ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19388, 24 July 1926, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TOT! DAL MONTE. OPENING CONCERT TO-NIGHT. At the Town Hall to-night Messrs. J. and N. Tait. will introduce for the. first time in New Zealand the. . world-famous coloratura soprano, Signorina Toti Dal Monte. Her glorious voice, it ia said, presents an unending succession of lovely 'Lones and a variety of shading and colouring, which is a source of never-end-ing delight to her listeners. The great achievements* of this fine artist have endeared her to music lovers not only on the Continent of Europe, but also in England, America and Australia. Commenting upon Dal Monte's appearance in Melbourne lately a Melbourne critic wrote: "Call after call volleying down to Toti Dal Monte in tumultuous repetition last night, after she had sung the mad scene from 'Lucia di Lammermoor' in the manner of the greatest, were a sign to her that she had conquered, and that her marvellous gift of song will live in Australian annals for many a year to come."

An exceptionally brilliant programme is announced for to-night, and Toti Dal Monte's numbers will include: " Caro Nome " (Rigoletto), " Caro Mio Ben," "Venial Mio Seno," "Chi Vuol ia Zingarella," ' Mad Scene " (" Lucia di Lammermoor "), " Estellita," " La Hijas del Zebedo," and with Augusto Beuf, the famous duet from the opera " Don Pasquale " (Donizetti). Augusto Beuf will fing " Cavatina," " Largo al Factotum," " Occhi di Fata," Canzonetta," etc.

Mr. William James, pianist, will play : " Prelude A Minor." " Danse do la Ponpee." " Etude en Octaves," and " Rakoezy March " (Liszt). Mr. Stanley Baine, flautist, will play " The Nightingale," " The Brook," etc. The box plans are. at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. The fame of Toti dal "Monte has proceded her and it is anticipated that her forthcoming season will establish fresh records in the annals of music in Auckland.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Most American photoplays of French' life are proa<% to exaggeration of the underworld life of Paris with morbid details o* crime which, although doubtless absorbing, weaken any romantic atmosphere the film might contain. In "The Masked Bride," a Metro-Goldwyn-Maver production, which was screened for the first time at the Majestic Theatre yesterday, tin sensational element has been subjugated to the gay dancing and love-making ■of the star, Mae Murray. As Gaby, the provocative, insolent, but ever charming little dancer, she is arrayed \i gowns of dazzling and exquisite splendour, and dances through the story, escaping from the clutches of a crimiti.i], outwitting a great detective and xna'jryini an American millionaire in scenes of bewildering splendour. In spite of many passages of arms between the astute Lecointe, chief of police, Gaby succeeds; in convincing Grover, the millionaire prism reformer, of her love. Another series of phomofilms was the second attraction. The scientific possibilities of this new invention are illimitable ; already almost perfect synchronisation of sound from the loud-speaker and motion on the screen lias been achieved. A charming excerpt from grand opera, the "Daughter of the Regiment," ws. staged by Madame Ainsley. Marb, the soldier-girl, endeavours to become a lady. Amusing dialogue occupied the first part of the item, followed by the light and airy melodies of Donizetti. These were sung with exceptional sweetness, and understanding by Miss Alma McGruer. Mr. Walter Brorigh took the part of Sulplice, 'the sergeant of Napoleon's army, and Miss Mary Hamilton was accompaniste. The whole item' proved a musical treat. The supporting programme included the Majestic News, a pictorial review, and an Aesop Fable cartoon.

GRAND THEATRE. "The American Venus," a Frank Tuttle production, based on Frederick Stower's adaptation of the story by Townsend Martin, features on the programme at the Grand Theatre this week. The feminine side of the cast of the picture is said to includo a large number of players unusually well endowed with good looks. Not only are the principal players strikingly beautiful, but the supporting cast includes seven of the prize-winning; beauties of the great Atlantic City pageant. The feminine side of the story is enacted by Esther Ralston, the attractive blonde screen star, Louise Brooks, a diminutive brunette from Ziegfeld's Follies, and Fay Lanphier, who was designated the most beautiful rill in America at the Atlantic C'ty bathing beauty contest and was awarded the title of "Miss America." The story is a delightfully amusing one relating the efforts of two rival manufacturers of beauty creams to obtain {of their product the endorsement of the winner of a great beauty contest. The hero is in the employ of one concern, but later .joins the rival company, partly because of the attraction of the beautiful daughter of the proprietor. The efforts of the rival to prevent the girl from participating in the beauty contest lead to a series of thrilling anc| thoroughly enjoyable adventures.

