ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10852, 18 March 1921, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S. A DIVERSIFIED PROGRAMME. The bright and diversified programme presented this week by Fullers' Vaudeville Company was responsible fo>r a largo attendance at His Theatre last evening. An exceptionally an. comedy sketch, is provided &V Emerald and Dupre. Thoroughly entertaining also are the “turns" by Hr Leonard Nelson, Mr Harrington Reynolds, and Miss Edith Christine, Alberto and Vears, and Carbassi. The company will appear again this evening. ISLAND BAY PICTURES. "RIDERS OiTtHE PURPLE SAGE/' The delightful picturisation of Zane Grey's .popular story, “The Riders of the Purple Sage/' attracted a record ■ attendance at the Universal Picture Theatre, Humber street. Island Bay, last evening, when the tri-weekly change _ of programme took place. Dealing with a man who was not afraid, and introducing the wonderful study of horses which typify the author, “Riders of the Purple Sage" has become a universal word to book-lovers, and the picture even goes further to make the absorbing story literally "live." In the leading role William Farnum has great scope for bis ability. The supporting items are excellent, and the programme pleasingly diversified. Judging by last night's attendance the indication is that local residents, as well as -town people, fully appreciate the addition of such an elaborate theatre with frequent changes of pictures. The programme will be repeated this evening, and another entire change will take place to-morrow T . KING'S THEATRE. PICTURES' AND MUSIC. The King's Theatre has been a rendezvous this week for lovers of good music as well as “star" pictures, and last evening again, saw the auditorium filled to the doors. The attraction is certainly unique and ,in addition to “Don't Ever Marry," a picture of many exciting situations and with an unusual plot, Miss Carrie Lanceley and her Melody Maids present the best of instrumental and vocal music. Miss Danceley's 6weet and powerful soprano voice was distinctly pleasing in "Av© Maria" (Gounod) and also the popular “Cornin' Thro' the Rye." N umerous encores were insisted upon. Miss Cecil© Stevens created a favourable impression with violin soli, in which wa6 included the famous "Pagliacci." Mies Irene Watts admirably supported as a delightful accompanist© and was also distinctly -pleasing in. a monologue entitled “Old Chap." The 'cello solos of Mil® Doris Middle-ton were wannly received. A complete change is announced for to-night. LOUISE! GLAUM IN "SEX." Something particularly good is promised King's Theatre patrons for the coming week when the photo-play, “Sex,*' will head the new bill. It is claimed that Louis© Glaum, who will appear in the leading role, has not done any better work than she does in thi6 picture—indeed, many critics are certain that it is her best to date. However, that may be, it seems that in the role of Adrienne Renault, a member of the "The Midnight Frivolities," she lias a part that suits her particular temperament and physique admirably. An outstanding feature of "Sex" is said to be the many -wonderful gowns worn by the various artists, while the producer, Fred Niblo, has dono his part in a thoroughly pleasing fashion. Miss Carrie Danceley and her Melody Maids are billed for a second week at the King's. They .will all be heard in new numbers, and taking their remarkable success each night this week as a guide, the popularity of this clever combination seems bound to continue. The box plan is at the Bristol, where seats may be reserved without extra charge up till,. 5 p.m., after that hour the plan is at the King's, or in cases of late booking thi-s may be done by telephoning 22-212. THE EMPRESS "THE WOMAN WINS." Lovers of good pictures who were unfortunate enough not 60 visit the Empress Theatre this week missed a splendid picture in "The Branded Woman," as the final screening was witneesed by thronged audiences at both -sessions yesterday. The new programme to-d!ay is headed by a Broadwest English production, “The Woman Wins." Violet Hopson is starred in this film, which is described as a wonderful romance of mystery, love, an/1 intriguo, revealing alluring pitfalls that lie in the path of an innocent girl. The keynotes of this rather remarkable production are the fight which love will make for the honour of a good man trad-uced, and the strength which comes to the woman who fights the whole world in defence of, '‘her man." SUCCESSFUL CONCERT. AT TOWN HAUL. At the concert chamber. Town Hall, last evening a very successful benefit concert was held in aid of the widows' and orphans' and aged Masons* fund, the chamber being well filled by an appreciative audience. Among those who assisted were Misses F. Barry, F. Churchill, M. Chatwin, B. Godier, and Messrs Theo. Hills, S. Allwright, W. F. Thompson, H. H. Seaton, A. Williams, D. Gal Lids, Culford Bell, P. Masrtin, F. Leyoock, J. S. Connell, and the Waiata Quartette. Each item received a welldeserved encore, and the accompaniments were most efficiently played by Mr W. H. Godier. The Bristol Piano Company kindly lent a piano for the occasion. THE UNIVERSAL. ISLAND BAY PICTURES. In accordance with the eet policy of the management to introduce Hoquent changes of programme at th© Universal Picture Theatre, Island Kay, last evening was presented for the first time a fine motion-picture adaptation of Zano Girey's famous Western novel, “Riders of the Purple Sage." The story is one that readily adapts itself to film portrayal. It deals with the free, openair life wliero men are me n and the merit of the wartaiy is put to the test. The plot moves quickly, and many thralling episodes occur which are calculated to hold the attention and stimulate the interest of all. The central role is enacted by the noted "silent drama" actor, William Farnum. The plat is thoroughly congenial to that performer, who impersonates the hero with his customary success. Few pictures provide such enjoyable entertainment as "Riders of the Purple Sage," which will be screened again this evening. "A.B.C. OF LOVE," ROMANTIC DRAMA AT EVERYBODY'S. Mae Murray takes a bath in a washtub and otherwise cavorts in "The A. B C- of Love," which is her newest picture, land, incidentally, one particularly suited to the talents and personality of the charming maid of many moods. The "A. B. C. of Love" commences at Everybody's Theatre to-day. Where this picture has been shown the audience has seemed- to find: much in it to enjoy, and responded to its Fun in the opening reels and thrilled to its tense dramatic situations later when the heroin© is deserted by her playwright husband, who has tired of the ignorant little country girl he married. The settings, both interior and exterior, are highly artistic and beautifully lighted. Mias Murray wears a number of gowns designed to please the feminine—and masculine—eyes, and Dorothy Green, in the role of the actress with siren charms, display® some bizarre costumes. The supporting cast is entirely capable. A fin© supporting programme includes th© latest Path© Gazette, also, a po-st-Naturo scenic. Reserves can be obtained at the Theatre] >r by ’phone 50. 1

QUEEN'S THEATRE. "THE PARVENUB" TO-DAY. The new programme commencing at the Queen's Theatre to-day is headed by a Nordisk Feature, entitled "The Parvenue," which, as the name implies, con-: cerns an upstart. The subject is one which enables the producer to make use of lavish interiors, and no expense baa been spared in this respect. A realistic and most thrilling scene shows a flood sweeping everything in front of it, and the collapse of a structure in which two people have taken refuge. The story concerns a profiteer who amasses a huge fortune, and then tries to spend it in travelling from place to place; living at the best hotels, and mixing with people to whom he and his family are most objectionable. At Monte Carlo, he is seen speculating widely, and eventually finds himself on the verge of bankruptcy. His only friend is a penniless baronet, who becomes engaged to the profiteer's daughter, but makes a hasty escape when he finds that Tuin has come. Henry Malden/ a distinguished Continental artist, is responsible for some excellent acting, and is supported by a brilliant cast. Supporting items include a Chaplin comedy, the latest topical, and an interesting Ford review.