ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9690, 19 June 1917, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT.” ‘ Everything is in readiness for the opening of the season of the J. C. Williamson, Ltd.’s pantomime at the Brand Op-era House to-night. The company, which js an exceptionally large one, lias arrived here in tho pink of condition. Each year ti-e noted nrm lias tried to achieve gi eater success than formerly. Of tni class of production a Alelbourne critic has thus expressed himself; ‘ '-Nowadays wmio the element of fun is retained the constituents of pantomime have undergone a change. A higher artistic standard is aimed at, schemes of colour are evolved in endless variety, and tho stage has become a glittering array of beautv of form and movement. Grace and refinement receive a larger measure ot attention and the eye is charmed with the succession ot pictures glowing with life and animation while expressing an enlightened sense of tho beautiful, and in these qualities ‘The House that Jack Built’ production has surpassed ail its predecessors.” The principals arc said to bo everything that is required of them and more. In addition there are an unusual number of clover and pretty children who go through their delightful performances as if it were a joy to them. In short, the pantomime will be found a light and wholesome refresher from the worries of the day and one that will divert concentration of thought from the serious drama of the world. Tho cast comprises a brilliant array of pantominmts, including the newcomers Hilda Guiver (principal Coy), Gretchen Tates (principal girl), Constance Cayley (Prince Regent), Harry Itoxbury (principal comedian), Ernest Langford (Parmer Barleycorn), Frederick Hearne (Lord of Misrule), and William Fulbrook (policeman); also those established favourites Arthur Stigant (Dame), Amy Murphy (Fairy Queen). Charles Albert (Demon), Dorothy Firmin (Madge), and Maggie Dickensen (danseuse) will appear. Tho wonderful costumes are a special feature. '• There are eighteen scenes in. tho two acts, offering numerous elaborate stage settings, novel and attractive, and ballets, marching and groupings. Among the many highlydiverting specialties are the enchantingly funny sketch Building a Chicken House, the Animated Dolls, the Procession of Vegetables, Dance of the Emotions, tho Uproarious Telephone Scene, the Mustard Show, the Haunted Mirror, tho Terrifying Tanks, the Allies and tho Anzacs, the Bacchanalian Banquet, the March Past of the Allies. The concluding pageant, “Our Own Flag,” is said to be exceptionally fine. The beautiful ballets are unusually gorgeous, and no expense has been spared to make the production an unqualified success. There will be a matinee to-morrow afternoon at 1.4-5. Box plans at the Bristol are filling rapidly. THE KING’S THEATRE. Refreshingly original, powerful, and particularly appealing is the Vitagrapb drama, “The Chattel,” shown for the first time jat the King’s Theatre last night. from its very interesting plot, the picture serves to introduce the eminent American stage favourite, E. H. Sothern.- His restrained and >powerful interpretation of tho leading character made for the success of the film. The part he played was that of Waring, a successful business man, whose one maxim is that there is nothing in life that he will not have if he sets his mind on having it. Everything else in his life is subordinated to this whim, this mania. Ho is relentless, heartless, and unscrupulous in gratifying his desires. There is a priceless picture which Waring, in his mind’s eye, has made a place for in his luxurious home. Time goes by, and Waring, with his unlimited wealth, has* acquired the piece of canvas that he covets. Then Waring sets his heart on placing in his home another, a piece of Nature s handicraft. This treasure is a young and fascinating girl. To Waring she ia merely a material prize that has to be secured at any cost. Waring again gains his desire, but fails to realise the inestimable value of it. for the girl he married really loves him. Too late, the girl realises that, like the priceless picture and other objects of Waring’s covetousness, she is merely a chattel. How Waring s wife brings him to the realisation of _ the fitness of, things makes an admirable picture. As the wife, Peggy Hyland is sweet and captivating. There is an excellent Keystone comedy on the programme, and an interestingly varied number of the Gaumont Graphic. The music from the King’s orchestra is first-cla-ss. THE ENGLISH PIERROTS. To-morrow night (Wednesday) the present delightful programme (including the successful ' burlesque pantomime, “Dick .Whittington”) will be withdrawn, and on Thursday the last week of the season will bo entered upon with another complete change of bill.' Despite the extraordinary success of this talented combination in the Concert Chamber, the season positively closes on Wednesday night, June 27th. The box plan for the remaining performances is now open at tho Bristol. HIS MAJESTY’S. “The Railway Tangle,’’ the great spectacular and mirth-provoking revue presented by Air AA alter Johnson and his talented company, again attracted and delighted a largo house at His Majesty’s Theatre last night; tho gorgeous ladder of roses, the wireless telephone “business,” and the sensational railway smash being particularly well done. The popular musical numbers included the dust, “Teach me how- to Love,’’ by Miss Vera Kearns and Air Walter Johnson; “'Down in Louisville,” by Miss Lola Hunt and chorus; “The Ladder of Roses,” by Miss Vera Kearns; Miss Lydia Game’s “Oh, you Beautiful Baby,” in the live doll scene; and a couple of rollicking comic songs by Mr Harry Burgess. The fun is fast and furious from start to finish. Hal, “the jesting juggler,” who made his first bow to a Wellington audience, evoked loud applause and roars of laughter by his dexterous juggling feats and his comic asides; and great hilarity was caused by the clever “cross-talk” of the Tutty comedy duo; and most attractive turns were contributed by Miss Violet Trevenyon, and “The Harmonious Hilarity Hits,” Sterling and Love. CROWN THEATRE. Constance Talmadge, the beautiful and charming young photo-play actress, who made such a, great hit as tho Mountain Girl in “Intolerance,” is featured as the heroine in “The Microscope Mystery,” which. const|-

tutes the leading feature in the very excellent programme presented at the Crown Theatre last night. Wrongfully accused of murder, the heroine is saved by the clever detective micro-scope-work of heF fiancee, “Doc.” Arnold, played to the life by Mr Wilfred Lucas. The play, the plot of which is admirably worked out, “treats of love and other ailments”; and its moral is, ‘‘Don’t let the quacks get you.” The topical “Path© Gazette” shows our New Zealand troops in training at Trcnfham' camp. Miss Billie Burke, ever a popular favourite, is featured in a further instalment, “The Gathering Storm,” of the thrilling drama, “Gloria’s Romance.” The programme is to he repeated this evening. THE EMPRESS. A splendid story of Bohemian life in Now Fork is unrolded in “A Square Deal,” a “World” picture play now allowing at tllie Jump;-css. Four fellow dabblers in the arts swear a vow of eternal faithfulness. The first one. to bo successful is the author, and. ho promptly takes care that' the others share his good luck Then he is entangled with a society girl, and_ his friend goes the length of engaging a job as co-respondent in order to free the writer bv divorce from his predicament. ' June Elridgo and Carlyle Blackwell are capable and post pleasing in the premier roles. : EVERYBODY’S. ■ A delightful Triangle play with two of the greatest possible contrasts as stars is “The Crab.”, Thelma-Salter, the daintiest. child actress bn , the screen, and grim Frank, Keenan -play ward and guardian respectively. The story is perfect in its way, and Thelma Salter’s acting is delicious. Keenan, as the grouchy old guardian whos«, heart, long frozen and cold, is gradually thawed in the love and sunshine that the tiny tot brings with her, is as wonderful as ever. Billie Burke makes another step towards the inevitable wedding in. “The Tell-Tale Envelope.” ■