RIALTO AND REGENT. "Bebe Daniels and Harrison Ford have the chief parts, in " Lovers in Quarantine," a Paramount film, which is now being shown at the Rial to and Regent Theatres. The stocy tells of Diana Gordon, an unkempt and mischievous girl who nurses a secret adoration for her sister Pamela's absent lover. Anthony Blunt. Blunt explores African jungles when he should be at home paying court to his fiancee. Diana does not approve of her ' sister's tactics, especially since Pamela has overlooked her engagement to Anthony and is planning to marry Mackintosh Josephs. Diana elopes with Blunt who believes she is his fiancee, Pamela. On discovering the trick played upon him Blunt is exceedingly angry, but the two are quarantned on a ship and, after many complications, they decide to marry. The second attraction at the Rialto Theatre will be "Sporting Life," starring Bert Lytell and Marian Nixon, and at the Regent "Too Much Money," with Anna Q. Nil.sson and Lewis Stone in the chief roles.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Fred. Thomson, the popular Western actor and former world's champion allround athlete, has the chief role in " The Bandit's Baby," which is the principal offering on the current programme at the Queen's Theatre. Fred Thomson, as Tom Bailey in the story, is unjustly accused of train robbing. He seeks safety in a cave near the town of Three Forks, where a rodeo is taking place between contestants of rival towns. A mile race is the chief event, and as Three Forks is in danger of losing, the sheriff offers Tom Bailey his freedom for one day on condition that he will ride for the town. He does so and wins. The second featured film is " Cytherea," a First National picture, with Lewis Stone, Alma Rubens, Norman Kerry, Irene Rich and Constance Bennett in the chief roles. It tells of a husband who clings to the spirit of romance while his wife is obsessed with the care of the household.

LABOUR PARTY CONCERT. A grand concert, conducted by the New Zealand Labour Party, will be held in the Strand Theatre to-morrow evening. An attractive programme of vocal ana instrumental items will be given, and Mr. R. F. Way will deliver a lecture on Ano Shams of Civilisation."

STRAND THEATRE. Thrills abound from beginning to end of V While Fang," a Master picture adapted from Jack London's popular story of the same name which is the principal offering on the new programme presented at the Strand Theatre for the first time yesterday. It is a story of the frozen wastes of Alaska, and the plot is said to be laid among backgrounds of unsurpassed magnificence and beauty. The famous wolf-dog, Strongheart, is seen in the role of a savage animal, half wolf, half sled clog, and is said to give a splendid performance in a role which requires remarkable acting ability for an animal and almost makes it appear that the dog is capable of reasoning. Among the most striking sequences in the picture are those showing the wolf pack slowly circling round and round and closing in on a band of weary travellers. There is also a scene showing the wolves actually making an attack on a lonely trapper, and the realism of the incident is increased by several " close-ups" of the starving wolves. The producers have followed the original story with groat care and have taken pains to avoid mutilating it in the slightest detail. The principal human characters are portrayed by Theodore von Eltz, Ruth Dwver and Mathew Bets. The director was Lawrence Trimble. Gene Stratton Porter's novel, " A Girl of the Limberlost," which enjoyed world-wide popularity a few years ago, produced as a film play by the authoress herself, is also included in the programme. Gloria Grey, Gertrude Olmstead. Emily Fitzroy, "Raymond McKeo and Cullen * Landis 'have the principal roles. The story tells of a lonely girl who is driven bv the harshness of her mother to find companionship with the wild creatures of the woods and the swamp. She saves all the money she can spare in order to go to the high school and educate herself. When her ambition seems almost out ff reach she meets the Bird Woman, who teaches her how to collect and market the rare moths and butterflies found near the swamp, and after many trials she finally gains her desire. An unusual romance adds to the interest of the story. The supporting programme includes a cartoon comedy, " The Burglar's Alarm," and topical pictures. Boccherini's " Minuet," will he given as a special musical item.

