ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11735, 24 January 1924, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

“QUARANTINE” AT GRAND OPERA HOUSE. That sprightly, humorous, and attractive play, "Quarantine/’ splendidly produced by Hr Lawrence Grossmith, Britain's foremost comedian, md his talented company, again drew and delighted a. large and mess appreciative audience at tho Grand Opera House last night. The plot is a most amusing one, with great possibilities, of which, needless to say, Mr Groasmith, eiperienced actor that he is, takes full advantage. tVs Tony Blunt, the great) African explorer-, he teaches Dinah Partlett, the enterprising “flapper," who had substituted herself for her married cousin, with whom he had planned an elopment, a lesson that does that young lady a great dead of good l . Finally, however, he succumbs to her charms, makes goad! his escape from Pamela Joseph, Dinah’s cousin, and the Curtain falls On a denouement greatly approved by the audience. Mr Groasmith acts as to the manner born, in a manner easy, restrained, convincing, and very English. His interpretation of the character of Tony Blunt is as natural and compelling as that of Ambrose Applejohn, whose “throwback" to his piratical ancestor, “Captain Applejack,” leads to such humorous complications. Quiet as is the humour of Tony Blunt, it is very telling, Mr Grossmith makes the very most Miss Dorothy SeaoOmbe makes a very beautiful and fascinating Dinah—pert, wilful, and spirited. She plays the ''flapper" to tho very life, with an aplomb, a vim, and a verve that carry her through the most difficult situations and) win her way to all hearts. Miss Diana Wilson enacts the role of Lola de la Coste, a Spanish adventuress, in most finished and artistic fashion; Mr Winnington Barnes is admirable as the bluff, good-natured husband of Pamela Joseph; and that would-be - errant spouse is very capably portrayed by Miss Sylvia Clifton. As Pincent, the maid, Miss Mabel Gower introduces comedy of no mean order; (Miss George Harvey is very good as a ferocious and pure-minded old scandalmonger, and Miss Adelaide Gunn is an excellent foil for her as Miss Larpent. Tho other roles—Mr Leslie Victor, as a henpecked husband; Mr Cyril Gardiner, as an obliging American journalist; Mr Stephen Moore, as a steward; Mr Paul Plunket, as a ship’s doctor; Gerald Frankton, as a waitler; and Edmund Duggan, as a passenger—are also well filled; and the whole play goes with a delightful swing from start to finish. .To-night is ths last night of "Quarantine," which gives place for to-morrow and Saturday to the romantic, thrilling, exciting comedy, "Ambrose Applejohn." "AMBROSE APPLEJOHN’S ADVENTURE.” . To-night "Quarantine" will be played for the last time. To-morrow and Saturday will be presented “Ambrose Apple* john’s Adventure," with Mr Lawrence , Grossmith as the impeccable "Captain Applejack/’ Of this exciting and utterly I h.umorous play, a southern contempor- ; ary. writes:—"Nothing brighter oouid ' be wished for than the story of what happened to Ambrose Applei.otn as told in 'Ambrose Applejohn’s Adventure.’ It loses nothing of its merit in the interpretation given it by the clever company headed by Mr Lawrence Grossmith. The play has much in it that is extraordinarily funny, and there is not a moment at any part of it that the attention of the onlooker is given any opportunity to wander. Many of the episodes keep the audience in roars of laughter for minutes on end. Whether as the refined, well-nurtured and well-guarded country bachelor, or as the bloodthirsty pirate. Mr Grossmith is equally successful. The abrupt contrasts in setting and situations a lie presented without any jarring note, and the dream that is one of the main episodes of the play fits as naturally into the waking life of Ambrose as it is possible to imagine. Mr Grossmith is given oapable support by a very clever company.' Miss Diana Wilson is excellent in a variety <f characters which all call for strenuous work and which are all admirably presented. ' Only two performances will be of "Ambrose Applejohn’s Adventure." The final production of the Lawrence Grossmith season on Monday and Tuesday next will he the brilliant comedy, "The Silver Fox." The author is Cosmo Hamilton, and the expectations of the new play are considerably strengthened by remembrance of "Scandal" by the same author. As a vehicle for the wonderful comedy talent of Mr Orossmith and his clever company, "The Silver Fox’’ is said to fulfil all requirements. "The Silver Fox" is good, clean, clever irresistible fun, with Mr Grossmith. the master fun-craftsman, at his best. Box plans are at the Bristol. WIRTHB’ CIRCUS VAUDEVILLE AND ZOO. AN ENJOYABLE ENTERTAINMENT. A circus has an appeal entirely its own. It is a time-honoured recreation, and as an entertainment enjoys the traditions of many years of successful effort, in amusing and interesting the public. This is undoubtedly the case with Wirth Brothers Circus and Zoo, which is at present in Wellington for a season, and now playing' in the vicinity of the Taranaki street wharf. The name of Wirth is a household one throughout New Zealand and Australia, and this firm has for many yeans post deservedly enjoyed much popularity in both countries, and largely on account of the undoubted standard it has maintained in the excellence of its programme®, and its desire to serve natrons with the very best offering of ring entertainment. During his recent trip abroad Hr Philip Wirth, the governing director of this large organisa-

