ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10663, 9 August 1920, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE ENGLISH PIERROTS. The , seating accommodation of tho Concert Chamber was again fully taxed on Saturday evening, when the fourth, and in many ways the best, programme of tho season was presented to a decidedly appreciative audience. From the opening selection, "Paderewski's Minuet" played by the ladies' orchestra —to the fall of the curtain, there was never a dull . moment. The concerted items, "It Doesn't Appeal to Me,'' "Bound to Win," "Wibbly, Wobbly Walk," also the quartette "Gin a Body" each received its full share of applause. Miss Ena Gordon, who vocally scores heavily on the ladies' side, nad to [respond to. an encore for her "Slave Song," her second number, 'Spring is a Lovable Lady," being particularly dainty. Miss Gordon also sang with Mr Rov Cooke the duets "Kingfisher Blue'' and the well-known "Barcarolle" from "Tales of Hoffmann." Miss Maxine McKenzie was recalled for her very pleasing song . irginia," while Miss Thelnia JKedgrafe s itom, "wee, Uee Marie," in which, she was ably assisted by the ladies of the company, was perhaps the uest she has yet been heard in, and liad to be repeated. Miss Lilian Colenzo had to respond to a double enoore for her character song. "When the Whole World Goes Dry," before the audience was satisfied. Tho Pirouette Dance of Miss Joy Rolls and Mr Leslie Austin was a feature of tho programme. Mir Leslie Austin in his song "Economise'' put forward some novel ideas on how to cope with the high cost of living, which though hardly practicable, [ were highly entertaining. His encore song, "My Daughters," in which he , was assisted by several members ol the company clad in motley array, was responsible for much of the evening's hilarity. Mr W. P. Turner was recalled for his song "Girls I Have Met." Messrs David Lvle and Roy Cooke, whoso songs are always appreciated, were recalled for their respective items, "Your Eye's Have Taught Me" and "The Lute Player." That very popular artist, Mr Chas. Lawrence, was heard in "Exits" —a very clever skit on grand opera, and his second item, "Lonesome," was well received. Mis* Do Saxe, tho flautist, was heard to great advantage in "La Traviata" and "Auld Robin Gray.". "The Pierrots on Tour," a verv humorous sketch of a stranded concert company, caused much merriment, while the finale, "An Eastern Scena/' was artistically mounted and performed. This programme will be repeated throughout the week. THE EVANS-GANGE SEASON., It is announced that Amy Evans, the famous Welsh soprano, and Eraser Gange, tho eminent Scottish basso canftante. will commence their Wellington season in the Town;Hall on Tuesday, August 17th. Both of these singers from overseas have recently concluded lengthy seasons in all of the capita] cities of Australia, and visit these shore 3 well heralded by the comment of the Press on the other side of tho Tasman Sea. The Sydney "Morning Herald" said: "Concertgoers were no doubt expectant of somo fine singing, but they were hardly prepared for the sensation provided. Amy Evans js a singer with a ; superb % voice of noble breadth and rifhiitas, ana a regal platform presence to correspond. Eraser Gange was heard with an effect that was like a master-hand on some hugo instrument, and added to the sensational debut." In accepting such authoritative comment such as (his it is evident that Wellington concert-goers and musical enthusiasts may anticipate an unusuallv brilliant entertainment. The box plans for the whole season will be opened at the Bristol on Wednosday, August 11th. Tho Australasian tour is being conducted under tho direction of Chappell and Company, the widely-known musical house of London'. THE KING'S. The King's Theatre was filled to ite utmost capacity on Saturday evening, when an excellent programme of pictures, headed by "The Way of n Woman,'' was screened. The latter is Norma Talmadge'e latest select picture, which was adapted from the famous play of "Nancy Leo." The beloved screen 6tar excels even her own high mark in this thrilling story of American life. The remaining pictures were of the King's usual high standard. The Melody Four gave a very fine rendering of their unaccompanied part songs and glees, and the music by tho King's Grand Orchestra loft nothing to be desired. There wiJl bo an orchestral matinee on Wednesday. EMPRESS THEATRE. "Back to God's Country" and