ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11783, 20 March 1924, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE THIS WEEK’S BILL. Good crowds continue to patronise the current bill at His Majesty's Theatre, and it is evident that the programme is one that has taken the fancy of the theatre-going public. The English Sun- , beam Revue Company is very successful in its production "Special Mixtures," a neat little thing which keeps the audience laughing from start to finsh. The revue is well presented, the setting being food and the scenery rather striking. >oddy Hurl, the popular comedian, fills the leading roll, and is in his element throughout. He alone is an entertainment, and a good one at that. His fun is ever present, and it is of the kind that gets the audience and holds it all the while. Hurl is not left to carry the whole weight of the revue, the other members of the company supporting him admirably. particularly Harry Evans, whose work always is good. Vocal numbers rendered during the production include: "Clothes Props," well sung by Vernon Sellars. "The Six Sunbeams" gave a clever acrobatic turn which surprised the audience. Perhaps the best effort of the revue was "Mississippi," tunefully sung by Patsie Hill and Vernon Sellars, supported by the "Sunbeam Six.” In the other half of the entertainment there are several excellent turns. Among them is Durno, the trick cyclist, who performs amazing feats on a huge wheel which has to be mounted with the aid of a step-ladder. Harry North produces appreciated music from his concertina, a turn relished by those woh like to hear the popular airs from the instrument that in the earlier days of the country was as important as the Tow Hall organ is to-day. Lloyd and Raymonth are particularly successful in patter and song, but their best offering is a delightfully executed simultaneous dance, Charles Lawrence, accompanying himself on the piano, provides some clever humour, and Leo Stirling, the versatile wandering musician, scores a decided success. THE KING'S THEATRE "BLUEBEARD’S EIGHTH WIFE.” That brilliant photoplay "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife," will be shown for the last time at the King’s Theatre this evening, after having enjoyed a most successful week at the popular theatre. Mona, daughter of a poor but proud French Marquis, is _on the eve of marrying a rich American named John Brandon. On the point of being united, however, a jealous rival of Mona’s determines to stop the wedding, and telegraphs to Brandon's seven other wives to co mo -to %he ceremony. How Mona punishes her would-be husband goes to make an exceedingly clever film. When she is confronted with the seven wives she asks Brandon which one is his wife, and he replies all of them! This feature should not he missed. The supports include a Topical Gazette, cartoon comedy, and a most hilarious Century comedy, "He’s a She." The Incidental music is very finely rendered by the King’s Select Orchestra. TO-MORROW’S ATTRACTION "THE EXCITERS." Two well-known film stars, who. have not been before the public for some considerable time, are Beta Daniels and Antonio Moreno, and both of thesa, popular favourites will be seen together in "The Exciters," a Paramount production which will come to the King's Theatre tomorrow. Miss Daniels takes the part of Ronnie, a modern girl who has a craving for speed. She speeds in her automobile and her launch, and loves the sensation of rushing through space. Pleasure is all that this girl has to think of. She has not a care in the world—that is, not until she finds herself married to a supposed crook, bent on extorting from the girl's family a goodly sum of money for the annulment of the marriage. After a race in her motor-boat with Roger Patton as her companion, she gets into an increasing nnmber of scrapes. A stranger, Pierre Martell helps her, and Pierre is working out the details of the annulment of the marriage for a gang, and Ronnie gradually convalesces. Pierre calls at the Rand home for a change, and Ronnie insists upon seeing her'husband, During the interview Pierre tears up the cheque, and Ronnie learns that Pierre's life will not be worth a oent if he returns to the gang. Ronnia decides to follow, and the pair are trapped by the gang. They are rescued by Ronnie’s father and the police. Ronnie decides that her husband is not thriUing enough, being quite a respectable gentleman, and not the orook she thought him, hut Pierre appeare later and makes amends Chi the same programme is another hilarious comedy, the latest "Gazette,” whilst the King’s Select Orchestra will render a delightful musical programme.

