ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11295, 22 August 1922, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

A VIRILE DRAMA “BOUGHT AND PAID FOR " GRAND OPERA HOUSE. FINAL PERFORMANCE TO-MORROW As fine and virile an example of up-to-date modern drama as Fas been witnessed in Wellington for a long time, was the performance last night of the American domestic problem play, “Bought and Paid For/' in the unravelling of tliu plot of which there is not one single null moment. Briefly, the story of tno drama- could be condensed into the question that, nowadays, so many marriages make it necessary to aski: Can love or happiness exist without self-respect? The play deals with the marriage of Virginia Blaine, a good, sweet, clean specimen of the modern business girl, whoso high ideals she thinks are amply fulfilled in the person of Robert Stafford, a Wall street millionaire and a man of red-blooded, firm decision of character, the finer points of whioh have been destroyed or smotheied in the rush of frenzied finance or the achievement of moneyed power Born and bred in luxury and ease, his notions and his pre conceived ideas of the fitness of marital conditions lead him to place an altogether too high value upon the things that money can buy- Carried off her feet by the furious whirlwind of this rich man's love, Virginia, the poor telephone girl, decides to marry him and -becomes one of the many beautiful belongings in the home bought with Stafford's millions For a time things go well, until the newness of marital bUss has worn off, when to her dismay Virginia discovers that this husband, so kind, generous and considerate in h,is sober moods, is a slave to the most primitive passions when under the influence of liquor. Repeatedly humiliated, the young wife determines to solve the problem by leaving her husband, when, unfortunately, after seriously hurting her feeling® by insulting he.v relatives, Stafford comes home drunkenly amorous. She refuses to have anything to do with him; and he, worked to a frenzy, cuttingly reminds her that he bought her, paid for her and has a right to expect that she shall keep to her end u of the bargain.. How the maddened husband breaks into her bedroom by beating in the panels with an empty bottle, and how the humiliated Virginia solves the problem by returning to self-respect and self-6npport, are phases of a strong and forceful plot which works up to a most dramatic climax. There is, of course, the inevitable “all's well that ends well," and the final fall of the curtain finds the couple reunited, the woman with a truer sympathy for her husband, and he with a better understanding of what constitutes a proper marital bargain. Miss Nellie Bramley. as Virginia, is very earnest and convincing, and there is nothing insincere in her presentment of the trusting, innocent girl or the wronged and embittered wife. By Mr Guv Hastings, the part of Stafford was made as truly and ideally correct as clever dramatdsm could make it. His part was full of pitfalls and difficulties, but over them all he triumphed with successful artistry. The lighter sides ot the story were ably portrayed by Miss Ethel Bashford, as Fanny Blame, and M!r George Hewlett, as Jimmy Gilley, the humourist of a plot in which his part contributed not a little to the aggregate success. Praise must also be given to William McGowan, as Oku the Jap butler, while Miss Biddy Hawthorne, as Josephine, the maid, puts personality and force into her well-played and Paid For" will run only two more nights, the final performance being to-morrow. HIS MAJESTY’S bright new. programme. On. the occasion of the weekly change of programme by Fullers' Vaudeville Company, His Majesty's Theatre was well patronised last evening. Those who relished high-class singing found the utmost enjoyment in the offerings of Signor and Signorina Molinari, the gifted Italian operatic vocalists. Signor Molinari sang with exquisite artistry, “Musica Proibita" (Castaldon), “I'll Sing thee Songs of Axaby," and,, with Signorina Molinari, the duets, “Signor ne Principe" (Rigoletto) and “Addio SignorIna’* (composed by Signor Molinari). Signorina Molinari also gave “Annie Eaurie." Prolonged applause awarded each of their items. Mr Harry Linden and Miss Berridge again afforded evidence of their talent as entertainers of exceptional merit, and the audience clamorously encored them several times. Mr Linden's vocal contributions comprised, “My Bath Night," “Whilst Going Through Life," “Italian Love," “Going Back to Italy," “On the Road," and in company with Miss Berridge, “Going Home." “I'll Sing You a Song," by Miss Berridge was also most acceptable. Mr Linden's accompaniment® on the accordion were excellent. Proficient funmakers are Mr Em Delavale and Miss Lily Vockler, who exchanged laughable patter and sang “Down Yonder," “It's a Wonder What Money Will Do," end “Take the Heart that You Gave Me." The skilful skating by the Milton Brothers, with <a mixture of good comedy, evoked hearty plaudits. Mr ECton Black, the Scotch comedian* submitted “I'm Ninety-four To-day," a mirth-provoking number that was immensely popular, “The Body in the Bag" hnd “I've Had a Good Time with the Girls," which also scored well. Carlton and Roslyn, the English comedy duo. were responsible for a thoroughly entertaining “turn," involving smart dialogue, and the songs, “Everv One I Love Lives Down in Dixie," “I Love You Sunday," and “Tippy Canoe." Mr Geo. Dean excelled in the vocal