ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19459, 15 October 1926, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MURIEL. STARR IN COMEDY. AUCKLANDER'S CLEVER PLAY. The current, play at His Majesty's Theatre, "French Leave," is alivo with fun, sparkle and an airy wit. It is the lightest, most inconsequential of comedies, put together by a pen, one would imagine, as French as the French in its name, yet strangely enough Written bv a New Zealander, and an Aucklander at that. It is not the first time "French Iveave" has tickled the fancy of local audiences, but most people will need to be reminded that Reginald Chevne Berkeley, dramatic author, was at one time a student at the Auckland University College, and is still a member of the New Zealand Bar. "French Leave" was the play that brought him into notice as a promising playwright, and there was very good reason for its favourable reception when it was first produced in London in 1920. Not only does it, shine with a cleverness of dialogue, but its situations have been devised with the unerring precision of the born dramatist and there are few moments when the audience is not on the tip-toe of expectation or convulsed with laughter. To begin with, a piquancy of situation exists in the presence of Captain Glenister's young wife in an officer's billet in France. Childishly ignorant of the army regulations that prohibit the practice, she has gone to her husband in the guise of a French actress visiting her parents in the village, and instantly upsets the mental and moral equilibrium of the entire brigade staff, from the decrepit brigadier-general to the corporal of tho brigade msss. When the table is cleared after dinner and the corporal declaims, "There's going to be queer goings on in this house before morning!" the audience prepares itself confidently for tho fun, and it comes in bucketsful as soon as the lights go out. Mr. Berkeley is said to have written his play behind the lines on the Somme; it certainly bristles with the "meaty" kind of humour that found fertile ground in such quarters. In such a play there is naturally scope for dramatic versatility and this is aided in no mean fashion by the brightness of the dialogue. Miss Muriel Starr would never bo regarded as a comedy actress, and for this reason her performance as Dorothy Glenistor was all the more acceptable. Sho ontaintfct thfc maximum of effect by a quier,, unstrained style that earned the hearty applause of the atidience at the final curtain. The role of the brigadier-general was played by Mr. Harvey Adams with admirable insight into its comic possibilities;. If it were not for a tendency to turn a comedy part into roaring farce it would undoubtedly have been the most striking piece of acting of the season. Mr. Kenneth Brampton was tho young captain to the very letter, filling an important role with distinction. Mr. Raymond Lawrence also gave a likeable performance as Lieutenant Graham, while Mr. Kyrle Sylvaney and Miss Bertha Ballenger filled other roles with every satisfaction. Last but not least was the very fine comedy work of Messrs. Fred Coape and Felix Bland. "French Leave" was preceded by the excellent one-act comedy of Gertrude Jennings, "Between the Soup and the Savoury." Every praise is due to Miss Clarice Kingsley for her work as Emily, the slattern kitchenmaid. It was an unforgettable little masterpiece. Miss Bertha Ballenger as th=» cook and Miss Bebe Scott as the parlourmaid helped to make a thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. The two pieces will be presented for two more nights only.

MARIST FATHERS' CONCERT. Tlie concert arranged by Signor Costantini to aid the Marisfc Fathers' School Campaign attracted a crowded attendance to Scots Hall, Upper Symonds Street, last evening. A well diversified, if rather lengthy, programme was presented by the well-known basso-cantante, assisted by his advanced vocal students and well-known Auckland artists. Tho various exponents were well received, and were the recipients of hearty recalls, which in most instances were deserved after the more ambitious items. The majority of the students gave evidence of careful training and in their deliveries of excerpts from Italian opera sang with freedom. Among the more notable selections by lady vocalists may be mentioned the Romance from Thomas' "Mignon," by Miss H- Asher, the grand scena from Verdi's " La Forza del Destino," by Mrs. G. Menzies, and the waltz song from German's "Tom Jones," by Mrs. T. Monaghan. An uncommon vocal quality was displayed by Miss M. Ryan, who sang "0 Mio Fernando," from Donizetti's "La Favorita," while Miss Madden gave consistent renderings of the contralto numbers. "Vale" (Russell) and "An Emblem" (Thompson). Mr. Fagan phrased well in his tenor solo, "Ave Maria" (Luzzi), while a finely resonant bass was exhibited by Mr. Caldwell in the excerpt from Verdi's "Simon Boccanagra." Signor Costantini's vocal offerings were, of course, a feature of the concert, and these included the grand scena and aria from Gomez's "Saivator Rosa," the "Mocking" Serenade from Gounod's "Faust," and "Inter Nos" (McFadyen), the last two being given in response to a pronounced recall. All were sung with certainty of voice management. Students who were also successful included Messrs. W. Moore, Bieleski and Hogan. The vocal duet, "La ci Darem," from Mozart's ".Don Giovanni," was sung with good effect by Miss Asher and Mr. W. Moore, and equal success was gained by Mrs. Menzies and Miss M. Ryan irt their concerted number from Verdi's "Aida." Faure's duet "Crucifbcus" was also declaimed with ability by Messrs. Fagan and Bieleski. Miss Linda Murphy scored well in a series of entertaining sketches, and violin solos wore played by Miss G. Cameron-Johnson. Miss Sloano contributed a piano solo and was also associated with Miss Asher in the pianoforte duet, "In tho Hall of the Mountain Kings" (Grieg). An enjoyable concert was ctoncluded with a choral rendering of the popular " Funiculi Funicula" (Denza), with the solo lines allotted to Mr. Fagan. Tho many piano accompaniments were shared by the Misses Maida Hooker, H. Asher and Sloane. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. A thrilling horse-race provides the main feature in "The Sporting Chance," to commences showing at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. Hie story is of a girl who is loved by two horse-owners. She is undecided as to which ono she will raarrv until one shows his true colours during the running of one of the chief sporting events of the year. The story is splendidly told and should find favour with all who follow racing. The accompanying picture, " Peter Vernon's Silonce." is an Australian production of an Australian story. The picture compares well with the imported type and marks definite progress in the growth of tho film industry in the Common wealth. RIALTO AND REGENT. Playing tho part of a vivacious countess, Pola Negri is seen to advantage in "A Woman of the World," to commence at the Rialto and Regent Theatres today. Several humorous episodes are introduced in the picture when the Countess, visiting a rural community, somewhat; startles the country folk by her ultra-modern ways. Rudolph Valentino will also be seen in "A Society Sensation." Supporting at the Rial to Theat re is "The Reantiful Cheat," and at the Regent Theatre "The Umber Wolf."

