ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10601, 28 May 1920, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

‘THE DANDIES OP 1920.-' ‘The Dandies of 1920” are deservedly popular. They are bright and clever, and as both these essentials to thoroughly enjoyable entertainment, are directed to the production of a programme of varied character, they never fail to delight those with a weakness for the pleasures- of life. Whether song or story, dance or music, theio is always just that touch of artistry necessary to unqualified success. Hence, the _ large audiences that forgather -each night in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall. Miss Rose Watson, whose. work at the piano brings back memories of Margaret Cooper, has crept into the hearts of local patrons by reason of her charming performances. But, then, so also has Miss Hazel Fuller, in song, and Miss Paulino Brown, whose elocutionary items are quite worthy while, even though they are not sufficiently diversified. Miss Annette Lang is no mean performer of the terpsichorean art, and when, with Mr Percy Oughton, she dances some of_ the latest ballroom crazes, success is signalled by round after round • of applause. Light comedian George Sharratt, Renn -Millar, baritone, Wyn Faulknor, in song, Kennedy Black, at the piano, and Thomas J. Jenkins, light tenor, are very capable. Of course, the ■whole company shines in concerted numbers which, as usual, are a feature of the show. “The Dandies of 1920” give of their best at the Town Hall. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “Within the Cup” will ha screened at Everybody's.' commencing to-day. It is a magnificent story of Bohemian life with gorgeous scenes and fanciful frocks. Bessie Barriscale has appeared in many roles in her screen career, but- as the successful novelist ! who also poses for an artist and proves the inspiration for a famous picture of Psyche, she reaches heights of dramatic fervour she_ _ has never reached before. In addition, she reveals herself as the possessor of rare charms hitherto Veiled in secrecy. The story is a powerful presentation of the theme that is so much discussed to-day—the unfairness of a double code of morals —on© law for men and another for women. The latent Gazette and delightful scenes of the garden suburb of Bournville are shown amongst the supports. ’ , THOMAS MOORE ANNIVERSARY. To-night’s concert at the Town Hall in connection with the Thomas ' Moore Anniversary, should be well worth attending, judging by the excellent programme prepared. The committee - has spared neither eneTgy nor expenditure in making the anniversary orV worthy of the great Irish poet. In presenting Mr Walter Whyte, the Australian tenor, and Miss Pollard, the Victorian soprano, in Moore’s works, tlie committee is giving the Wellington public a rare opportunity of hearing two noted singers. Missca Teresa McEnroe and Eileen Driscoll, popular local singers, will also assist. Mr Kevin Dillon,- He local reciter, Mrs Emerson, Mrs Beauchamp, Miss Barry, and Masses Melvin, Fogarty, Heaty, and Reade will also take part. The feature of the concert will bo the conceited items, consisting of two quartets and ,a duet. The latter will be sung by Mr Whyte and Miss Pollard. Selections will also bo played on the grand organ. The order which will be observed at the competitions, commencing to-morrow morning at 11 o’clock, will be'as follows; Gentlemen’s alto solos, hoys’ alto solos, and girls’ duets, II -a.m. to 1 p.m.; elocution, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; bovs’ duets) girls’ soprano, boys’ soprano, 2.30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; choirs, 3 p.m. to 3 p.m. THE KING'S. “The Miracle Man” was screened for the last time at the King's last evening before an overflowing audience. A complete change is advertised for to-night, when the star item will be a delightful comedy-drama,, entitled "The Veiled Adventure,” featuring tlie dainty and coy Constance Tairaadge. “The Veiled Adventure” has b, swiftly-moving plot with smiles and laughs throughout. Constance Talmadge, it would seem, never fails to please her audience, a circumstance which may bo due to the fact that there is something charmingly “different” about her personality and characterisations. The supposing programme includes comedy,, latest “Gazette,” “Winter Sports in, Quebec City,” and a Chester scenic. Mmo. 1 Annette Hayward, operatic contralto, who gave such a delightful rendering of “Sweet Spirit, Hear My Prayer,” last week, will sing "Annie Laurie” and “Irish Emigrant.” The King’s grand orchestra will -play a complete change of musical items, and as an entr’acte play “Light Cavalry” (Suppe). There will bo a full orchestral matinee to-morrow. The plan is at the Bristol.

THE EMPRESS. “The -Miracle Man.’’ the crowning flawless film achievement of the screen, will be presenter! at the" Empress today, and. will be supported by a full orchestra of twelve brilliant players, who will play for the matinco each afternoon, and again in the evening. Madame Annette Hayward has been specially engaged to sing the solos during the screening of "The Miracle .Uau." ' The story is of if gang of criminals who hear of the strange powers of a “patriarch” in a remote village, whose beauty of life and faith have helped to bring health and peace of mind to the suffering. Assuming innocence and belief, they surround him, and stage a pretended “miracle,” through which they plan to exploit the sightless healer as a business enterprisc. Their cunning succeeds beyond all their hopes, but unconsciously: they fall under the spell which they had sought to use. lliey are themselves transformed, lifted by faith from depravity to a cleansed, ennobled manhood and womanhood. That is all. A theme of elemental simplicity, yet as complex as the human heart; as modern a\ yesterdays news, yet as old as the hills of Galilee. It has none of the magnificent settings and ingenious theatrical illusions of those spectacles which have evoked a claim and wonderment. The magnetism of this story lies in scenes of beauty and tranquility no less than in those of sordidnesy and ferocity. Its passion is masterful,, but ite quietude is irresistible. ■ It steals into the heart like an exquisite poem, lives in the memqry like a haunting song. STRAND THEATRE. That “The Hoodlum” is th'ct biggest role Alary Pickford has ever portrayed will be borne out by all who hare witnessed the picture, and it ii being screened to-day and to-morrow for the last time in Wellington at the Strand Theatre. The little star has more than justified her reputation in this picture, She is ten Mary Pickfprds we have

never Keen before, each one, new. .and refreshing. X'o one doubted that the world-popular little cirl has undoubted ability, but her second production reveals tho depths of versatility that she has' not hitherto displayed, probably through lack of opportunity. The picture lives up to its advertised description, “the picture of 1000 laughs/’ and it is a. riot, of laughter from beginning to end.