items, “Good-Bye," “Travellers," and the humorous recitation, “Woman—a Conundrum." Miss Babs Pacey sang “Underneath the Wishing Moon." but it was in her two waltz dances and a stepbuck dance that she displayed exceptional prowess, and was enthusiastically encored. In his female impersonation act. Mr Yorke Gray is quite original, and. alihorrgh late on the bill, he made p'ood with the songs, “At Dawning" and “Ain't Nature Grand?" The programme will be repeated this evening. PARAMOUNT AND ARTCRAFT "THE FOUR HORSE MUX OF THE APOCALYPSE.” Owing to the great numbers that were unable to see this wonderful picture at P. and A. last week, the season has been extended, and for the remainder of the season special school holiday matinees are being given daily at 2.15 p.m. Those who wish to see the wonderful scenes which ensued in and around Paris at the outbreak of war, the fighting that took place and the infantry attack from the trenches into No Man's Land, should make sure by booking seats in advance. It is one of the most remarkable films seen in Wellington. Special music is played by tho orchestra. QUEEN'S THEATRE HARRY CAREY. At the Queen’s Theatre "Man to Man" is the big line in a big bill, and features popular Harry Carey in an American ranch scene, beginning with a quarrel over a lease, revenge in tho way of stampeding his enemy's cattle, bush fires and rescues. Tho girl, the only girl, is in danger of being caught between fire and the stampeded cattle when the hero makes a glorious rescue at the risk of his own life. There is also a further chapter of "Winners of the West," a Century comedy and topicalities, besides an excellent musical programme directed by Air A. H. Jerome.

“THE BOY” ELECTRIC MUSICAL PLAY OAT THURSDAY. Judging by the generous patronage accorded the box plans for “The Boy” at the opening of the reserved seats yesterday, it would appear that the return visit of the J. C. Williamson Royal Comic Opera Company is likely to be as popular as ever. "The Boy” will be presented at the Opera House, Thursday next. The story of “The Boy" is rather an unusual one. embracing as it does the doings of a London magistrate who is led into the follies of youth by his step-son. The plot is rendered all the more farcical when it is taken into consideration that ’it had always been the intention of the magistrate to show the boy the error of his ways. Briefly the story centres round the escapades of the nephew, who is thought by his step-father to be only fourteen years of age. but who is really nineteen. Tha deception Is caused by the "Boy’s" mother, w-j-.o has married the magistrate and told him that she is five years younger than she really is. Consequently the consternation of "Mr Heebies” Is great when he learns that the supposed stripling carries oh like a man of me ture years. The arrival of an uncle from India, who has this knowledge, complicated matters and the subsequent plans of "Mrs Meebles” to get in first and put the Colonel wise, culminating at everyone meeting at the same night cabaret, provides the most amusing ot intrigues. » Of course the cabaret is raided by the nolice. The magistrate and his CTrant step-son escape, ftut 'his wife and the Indian uncle. and others important to the story are arrested, and hailed before tho magistrate (again, of course!. “Air Meebles” to be tried for misdemeanour. Such in brief is the story of "The Boy,” which is wealthy in bright, popular music, filled with songs, dances, and fine ballets, and generally a thing to be desired from end to end. An exceptionally fine cast has been secured, which includes Messrs Arthur Stigant as "Meebles,” Anew McMaster as Colonel Bagot, Lance Lister as “The Boy,”'Leslie Holland as Burridge, and W. S. Percy as "Honeyball," Misses Mione Stewart as "Katie.” Nellie Payne as "Joy Chatterton.” and Rosie Le Varde as "Millicent,” and Shiela Gale as "Diana Fairlie.” The first matinee will be given on Saturday next. The plans are open at tho Bristol for the first six nights. KING’S THEATRE “PEACOCK ALLEY." A gilded romance of fashion and business under the title of “Peacock Aliev" is the star item of a full bill at the King's Theatre this week, and Miss Mae Murray is seen at her best in this story taken from one of Ouida's most famous f tories, which tells of the romance of a lovely Parisian danseuse who weds a happy-ffo-luclry American vouth. Scandal and unpleasantness follow the conduct of tho Bohemian younsr wife, and some lively scenes show now nearly domestic happiness was wrecked. All is well in the end, however. There is a lavish display of dross, which should appeal particularly to feminine charms, and the picture throughout is excellently staged. The programme is supported scenic, comedy and a Chester outing, besides excellent music from the grand orchestra. STRAND TWO STAR FEATURES. “Passers-by" and “Polly of the Follies" are the two star items in the Strand bill this week. Horbert Rawlinson is the pivot in “Passers-by," a story dealing with the guardianship of a young girl, whom tho guardian desires to many to her brother. The ward has other views, however, but she is parted from the sw'eeftheart of her dreams for 6omo years, although even- j (pally reunited. The film gives a delightful account of how the guardian was foiled in her desires, and how the happy oouple came to be restored to each other. Constance Talmadge is the star in “Polly of the Follies," a play that will appeal to all who see it. There are the usual supporting comic and news films.