ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10716, 9 October 1920, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

LOWELL THOMAS

IMPORTANT J. C. WILLIAMSON ATTRACTION.

The most phenomenally successful entertainment of the last London season will bo seen in Wellington at the Grand Opera House next Saturday night, and what is most important of all, it will be shown hero identically as it was presented in London. ( Tho title of this entertainment is, “With the Anzacs in Palestine, and Lawrence in Arabia,” and is presented by Mr Lowell Thomas, the famous American world traveller, explorer, journalist, 'and raconteur. It was proclaimed by the London newspapers "as the greatest triumph in the history of the combined speaking stage and motion picture screen.” New Zealanders who were ini I<ondon last year will recall the great crowds that flocked daily to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and Royal Albert Hall, to hear Mr Lowell Thomas's American tribute to British valour, and to see his gorgeously-coloured and thrilling pictures of tho Palestine and Arabian campaigns. This entertainment, it is stated, is neither a lecture nor a cinema show. It is claimed to be something new, for which, the term “travelogue” has been coined. Lord Burnham, the proprietor of the “London Daily Telegraph,” said:—“Mr Lowell Thomas has almost created a new art; he has certainlv combined many arts. His travelogue'is a revelation of art ns well as a~revelation of romance. As l‘ looked and listened. I felt myself transported off to. the East on a magio carpet.” According to the “London Times” and the “Daily Mail,” over ono million neople came to hear and see Mr • Lowell Thomas’s dramatic, thrilling, and delightfully humorous travelogue on the 20th century crusade, which freed the Holy Land, and on the war in “the land of the Arabian Nights.” Mr Thomas and his travelogue entertainment will be in Wellington for ono week, with a special matinee on Wednesday, October 20th. The New Zealand tour is under the direction of J.. C. Williamson, Ltd. Box plans for this important engagement will open at the Bristol on Wednesday next. HIS MAJESTY’S. The popularity of the current programme by Fullers’ Vaudeville Company is well sustained, judging by the numerous audience again at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. The usual matinee is billed for to-day, and there will be a repetition this evening. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. An exciting story is being enacted on the screen at Everybody’s Theatre. It is a picture entitled “The Man Who Won,” and is a feature drama full of human interest. The principal characters are interpreted by Harry T. Morey, 1 Maurice Costeljo, and Betty Blythe, three of the most famous picture artists, while it is only necessary ,to state that the drama is presented by the Vitagraph Company 10 convince patrons that the acting, like tho photography, is perfect. Harry Morey sets out on a voyage of disI covery, and during his rambling in I Russia discovers a platinum mine. He ■ secures a shipload of the precious metal and duly arrives, on the snores of the American coast with his treasure. It is the intention, of the. finder to sell the platinum’ tb'the American Government, and with that end in view he hides it secretly amongst the rocks on tho sea coast. He is attacked by the Malay crew of his vessel, and the fight is witnessed by Barbara Le Moyne (Betty Blythe), who goes to his rescue, but before she reaches the scene Christopher Keene (Harry Morey) has accounted f.or his assailants and makes 1 his escape to his ship with an injured head. He loses his memory, but remembers a woman’s presence, and searches for her. An artful rogue, Henry Longfield, in the person of Maurice Costello, has heard of tho platinum through Keene and ? rev ails upon Barbara to marry him. he scenes that follow are exciting to a degree, and the finality of the story is a struggle on a cliff between Keene and Longfield, the former of whom wins through and claims the beautiful Barbara as his bride. Amongst the supporting pictures are “Mystery of 13” (episede 14), a genuine “Ambrose” cpmedy, and the latest Gazette. EMPRESS’ THEATRE.

The Empress Theatre was crowded at all sessions yesterday, when a new picture entertainment was submitted, its principal attraction, the photoplay “The Arizona Cat-Claw,” featuring Miss Edythe Sterling, very aptly described tho ‘‘female Bill Hart.” It pictures the far west, and is a drama of the cattle country with a cowgirl as the heroine. “Blossom” is a typical girl of the cattle country. She rides and shoots as'well as any of the cowboys, and in many ways is more man than woman. Tho story is of Amelia Young, a half-witted girl, who has been deceived by a mining engineer named Stimpson. Ho is a suitor for Blossom’s hand, and a rival of a neighbouring rancher, w'ho is also in love udth her. While riding with the rancher one day, she encounters Amelia, who tells of her trouble with Stiinpson. Blossom sends her escort back to the I ranch for the men, while she pursues Stiinpson. Tliio latter makes for the nearest border, and an exciting chase follows, with Blossom steadily gaining on him. He is finally overtaken at a river bank, where the mud threatens to swallow both horse and rider. At this point tho rancher and cowboys arrive and rescue both horse and rider. Blossom drives Stimpson back to tho village and compels him to marry Amelia. This leaves tho field clear for the rancher.. The various scenes, which were directed by i.iilliam Bertram, aro beautifully photographed, and many of the settings are alono worth while, because of this rugged beauty. An excellent supporting programme includes the latest Gaumont Graphic, a Travelogue, and episode 18. of the Liberty serial. TO-NIGHT’S ORGAN RECITAL. The organ recital to ho given at the Town Hall this evening by Mr Bernard F. Page (city organist) is by special request, and consists entirely of works by Cesar Franck, which are as follow— iFantaisio in A, Andantino in E Flat, Rrelude, Fugue and Variation (op. 18), Lento, Choral (No. 2 in B Minor), Psyche-Pocme Symphoniquo pour Orchestra ot Choonrs (part 1., Sommeil do Psyche/ Psyche enlevee par les Zephyrs, part 11. Los Jardins d’Eros). AIISS VAN STAVEREN. At the suggestion of a largo number' of tho music-loving community, and with tho co-operation of Alessrs .1. and N. Tait, controlling the Now Zealand season of that talented singer, Miss Adelaide Van Staveren, arrangements have been made for a reappearance in Wellington of the artiste. Tho date fixed is November IGth, and full details will shortly bo available

