ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11685, 24 November 1923, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE “IF WINTER COMES.” East night brought to an end the very successful l-un of the popular problem play, “If Winter Comes. Mr Garry Marsh again -gave a most admirable character study of the man of culture, determination, restraint, and poise, the humorist vet the idealist, who ijikls h*? 11 ' seif in so'painful a predicament. Mies Jane Saville portrayed the wife as a woman, of marble, long ago groun indifferent to her husband, impatient ot his ideals and his plans, yet sadly jealous of her position as his wife. Mias Ailsa Graham© makes a very lovablei and convincing Lady Nona; while as Ige, the bright-eyed cause of all the trouble, Alms lsobcl Wilfortl played well her part. The cast as a whole is a strong one; the play went with a ©wind, and from beginning to end there was iwyver a dull moment in it. A GREAT DRAMA '■THE CAT AND TKEI CANARY.” "The Cat and the Canary/' said to be the most successful drama staged in America and Australia, end which has been 190 enthusiastically received throughout New Zealand, will be presented in the Grand Opera House this evening. "The Cat and the Canary” unfolds an intensely interesting plot, with a pretty lovo romance, and, in addition, abounds with verv humorous situations which never fail to amuse the audience. Mr Garry Marsh, who achieved such a. triumph in "If Winter Comes/' will be seen in a very different role from that of Mark Sabre. Mr Marsh, Miss Grnhame and Miss Saville were engaged in London bv Sir George Tallis to portray the special etypes of characters necessary in the production of this unique play. Miss AVilford, the dainty Wellington actress, will bo seen in an entirely new role. The company is well supported by such reputable artists as Sydney Stirling, George Blunt, Reginald AVykeham, Robert Geddes and Miss Georgia Harvey. The-plan is advertised at the Bristol until 12 noon, then at tho Opera House confectionery shop. KING’S THEATRE "THE HEART RAIDERS/’ On© of the brightest little comedydramas screened for some time past in Wellington is. the new attraction at the King’s Theatre, where it was shown for the first time last evening before a large attendance. The programme is a double feature one> and more tiian maintained the reputation of this theatre for the brightness and variety of its entertainment. Agnes Ayres is in the lead in 4 The Raider/*' and. the story is in many respects a fascinating one. The daughter of ail extremely wealthy man, she causes endless annoyance and endless expense to her father by reckless and eccentric behaviour. This goe%._on for Home time to the worry of her father, and even causes an estrangement oetween the. headstrong young lady and her fiance. Eventually,-however, a r©> conciliation takes place, owing to a motor accident. The scene changes to Palm Beach, Florida, where the lovers again meet. Complications ensue when an insurance agent arrives. The girl's father' has taken out a policy which makes the company responsible for payment of all her damages until she marries.' It is a race then to the altar, and the maiden at last repents of her ways and becomes a very willing victim, though not before there are many humorous and ludicrous situations. It 16 indeed a relief to the distracted insurance company's officials when tho vrilful girl is at last well and truly wedded, and they are thus relieved of any further responsibility. In '‘The Forgotten Law” there is quite a different motive, for a note of tragedy is struck. The popular Milton Sills is in the lead, supported by a strong and capable cast. It is the story ot shattered domestic? .happiness through the infidelity of a young husband, who found that old habits were not so easily shaken off as he *6 first so fondly imagined and thereby causes an estrangement between his pretty young wife and himself. As the result, ho takes advantage of an old forgotten statute, and, in a fit of temper, will their oly child—a daughter—to his brother until the little one comes of age. Time, however, is a good /healer, and spftens the breach whicht this extraordinary old law has permitted, and finally the child and its mother are reunited, and the somewhat high-brow brother-in-law is also included in the little family circle ehown at the conclusion of the drama. - Supporting is a bright and interesting -iii gazette and exceedingly wellarranged musical programme unoer the baton of Mr L. D. Austin. The overture was a selection from the always popular "Montana/’ . . , , The programme will be repeated tonight.. PRINCESS THEATRE “ON WITH THE DANCE.” "On With tho Dance,” starring beautiful Mae Murray, supported) by David Powell, is the new star attraction at the Princess Theatre, where it was shown for tho first time last evening before a large and appreciative gathering of picture patrons, yho followed this unusual picture throughout with interest and keen attention . This is tho story of a dance-inaa girl, quite a typical modern product in many respects, who cares little as to what happens, so long as sho is able to indulge in her favourite pastime. She was bora with rebellious blood in her veins, . and errly begins to make that fact manifest. Tho love of pleasure is in her heart, and her one aim