NATIONAL AND LYRIC. Social and industrial conditions after the war have been the subject of many plays and films, but few screen producers have utilised the theme of war profiteering, of fortunes made by selfish and arrogant men at tho expense of the masses of tho people. In no city of Europe was the devastation caused by profiteering so manifest as in Vienna, and "The Greater Glory," a First National release, which commenced showing at the National and Lyric Theatres yesterday, aptly illustrates the reckless extravagance of the human vultures who feasted on the misery and famine of the poorer classes. Apart from ; the story, which graphically describes the fortunes and misfortunes of two Viennese families, the film constitutes an historical record of Austrian life before, during and after tho war. One sees Vienna en fete on May Day of 1914, tho great Labour Day of the Austrians, stirring scenes in the capital, when the troops leave for the front; the spring of 1918, when aeroplanes flew over Vienna, scattering messages of peace and goodwill from D'Annunzio, the Italian poet and patriot. Later in the picture scenes are shown of the tribulations and sufferings of the people through famino, and the panic of merchants and financiers, many of whom were ruined in a day owing to the deflated currency. Some of the settings are magnificent, and the onlooker cannot fail to be impressed with the perfection of the photography. The story opens before the war, when Tan to Tide, a lovable old lady, is about to give her sanction to the marriage of Fanny, one of her nieces, to Count Max von Hartig, a scion of one of the ancient Viennese families. Fanny's sister, Corinne, is in love with Pauli, a young musician. In order to protect her sister Fanny visits a notorious cafe, where her cousin, an army officer, is accidentally killed. Eventually Tanfce Ilde and her numerous nephews and nieces hear of Fanny's adventure and, although protesting her innocence, she is ostracised by them all. Then comes the war and its aftermath, resulting in disease and famine. Fate and necessity had cast Fanny's lot among the fattened profiteers, feasting in wealth and luxury, while thousands were starving in the streets. Tante Ilde and her haughty relatives were in straitened circumstances., but Fanny, anonymously, sent food and clothing in plenty. The passing of Tante awakened the soul of Fanny to a realisation of her love for Max, the count to whom she was betrothed before the war. Corinne also became united with Pauli, who had gained high honours in the musical world. Besides being a moving story of a typical Austrian family the picture is a psychological study of characters that are nothing if not true to life. Anna Q. Nilsson has been admirably chosen for the role of Fanny, and Slay Allison is a winsome figure as Corinne. Conway Tearle does some fine acting as Max. The supporting programme included a comedy, "Moving Day," a Feiix cartoon, a Belgium scenic film, the Gaumont Graphic and the Fox News.

STRAND THEATRE. Centring around the romantic adventures of a gipsy and an international confidence trickster, who claim supernatural powers, " The Mystic," a MetroGoldywn picture, directed by Tod Browning, is the principal attraction on the new programme commencing at the Strand Theatre to-day. It is a thrilling melodrama of " fake " spiritualists who pretend to be able to communicate with those who have passed to the Great Beyond. Brilliantly directed by Tod Browning, the talented producer of " Outside the Law," and " The Unholy Three," two pictures *of the underworld which have made screen fame, this film is replete with sensational sequences and is lightened by a delightful romance that regenerates two " fakers." Aileen Pringle and Conway Tearle are cast in the leading roles, the former as the gipsy and the latter as the " master mind." The opening scenes are laid in a rustic locality in Hungary, but the climax of the story comes thousands of miles away in New York, where the tricksters are "duping and defrauding wealthy patrons by bringing messages from the spirit world. Miss Pringle is said to be cast in an ideal role as the seductive, passionate nomad, who is regenerated from her life of crime. Conway Tearle maintains his reputation as one of the leading players of the screen and performs his role of a cunning criminal with convincing dramatic force. Others in the cast are Mitchell Lewis, seen in a character role which he portrays splendidly; Robert Ober, Gladys Hulette and David Torrence. On the* same programme is " Paint and Powder," the life story of a great actress, with Elaine Hammerstein. Theodore Von Eltz, John Sainpolis and Stuart Holmes in the principal roles. One of the most spectacular scenes is a huge fashion parade in which many beautiful gowns are shown. PRINCESS AND TIVOLI.

