ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11046, 1 November 1921, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A BRIGHT PROGRAMME. Fun and frivolity, mirth, song and story again contribute to the _ bright new programme submitted at His Majesty’s Theatre for the first time last evening. There are few changes in the personnel of the. artists, but a . complete change of items 'has been 'effected since last week, and the audience which largely filled the theatre last evening found the vaudeville fare very much to its liking. The Smart Set company of entertainers are continuing their season with a fresh series of itemsOne of the greatest successes of this feature of the bill- was the vocal solo, “The Gay Highway,” rendered by Air Ernests Barraclough, who is without doubt the finest singer of the partyHis programme number wa6 rewarded with deserved applause, but the enthusiasm. was more than doubled when he sang as an encore with much spirit the national “Scotland for Ever,’’ which fired the greater portion of the audience to sdch an extent that tb'.y applauded with hands and feet. A clever sketch entitled “The Mummy Case,” in which four member of the company appeared—Messrs Fred Whitlow, Reg. McLaughlin, Charles Holt and Ralph Sawyer—provided food for frequent rounds of laughter. There were few in the audience who were' deceived by the sex of the performers; their entertainment is largely. of the burlesque order, and there is little at■tempt made to conceal the fact that every member of the company is of the male sex. Several of the performers are very cleverly made up as girls. The choruses were again a feature of the entertainment. The comedy sketch, “A. Village Concert,” was humourouaty acted by Messrs Whitlow and Bob Roberts, attired respectively as the vicar and l the village belle. The company concluded its programme effectively with a selection from “The Girls of Gottenburg.” - The second portion of the bill is well diversified. Amongst the first appearers is Captain Winter, who introduces his troupe of trained dogs. It is marvellous that the intelligence of the fox terrier is so broad that they can be taught to perform “he tricks seen in this turn, which, meated an excellent impression. A series of contortionist stunts are provided by Marshall, a second new arrival. He was accorded a warm reception, his turn being well put on, and containing some features that make it come what out of the ordinary for an item of such a description. Other artists contributing to the programme are Otis Mitchell, the banjoist, Loader and Laney, musical comedians, and Tilton and West, singers and raconteurs. EVERYBODY’S. “UNSEEN FORCES.” A capital “feature” film, “Unseen Forces,” heads the current bill at Everybody’s Theatre. Sylvia Breamer, the beautiful and talented Australian actress, has scored a triumph in-the role of Miriam Holt. The daughter of an innkeeper, Miriam seems to he gifted with second eight, which- die applies to* benefiting mankind. There is a captivating love romance, and the plot is ingeniously conceived throughout. The cast includes Robert Gain and Sam de Grasse. The supplementary pictures are also of an enjoyable nature. . , THE EMPRESS. : ‘THE SCARAB RING.” Alice Joyce, the popular Vitagraph “star,” takes a charming part in ‘The Scarab Ring,” the “feature” film which is proving a considerable attraction at the Empress Theatre. The picture embodies those attributes of success which characterise the many notable productions of the day. These ore love interest, dramatic suspense, mystery, effective settings and stylish costumes. The theme is based on Harriet Gaylord’s famous novel,. “The Desperate Heritage.” The auxiliary items include episode TO of “The Lost City,” the comedy, “Make it Snappy,” andthe latest topicals. MARANUI MUSICAL HELPERS AN ENJOYABLE CONCERTThe Maranui Church HaH waa well filled last Saturday evening, when the Musical Helpers gave a very enjoyable concert on behalf of the Ladies’ Guild Queen Contest. Glees from Mendelssohn were a feature of. the programme. Songs and recitations were contributed by Mrs Davis, Misses Baillie, Lawton, Smith and Tucker, and Messrs Congrieve, Davis, Howe and Parsons. Miss B. Hobman was the pianist. KING'S THEATRE. I‘STRAIGHT FROM PARIS.” Extravagance in itself is no credit to _ a photoplay, unless £he luxury of scene and setting serves to heighten the action of the picture as a whole. This point is convincingly shown in the latest Clara Kimball Young photo-, drama,, “Straight from Pans,” now showing at the popular King’s Theatre. In this picture, based on a sparkling romance of society life, a typical French surrounding heightens the realism .of the action. In “Straight from' Paris” the spectator not only enjoys a delicious love-story that includes old aristocracy in its intrigue, hut sur-. reys a succession of gowns, robes, and. the smartest creations of French fashion in an abundance and richness that is enchanting. This artistic masterpiece of screen production proves once more that Clara Kimball Young is an artist in every sense, and a supreme master in, the skill of adornment-. The supporting pictures are real features, and the music, as usual, is of the best. ‘ QUEEN’S THEATRE., “DESPERATE YOUTH.” Gladys Walton, who possesses all the -+ piquant charm that won fame for Mary Pickford, plays the leading part in the ( Universal “feature,” ‘ “Desperate | Youth,” now screening at the j Queen's Theatre. The picture embodies a delightful romance of the ! middle of last century in the Sunny Southern States of America. Gladys Walton takes the role of the daughter of an old'mountain prospector, who, at her father’s death, is sent, to Alabama, to the home, of her aristocratic and haughty aunt. There the heroine, outshines her somewhat snobbish cousin, and wins the love of all surrounding her. There is something particularly appealing about the theme which possesses an interest above the ordinary. On the same bill is a topicaT “Gazette,” containing illustrated news from Europe and America, and a most mirthful comedy. During the day sessions an added attraction is another episode of the stirring serial, “King of the Circus.’’