tion, was able to secure some exceeedingly versatile and original performers, who, during their stay in Wellington have contributed towards making the performance one of the best yet presented by this enterprising firm Prince Guiscppi Bignali, the smallest jockey and comedy artist in the world, leceiyed a flattering reception last night, as did also tho Flying Lloyds, n recent acquisition from America, in their daring acrobatic feats. I)vans and Perez, and the jockey act of Alfred Clarke, were likewise noteworthy performances. Also those of the Hughes Family of trick cyclists. Included on the programme are the Egochngo troupe of bull-fighters from South. America; Pig Alfredo, Spanish clown, and trained dogs from Cuba, Havana, Mimi Wharton and Louie, Carmelle Duo, jugglers extraordinary, and many others. There will be another performance this evening. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE POPULAR CON MORENI COMPANY. The Con Moreni Revue Company is continuing its popular run at His Majesty's Theatre, Where the holiday crowds arc finding entertainment which appeals to them, for last night's house was again a crowded one. "The Bandit,” with its a-bundf-nee of song and humour, made a hit once more, for the audience laughed heartily at the many humorous incidents. The oft recurring revolutions in Mexican a form the ground work for the revue, and the situation opens in the courtyard of President da> Costra's house. Con Moreni himself is responsible for a large share of the fun as Oeca Late, the Australian traveller, who sells to the President some thousands of useless guns, makes love to the President's beautiful daughter Rosa (Ida Leggatt), and incidentally incurs the undying hatred of General Nuisance, of the Mexicana forces (Alex. McAlister), and Jcco Palmart, her bandit lover (Dan Woldon). Winnie Edgorton is very sweet and winsome as Roca'e English friend, Mary Canoodle; Will Kenny makes a very fine President; Harry Moreni is great as the Big Chief Ncverwash; while Dolly Varni, as "Elizabeweth/* Mary's maid, and Les Austin Lord Canoodle, Mary's brother, oongreatly to the general success. , The Brunette Beauties'' acquit themselves excellently as dancing girls, etc., in tho various choruses and ballets. The songs and duets were very enjoyable ana popular. The scenery and the lighting effects are very good indeed; a epeClft l ueed of praise is due to Dolly Varni, os tho ballet mistress.

The clever coon comedian, Leo Warton, was highly diverting with song and patter m the vaudeville pai*t of the programme. Rosin a Cfopd-on, who has a sweet mezzo-soprano voice, was accorded a great reception, especially for her songs, "Because you Spoke to me in Accents Sweet” and "Spring is Here.” appeared in song and patter ft: t?*' ? P* ailo » while Will Hastings, the English comedian, gave an excellent rendering of ecveral humorous songs. Fred, Bluett was again to the fore with his quaint song® and completely captured the audience.

