up to a dramatic cliraax. James Kirk,wood and Doris Kenyon head the cast Hoot Gibson, tho popular Universal star, has the leading role in " Tho Thrill Chaser," which is tho second attraction. It is a delightfully amusing production, and contains a mingling of comedy and exciting adventure of the type for which Hoot Gibson is noted. In addition, the third of Jack Dempsey's "Fight and Wm" pictures is also shown. OPERA HOUSE. 44 Not Likely " is the title of tho latest revue to be presented by Mr. Jim Gerald an,l his musical comedy company which will head the new programme at the Opera House to-day. " Not Likely " is described as a veritable triumph of humour and may bo expected to maintain fully the high standard set by provious productions of this company. An entirely new wardrobe with beautiful and spectacular scenery has been provided. Jim Gerald is given ample opportunity for tho display of his powers as a comedian. Newcomers in the vaudeville section of the programme will be the Harris family, who will give an unusual musical act. James Buddy, novelty concertina player, and Keith Wilbur. New turns will bo introduced by Videau and Kirby and Aspcnd and Upstone. \ MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT. The Municipal Band will Continue its series of grand concerts in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening and will present a programme of outstanding merit. Many new numbers will be given, both by the band and soloists. The Lyric Quartetto will provide vocal items. * PANTOMIME EXTRAVAGANZA. The final performance of the successful pantomime, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe," will bo given in the Town Hall Concert Chamber this evening. Muriel Brown makes a dainty principal girl and Lorraine Barnes is effective as principal boy. Many were unable to gain admission at the matinee and evening sessions on Saturday.

44 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS." The wonderful fascination of the record-breaking Paramount production, " The Ten Commandmcnte," is well illustrated by the large audiences that have witnessed its screening at Everybody's Theatre since the commencement of it# return season on Friday. This film, which was produced by Cecil B. de Mille> has been described as the supreme achievement o{ the screen up to the present time. It depicts in a wonderfully-' dramatic manner the well-known story of the flight of the Children of Israel from Egypt Figures familiar to all sine*, childhood are brought to the screen and recalled to life and made to live again the parts they played in real life thousands of years ago. The scones showing the fugitives crossing the sandy wastes of the desert have been photographed in natural colours, and are remarkably beautiful. The climax is reached when the. Israelites are seen on the shore of the Red Sea, with the pursuing Egyptian host close behind them. Moses ts shown stretching out his arms over the waters of the sea, which part in a tumult of foam. "Hie Israelites cross in safety with a high wall of water on either side, but when the Egyptians attempt to follow them the water returns suddenly, and overwhelms them. The whole effect has been managed with great skill in the film version, and an impression of complete roalism is obtained. The second portion of the picture tells a modern story of a young man who scorns the Ten Commandments, and breaks them each in turn. NATIONAL AND LYRIC. Colleen Moore is said to have the most brilliant role of her career in " Sally," the First National film version of Flo Ziegfeld's famous musical comedy, now allowing at the National ana Lyric Theatres. It is the story oT a girl who is brought up in an asylum for foundlings where her irrepressible high spirit* keep her in continual mischief. Tho matron is unable to control her and is glad to have her left in charge of a poor woman who undertakes to care for her. There is one especially amusing scene before her departure from the orphanage when the cluldren, led by Sally, break bounds and indulge in a desperate battle royal with all the street urchins of the neighbourhood. For missiles' they use pies, potatoes, fruit or anything else they can secure from the near-by stalls. Sally is finally forced to take a position as dishwasher , in a small inn, but she obtains an opportunity to dance, and as a result the ambition of her life is realised. An appealing romance is interwoven- with the other, elements of the story. Leon Errol, the comedian of the original musical comedy, has a similar role in the film version. Others in the cast are Lloyd Hughes, Dan Mason, John T. Murray and Eva Novak. MUNICIPAL ORGAN RECITAL. There was a good attendance at the Municipal Organ Recital on Saturday evening and some of the items evoked much enthusiasm. A number of piano solos were given by Miss Helen Venables and were received with hearty applause. Among her items were " Rigoletto Paraphrase," (Liszt) and " Danse Negre" (C}itl). Mrs. Cyril Towsey was encored for her songs, " Softly Awakes My Heart" (Saint-Saens), "Boat Song' (Harriet Ware) and " My Lady Passss" 'Maughan Barnett). Mr. Maughan Bar nett's items included Listi's " Prelude and Fugue on Name ' Bach,'/' Franck's " Pastorale," and " Minuet" (Handel) and " Serenade" (Schubert). Mr. Cyrd Towsey acted as accompanist.