QUEEN’S THEATRE A THOMAS MEIGHAN STAR. Is any man safe from the affection} of feminine admirers? Is the inheritance of 1,000,000 dollars on one's wedding day roally a help to Cupid where a nice girl is concerned? These and other questions are answored in Thomas Mcighan's latest Paramount star picture. " :Woman-Proof," which will be shown at tho Queen's Theatre to-morrow. This is a story of romance where the conditions of matrimony are decidedly un jomantio Tho istory was written by George Ade, noted humorist, and >he picture was directed bv Alfred. E. Green. The story is that of a civil' engineer, Tom Rockwood, played by Thomas Meighan, whose father made a will stipulating that all 'his children must marry before they could inherit his huge fortuno. Tom has two sisters and a brother, all of whom soon select mates, hut Tom is too busy directing a huge engineering project to bother about love. The .story opens with the- brother and sisters and their prospective mates planning to induce Tom to marry. Meanwhile, young Rockwood accidentally f. 113 in love, and is on the point of proposing marriage when complications arise. Milo Bleech, an unscrupulous lawyer, and the executor of the Rockwood estate, temporarily blocks the love romance of Tom and Louise but matters rTf finally adjusted. Bleech is defeated, and the Rckwoods inherit tlie fortune. Lila Lee is- tho girl and heads a strong supporting cast. The supporting Sim subjects include the latest in Paramount ooraedies and gazettes, while the usual delightful musical fare will he provided by the Queen’s Grand Orchestra, antler the direction of Mr A. H. Jerome 'ihe box plan is at the Bristol. PIANOFORTE RECITAL CONCERT CHAMBER TO-NIGHT. To-night in tho Concert Chamber a pianoforte recital is to be given by Edwin Tanner, assisted by his brother, Claude Tanner, and Mr Harold Whittle. The two brothers are leaving for London by the Remuera to further I heir .musical studies at the Royal Academy of Music, and to-night's recital will afford the musical public a last opportunity of hearing these talented young New Zealanders prior to their departure. Edwin Tanner will play the well-known "Moonlight Sonata," a Chopin bracket, and Rubinstein's Concerto in D Minor. The orchestral accompaniment to the hitter is being played on a second piano by Mr Whittle. Claude Tanner will \ lay the three movements of Goltermann's Concerto dn A Minor, recognised as ere of the most difficult compositions for the 'Cello, David Popnor's "Tarantelle," and other number?. Seats may be reserved at tho Bristol.

“SALLY” THE FASCINATION OF JOSIB MELVILLE. Tha fascination of Jomo Melville in th« character of "Sally/' the dish-washer, who becomes a society beauty, continues to grow with tlie Wellington public, who are filling tho Opera House nightly ia and greater numbers. “Sully** indeed bids fair to create a record ia Wellington, as she has done wherever she has been. Josie Melville is, of course, the bright particular star of this charming musical comedy, and it is almost impossible to realise that this is really her first big part. Though not f o&sessed of a remarkable voice, her singing, acting and especially dancing are absolutely first-class, and whenever she is anywhere about the audience is perfectly happy. Sally begins life as washerup in a New York restaurant, but she has ambitions as a dancer, and she later impersonates a famous Russian dancer (which incidentally gives her a chance to wear some wonderful costumes). This, bowover, threatens to play havoc with hor love affiirs, but, of course, all ends happily at last •with wedding bells. In every phase of the part Miss Melville is fresh and charming, and gets right into the hearts of the audience. Other members of tho company help not a little to the success of the performance—Georg* Gee is with us once again, and wherever he is the fui is fast and furious; Dan Agar is amusing as the Duke of Czechgo* vinia £which seems to have some relation to Ruritania). Herbert Browne is convincing as tho hero, while Reginald Roberts is again a visitor with, the company, this time as a millionaire, and other characters are taken by Charles Howard', Thelma Burness, Pixie Herbert, Aileen Barton, Jack Dunne, Hugh Bteyne, and Sydney Clark. "Sally" will gp gaily on her way for a long time yet. "Sally" will bo repeated this evening, and there will be another matinee on Saturday. Yesterd.ay's matinee was an unqualified success, and the large audience was quite enthusiastic at times. PRINCESS THEATRE TWO GREAT FILMS TO-MORROW. The famous advice given by "Punch,** "Don't Ever Marry," is the subject, of a very enjoyable picture, described as "spicy and a bit saucy," which Is *to be in the new programme at the Princess Theatre to-morrow. It is a Marshall Neilan masterpiece, a comedy that is guaranteed to rock the house with laughter. The other item on the bill is "VSThile Satan Sleeps/' a Paramount picture, with Jack Holt in the lead. There is some gun-play, a dying woman's confidence, and a denunciation, hut the ending is a happy one with a wedding ring at the end of it, rather contrasting to the advice given in the comedy film. ADELAIDE VAN STAVEREN AN ENJOYABLE CONCERT. A concert by such a well-known and talented artist as Miss Adelaide Van Btaveren is an event of note in local musical circles. It was therefore not surprising that a keenly appreciate© Gudionco greeted her appearance at the Town Hall last night, whore, with the asoistan.ee of Miss Nest a Carwell-Cooke, Mr Bernard Page, and Mr Harold Whittle, she gave a concert in aid of the Radium Fund. The programme, consistng of ©elections from various operas, English, t-nd European folk songs, etc., was excellently chosen andl arranged, and furnished a genuine musical feast for those fortunate enough to hear it. Her opening number was "Star Vicno" (S. Rosa), and in hor fine vocal rendering and sympathetic interpretation of the song, Miss Van Steaverea gave an indication of the good things to follow. Laden as it ia with sorrowful - yearning, the effective singing of Ambroiso Thomas's "Connate tu le Fays/’ from Mignon, is a delightful task, but it was accomplished successful and pleasingly. Tho passion ale 'Samson ana Delilah" (Eantsaens) followed, and then, a charming lttle inter* palation "Homing'’ (Terosa del Fiego), which restored complacency to worked up feelings. "The Three Fshere” is never anything but a sad song, but the very dregs of pathos were drained by Miss Van Stareren, and still its beauty was unmarred. A highly dramatic nterpretation was called for in "Don Carlos" (G. Verdi), but tho theme was never done less than justico. "King Saul" (Sir Hubert Parry) was sung with splendid effect, and there followed, in lighter vein, a Russian folk rang, "Bj the Bonders of the Don" (Mouasorgsky), "Canzonet Bohemian," from Carmen (Bizet), and the sprightly "Bequidilla," sung with a merry abandon. As an overture, Mr Bernard Page played Beethoven's "Coriolan" on the organ and later "Le Genie ©t la mort,” from Rebikofi. This work, described as a psychological poem, portrays the scene at the bedside of a dying man, and the conflict between tho man's spirt and the spectral figure of death. A very effective Hungarian Dance was given by Miss Nesta Carwell-Cooke, accompanied by Miss Joan Evans. Song accompaniment* wero played by Mr Harold "Whittle. THE LYNCH FAMILY FINAL CONCERT GIVEN. Again a large audience assembled H hear the Lynch Family Bellringers in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall last evening. It was the final performance, and the hand bell trio, "The Blue Bells of Scotland," with variations, was beautifully played. The family also rendered with wonderful expression and finish the glassophone trios, "Thou Art so Near" (Braharob "Love s Old Sweet Song” (Mollby), and Weiss's "Sloep, Gently Sleep." The most remarkable and delightful efforts, however, were those produced with the exanisite silver organ chimes in the "Bridal March” from "Lohengrin," in Ascher's "Life's Dream is O'er," "Eileen Allanah” (J. R. Thoms), und "Sweet Adeline” (H. H. Armstrong). Mddle. Brighta do Marchant, a fine soprano, was heard in some fine songs, and Miss Adie Reynolds, a clever s*.’libretto' was heard in several snappy numbers. Mr Harry Baxter provided comedy impersonations, which the audience Telished, notably a comedy sketch, "How I won the D.C.M./* while Mr William H. Lynch played several pianoforte numbers in musicianly fashion.