in life is amusement, winch principally consists in dancing away the hours of her youth. This young lady also becomes extravagant after she has married Paul Dorwyat, and what love he originally had for this frivolous young person j.n eventually driven away by her extraordinary behaviour, until finally a climax is reached, and the denouement takes place. The story is a powerful cne. find tho drama is not only movingly portrayed, but paints a strong moral to the pleasure-seeking you.ag men and women of to-dav and who places amusement before the high things of life. The second feature was "One Glorious Day/’ in Which Will Rogers was in tho load as a timid professor, whoee body became tho temporary habitat of Ek, n fighting ooul. All are astonished by the sudden change, which gives this artist an opportunity to *rive one of his most amusing characterisations. As tho lending lady, Lila Lee gives a very successful representation. The supporting pictures are bright and varied, and the entire progrnmmo will be repeated this evening. “ONE SUMMER’S DAY” AT TOAVN HALL ON MONDAY. On Monday and Tucsdav nights, Mr Culford Bell' presents The Thespians in the fine thrce-nct comedy, by H. V. Esmond, "One Summer's Day.” The proreeds iro to the Rev. Fieldcn Taylor's Bovs’ Hostel Fund. Turner’s Orchestra will play selections. Tho comedy is a particularly charming piece ot work, with plenty of fun-producing incidents, blended with a pretty sentimental story. The cast includes Misses Phyllis Adams, Moira Young, Oneenie Semple, llene Dingle, Linnie Nicholas. and Messrs , Stanley Airth, Chris Tollorton, Charles Chapman, John Watchman, Leslie Anderson, Harry Drown, and Laurence Hanlon. Seats may be reserved at the Bristol

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE AN EXCELLENT BILL. Splendid was the reception given - last night to this week's bill at Hix Majesty's, and was a striking testimonial to its excellence. Tlve light and breezy George Wallace Revue “Alpine Antics” sees that clever producer in the leading role, and ■ from the moment of his spectacular entry in a most wonderful car with oval wheels, and a human engine, until the final curtain, keeps the dialogue and action of the- revue rippling and sparkling with spontaneous humour. A number of prettily dressed ballets aro introduced in the course of tho piece, and there is also much bright and tuneful singing. In the first portion of tho programme a number of well and favourably known f artists appeared, those being the monologist, Keith Desmond; Trixie Ireland, the possessor of a pleasant soprano voice and a‘charming personality; and Mablo and Malfe, in a clover and humorous fares. The undoubted ability and versatility of Will Hastings, the musical comedian, made him a popular favourite from tho start. The -programme, will be repeated at. a special matinee this afternoon and this evening. “THE BEGGAR’S OPERA” OPERA HOUSE SATURDAY. "il-t’s a mighty strange piece,” the Beggar explains himself. "I 'hope I may be forgiven, but I have, made my opera unnatural like those in vogue. This is tho most natural opera in the world. It begins in the house of a ier ceiver of stolen goods, and ends in.the condemned hole. Each personage in it is either a highwayman, a fence, a gaoler or a pimp; in snort, there’s not an honourable man or an honest woman among 'em. But it’s all human.” The good folk of Sydney suffered many disappointments before *'The Beggar’s Opera’’ was finally put on the boards, but here in Wellington, the Statement is definjtelv made that it will appear at the Grand Opera House on Saturday next, December" Ist. Whether the audience will be inclined to devote its attention to any single phase of the work—che music, the story of the captain and the women who are so infatuated with him, cr the spectacle from a theatrical point of view, remains lo be seen. The people will have a better opportunity of preparing their mind for tiiis opera than for any other of the theatrical events that have preceded it for a long time, for the story of Gay’s work is so wellknown. To enjoy it thoroughly, it would be as well to regard the work as a whole, and the endeavour to associate it with the traditions of the period in which it was written. This will not be difficult, for the efforts of the producer have been directed at realising the effects of the famous London production, which has just terminated a three-years’ run. Noel Osborne will portray the amorous captain, McHeath, and Reginald Roberts will have the role of Feachum. The box plans will open Thursday morning at the Bristol. “STREETS OF HEW YORK” ATTRACTION AT QUEEN'S. It was not merely the fact that tho crafty Badger was determined to have his revenge on Goeril Goodblood that resulted in this mighty bandit’s ruin, for the powerful photo-plav of tho above name at the Queen's Theatre this week takes ns its theme the fact that "murder will out/’ or ill deeds find an ultimate recompense- as • the throbbing impulse gives way to the pangs of conscience. On the brink of ruin Goodblood, as a banker in a smull way, is the means of swindling a Captain Fairweather of his vast fortune which was invested in the bank for his family. The captain’s death places the money in the hands of the banker, with the result that with the passage of fifteen years he is a