Charlie Chaplin's latest mirthquake, "Sunnyside,'' are the two features of a monster programme showing at tho Empress Theatre this week. "Baok to God's Country" is a work typical of Janice Oliver Curwood—-a story of primitive wilds and the strugglo or elemental passion in the fight to live. In if is pictured Dolores, tho swimming girl, and the great dog Wapi, tho man-killer, , besides sixteen other wild animals who were her friends. One of the most dramatic incidents is tho heroine's awim down the whirling waters of dangerous rapids—no fake about it, either—to escape one of mankind's beasts. Six long months we have waited for this new outburst of Chaplin fun, ''Sunnyside," but it was worth it—original, full of surprises, typical of Chaplin, you know—outbuifits of laughter that seem to break loose just at the moment you're ready to sympathise with his misfortunes. Also showing is the eighth episode of tho "Liberty" serial and a "Gaumont Graphic." EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "The Tong Man," with See&ue Hayakawa in tho leading role, was shown to a huge audience on Saturday at Everybody's Theatre. The story is taken from Clyde Westover'a book, "Tho Dragon's Daughter," and the Japanese star has tho most dramatic role of his career. The picture lifts the veil from 'Frisco's Chinatown and sheds a. lot of light on the Oriental undcrwold. It is notable for its lavish settings and beautifnl production. "Tho Mystery of 13" leads tho supporting list, which includes comedy, sconio, and tho latest "Gazette."

"MALE AND FEMALE" AT THE GIfcAND OPERA HOUSE.

Notwithstanding tho high standard of development to which the production of the photoplay has attained, it is seldom that a film of the artistic worth of ''Male and Female" is screened in Wellington. The initial presentation of this famous film was made in the Grand Opera House on Saturday evening to a capacity house. "Male and Female" has more than its value as a great picture to commend it; it is the authoritative screen version of "The Admirable Crichton," the famous play by Sir James M. Barrie. Tho film was made by Cecil de M'ille, who produced many successful photoplays, and who was assisted by lan Hay, the author of "The First Hundred Thousand," in creating the scenes of British atmosphere in "Male and Female."

Everyone is familiar with the story of "The Admirable Crichton," the su-per-intelligent English butler. A mere menial in the household of Lord Loam in England, Crichton becomes the man of the hour when his master's yachting party is wrecked on a desert island. Ho rules the fortunes of uho group and wins the heart of his master's beautiful daughter, only to refuse her for a serving; maud. The sumptuousness of the English country home where tho story opens, is in wonderful contrast with the primitive glory of the tropical island, the magnificent Ladv Mary with the humble and happy Tweeny, the servant, who finally wins Crichton's heart. Crichton the butler, and Crichton the monarch, are excellently brought out by Cecil de Mille. "Male and Female" is a lavish, realistic production throughout. The island scemei are filmed on the island of Santa Cruz, to which loads of tropical foliage and plants' were transplanted, so that the American island represented a spot in the South Seas. The shipwreck scenes are all realistic in the extreme, this being one of the occasions where lives and a large amount of money were risked for the sake of realism in production. The beauty of Gloria Swanson, who plays Lady Mary, is marvellously enhanced by her costume of pearls and peacock feathers, and the moment when she is seen lying in the lion's den, with a huge lion pawing her, may be confidently said to be one of the most thrilling yet seen on any screen. With the craft of a true artist, the producer has selected a oast specially suited to the roles ho has assigned to them in "Male and Female." Thomas ' Meighan, of 'The Miracle Man" fame, plays the part of Crichton, and Gloria Swanson, one of the loveliest women of the screen, makes an incomparable Lady Mary. Theodore Roberta appears as Lord Loam, the gentleman who found the difference of being a peer in England, and being a peer on a desert island. Raymond Hatton. Robert Cain, Mildred Reardon, Bebe Daniels, and Lila Lee also figure prominently in' the cast, the last-named playing the important part of Tweeny, the kitchenmaid who makes up for lack of imagination and orudeness by her love for