ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19739, 12 September 1927, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

Excellent entertainment is offered lit the Strand Theatre this week in Norman of "Porthe Tana Wfflm i His Natural Life." Australia's first extensive effort, in frlm production, this elaborate undertaking is an auspicious beginning. It is not difficult to believe that a very large sum was spent in the production of this drama of the darkest period of Australia's history. No pains have been spared in ensuring that the : reproduction o? the terrible conditions of life in tho Tasmanion penal settlements' should ha faithful and complete. The tragic life of Rufvi Dawes, imprisoned for life for a crime lie did not commit, is depicted before a gloomy background of hninan cruelty, strongly contrasted V with the .;> . beauty of tbe Tssmanian scenery. One j sees the horrible liqualor of prison Ifte in | the hold oi the convict ship Malabar, ; whore men made desperate by the daily, horror of their existence .plot mutinyI under tho malignant leadership of the cunning John Rex. Rufus Dawe's double, and cf the half-ins&ne Matt Gabbett. Sometimes men escape, and a particularly t striking episode is the escape of a band of convicts and their terrible fi'ight, harassed by starvation; through the mock-; ;ng beauty of the bush. The final duel between the two crawd survivors is wonderfully done. Arthur McLagleh's portrayal "c>f Matt Gabbett, assisted by a repulsive make-up, is most consistent and effective. The tyranny of the system responsible for these horrors is symbolised in Lieutenant Frere, whose jealousy of Dawe's love for Sylvia Vickers drives him to inflict continual persecution upon Dawes. Dunstah Webb's portrayal of this * dark character is full of merit, particularly in the scene where lie meets his death at the hands of euraged convicts, dying like a rat in a trap. The role of Sylvia Vickers is played by Eva Novak, while George Fisher plays the parts of Rufus Dawes and John Rex. The picture is preceded by a prologue by the popular Lyric Quartette, and a pleasing overture, " "Rose of England," is played by the Strand Orchestra. One of Paul Terry's delightful " Fables " and an interesting Strand Magazine are also shown. ; 1 NATIONAL THEATRE. The courage of a woman lawyer in the defence of her father, who is the victim of political corruption, forms the theme of '• Counsel for the Defence," which head's the current programme at the * National Thsatre, Dr. West, a henevolanfc ; '4 old scientist, at last achieves bis ambition of providing the town in which he lives with a pure water supply. Certain political schemers, desiring to get 'the new municipal waterworks into the hands of a" private corporation, plan a bribery charge against the old man, who is saved by his daughter af'.er many exciting adventures. A ttrong cast includes fcet.ty Compson* House peters and Jay Hunt. The dog actor, is featured in " North Star," tX>e chief supporting picture. ' } 1 -—X * ~. 4 • • " NEW PALESTINE." An interesting cinema film entitled " New Palestine," illustrating tho actffi3|Baßg ties of the Jews in the re-establishment of their nation in Palestine, will be screened at tho Town Hall concert chamber tomorrow evening. The picture will be introduced by a short address describing the intimate connection between the Gos- r, • pel and the Holy Land, and why the movement should have tho sympathetic support of all Christians. ? m li ; 11 |l HNNHHI J MUNICIPAL CONCERT- -• : ■■ ■. v . :r-;v ■ : The excellent singing of the Municipal Choir under the direction of the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett; was the I , outstanding attraction at the municipal concert given in the Town Kali on Saturday evening. This musical ' bodyj although not so numerous in the contralto department as usual, s:»ng with intelligence and expression a well-diversified collection of part songs, which ranged from works of the Elizabethan period to the present time. Palestrina's Madrigal, "When Flow'ry Meadows," ushered in the programme, and tho interweaving of the parts in the more sustained'measures*' was accomplished with certainty. There was a playful lilt about Byrd's "All Hail! Thou -Merry Month of May," which suited tho timbre of the voices even hettir. This was sung with precision, and care was also taken with the finer accentuations" 1 and points of enunciation. In Rutland Boughton's "Spring" the soprano tone was frequently thin on the high notes. This number ivas, however, a good test for rhythm and transitions of tone. The , rehearing given to Wilfrid Shaw's appealing An Evening Lullaby" was well deseryed, since the quieter passages wero imbued with a meaning and charm not always attained in choral singing. Balfour Gardiner's vigorous setting of Masefield's "Cargoes." and West's fineiy-con-ceived arrangement of the old hunting song, "John Peel," showed the choir to particular advantage, and won warm applause. As solo violinist. Miss Isobel Langlands submitted tasteful expositions of her numbers. Bach's famous "Air" for the G string was well phrased. The ensuing Bach-Kreislar "Gavotte" afforded scope for roore varied treatment, and showed the artist's control of effects in no uncertain manner. Miss Lauglands also played with requisite musical feeling Cyril Scott's "Lullaby." and Beethoven's dainty "Rondino," as well as recall solos, which included Rimsky-Korsakoffs melodious "Hindoo Song." Mr, Birreil O'Malley infused =" vitality into his tenor solos, "Yesterday and To day" (Spross), a:id "Take a- Pair of Sparkling Eves," from Sullivan's "The Gondoliers," and was encored. This capable singer should, however, avoid forcing his tone in the heacl voice. Mr. Maughan 3arnett's organ solos were well chosec and appealed to all tasrei. The manual changes in Corehi s "C-mcerto," No. 1.2, wers neatly effected, and the spirited sections presented with clarity. Cesar Francb's; "Fantasia m A' was conspicuous ;or originality of treatment. As .in example of early writing PurcaU's "Poco Allegro" was interesting:, while the organ transcription of Warner's baritone air, "Star of Eve," proved fairly convincing. Pianoforte accompaniments were played in Mr. Leo Wliittaker's mosti capable manner.