ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10965, 29 July 1921, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

"CHU CHIN CHOW.” LAVISH EASTERN PRODUCTION. Amid the gorgeous Oriental settings, and vividly portraying the characteristics of the mysterious incense-burning Far East, “Cliu Chin Chow” drew the fully-anticipated “full house” at the Grand Opera House again last night. The p.eduction could fairly well claim to be- exquisite” from a point of view of stagecraft, lavish scenic effects and drecees, but a certain amount or cnarm is added by the fact that “Chu Chin Chow” has materialised by the brain of the author from the well-known tale of “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.” Such scenes as the interior of thr. massive hall of Kasim Baba’e Palace, the slave market scene, the Kasim’s harem, and the dozens of striking scenes which so strongly suggest and typify tile Orient, can only be witnessed before one can fully' appreciate the magnificence of the extravaganza. The wonderful “Robbers’ Cave” is a most pleasing entertainment in itsejf, whilst the dresses are equally worth seeing. The vocal numbers blend delightfully with the production, and were, all considered, very nicely rendered. The leading parts have been carefully selected, and are so true to life in their respective portrayals that it is difficult to. imagine them as satisfactory in the hands of other performers. The incidental music contributes an enormous amount of realism to “Chu Chin Chow,” in many instances adding all the colour and “finish” to the scene with the quaint Eastern melodies. By reason of this fact, the orchestra, under the baton of Mr Ernest Roberts, also distinguishes itself as an essential part in the gorgeous production. The “Chu Chin Chow” season is to conclude next week. There will be a special 'matinee to-morrow. The management announce that seats in central positions for this evening and subsequent representations may be selected l at the Bristol Piano Company from 9 o’clock this morning. For the day sales 500 hack -'stall tickets may he purchased at Ned Perry’s during tho day, or at the doors this evening. EVERYBODY’S. “MADONNAS AND MEN.” The new programme at Everybody’s Theatre to-day will introduce the “feature” drama “Madonnas and Men.”. It is described as being as romantic as a night dream of dark centuries long passed which takes on new meaning in the clear light of the modern day. Into this dream-like fantasy there is woven an up-to-date motive in favour of splendid womanhood. It is a dream setting forth some of the truest fort of truths but in an entertaining way. The plot of “Madonnas and Mon” is said to he an admirably wark-ed-out composition from a purely technical point of view. It contains a cast of brilliant performers, each chosen to typify the role, to interpret, to intensify it in a glow which 6heds light beyond the production upon liow moving pictures should be produced. There are really five star performers, Ander3 Randolph, an expression of ruthless power; Edmond Lowe, an exponent of dawning enlightenment; G. von Seyffertitz, a remarkable type of humanity in revolt against ignorance and oppression; Raye Dean, exquisite example of pure and sweet womanhood ; and Evan Burrows Fontaine has an ideal of enchantment and grace. There j is also a support of fine types in the j minor roles, notably Faire Binney, and a “chorus” abundant enough and callable enough for grand opera. The producers are prodigal in the use .of true artists in every department. The sup- / porting items include a Bathe Gazette, comedy, and scenic.

THE EMPRESS. “HEART 0’ THE HILLS.” Patrons of the Empress Theatre will be treated to the screening to-day of “Heart o’ the Hills” with the now programme. That Mary Pickford, who figures an the leading role, has lost none of the magnetic charm and appeal that endeared her to some millions of people, and caused her to occupy a pedestal of -public favour that is exceptional lin a world’s history, is evidenced by her portrayal of tne mountain girl Ml this her third picture from tter own! studios. The star portrays a proeocious, headstrong, fearless and lovable mountain child, who grows up bo womanhood amid the feuds of tho mountains. Splendid indeed is tho contrast between the 'hoydenish little spit fire who is ready at all times to fight for her rights with fist and gun, and the demure and cultured young lady that an up-to-date ladies’ seminary turns out. So wide is the range of characterisation that she successfully achieves in this production that it is probably tho finest of all her pictures. KING’S THEATRE. ANNETTE KELLERMAN Fllfitf. One of the most versatile, not to say remarkable, film actresses of to-day is Miss Annette Kellerman, the clever and -beautiful Australian, who, in addition to being tho reputed possessor of “tho most beautiful figure on earth,” is a champion swimmer, a successful physical culturist, vaudeville artist, and soroen star—displaying a remarkable versatility. It is claimed that despite all her activities, she lias not develoepd what may be called the typical “athletic physique;” she as as she always was, daintiness itself. Miss Kellerman will be seen at the King’s Theatre to-night ui what is described as a comedydrama extraordinary, “What Women Love.” It is a tale of “tumultuous courtships” between “Annabel” and “Sweet William,” the pair provide the utmost in contrasts. Annabel boxes a Carpentier, swims like a fish, dances like a fairy, runs like a deer and docs many other things more or less orthodox ; wliilo William is the “mother’s darling” type, who cannot dress without his valet, dotes on a pet Pekingeos, and) smokes scCpted cigarettes. But VVilliam is very much in love, so lie sets out to “acquire muscle,” which is* said to ho productive of much firstclass comedy. The scenes are not all of the lighter nature, however, for there are as well thrills on land, under the sea, and in the air; an under-water light, a Isoft dive from the mast of a jacht, and an exhibition of daring aviation. Altogether, “What Women Love’’ promises to he quite a remarkable picture. A feature of the evening’s entertainment is the prologue arranged by Miss Kathleen O’Brien as -aii introduction to the star picture. Tho King’s Grand Orchestra will maintain the high standard it haM set. SKATING.' THE COLOSSEUM RINK. The Colosseum Skating Rink, Vivian street, was again crowded last evening, both sexes being well represented among the throngs of happy skaters. The orchestra contributed excellent music and dancing was indulged in by many couples. The day sessions were also well patronised yesterday and beginners attended in large numbers nt the learners' session. There will bo four sessions again to-dny. |