Crichton. All'picture-lovers who see "Male and Female" will have nothing but praise for it, and judging by Saturday evening's audience, tho Grand Opera House will be full up at this week'g screenings. A fine special film showing the Prince of Wales's, tour through the North Island precedes the | big picture, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. In both films the projection is perfect, there being a complete absence of any flicker. The special , grand orchestra, under the baton of Mr A. H. Jerome, played in perfect harmony, and greatly added to the enjoyment "of the whole entertainment. "Male and Female" will again be screened' this evening, and, to-morrow afternoon at 2.30 a matinee will be given. The box plan is at tho Bristol, where seats may be reserved. ORGAN RECITAL. Tho most charming piece played by Mr Pago at his recital on Saturday night was Rachmaninoff's Melodies; the greatest was Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor (tho Dorian); the most beautiful was the Priere m C I sharp minor (op. 20), of the "French : Bach," Cesar Franck. The recital opened with a fine performance of William Faulko's Sonata in D minor, a composition much more valuable than a good deal of this composer's fluent and ephemeral work. The pedal passages leading up to the finale (and indeed all - tlirough) were • excellently played, while the fugal section in the finale was giveai with great spirit. Rachmaninoff's Melodic was beautifully registered and played; the opening bars especially, with a most delicate soft accompaniment on the choir organ, were exquisite. This was encored. Of the two graceful little Moussorgsky fragments, "A Tear," and ''Meditation," the latter appealed most, but tho middle section of "A Tear" was very well done. The Third Movement, from . Rimsky-KorsakofFs "Scheherazade," is by now quite familiar to regular recital-goers. Mr Page is alwavs at his best whcil playing it. Cesar Franck's "Priere," according to Grove's Dictionary,"is open to the 6*bieetion:of being too long; let us, however, say with Franck's pupil, "it is for us to bo silent when this great man speaks," for the "Priere" is a profoundly beautiful thing. 'Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor is, as tho programme note says, one of the finest of its class. Mi- Page did justice to it, bringing to an end a programme proving both the "sincerity of the composer's methods of writing" and also the sincerity of the organist's playing. \ THE GREAT SEA COW. Tlie dugong or sea cow is practically unknown to the world outside tho wild coast of the Nor' West of Australia, where it provides a splendid food for tho spear-throwing tribes of the vicinity. Tho dugong is a mammal which hold its young under one of its flippers and 9uokles_ them just like the cow of the proverbial lucerne paddock. The capturing of the dugong by the natives of the islands and the coast thereabouts is a very picturesque and exciting event. Standing up on the front of a native dugout or bark and wood raft, tho native hurls himself spear and all into the air, thrusting tho spear into the animal's back, and then dives to one side. The spear ia attached by a rope to the boat, so when onco speared tho dugong rushes away in much the same way as tho whale, until worn out and exhausted, tho hunters easily secure fhoir prize. In tho wonderful pictures of ''Australia's Wild Nor" West" the spearing of the dugong is vividly depicted by splendid films secured by P»V. J. Jackson, the cinematagropher of the party, who many times risked his life in obtaining subjects quite unknown to the outside world. Tin's feature will be shown for the first time in New Zealand at the Empress Theatre, commencing at 11 a.m. next Friday.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The new vaudeville programme listed for presentation by Messrs Fuller ot His Majesty's Theatre this evening pr.omises to be" a varied and entertaining one. In addition to a number, of established "favourites, several artists who are now to Wellington will appear for the first time, and it is anticipated that their contributions will add materially to the strength of the bill. A distinct novelty will be provided by the Musical Carlsons, who are describ-. ed as unique instrumentalists'. The instruments upon which they play selections consist of the xylophone, sleigh bells, hand bells, marimbaphone, and musical discs, and as local audiences are usually partial to musical