ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10846, 11 March 1921, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

PICTURES AT ISLAND BAY. GRAND OPENING TO-MORROW. The new Universal Picture Theatre in Humber street. Island Bay, is to be opened at 7.80 o’clock to-morrow evening, and the opening address will be made by Councillor J. O- Shorland. The first programme will include Priscilla Dean in the great dramatic spectacular play, "The Virgin of Stamboul.’’ The plot is described as an entrancing one, dealing with Eastern intrigue and romance. In addition there will be a Universal Century comedy, "Bear Skinned Beauties,” and the Universal sensational , serial, "The Vanishing Bagger.” There ! will be three changes weekly. ’ "THE BRANDED AT THE EMPRESS. At the Empress Theatre to-day a complete change of programme will he introduced, headed by a First National "feature” drama, “The Branded Woman.” The outstanding features of "The Branded Woman,” it is said, are the personality and fine acting of Norma Talmadge. Her impersonation of the i guileless young girl, fresh, from refined training and clean environment, is reported to be as sweet and refreshing as. an orchard breeze in blossom time. In the difficult role of a pure-minded wife will is forced <to bear alone a secret sorrow, and is haunted by a terrible shadow of the past, in which she had no hand, not daring to take her husband into her confidence lest she lose bis affection, she is, it is stated, nothing short of a revelation. The fifth episode of the exciting serial. “The Invisible Hand.” will also be presented. EVERYBODY’S. A GREAT FILM. Fannie Hurst’s most appealing story. "Humoresque,” has been transferred to the screen, and will be the feature attraction at Everybody’s Theatre to-night and next week. The story centres around Leon Kantor, a boy of the poorer Jewish quarters of New York, who shows an intense love for music. On the night of his big triumph he hears the call for men and enlists. He returns from the war with a wounded shoulder that it is thought will prevent him from ever playing a violin again. But ’in »ho great crisis of his life the injured shoulder is restored, and his happiness returns. A Rolin comedy, "All Dressed Up/’ is a source of great merriment, and tho Pathe Gazette contains many bright and interesting item*. KING’S THEATRE. MISS LANCELBY AND THE MELODY MAIDS. King’s Theatre patrons will have the pleasure, 'this evening, of renewing their j acquaintance with Miss Carrie Lanceley, the rich-toned soprano, whose exquisite performance at this theatre two years ago charmed all who had the pleasure of hearing her. Old familiar ballads be come vital at the suggestion of Miss Lanceley’s art. while excerpts from favourite operas are voiced with a brilliance giving genuine delight to all her listeners. At the piano is Miss Irine Watts, described aa a gifted young artist who plays with exquisite touch and musicianly understanding, and is also charming in monologues. Mi?s Cecile Stevens, violinist of the party, a young and brilliant player whose artistry has electrified English audiences, will make her first appearance in the Dominion, aind will play upon her Cremonese Colin, made by Nicholas Amati in 1670, and presented to her by enthusiastic admirers; while Miss Doris Middleton i> a clever and distinguished 'celloist. Accompanying several of Miss Lanceley’a songs, these young artists play with sensitive musical feeling in perfect unison with the singer. Mias Lanceley and her Melody* Maids will appear in conjunction with the Marshall Neilan masterpiece, "Don’t Ever Marry,” w hic-h is best described as a mirthquake in six shocks. The plan is at the Bristol until 5 p.m., after that hour at the King’s, or seats may be reserved by telephoning 22-213. ORGAN RECITAL. MR JOHN BEAGLEHOLE. ■ An enjoyab’e organ recital was given by Mr John Beaglehole .at the Kent Terrace Presbyterian Church last evening. The programme was as follows Sonata in the stylo of Hande-l, consisting of Introduction, Allegro, Largo, and Minuet OVolstenbolnie); Cant.'-hi !e (Cesar Eg-anok); “In the Sierras” (Coleridge-Tay-lofj; Prelude (Aeriabihe): Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor (Bacht: Berceuse IFaulkes): Andante con moto, from the Unfinished Symphony, (Schubert): Variations and Fugue on the English National Anthem iMax Reger). The performer was accorded an attentive hearing.

HIS MAJESTY’S. UP-TO-DATE VAUDEVILLE. The popularity of this week’s vaudeville hv Fullers’ Company was evidenced again last evening by the large audience at His Majesty’s Theatre. Greatly in demand were the contributions by Emerald and Dupre, Vears and Oar has pi, Evans and Dean. Sumos, Mr James Sc hoi field, and Mr Leonard Nelson. Ihe company will appear again this evening, and Hie customary matinee is announced for to-morrow. • "SWEET AND TWENTY.” CHANGE AT QUEEN’S THEATER "Sweet and Twenty,” a wonderfully successful screen adaptation of Mr Basil Hood's well-known, plav of the same name, is to be presented to-day at the Queen’s Theatre. Three stars, MissMarguerite (beautiful and charming, and a most piquant actress), and Messrs Langhome Burton and George Keene are featured’in this fascinating photo-drama; and the caste as a whole ja a strong one, the acting throughout being on a very high level: There is an English "open airiness" about "Sweet and Twenty” which will make instant appeal to all lovers of healthy drama. Such a fine series of beautiful pictures of English country life is presented as makes the film a constant delight to the eye. "Sweet and Twenty” has the personal element in a pronounced degree; and, in addition, the settings, exteriors and studio. and the photoplay, more especially the lighting, are conspicuously high in quality. The play tells an interesting, simple and human story of love and its attendant passion—jealousy. It shows to what depths a man will sink in the effort to discredit 'a rival; but, it also shows, what sacrifices a i»»" will make for a friend, and what a wealth of sterling quality may underlie girlish frivolity.