ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19469, 27 October 1926, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PRINCESS AND TIVOLI. From twenty to eighty—this is the gamut of years bridged by Pat O'Malley, noted screen actor, in "My Old Dutch," Universale spectacle of London life, which will be screened at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres for the first time tomorrow. O'Malley passes through five separate ages, ending as a tottering old man, through the clever and artistic application of greasepaint on a; clean-shaven face. Another startling series of makeups is that of May McAvoy, who finally reaches the age of sixty by means of makeup. Jean Hersholt assumes the appearance of a man of eighty or more, but uses whiskers to achieve his disguise, and Edgar Kennedy, villain of the story, takes on a ponderous figure as ago stoutens him. Kennedy used a specially built body for this transition. The makeups used in "My Old Dutch" are probably the most elaborate series of this form of disguise in the history of the screen. The story deals with life among the picturesque London coster folk, and centres about the love of a oouple who marry in youth and live for each other's happiness for moro than forty years. It is a touching story of genuine love and faith, told on a lavish scale. There are many thrills, a sensational fight, a spectacular race, and other massive details contrasted with the simple home life of lowly folk. A B. P. Schulberg production, "The Girl Who Wouldn't Work," which is released by Paramount, will also be included in the programme. The story tells of a girl employed in a large department store, who is fully conscious of her own prettiness and dreams of going on tho stage. She is engaged to the departmental manager, but longs for adventure, and when she attracts the attentions of a young millionaire she docs not hesitate to quarrel with her lover. She meets with many adventures before finally realising her folly. The cast is headed by Lionel Barrymorc and Marguerite de la Motte, who are supported by Henry B. Walthall, Lilyan Tashman, Forrest Stanley and Winter Hall. " NELL GWYN." "Nell Gwyn," another British film worthy to rank with the best that have yet appeared on the screen, will be shown at the National and Lyric Theatres for the first time to-morrow. A critic writes of the film as follows:—"Nell Gwyn" is the second great British-made film that has won the recognition of all those in a position to criticise it. Shown last night for the first time, this film masterpiece, produced by Mr. Herbert Wilcox, came up to all expectations, and those who saw it went away satisfied that "Nell Gwyn" and its producer well deserved all the good things that have been said about them. All the world has heard of "Sweet Nell of Old Drury," and of the romance of a maid and a monarch, which began on a day when the popular King Charles H. was startled by the sweetness of a voice calling out " Ripe Oranges! Ripe Oranges!" and how the King experienced the shafts of her wit and finally raised her to a high position in the land. Herbert Wilcox does not try to alter the story, and tho construction of "Nell Gwyn" is not based on an attempt to follow a- certain defined plot; it resolves into a character study of one of the most charming characters of English history. Miss Dorothy Gish plays the part of the captivating slum girl, and,her interpretation of the role leaves nothing to be desired. Randle Ayrton makes an excellent King Charles 11., while the part of Lady Castlemaine, the orange-seller's rival, is admirably played by Juliette Compton. Mrs. Gwyn is played by Sidney Fairbrother, Toby Clinker by Judd Grean, and Dickson by Edward Sorley, all of whom are well suited to their allotted tasks. To some tastes the picture may be considered to have a weak ending, but the producer has made an honest attempt to portray Nell Gwyn as she actually was, and any other ending would not be possible. Originality is the keynote of the success of the fi'm, and many interesting glimpses of the life of the people at tin period are shown. The critic of the Manchester Despatch summarises the picture as follows: —"Nell Gwyn," the newest First National picture produced by Herbert Wilcox, is a notable contribution to the world's screens, and is an example of just how perfect technique and experience can render a film. Dorothy Gish has never been better, and missed none of her chances. Sidney Fairbrother, as Mrs. Gwyn, and Randle Ayrton, as King Charles, both do themselves credit in the admirable setting. Every Briton should see "Nell Gwyn."

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Steve Donoghue, the world-famous jockey, will be seen in a stirring English racing drama, " Riding for the King," which commences at. Everybody's Theatre to-morrow. The atmosphere of the racing stables' and the race track is well maintained throughout the picture, which has been produced in a most realistic fashion. The climax is reached irs a great race, which ends in victory by the narrowest of margins after a closely-fought struggle. A thread of romance is interwoven into the story and adds interest to the changing fortunes of the hero. The second attraction will be Pola Negri's latest Paramount picture, " The Crown of Lies." The film was directed by the famous Russian director, Dimitri Buchowetski, who has already in this capacity in several of Pola Negri's most successful pictures. Robert Ames plays opposite the star, and Noah Beery is included in the cast. Many of the scenes are laid amid picturesque settings. . HIPPODROME THEATRE. Cecil B. De Millc's latest masterpiece, " The Volga Boatman," which was recently shown at the Town Hall with remarkable success during a fortnight's season, is now being screened at the Hippodrome Theatre. The film has been acclaimed by critics in all parts of the world as a real masterpiece and a worthy successor to " The Ten Commandments, 5 ' which was also directed by De Mille. The story, which is handled with the sureness and skill of a great director, tells of a peasant living on the shores of the Volga River, a peasant whose life is spent as one of a gang of labourers employed to haul heavy barges up the great river. When the revolution comes the ihero takes a leading part in it until he meets a young princesss, whom he learns to love. After many adventures, which make the story a vividly dramatiq one, a happy ending is reached. BRITANNIA THEATRE. The vaudeville season at the Britannia Theatre will reopen under new management this evening. Items will be given by the Paramount Five, Irish entertainers, Mavis May, a dainty soubrette, the Dancing Ascots, simultaneous dancers, Ida Lockwood, violiniste, and winner of the open violin solo in the Auckland competitions, Doris Moris, comedienne, and Mr. Massee, comedian. A STUDENTS' RECITAL. A song and pianoforte recital by the advanced pupils of Mr. Walter Impett will be given in the Town Hall concert chamber next Monday evening. A varied programme will include operatic arias, art songs, ballads and pianoforte solos. Box plans are now open at Messrs. Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. ORGAN RECITAL. An organ recital, specially arranged for those unable to attend the evening recitals, will be held in the Town Hall on Friday afternoon. GRAND CONCERT. A grand concert will be given by Sacred Heart College students and friends in the Town HaJl concert chamber thise veiling.

"THE SIGN ON THE DOOB." Miss Muriel Starr will present the wellknown play " The Sign on the Door,' at His Majesty's Theatre this evening and to-morrow evening. Commenting on her Sydney performance a critic says:— "Muriel Starr scores one of her greatest successes in "The Sign on the Door. ,i It is a delightful play with every phase nicely rounded off' with the skill that spells finished artistry. There. ; is no tedium about it; there has been no straining after effect; it scintillates with bright dialogue, and it is brimful of witty repartee. Every incident does its allotted part and carries its message without undue emphasis—and emphasis, when'called for is gained in a manner that gives no hint of effort, but leaves a profound impression nevertheless." In the story, Ann Hannissell, although a good wife, has always with her the memory of a terrible night spent with Frank Devereaux in a New York restaurant, when he proved himself not worthy of trust. Five years later Ann meets Devereaux again, but although a grave doubt arises in the mind of her husband, all ends happily. The play " Within the Law " will be presented on Friday and Saturday evenings. The box plans for the remainder of the season are now open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd.