ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11170, 28 March 1922, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. "TEA FOR THREE.” “Tea for Three” was again served at the Grand Opera House last night amid continuous plaudits and heart}* laughter of a large and most appreciative audience. In this delightful new English comedy, admirably presented by Miss | Marie Tempest, the deservedly popular English actress, Mr Graham Browne, , their talented company, tragedy and comedy are most piquantlv blended, enMiss Tempest to display to the lull t.he versatility and the great personal Ciharm which have so endeared her to WelK n^on theatre-goers. “Tea for Three” as its title practically indicates, w/th “the eternal triangle,” two men in'lo. with the one vomaa. But, though the husband’s (Mr Carter’s) mad jealousy is effectively aroust.'d» and at one stage of plav it seen?® that the lover must die, .has indeed dieF by his own hand, in thi v \end all turns t well, the old friends, tiwA husband and the lover, are reconciled, and the curtain falls on a happy trio sitting down to “tea for three” in the Carter's drawingroom. , ,

Miss Tempest gives a spr.igh.tly and essential iy loveable impersonation of the v/ife of a dour business man., so engrossed in money-making, that a former lover of his wife, the young and light-hearted Dr Philip, undertakes to console her, and to spur the husband to a sense of his duty i>y rousing his jealousy. She makes Mrs Carter a living reality, moving the audience to laughter with her sparkling pleasantrioe. and enlisting their sympathies for her unrealised ideals. The part of' the young doctor is admirably portrayed by Mr Graham Brown, who made a delightfully appealing lover and worldly-wise philosopher; while Mr Ashton Jarry was mot't consistent in his interpretation of the Character of the jealous husband, Mr Chrter. He had many calls on his histrionic abilities, and always rose to the occasion. Bound work was performed by Mr Frank jAdlanby as the valet, and satisfactory also were ALs* Dorothy Hamilton and Miss Amorel Kemp, as /tlie maids, and Mr Steff MeDonald as'the waiter. . “Tea for Throe" is to be" ’.repeated tonight; and will be succeeded to-morrow evening by the new and onchanting comedy, “Mr Pirn Passes By," together with the mirth-provoking curtain-raiser, Mr Henry Chapin’s brilliant-.one-act- play, “The Dumb and the Blind/’ m which Mr Graham Browne appears as “Joe/ the bargee.

HIS MAJESTY’S. .SUCCESSFUL. NEW BILL. A orowded house greeted the rise the curtain at His Majesty’s. Theatre last evening, when .a complete change of programme was introduced by Fullers’ Vaudeville Company. On tßeir initial appearance a pair of talented Children, Master Toots' Willows, aged ° year®, and Miss Tootles Williams, agop 6 years, scored a veritable .triumph with* their songs and dances. These children figured recently in ' ‘The Silence of Dean Maitland’’ with tremendous success. Last evening they opened with tile vocal duet, "FUrting,” which was followed by a skilfully danced fox-trot by Tootles, an eccentric dance by Toots and they.jazzed together as a final effort, which, evoked prolonged applause. Miss Flora Cromer, who is a highly accomplished ®ngW|s(hl (vaudeviUe “star of established popularity, gave _ the character songs, “What’ll I Do,” "Father,’' .the miusdcpi- p monologue ’’The Truth or a ,Lie,”. and her unfailing “hit,’’ “Abe." Miss Cromer was applauded to tho echo after each number. “Always Tell Your Wife,” a completely moritorious comedy-drama, playlet, : was splendidly enacted by . Mr Frank Bradley and Miss Hamilton, assisted by Air Robert MacKinnon. The plot has to do with a suspicious wife, a hushanti who gambles surreptitiously, and a burglar. Quite a convincing “boy” is < Miss Effie Fellows, who sang most effecitively “Dear Australasia. “Sweeties/’ “I’m a Middy,” add. “I Love to Fall Asleep.” The. Musical Weather- , leys extracted tuneful items from their aluminium chimes, including “Leggy O’Neil" and “Whispering.” Miss Wehtherley also contributed the song, “City of Laughter.” A most enjoyable song and patter “turn” was that of Miss Hartley and Mr Geo. Wright. The former’s song “Crooning,” her partner’s “When my Shoes Wear out from Walking," and their duet, “I’ve got the Blues for my Kentucky Home,” received enthusiastic plaudits. Huley and Beiit revelled in ono of- their heartily laughable skits, "Sailors Don’t Care.” Lfatortaining acts also were the display of the Frolics in Frogland, the feats of strength by Ctfrr and Manly, the juggling and baton spinning by Gilberto, who appeared for the first time, and the songs, patter .and neat dancing J>y Lloyd and Raymond. • The programme will be repeated to-night.

“BIRTH OF NEW ZEALAND.” AT PARAMOUNT AND ARTCRAFT. The great historic production, “The Birth of New Zealand,” continues to draw big houses at .the Paramount and Artaraft Theatres. The first all-New Zealand made film of any Proportions it is certainly one of the best productions from an'artistic point of view. From the sacking of Kororareka. to the Gabriel’s Gully gold rush, and including tho whole detail of- the struggle to extract gold from the soil, the whole story is pictured in all its detail. Sluices are seen at work, and eveiT the buildings of old Dunedin in the early days of the rush. An olden-time romance is seen in the film, and the troubles and triumphs of the hardy pioneers are vividly portrayed. Maoris, and many of them, take part in tho film, and the whole production is run on realistic, lines. The film may he seen at both theatres daily' for the rest of the w-eek, and fine films, including "Getting Mary Married,” an excellent comedy, are in support. School children hnve special accommodation reserved for them nt matinees, and this can be had on communication with the managers.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. “THE BLUB MOUNTAINS MYSTERY." “Tile Blue Mountains Mystery,” a highly meritorious attraction, which is ■ 'delighting /audiences at the Queen’s Theatre this -week, is an adaptation of Hanison Owen’s ■ famous story, “Tho Mystery of Mount Marunga,” and the film must-be added to Messrs E. J. and Dan Carroll’s list of most successful productions/ among which can be cited, “The .Sentimental Bloke,” etc., etc. Yet “The I.Hue Mountains Mystery,” as an Australis n motion-picture work, is distinctive a.nu' away from the beaten track. The plot. >s artistically developed, and is enacit’d with more than' ordinary skill. The Aim is of exceptional' photographic qual.'ty, and-is stylishly mounted. Miss Marjorie Hill, well-known in Sydney society cirmhs, is admirable as Mrs Tracey, and wears Home beautiful gowns from London, Pauls, and New York. There is n stylish ballroom scene, and many enchanting', views of Sydney harbour and tlie Blue 'Mountains, Tlie ; supporting “feature” is'. a Universal five-act drama, "The Millio uaire,” a sensational story splendidlv po.Rrayed. Auxiliary films include “Tlie 1/utUly. Bride,” a delightful two-reel Centui T comedy, in which children play an iniportant part, and “The International News- '