WILLIAMSON VAUDEVILLE. The box plans for the forthcoming season of the latest company of International Vaudeville Stars from J. 0. Williamson's Theatres, in Sydney and Melbourne, will open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., on Monday morning at 9 o'clock. In tho present; combination, which commences a short season at His Majesty's Theatre next Wednesday, there are several acts that are- famous. Gnutier's dog actors in their remarkable playlet, enacted entirely by dogs, "The Bricklayers of Dogville," created little less than a sensation during their recent Sydney and Melbourne seasons. Another star is Van. Dock, a comedy caricaturist from Italy, who, in very fanny broken English, describes tho doings of his deft : fingers and charcoal. Miss Peggy Mouat. one of the placed competitors in the recent "Miss Australia" competition, will demonstrate tho latest ballroom steps of the Charleston, 11s danced by her at the Ambassadors, Sydney. A remarkable mimic of birds and animals is Imito, who, in a woodland setting, will deceive and charm the ear, with his extraordinary mimicry. Maxim Brodi, a tenor, and Dechelotto, an accomplished French pianist, will present* classic and popular airs. Two of England's foremost dancers are dainty Katrina and Joan, who will present a series of dance scenas, ranging from the- stately Minuet to the fascinating fox trot. On it brilliantly illuminated, Elroy. tho "indiarubber girl," will twist lier dainty limbs into inconceivable positions. The latest American song "hits" are featured by the little comedienne, Mario Moore, in.her offering at the piano. Rivalling Gautier's Dogs for pride of place, is tho act of Mantolls Manikins, 60 performers, ranging from acrobats to bullfighters, in their productions, "La Petit Cabaret," presented on their own miniature stage.

THE BACKHAUS SEASON. Backhaus, the world-famed pianist, who will commence a season of three nights in the Town Hall on August 3, created a great impression in Sydney. The Sydney News stated: —"To spend two hours listening to the playing of Mr. William Backhaus is to reach the pinnacle of musical enjoyment, for he carries one away in imagination into the very presence of the composers whom he interprets with such supreme art, For the time, his audience has the thrilling experience which reaches the point of ecstacy, of shaking off the bondage of every-dav worldly concerns, to be transported into another and brighter existence. This mental condition was no doubt reached in a spirit of thankfulness while the pianist was interpreting the "Appossion ata" Sonata, one of the noblest and most appealing of Beethoven's pianoforte creations. Backhaus, in his most virile moments, plays with astonishing case. His power is not evidenced by exaggerated movements or unnecessary gestures. There is nothing artificial in his attitude toward his audience or his music. His poise is perfection and his tone glorious. With his power he combines extreme delicacy, and the sense of beauty that distinguishes the intellectual artist with a sou! from the purely technical exponent of the piano." The box plans will open at Lewis E. Eady and Son, Ltd., next Thursday.

" QUEEN MARY CORONATION." A grand pageant and coronation ceremony in aid of the Y.W.C.A. Hostel Fund will bo held in His Majesty's Theatre this evening. The queen of the hardware trades, Miss Adlington, will bo officially welcomed and invested by the princesses of the various trades and professions. The lighting and costume effects promise to be extremely spectacular. The coronation will be followed by an entertainment in the Roval Court at which the jester, Mr. Finlayson, and the minstrels led by Mr. It. Nixon, will provide ample amusement. An attractive fairy ballet will be performed by. Miss Daphne Knight's pupiis, and music will be rendered by the Kingsland Orchestra.

JORDAN-COOK RECITALS, Music-lovers will be glad £0 hear that they will have another opportunity of hearing Arthur Jordan, tenor, with Hanson Cook, basso, in a song recital at the Town Hall on Monday, August 2. This will bo the last and only opportunity of hearing Mr. Jordan, as he wiil sail by the Aorangi on August 3 to fulfil engagements in England. A comprehensive and varied programme will be submitted, including some of the songs made famous through Mr. Jordan's records.

MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band will give a concert in the Town Hail to-morrow evening. The programme will include the overture " Academic Festival " (Brahms), the suite " Scenes in Maoriland" and " Rhapsody No. 14 (Liszt). ihe hand will also play at the zoo to-morrow afternoon.