entertainments, it is predicted that the Musical Carlsons will score a complete success. Another offering making its debut in this city will be that of the Two Macks, a duo of singers, dancers and patterists. These artists, who have been signally successful in the other centres of the Dominion, should be well received here. A complete change of items will bo made bv Mr Leonard Nelson.' Champion's educated canines will be seen in new novelties. Hall and Menzies, the popular rmglish sketch artists, will produce another laughable farce in which the lady member of the team will appear in a fresh budget pf her inimitable characterisations. Fullers' Nine Wonders hate prepared entirely new material, and this week's melange oi song, dance, and acrobatics, it is stated, will eclipso in merit all their previous offerings. The last nights are announced of G%otzo Ross, the versatile comedian at the piano, the Two Fishers, and La Rose and La Rom?. Jennings and Gerald, .owing to, their remarkable success, have been re-engaged for stillther week, and will present one of the best sketches in their repertoire. Altogether lavish entertainment may be expected, by the devotees of vaudeville, and the new programme will be repeated nightly during the week and at the customary Saturday matinee. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Mdss Shirlev Mason made her debut as a William Fox star at the Queen s Thoatre on Saturday, in tho circus story, entitled "Her Elephant Man The story is woven around the Jit© or a castaway babe, who is found ana cared for by an old veteran of tne sawdust, until she finally blossoms forth as the star rider of the big show." The winsome personality ot Shirley Mason in all the charm of the ring makes this picture one that should be seen by all. the supports includo the latest Sunshine comedy, "Her Private Husband. '

AUSTRALIAN DIGGERS. At the Grand Opera House on Sat* urday evening next the Australian "Smart Set digger" Company will make its first appearance in New Zealand under the management of Messrs J. and N. Tait. Formed in. the trenches to brighten the duU; inttnptony jond depressing, influences of. war—brightness is necessarily the keynote of their entertainments —the excellence of which is vouched for by many leading Australian and European critics. The company consists of A.I.F. returned men, and there are no less than five female impersonators, who are said to create euoless merriment, and to present a revelation in magnificent gowns often worn with a grace and ease many real women might envy.. .One oritio writess "Anyone seeing the. performance of the 'Smart Set Diggers/ who is' not satisfied that he has seen one of the best things in vaudeville, must be exceedingly hard to please." Tho opening of the first part prepares one for the dream fulfilment of the Aussies' last night on leave in the C'ata do la Paix, Paris, where the merriment commences. "Item after item follows in quick succession, the company being so strong and including so many performers that it is impossible to respond to the insistent encores." The dancing of the "girls" is said to be a. strong feature, while the musical talent of the company, ranges from grand opera.' down to ragtime. Box plans will be opened at the Bristol on Wednesday morning next.

TRAMWAYS MILITARY BAND. The Wellington Tramways Military Band recitals have proved very popular, and again, last evening, despite the -unfavourable weather conditions, His Majesty's Theatre was well tilled when the hand, under the baton of-Mr G. W. Bowes, contributed an excellent programme. The entertainment (each item, vocal and instrumental) was greeted with hearty applause. Mr Hoy Cooke, of the English Pierrots, at present appearing in the Town Hall, was in fine voice, and rendered "My Soir" (Terosa del Riego), and in response to an encore, *'Trooper Johnny Ludlow" (Temple). Later in the evening Mr Cooke sang "The Floral Dance" (Moss), and for a second number, "The Company Sergeant-Major." A duet by Mr David J. Lyle and Mr Cooke, "Garden of My Heart," was most enjoyable; "The Dewey Morn" (Wilson) was their second item.' Mr Lyle also sang "An Evening Song" and "Laurette," while Mr Charles Lawrence, the accompanist, contributed tho monologues "Lonesome" and "First Long Tiousers." Tho band items were the overture "Marinella" (Ficik), "Forest Echoes," a descriptive fantasia, "Wee MacGregor," Highland patrol, and tho well-known selection, "Precosia.'i