An interesting story of vaudeville life in New York is told in " The Song and Dance Man," now showing at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres. " Happy " Farrell and Fred Carroll are " song and dance men." who on returning from the war find that they have, lost their onetime i>opularity. Carroll dies and Farrell, though almost destitute, endeavours to carry on and to help Miss Lane, a dancer. They are given financial aid by Joseph Murdock, a rich artist, and both finally find happiness, though in different ways. Tom Moore is the song-and-dance man, with a comic, blustering virtue and consummate conceit. Bessie Love gives a very human, sincere and natural performance as the diminutive actress, Miss Lane, who" wins fame and fortune as a musical comedy star, and Harrison Ford acquits himself with distinction as the wealthy artist for whom Miss Lane eventually gives up her career. Mystery of a high order is the key-note of " The Third Round," from " Sapper's " story in the " Bulldog " Drummond series. A gang of criminals endeavour to wrest from a professor the secret of the making of synthetic diamonds. They are partly successful when Drummond is won to champion the cause of the professor by the latter's niece, Phyllis (Betty Faire). Through breathless incidents Drummond at last succeeds in outwitting the gang and winning the girl. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The ability of Lon Chaney, the Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer star, in the art of character " make-up " is well displayed in his portrayal of the old country man, Jan, in " The Tower of Lies," to open at the Majestic Theatre to-day. The story, adapted from the novel " The Emperor of Portugalia," tells of the trials and final happiness of two old people, Jan and Katrina. Both are wrapped up in the life of the daughter, Goldy. The trying adventures of the girl as she grows into womanhood reallv provide material for a story in itself. No better director for the picture than Victor Seastrom could have been found. As a boy in Sweden he made a study of the people of rural communities, his impressions serving him well when he commenced work on "The Tower of Lies." The supports include an overture, "La Sorrentina," the Majestic News and a New Zealand scenic. A musical act will als<s be given by Rene and Reward. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A new double-feature programme will be screened at the Queen's Theatre commencing to-day. It will be headed by the George Fitzmaurice production " Kick In," adapted from Willard Mack's powerful stage play of the underworld. The cast is exceptionally strong and includes Betty Compson, Bert Lytell, May McAvoy, Gareth Hughes, Kathleen Clifford, Maym Kelso and John Miltero. The plot develops into an intense melodrama of .in unusual type. The second attraction will be a splendid racing picture, " The Sporting Chance." Horse-racing plays an outstanding part right, through the story, and an exciting climax is reached with the running of an important sporting event. The race was staged on the famous Tia Juana race track in Mexjcot

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The problem whether men prefer gay, frivolous and popular girls, or girls who are shy and demure, forms tbe theme of " Girls Men Forget/ 1 a Master picture which was shown at Everybody's Theatre for the first time yesterday. The heroine is Kitty Shane, who though extremely popular, and often spoken of as " the life of the party," never wins the affection for which sho longs. At last she goes to another town where she assumes a shy and demure air. But one day at a party which seems about to prove an abject failure she once again exerts her-, self to bring merriment to the gathering. In the small country town her gaiety is wrongly construed, and she fears that the romance which has promised her happiness at last will be shattered. The leading roles are capably filled by Patsy Ruth Miller and Johnny Walker. A stirring Universal melodrama, "Combat.," in which House Peters had a congenial rolo as the hero, is the second featured film. Wanda Hawley appears as a girl who stops off a railway train at a small wayside station and finds herself the only woman in a lonely lumber camp. She is the only feminine character in the whole picture. The lumber camp is Ific scene of many exciting adventures. Several vigorous fights among the lumbermen and a great forest fire provide an abundance of thrills. Walter McGrail appears as the villain, and a strong supporting cast includes a number of other well-known players. The film was directed by Lynn Reynolds. MUNICIPAL BAND. A varied selection of items will be played by the Municipal Band at a recital to be given in the Town Hall next Sunday evening. Wagner's music is always popular and the band will onco again play the famous overture, "Rienzi." Other items include a hymn, "O Gladsome Light," from Sullivan's "The Golden Legend," an xylophone solo, "Bis-, ley," by Mr. Rowland Jackson, a tonepoem, "Sanctuary of the Heart" (Ketelhey). and a special selection from Verdi's "Attila."