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New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10883, 25 April 1921, Page 6

THE EMPRESS "THE LONG ARM OF MANNISTER ” Henry- B, Walthall appears in "The Lon? Arm of .Mannister," at this theatre. In this play Mr Walthall ha© one of th-3 greatest parts he 'has ever played. The story, which, is taken, from the brilliant novel of the same 7 nam.B, *by E. Phillips Oppenheim, deals_ with the revenge which George Mannister, outraged husband and friend, visits upon those who played him false. The picture is rich, in variety, and the unique hero spares neither money nor time to make his revenge complete. With an invincible determination he traces the five men who attempted to ruin him across land and 9ea, mountain and desert, and one by one they are driven to despair and destruction. A big and notable cast supports Mr Walthall., Among the leading roles may be mentioned Helene Chadwick, who recently appeared as the star in several productions-of her ownThe eleventh episode of "The Invisible Hand," a oomedy, and latest topical new-s comprise the support®. "SILKS AND SADDLES.” AT EVERYBODY’S. Crowds attended Everybody’s Theatre on Saturday to witness the screening of the great Australian sporting photoplay, "Silks and Saddles.” The picture is of surpassing’ excellence in the character of its plot and its interpretation, and there are many stirring scenes, including an actual scene at' a big cup meeting at the Band wick racecourse, Sydney. In the latter is seen a most thrilling race, with the famous racehorses. Kannaquhair and Poitrel in acj cion. Miss Brownie Vernon, a bewitching young actress, appears in the j role of Boberta Morton- (the only daughter of a wealthy squatter), who is so thoroughly a “sport" that when toul play threatens to rob her racehorse of his chance in the big cup event she dons the garb of a jockey and rides a thrilling race. "iSilks and Saddles” is supported by a most amusing comedy, '‘Seven Bald Pates." To-day the first session will commence at 6 pm. OPENING CONCERT. PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA'S SEASON. The Wellington Professional Orchestra, under the conductorshijP of Mr Henry Moschini, commenced its season for 1921 last evening in His Majesty’s Theatre with a very fine programme and to a bumper house. The orchestra- is up to full strength, and there is a decided improvement in the- strings section. The other departments, especially the brass, are strong: and the work by the braes and tympani in the ponderous conclusion to "Cleopatra" left a decided impression on the audience. Nothing could nave been more suitable for an opening number than Mendelssohn’s "Hebrides” overture, known more popularly as "Fingal’s Cace," the alluring melody, which recurs throughout the piece, being fine. Another splendid item was Luigini’s “Ballet Egyptien." The Oriental strain in the first movement, and again towards the end, is very attractive, and the woodwind and brass made the most of their opportunities. A charming strong morceau was "Feathers in the Breeze" (Farigoui). which, carrying a dainty tuneful melody, with a beautiful ’cello countermelody, pleased the audience, which encored it. Matt's simple Idyll "Dawn." which ha© a magnificent conclusion, was well played, as was Elgar’s "CaKssuna," i one of the brighter of the composer's works. The final *pieoo of the evening, “Cleopatra," by Mancinelli, was un* doubtedly the chief d’oeuvre. The only dark spot on an otherwise excellent pro. gramme, was a fantasia on "La Boheme," which lacked finish, and which dragged at times. There was evidence of lack of practice throughout the piece. The next concert will take place on May 22nd. • "THE BETRAYER.” A NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTION. To Beaumont Smith has fallen the honour of being the first .producer to present a high standard New Zealand photo-drama. Short subjects, dealing with essentially Alaori life have been made from tim© to time, but in “The Betrayer” th© otoducar show* rnodLam.

New Zealand life amongst both white and Maori people. A few months ago he brought from Sydney a company of twelve actors and actresses, camera men, and a complete technical staff. Most of the making of the picture was done at Rotorua, although other scenes were photographed at Auckland end other parte d the North Island. Tdany employed in the production and in addition several white New Zealanders played parts. Chief among the Maori actors were Mita, Chief of the Arawaa, Bella Papakura, and Guide Susan. The principal white actors were Cyril M*cKay, (Stella Southern, John Bernice Vere. and Marie Dalton. In. fact, the cast is practically the same a* in Beaumont Smith's last* production, "The Man From Snowy River.” The story deals with the career of a half' Maori girl, who. is adopted by a party of tourists who axe visiting Rotortta, and taken to Sydney, where she becomes the rage in society there. In addition to i showing the thermal wonders of New Zealand, Sydney summer life is vividly pictured, with its beaches, its mountain resorts, its big hotels, and gay cabarets. "The Betrayer” • will be shown at the Empress Theatre* commencing next Friday. “MARAMA.** season Opens may sth. ■Considerable interest is being maid* fested in the tour original comedy opera "Marama,**-.which commences in Hastings to-morrow night, and according to advices received, the booking is exceptionally heavy, and the opera is certain of a good send-off from its birthplace, for it was written and composed by Messrs H. S. B. Ribbands and Archie Don, who are residents of the Hawke's Bay town. After visiting Napier, Bannevirke, and Palmerston North' a seaxm will be commenced at the Grand Opera House, Wellington; on Thursday; May 6th. The opera is said to be full of haunting melody and brilliant eomedv. and the company of over sixty people includes many talented folk, both pakeha and Maori, and the and pot by a specially selected corps of native dancers are a feature of the comedy opera. The New Zealand tour is under the distinguished patronage of Hss Bx--cellency the Governor-General, Viscount JelHcoe, who, after witnessing a performance of "Marama,” expressed a desire to attend another performance. CONCERT AT SEDDON HOSPITAL. ST. JOSEPH CONCERT PARTY. The first concert bv the newly-formed St. Joseph’s Concert Party was given on Wednesday night last to the inmates of the Seddon Hospital for Consumptives, through th© kind permission of the matron. The party was welcomed by the sister-in-charge <Sister Brown), who, after the performance, thanked the entertainer© tor their much appreciated concert, and invited them on some future occasion. Th© following rendered items:—Pianoforte duet. Misses C_- Connor* and M. Doherty; songs by Mieses N. Davies, May Doherty, and E. Ryan; recitations, Miches A. Ward. £. Kennedy, Z. Carroll, and Mr L. Hyland; violin eolo, Mr R. S. Dwyer; dancing, Mias Z. Carroll. The evening ended with the singing of the National Anthem and ' Auld Lang Syne." Mr Bernard F. Page, city organist, did not give his customary organ recital tza th** 1 Town Hall on Saturday’evening, no public notice of the fact having been given. Several people who attended were disappointed.