mighty Wall street magnate, whilst the Fairweathers ore starving on the New York streets. Forced to hunt for work, Paul, the old captain's son, is involved in an accident which renders him, for the sake of five hundred dollars the price of an operation, a ( cripple, perhaps for life. The pange of poverty*aro sorely experienced, and the streets become his work ground, where with hidden genius he plays the violin to gazing crowds. The turning point of a sorrowful life is, however, reached when Lucy Goodblood crosses his path and make® her freewill offering to the minstrel. As far apart as the monetary barrier places them the two have nevertheless found their paradise, but its attainment is far away, for invisible barriers separato the two. A vow that he will find his father’s ruiner has placed an awkward aspect on things, and the outlook is not altered by the reappearance of Badger, a former clerk in Goodblood’s bank, and who knows of his cruel deed. The end is particularly unexpected, and the climax comes in a terrific storm, when with the disappearance of heavy clouds also comes the bright day for tlio two lovers, with money and love in plenty. As Lucy, Barbara Castleton acts a difficult role in a commendable manner, whilst opposite her, as the prey to another's ill-deed, is Edward Uarle, who acts with strength and character. In support ar© the latest gazettes and a comedy, with Buddy Messenger as a baseball player. There is also the ninth episode of "The Social Buccaneer,” with Jack Mulhall in the lead. The Queen’s Grand Orchestra, under the baton of Mr A. H, Jerome, plays Wagner's "Star of Eve/’ “KING OLAF” TOWN HALL TO-NIGHT. All. keen lovers of sounder classics will be pleasurably anticipating the performance at tho Town Hall to-night of Elgar's "King Olaf/’ to be given under the baton oF Mr Tenple White by the Royal Wellington Choral Union. The oratorio-cantata partakes of the qualities 06 both oratorio and cantata. Mr White’s knack of getting the best out of his chorus is as well-known ns tho care ho takes that the choral parts shall be* perfectly «ung by the hundreds who have revelled in chorus work under his baton. Mr White nover slums his work, and the result is that one. can always look for o certain degree of finish In all that is produced under his supervision. The soloists rrr>: —Soprano, Miss Ethel Osborn: tenor, Mr Hubert Carter; baritone. Mr William Watters. The box plan can be inspected at the Bristol, •whore lower-priced tickets are also available. “KEWPIES* FAIRYLAND” A CHRISTMAS APPETISER. Wellington people will see something out of the ordinary on the night of December Ist, next .Saturday, when the "Kewpic's Fairyland” opens in the big Town Hall. Tho spectacle of 21 groups of dainty winged Kewpies will be sufficient. to gladden any heart. A year's time, great skill, and much money have gone into the preparations for this remarkable novelty, which is coming just in time to put everybody in the right mood for Christmas. The spectacle will be on view from December Ist to llth. ORGAN RECITAL TOWN HALL TO-MORROW NIGHT. Mr Bernard F. Page (city organist) mill give his usual weekly organ recital at tho Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) evening, and the progrnrmno has been arranged as under:—Sonata, No. 6, by iMondclsnohn: Rachmaninoff’s Melodies; Pastel (No. 2), No. 92, by Karg-Elert; Prelude, Fugue and Variation (Op. 18), by Conar Franck and Niemann’s Suite,

EMPRESS THEATRE “WANDERING DAUGHTERS. ’ Without being in the least preaching or deserving of that terrible name, a “problem play," the picture, “Wandering Daughters,” screened for the first time at the Empress Theatre last night, is one which lias a fine healthy moral ip it, wrapped up in a story that is at times intensely dramatic, while often deliciously humorous. It is all about the adventures of an up-to-date daughter of old fashioned parents who gets the jazz craze, together with all that it_ means, an unnatural craving for excitement, and dissastisfaction with the simple things of life- Bessie Bowden has grown tiretl of her old friends, and a little ashamed of her home, and eagerly seizes the opportunity offered by. an artist given to dalliance to break into the fast life at the country set. For the time being her faithful admirer, John Hargreaves, is tossed aside, and a. period of hectic merry-making takes place. Ail night revels' and early morning returns, cause the good - natured father deep anxiety, until, as a last resort, he spends the savings of a lifetime to make his 'home “up-to-date” for his daughter’s benefit, so that she may be satisfied to remain in it. He is wise in his generation too. for he advises John Hargreaves to plunge into the fast set too, meeting his rival on his own ground, and to win Bessie back to him again. The plan is successful, ar.d the story closes on a scene of wedding bells. Much of the comedy of the production was in tl e hands of Alice Howell, as the maid, whose aping of her mistress’s pranks and escapades were at once exquisitely funny in itself, and served, moreover, as a caricature, which threw the mistress’s follies into stronger relief. The cast throughout was a strong one. Including such well-known stars as Marguerite do la Motte. Noah Beery, and Majorie Daw. The supporting programme was a very strong