The programme will be repeated each evening during tho week and at the matinee on Saturday. KING’S THEATRE "MERRY-GO-ROUND." "Merry-go-round" will be screened at the King’s Theatre for the last time tonight, and it may safely be said that few pictures have created so much interest. ‘Merry-go-round" has an unusual plot, unusually well acted, and this wonderful acting lifts the drama from among the commonplace and stamps it as one of the truest, finest pictures of its kind ever exhibited. The story tells of the love of a peasant girl of the Frater. tho famous Coney Island district of Vienna, Austria, and a young count of the Emperor’s highest staff. The film is not a fairy tale, and does not try to picture the impossible. But the recent World War knocked the foundation out from under Austria’s proud aristooracy and left a ponderous emptiness where before there had been splendour and pompous idleness. In the ranks of tho street-sweepers in Vienna to-day there is a former count, who was a favourite at the court of Francis Joseph before the war. But with the nobility a thing of the past, and with nothing else to turn to in an effort to secure food enough to keep from starving, this former noble, Whose knowledge and training had to do with war, was only fitted for this menial work. The aftermath of the fall of the nobility from its snobbish heights is pictured most dramatically in this great photo-drama. The programme also includes an "International News” topical budget, A delightful musical programme is played by the King’s Orchestra, under the directorship of Mr L. D. Austin. Large and most appreciative audiences were greatly delighted by "Merry-Go-Round" at the opening performances. AT THE KING’S TO MORROW NIGHT UNITED ARTISTS’ SPECIAL. ''REMEMBRANCE/' The King’s is certainly keeping up the standard it has already set in pictorial and musical entertainments in this city, and to-morrow night's programme is of a very high order. The main feature is "Remembrance,” a picture not only written but also directed by the worldfamed author, Rupert Hughes, and has an all-star cast of favourite artists, including Claude Gillingwater, Patsy Ruth Miller, and Cullen Landis. In "Remembrance,” the United Artists’ big special, Rupert Hughes has again demonstrated himself a film craftsman of the very first order. The photoplay is a companion picture of "The Old Nest." which was one of the really big pictures of last year, and which everybody simply loved. "Remembrance" has a message for fathers, mothoro, sons, and daughters, who believe in good old home life. We liffe the man who likes his easy chair, and we maintain with him that after a hard day’s work it is a richer reward to spend the evening ni home than to give up cosy slippers for society and its tinsel No one, young or old, should miss this great picture. The supporting programme will include the million dollar baby star, Baby Peggy, in a comedy entitled "Carmen, Junior," with a laugh in every foot of this delightful film, and. as an added attraction, Miss Elsie Kell, Wellington’6 brilliant soprano, will render choice musical numbers. Last, but not by any msans the least, will be delightful musical items Gy the renowned King’s Select Orchestra, for which Mr Austin, musical director, has arranged a special programme. The box plan is at the Bristol, and after 5.30 patrons can reserve at The theatre, or by calling 'phone 22,212. The reserve seat system is very popular. AT THE EMPRESS -GIRL OF THJEi GOLDEN WEST.” “The Girl of the Golden West” (First National production) haa long keen regarded ns David Bol&eco’s outstanding stage success The Puccini operatic version was acclaimed a triumph. And now with the advantages of tho screen, comes Mr Car ewe’s screen play, anti it seem? destined to surpass tne brilliant records of its predecessors. As a rule. Western dramas, especially those which depict life of the gold rush days, are over-crowded with cheap, meaningless melodrama which leaves no impression upon the mind and does not really entertain. In "The Girl of tho Golden West,” however. Director Carewe h&a, ns ho did in “Mighty Lak a Rose,” brought in tho strong, human touches und developed the (dd romance of the famous Belnsco stage triumph in a way that holds one's undivided attention from the first title to the last flash. First of all, “Tho Girl of the Golden West” has no Broadway cowboys, no Indians, no running - gun fights, and no pretence. This is a gambling story and the incidents that lend up ro Iho time when the heroine (Sylvia Breamor) plays cards with tho sheriff

(Russell Simpson) for the life of the bandit she loves (J. Warren Kerrigan) and the notion diiring tho terse moments of the guome are handled with the finesse of a real cinema artist. All three principal characters reach dramatic heights and the play is n most powerful one. Box plan at the Bristol or theatre. 'Phone 3442.

“LONG TACK SAM" AT PARAMOUNT THEATRE. There have been several Chinee© entertainers in New Zealand before, but it is oertain that none has presented such, a bewildering entertainment as Long; Tack Sam and his extraordinary talented troupe of Chinamen and women. For sheer showmanship Long* Tack Sam's act has probably never been equalled. This does not imply that his astonishing stunts and those of hio lon assistants need cnhanccdl devices to make them go. In themselves they are wonderful exhibitions of juggling, acrobatic, magic, gymnastic, plate-spinning and all the other things in which the Oriental excels. But the gorgeous Chinese totting of costly hangings, the drowsing and arranging of Uio net, and the genial personality of Sam himself (he has little of the Eastern inscrutability) lift the whole performrnre out of the merely clever into tho brilliant, if you can npply the term to physical prowess. Capping it nil is the extraordinary work of two- of the troupe <m the horizontal bar. These men seem to have shaped the laws of centrifugal force to their own ends Every member of an audience composed of thi 'world's loading gymnasts, could glean something from their performance. Tlie season of Long Tack Sam commences at t-ho Paramount Theatre to-morrow f Friday) night in conjunction with a fine Tom Mix movie, "The Lone Star Banger.*' irom Zone Grey’s famous novel. The box plans for the liing Tank Sam season are now or-en at the Utility Stationery Store, adjoining the theatre.