THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19215, 2 January 1926, Page 8 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES.

Popuhir Novels on the Stage. An interesting dramatic event in London has boon tho production at the Adelphi of Michael Arlen's dramatised version of his novel, "Tho Green Hat." It has aroused many critics to subtle anger. "Wo were not a bit shocked," wrote the critic of tho Times, "mildly interested now and then, bored now and then, and in thu end depressed . . . . On tho whole, a disappointment, alternately irritating and depressing." In this connection it is instructive to recall receptions accorded the dramatisation of other popular novels. In tho 'eighties there was a sensationally successful book entitled "Called Back.' It was tho work of Hugh Conway, and, when dramatised by the author in association with the lato Coinvns Carr, it enjoyed a run of 219 performances at tho Princo of Wales Theatre, a phenomenal thing in those far-oil days. In the samo year another dramatic version of tho samo book was written bv C. Chuto and presented at Eastbourne, lliis may bo regarded as tho beginning oM-he vogue of "best sellers" on the stage, llie Mystery of a Hansom Cab," adapted by tt-A author, Fergus Hume, and tho late Arthur Law, had a run of 100 performances, but the book soid in millions. 'lllen carne "Trilby," and everybody bought Trilby hats. America went even further, and the beau mondo had Inlby hats, shoes, garters and feet, particularly lho latter. An American producer realised that the novel had the makings of a good play within its pages. The idea_ made his fortune. Many peoplo maintain that Tree's interpretation of Svengali was his greeatest achievement. It had a run of 260 performances at tho Hayinarkot and has been revived time and time again. How different was tho story of If Winter Comes," the most talked-of book m recent years. It was admirably tised with tno assistance of Basil Macdonald Hastings, but it failed to draw tho public either in London or on Broadway. Plays and Players. Mona Ba.rlco, a daughter of Phil Smith, has s,cored a success in tho latest J. O. Williamson musical comedy success, "Leave It to Jane." Miss Barlee was through Auckland some timo ago in one of tho Fuller revues. She has a bght voice and dances rather nicely. Herschel Kenlcro, tho clown at tho piano, whoso namo is a household word in America and England, heads the next company of International VaudevilJ.o from J C. Williamsvon Theatres, appearuig here shortly. A featuro of his act is ihe Musical Steeplechase," in which ho makes any tune appear to be something different.

On" of the most distinctive comedians appearing in Fuller vaudeville is Blondi Robinson, America's coloured humourist, who styles himself "just a fooL Blondl is a natural comedian and his eccentric dancing is entirely different from anything theatregoers in this country have Been. His act is a quaint pot nourri of absurd stepping, extraordinary facial expression and weird tinging. Blondi s basinet int life is to make people laugh and ha fulfils his mission most successfully.

When Gladys Moncrieff has departed lor London early in the New Year, J. C Williamson Ltd. will present at tiis Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne for the first time in that- city, the delighbful comic opera, "Lilac Time," which ran for two years at the Lyric Theatre, London It is said to contain the most delightful music ever written, for it' introduces the beautiful and never-to-be-forgotten melodies of Franz Schubert, upon whose life all d romance the opera is based. "Lilac Time" will introduce the first apnea.ranco in Australia of Harriet Bennott, a, young artist who occupied a prominent position on the English and American comic opera stage. Associated with her will be a fine cast, including Claude Flemming, Arthur, Stigant, John Ralston, Mabel Gibson, Byrl Aalklev, Leslio • Holland, Mascot Ralston, William Perryman, . Edmund Sherras, Katio Towers and Herbort Walton.

Mr. Guy Bates Post, the eminent actor who is charming Auckland theatre-goers, is noted for hi 3 unfailing courtesy. As a matter of fact, ho feels very strongly on this subject, for he is of the opinion that, thore is not nearly sufficient courtesy in the world. "There is so much hurry and rush nowadays, that there is a danger of such delightfully old-fs.shioned faults' as charm, quietness, gentleness, courtesy, and dignity being crowded out of the general scheme of life," he remarked recently to an interviewer. "I believe in tho old adage. 'Assume a virtue, if you have it not, and if I wero asked to broadcast any message to the world I would make a plea for a little more courtesy to bo introduced into everyday life, and I would urge, tho public also to cultivate in tho rising generation real love for the finer things of life. To my mind, there is always a great danger of materialism crowding out culture and beauty."

A romantic feature of the arrival in Melbourne of tho Reneo Kelly to appear in "Polly with a Past," under J. C. Williamson management, is that two of the company, Miss Dorothy Fano and Mr. Anthony Holies, wero married beforo their departure from London and were making their honeymoon trip. Miss Fane, who will play Myrtle Davis in 'Tolly vritli a Past," was for several years in "tho movies" in England, and waa recognised as one of the foremost English E.tars. Sho will bo remembered in "Beside tho Bonnie Briar Bush," *The Lights o' London," and "Bulldog Drtunmond," as well as in other pictures made under the auspices of Gaumont, Lasky, and other producing firms. Miss_ Fano began her theatrical career with' Cyril Maud in farce, and, after two and a-'half years in motion pictures, joined Miss" Retioe Kally in London. Afterwards she was associated with Phyllis Dan. for two years in "The Street SinSer," in which she played the part, of laric. Besides being a fine actress, Miss Fano is a very beautiful girl, and has a vivid and likeable personality.