KING’S THEATRE. There was a. crowded assemblage at the King’s Theatre last evening, on the occasion of the customary change of programme. The reappearance ot Mile. Irma Caron, the talented young French soprano, was the signal for enthusiastic applause. Mile. Caron commenced with “Habanera,” the difficult-mezzo-soprano excerpt from Carmen (Bizet), which was delightfully given. As a contrast, the simple, ballad, “Love’s Whisper’ (Willeby), was equally pleasurable. It was, 'how-j; ever, in her interpretation ot scenes that are Brightest,” from “Mantana (Wallace), that the full dramatic force and operatic capabilities of e * Caron’s exceptional voice were displayed. This number evoked plaudits. The piquant ditty, “Sal,” from “Throe Little Maids” (comic ope*. I afforded a vehicle for the artiste to demonstrate her unusual versatility. Thu offering won a well-merited recall, Caron added a dainty item. Mister Bear,” accompanying herself on the piano. The undying “La Marseillaise (de Lisle) was sung with all the vim ot a true patriot, and the audience applauded to the echo. On her rare Amati violin, made in 16a2, Mdlle. performed with artistic grace Treumerei” (Schumann) and the enchanting “Barcarolle” from “Tales of Hoffman.” It is, indeed, exceptional, even among gifted entertainers, for such uncommon talent as a musician ana vocalist to he combined in one person as in the case of Mdlle. Caron. The motion picture programme was headed by the Select drama, “She Love* and Hies,” in which Miss Norma laimadge figures, with all her charm of manner and captivating artistry in the role of a young lady who woos her husband under the guise of a stranger. The latest “Gazette," a particularly lengthy film, “Bright Tranquility (scenic), and “Cut the Cards ’ (comedy) comprise the auxiliary subjects. The King’s grand orchestra, under the coiiductorehip of Mr L. D. Austin, contributed the entr’acte “Raymond’ (Thomas), and a choice selection of incidental music, with admirable effect, while the orchestral accompaniments for Mdlle. Caron were all that could be desired. There will be a matinee today, and a performance again this evening. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Patrons of the Queen’s Theatre, Cuba street, are presented with a feast in this week’s change of programme, as, in addition to the “Fox Gazette” and the -topical scenes of the world, _ two particularly interesting dramas entitled “The Dead Line” and “Black Shadows” are being shown. “The Dead Line” is a new Fox production of merit, and features George Walsh, a big, brawny athlete, who has made his mark in the world by his powerful representations in picture dramas. The setting of th© drama is in the wilds of America, and the author (Mr Paul H. Sloane) has written a story in -which there are some of the most exciting incidents that have been yet attempted. Among the ravines of the Kentucky mountains the illicit moonshine stills are located, and the arm of the law is set in motion to discover them and bring the wrongdoers to justice. Endurance, courage, and strength of character are necessary to deal with the men who acknowledge no laws hut their own. It is death to ho caught in the vicinity of the moonshiners’ stronghold, and the thrilling situations unfolded hold the audiences enthralled. “Black Shadows’’ is a social story ot a fascinajbing nature, and is presented with a de* that leaves nothing to ho desireev .. i oung Langdon, the son of a

the commercial world, becomes engaged toPeggyHylami.a dainty little Quaker maid. Peggy'is introduced into her .fiancee’s family, and soon establishes herself as a favourite. A polished thief makes his appearance, and one who has accomplished the art of hypnotism. He practises his art on - Marjorie Langdon, who, when in a hypnotic trance, is compelled to steal jewellery, which she disposes of to a “fence” whilst still .in a trance, land the proceeds find their way into tha coffers of the unscrupulous villain. Peggy is accused of the theft*, discovers who the real thief is, but in order to save from disgrace the family of the man she loves, keeps silent. It is a pretty story, made the more enjoyable by the way it is told. CATHOLIC HOSTEL CONCERT. The box plan for the Catholic Ho* tel concert is noiy, open at the Bristol Piano Company. 1 An attractive pro. gramme has been arranged for the con. cert. - which is to take place at thi Town Hall on Tuesday next. Th< best local talent procurable has been obtained and the items will include choral, concerted, and solo, vocal, elocutionary, instrumental, and dancing. Hie Hibernian Pipe Band, which hai for some months been ‘practising, will make its appearance for the first time in public, and it will bo the firs! occasion in New Zealand that a band composed solely of Irish war pipe* will render selections. The following ladies and gentlemen will assist the programme:—Misses Jean fand Thelma McKenzie (dancing), Miss Mary Glavin (piper), Messrs Kevin Dillon, Will Goodie, Healy and Fogarty, and Mas. ters John and Cecil 'Watters, Winstot McCarthy, Willie Brown, and David Thomas; also St. Mary of the Angeli choir, and the Marist Brothers boys', choir. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. Skating has become a populor pa* time, and the Olympia Skating Rink, Humber street. Island Bay, which hai a specially prepared floor for rollerskating, is receiving well-merited, sup. port. This fascinating pastime is partaken of by a large number of citj residents nightly, while at the afternoon sessions ladies form the larger portion of the attendance.