ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19142, 7 October 1925, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

STRAND AND TIVOLL The current programmes at the Strand and Tivoli 'theatres, headed by "Into the Net," and "Men and Women,' respectively, will be screened for the last time to-morrow. On Friday Douglas Fairbanks' ; latest success, "Don Q, Son of Zorro,' ] will open at both theatres. The picture is said to be replete with all the romantic dash of Fairbanks' earlier productions, coupled with an unusual opportunity for histrionic work, due not only to the highly melodramatic nature of the story, but also to the fact that the star is called upon to carry a difficult dual role—difficult because he depicts youth as well as age. He will be seen as Zorro, a sedate Zorro, mellow and philosophical with the passing of years, but a fighter for a# that, his grim determination spelling indomitable courage. As the son, Don Q, he will reflect the dashing, devil-may-care spirit which made his former interpretation of Zorro famous. Chief of the stunts in "Don Q, Son of Zorro," spring from the use by Fairbanks of the bull-whip, a very long, slender and sinuous lash, menacing and terrible in its -sxecution when in the hands of a skilled person. This whip, which had its origin in the early ranch days of Southern California, when it was used by cattle drovers, consists of a lash fastened to a short butt-like handle, and tapers in its length, of fifty or sixty feet from a thickness of an inch or so to the slenderness of a small cord. With this whip Fairbanks performs feats that surprise and startle. With it he first wins his way into the hearts of the Spanish populace; with it he saves many persons—including an enemy—when a maddened bull escapes from the ring and invades the streets; -*nd with it, also, he frustrates plot after plot against bis ladylove as wall as against himself. In short, say those who have viewed "Don Q, Son of Zorro," this whip becomes in the hands of Fairbanks all that the duelling sword was in his previous productions, A special musical score will be played at both theatres. At the Tivoli "The Painted Flapper," featuring James Kirkwood and Paulirte Garon will also be screened. At the Strand there will be a special prologue, and an Aesop Fable cartoon will be included in the supporting programme. BRITANNIA THEATRE. An unusually attractive vaudeville programme will be provided at the Britannia Theatre this evening. The principal artist will be Will Lea, who, although 67 years of age, performs many amazing acrobatic feats. A well-chosen picture programme will also be screened. KINDERGARTEN CONCERT. A concert in aid of the Myers Free Kindergarten will be given in the Town Hail on Thursday, October 15. The box plan is at Lewis R. Eady and Son, L united. " SNAP-DRAGON " REVUE. The novelty revue, " Snap-Dragon," written and produced by Miss Cecil Hall, will be presented at the Town Hall for a season of three nights commencing next Wednesday. It promises to be a brilliant and effective entertainment, and the object, to assist the Blind Institute building fund, is very worthy. The box plan [ will open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, | Limited, on Friday. GRAFTON DRAMATIC CLUB. The Grafton Shakespeare and Dramatic Club presented A. A. Milne's play " T!m» Lucky One," with great success Ifwa evening. All the parts were well cast, but the acting of Mr. E. Blair in the role of General Farringdon and that of Mr. A. R. Duncan as Bob Farringdon calls for special mention. Miss Pilkington was also very good as Miss Farringdon. SCOTTISH CONCERT. A ve;y successful concert under the auspices of" the Auckland Pipe Band was presented before a large audience at the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. The object was to raise funds for the band. The programme included items by many w<?U-Known Auckland artists, solos by Mr. I). Black and Mras Elsie Bentley being especially good. They also gave a fine duet, "It I Might Only Come to Yea." This will probably be the last appearance of these two siugefs before i their departure on a concert tour of the Dominion. Miss Laura Stone also gave two much-appreciated songs while items by the band and Scottish dances were very popular. riTY MISSION CONCERT. A concert in aid of the City Mission funds will be given by a band of entertainers, " Jaspers Limited," at the Papatoetoe Hall this evening. MUNICIPAL CONCERT. A eombi) ed Municipal Concert will be given at the Town Hall on Saturday by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, and the Municipal Band under the baton of Bandmaster Christopher Smith. Vocal items will also be given by Miss Mina Caldow. The box plan is open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Limited.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The final screening of "Men tnd Women," the Paramount production which heads the current programme at Everybody's Theatre, will take place to-morrow. "Contraband," the latest Paramount film, adapted from the celebrated novel of ihe same name by Clarence Budington Kelland, will be the principal attraction on Friday. The picture is said to be as exciting and thrilling as its title would lead one to believe, Rum-runners, bootleggers, dishonest politicians, a villainous deputy-sheriff, a beautiful girl newspaper editor, and a scholarly 1 young professor—these are the principal. characters in tills Paramount comedy-melodrama. The story has lost none of its original vitality in the process of transference to tha screen, and Alan Crossland, the celebrated director, has taken full advantage of the many opportunities afforded by the plot for excitement and gripping suspense, which, interspersed with delightful Hashes of whimsical humour, are said to render the picture from start to finish one long alternating succession of gasps and chuckles. As to the actual story itself, the theme concerns the adventures of a lovely young girl who inherits u small town bankrupt newspaper, and proceeds to make it a paying proposition and b force for the benefit of the community. Her efforts to improve the town are frowned upon by a local politician who is the secret leader of a band of rumrunners and bootleggers. There follows a succession of intensely exciting and interest-sustaining action, which culminates in a thrilling climax * Lois Wilson and Raymond McKee are in the leading roles, and in supporting roles are famous artists, including Charles Ogle, Luke Cosgrove, Victor Potel, Johnny Foxc, Edwards Davis, Alphonz Kthier and Lillian Leigh ton.