one, including an excellent travel scenic of scenes from London, “Topical Budget,” and a sparkling comedy. A much appreciated variety attraction was a novelty step-dance bj dainty Billie Murphy, who displayed ability of a high order, and received a tremendous reception. The orchestra of 14 instruments contributed in no small measure to the attractiveness of the programme, its rendering of the “Grand March” from “Tann'hauser” (Wagner) being alone worth going to hear. This programme will be repeated at the matinee to-day and this evening, and intending patrons are ad- • vised to book early at the Bristol, or the theatre. AT EVERYBODY’S DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. The great double-feature programme— Norma Talmadge, in “The Voice from the Minaret,” and Will Rogers, in “Boys Will Be Boys”—drew and delighted big houses at Everybody’s Theatre yesterday. Beautiful, charming, and endowed with wonderful histrionic power, Norma Talmadge, the ever-popular .picture-play actress, fairly excels hereelf in “The Voice from the Minaret,” while Mr Eugene O’Brien makes an ideal hero to her heroine. Memorable, indeed, is Norma Talmadge’s portrayal of a woman startled from unwelcome wifehood to desert-born love. Lady Adrienne Carlyle, wife of the Governor-General of India, Si- Leslie Carlyle, revolted by his infidelities, set sail for England determined to divorce him. On the same steamer travelled Andrew Fabian, a young fellow studying for the ministry, and about to set out on a pilgrimage to Damascus. He advised her to delay seeking for a divorce and to accompany the pilgrims. In the romantic atmosphere of the East, most marvellously rendered, love caught both: in its toils, to be checked by a Muezzin in his minaret calling in prayer, summoning the faith which had flagged by day. How faith prevails; how Lady Adrienne returns at the call of duty; how Fabian becomes a famous young preacher; how Sir Leslie, suspicious and revengeful, traps the two lovers, intending to blight their lives, but. how malice is over-ruled for good, and all ends well, makes a wonderful story, wonderfully well told. As for “Boys Will Be Boys," Irvin 8. Cobb never wrote a funnier, kindlier, or more human story, mid that is saying a great deal: while IVill Rogers never had a part that suited him better than that of Peep O'Day. It is a picture that mingles tears and laughter and leaves you in a glow of happiness. A special attraction at Everybody's Theatre this week is the unique and marvellously ' clever “coloured ahadowgraphy" display given by the great “Carelli,” direct from London, who made his first appearance in New Zealand last night. Carelli ds not only a master hand as a sbodowgraphist, but the remarkably fine colour effects which he introduces give to his act an originality and an interest which were greatly appreciated. The Great Carelli will show nightly during this coming week, and at this afternoon’s matinee he will also give a special "Punch and Judy” show. “THE MAN FROM TORONTO” FAREWELL TO MRS HORACE HUNT. The last performance of tho delightful comedy takjcs place to-night in the Concert Chamber, tho occasion being a farewell to Mrs Horace Hunt, who leaves for New York on Tuesday. Mrs Hunt's gifts as an actress of great fascination are well-known. As a singer, too, she is known privately as the possessor of a beautiful voice, and many are anxious to hear her in view of the flattering opinion of Madame D’Alvarez. "The Mon from Toronto” requires no further introduction. All rememtor tho brilliance of this attractive play. The following are extracts from the Press :—"ln Mrs Hunt we heard a most charming singer, possessing a magnificent voice. . . . She caused tho greatest enthusiasm among those present.” “A tremendous ovation was accorded to a fine production by a delighted audience.” The plan is at the Bristol, where a few good seats are still available. Tickets will also be on sale at the door to-night. ' TOWN HALL, MONDAY WELLINGTON COLLEGE CONCERT. The programme of the college concert, to he held next Monday in the Town Hall, promises to bo one of exceptional merit. In a large school such as Wellington College, there is always found some excellent material for providing good musical items. The College Choir and a part, of the orchestra will appear in public for the first time. A special feature will be a display by the college physical training team, which created such a favourable impression last year. Mr F. G. Twiss has arranged the second part of the programme hy well-known Wellington performers. It is hoped that the efforts of the boys of Wellington College to erect a pavilion worthy of their school will meet with every success. All parents and friends of tho school are asked to give their wholehearted support to the function. Tickets can be obtained from nnv member of the committee of the Old Boys’ Association and the Bristol Piano Co. In the report on Friday morning of the recital by the pupils of Mr Leon, de Mutiny and Madame Evelvn do Mouny there appeared the name Miss Margaret Cornell. This was an accidental misprint for the name of Miss Margaret Connoll, the talented daughter of Mr .1. A. Connell, of Carterton, who was loudly applauded for the finished manner iii which sho played the difficult violin solo, De Beriot’s “Fantasia."