HIS MAJESTY’S. AN ATTRACTIVE BILL. Fullers’ Vaudeville Company repeated the current programme before another large assemblage at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. The main attraction is the musical revue “The Burglars” by Fullers’ New Revue, produced by Mr Walter Johnson. The piece teems with bright musical numbers, attractive ballets and frolicsome humour. There are several spectacular scenes, including views of Honolulu. The vaudeville portion of the programme includes items by Mr Louis London, Randolph King (English protean actor), Miss Maggie Foster, Carlton and Roslyn, Baron, and the Singing Vagabond. There will bj. a repetition this evening. On Monday evening a special attraction will be the initial appearance of Miss Laura Guerite, the famous London revue “star,” who is under special engagement to Messrs Fuller. In addition, cable advice has just been received that the Girton College Cycling Girls, a trio of remarkable trick cyclists and comediennes, will also open their New Zealand tour at ‘His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday evening. QUEEN’S THEATRE. SPLENDID DOUBLE RTT.T. “Shore Acres,” the immortal story of New England life that made James Heme famous the world over, will be the feature attraction at the Queen’s Theatre commencing to-day. This unusual feature introduces A'lieo Lake as a ■ star in her first starring vehicle. The mere mention of the title, “Shore Acres.” is a sufficient advertisement to assure big houses, particularly so as the screen adaptation comes from the Metro studios. The story is a romance which opens amongst peaceful folk on a rock-ribbed coast, but quickly develops into a raging drama of the sea in which a lighthouse and its keeper and a sliip work prominently into- the story. One’s nerves literally tingle with excitement in the storm scene, where the ship is wrecked. Also Ethel Clayton, tho accomplished Paramount-Art-craft star, will be seen in a motion picture version of Bronson Howard’s play, “Young Mrs Winthrop,” which treats of the problems of young married life; the pleasure-loving wife; the business-loving husband. After five years of married life the Winthrops are drifting apart. Their only interest in common is Rosie, their baby. On the very first night of their arrangement to devote more time to their home, both are led. to believe, through tho scheming of a woman whom Mrs Winthrop has snubbed, that the other has played with them. Mrs Winthrpp attends the jazz party that she has put off, and her husband works back. They return to find their baby dying. A decidedly new twist is given the story at this point, leading up to a novel climax. Harrison Ford renders excellent support as Douglas Winthrop.

SCOTTISH FAIR. BIG BAZAAR AT TOWN HALL. Crowds of people were in attendance at tho Town Hall yesterday afternoon and evening when the Grand Scottish Fair and Clan Gathering was continued. The entertainment presented was exceedingly bright and thoroughly appreciated by those present. A special feature of the fair is the fact that some very cheap goods have been disposed of and people seeking the alwayp desirable “ bargain” were not by any 'means disappointed yesterday. The musical items and dancing by the most foremost of Wellington’s talent lent a pleasing variation to the novelty of the fair. Items were given as follow: —Too dance, Miss Thelma ’McKenzie ; acrobatic dance, Miss' Sinclair Breen; Dutch clog dance, Misses Thelma McKenzie and Phyllis McMillan; Highland dancing display, fifteen Highland lassies ; solo Highland dance, Mis 3 Jean McKenzie and Miss A. Grant. It is announced that “Ching Chong Chinaman” will make his last appearance. Generous attendances are expeoted.

ALEXANDER WATSON RECITALS, LAUGHTER AND TEARS. Writing of Alexander Watson’S rendering of the famous Sickens story, “Dr Marigold’s Prescriptions,” which is to he given at the first recital at the Town Hall ori Saturday evening, August 6th, an eminent Australian critic said: “Mr Alexander Watson has seldom been heard to greater advantage than when he told Dickens’s interesting and pathetic story, ‘Dr Marigold.’ The story took over an hour and a half in the telling. Every point was made with the art of which Mr Watson is such a master. Laughter and tears alternated, and the audience was sorry when the end came.” Another new Dickens programme, “The Boots at the Holly Tree Inn,” has increased the Alexander Watson popularity. Ardent admirers who have been following his work since his arrival in Australia, cannot yet make up their minds in which school Alexander Watson is at his best. With each new programme he reveals a new side of his art. The box plans for the Wellington recitals will he opened at, the Bristol on Tuesday morning, August 2nd. y