ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10868, 7 April 1921, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

MISS MARIE TEMPEST RETURN SEASON OPENED AT OPERA HOUSE. ' "THE GREAT ADVENTURE.” Those who desired enjoyment from the series of plays so excellently produced in Wellington in January, featuring the famous English, ac.trees and actor Miss 51uno Tempest and Mr GraSfiaju Browife, will welcome the. reappearance of these distinguished artists during a very brief visit. On consecutive evenings six different plays are being staged. “ The return season was opened at the Grand Opera House last evening with Arnold Bennett’s four-act fanciful play, “The Great Adventure," which was quite as successful as when staged here threo months ago by t’he 6ut«e artists. The company, though not large, is an “all star” one. but there are only two main characters 1 n flie comedy, who are continuously on the stage. Miss Tempest was (-seen as Janet Cannot, a delightfully human and hcu.cly imddic-aged but well preserved London widow of the type which is able to “take care of herself." The famous actress achieved a triumph such as has not been seen locally for some time. Mr Graham Browne dominated the-.perform-ance ah Ilam Carve, an illustrious painter, who is of such an unambitious nature and regards the wealth that his brush is capable of producing a s of eo little consequence that he, allows it to be thought he is dead, and that he is his own valet. His earnest desire is to get out of the atmosphere of fame that be 'has created round himself, and he finds a quiet and congenial life in the companionship and love of a humble but motherly little widow. Finally, the great painter is obliged to disclose his Identity rather than/ drag a titled lady into a court case which arises through tlic sale of his piteures. Mr Browne made the most of a very difficult part. His task was the harder,for the necessity imposed upon him of maintaining the impediment of speech with which Cflrye is affected. The supporting play- i ers are Mr Steff MacDonald, Mi- Herbert Millard, Mr Frank Allanby, Mr Keppel Stephenson, Mr Frank Harvey, Miss Dorothy Hamilton, and Mies Doris Gilham- Imtr’aete music was provided by- Miss Nellie Black, violin soloist, who played “Liebosfreud” (Kreisler), "Serenade” (Drigo), "Vais© Triste” (Sibelius), "Souvenir” (Drdla), and "Sohou Roemaria” (Kreisler).

TO-NIGHT’S PRESENTATION, “THE MARRIAGE OF KITTY.

To-night Miss Tempest and her gifted partner will Stage “The Marriage cf Kitty.” It was in. this play that Maria Tempest achieved her greatest triumph ,in London; where her name is a household word. "The Marriage of Kitty" •was specially written for Marie Tempest, and in it she is seen at her very best. We will probably never again be privileged to witness so great an actress in our own town,, go it is, tltefC/or, not surprising to learn tbat already the box office was being besieged with inquiries regarding the booking of seats, and the phanoes are that Miss Tempest’s last appearances in New Zealand,, which the appearances at the Grand Opera House actually are, will take place before a series of record houses. HIS MAJESTY’S. AN ATTRACTIVE! BILL. A large audience was entertained last evening at*. His Majesty’s Theatre by Fuller's Vaudeville Company. An outstanding- attraction Is the remarkable contortionist act by Ferry the Frog. Others prominent in popularity ares the Rev. Frank Gorman ("the Singing, Pareon”), Mr Gus T. Raglus (juggler- and comedian), and Brull and Hemsley (comedy sketch duo). The programme will be repeated this evening. KING’S_THEATR£. "THE WONDER MAN.” tn "The Wonder Man,” his latest picture success Georges Carpentier, the famed French boxer figures With distinction. The story is one of society, and Carpentier is given the role of a young man about town, upon whom there falls the duty of righting big troubles. The supporting films have been well chosen, and enjoyable music is provided by the King’s orchestra. The elocutionary items of Les Walton continue to be popular, “THE GAUNTLET.*’ FEATURE AT THE EMEREBB. "The Gauntlet” is the title of a fascinating adventure film; the star attraction at the Etmpress Theatre. Harry T. 'Morey plays the part of the hero, a Stranger to the back country -who becomes particularly unwelcome to _ the moonshiners. There are many exciting scenes leading up to a good climax. Included in the "supports” is another episode of the current serial, a gazette, and a comedy. EVERYBODY’S. "THE TURN IN THE ROAD.” A film which is attracting a good deal of attention, is the star attraction in the current programme at Everybody’s Theatre. It is entitled “The Turn, in the Road,” and is a convincing story built upon the philosophy of Tight over wrong, and good over evil. The story is interpreted by an all-star cast. Numerous other attractions. Including a comedy, "She Needed a Doctor,” are shown. UNIVERSAL PICTURES. AT ISLAND BAY. A British "feature” film, entitled "Master of Men.” a fine cinema adentation of E. Phillip Oppenheim’s story; -constitutes tlio chief item of an enjoyable programme appearing at, tho Universal Picture Theatre. Island Bay. The auxiliary films are well selected. As a result of the picture displays given at Otaki, Shannon and Tokomaru for tho benefit of the Anglican Boys’ Home Sodietv. over £36 was taken. At Shannon the takings totalled £l3 14s, Otaki £l3 17s, end at Tokomaru £9 Is. In each centre Mr McMillan was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for his generosity for placing his theatres and! lighting free of cost, and to the Tokomaru Hall Company, for a, similar act. Th© staffs at the various place® were also thanked 1 , some for assisting at trifling cost, others for giving the whole of their services gratis. Complimentary reference was also made to the New Zealand Picture Supply Company for providing splendid films free of ( charge.— Otaki correspondent.