ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11784, 21 March 1924, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

<** "SALLY” MISS MELVILLE AND COMPANY. A DELIGHTFUL COMBINATION. When tho public discovers an entertainment that it lik»o, there is no ueed for the management to ‘'boara’' it. lias not 'been “boomed'” by the J. C. Williamson. Company, ror the yood reason that tho people wlu have seen it are its best advertisers. At tho Grand Opera House the popularity of “Sally” does not merely continue undiminiehed—it goes on increasiji£r; and it seems perfectly safe to ventnro that Mias Josie Melville and her company will, at the end of the season horc, bo still playing to houses that 'will delight tho Williamson treasurer. Miss Melville herself is building the solid foundations of a popularity which should ensure the success of future shows <in which she has a -part for years to come. At present, so closely has she identified herself with the part of ■ •Sally,” it is difficult to imagine her in the title-role of any other play, but her threefold ability—to act, to dance, and to sing—and) more than these the charm of her personality, make it tolerably certain that in her next big part che win delight theatregoers every whit as much as she delights them now. It should not be thought from the praise that has’ been so deservedly accorded Melville, that she alone constitutes the strength of “Sally.” She hereolf would be annoyed at such an assertion. Tho show is, first of all, remarkably well produced, thanks largely to the ability of Mr George Highland, who has made his name, not by giving attention to the purely spectacular, but by ensuring that the dressing, lighting and musical effects shall be nicely balanced. Praise should also be given to the comedians, especially those old favourites— Mr Don Agar, Mr George Gee, and Mr Hugh Stoyne. As “cho Duke,” Mr Agar has a part that obviously pleases him, and his by-play with Mr Hugh Steyne is delightful. Mr George Geo is a comodian who does not allow himself to get into a rut. In “Sally” his style and mannerisms are quit© distinct from his werk as we Temember it in other shows. He specialises in “freak” dancing, ridiculous posing, and a flow of conversation which sr-ems, and is, in fact, en-dless.

And the other members of the company “fife in*' exactly. “Sally” vill be produced again tonight, and the box plan for seven more nights is now open, and, of course, filling rapidly. There will be a special matinee at reduced prices on Saturday, when the Opera House should be packed. The music, [dancing and setting should make a special appeal to the juveniles, for whom the extra performance is being* arranged. AT KING’S TO-NIGHT "THE EXCITERS." Two well-known film stars, who have not been before the public for some considerable time, are Bebe Daniels and Antonio Moreno, and both of these popular favourites will be seen together in “The Exciters, - ” a Paramount production /which will come to the King’s Theatre tonight. Miss Daniels takes tho part of Ronnio, a modern girl who has a Graving for speed. She speeds in her automobile and her launch, and loves the sensation of rushing through space. Pleasure is all that this girl nas to think of. Sho has not a care in the world—that is; nqt until she finds herself married to a sup-, posed 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, 6he gets into an increasing number of 6orapes. A stranger, Pierre Martell helps her, and Pierre is working out the details of tho annulment of the marriage for a gang, and Ronnie gradually convalesces. Piorre 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 cent if he returns to the gang. Ronnie decides to follow, and the pair are trapped by tho gang. They are rescued by Ronnie's father and the police. Ronnie deoides that her husband is not thrilling enough, being quite a respectable gentleman, and not the orook she thought him, but Pierre appears laterand makes amende. There is also a side-splitting comedy, os brilliant in comedy as the fire from the Emerald. In addition, a travelogue and Gazette, and a brilliant programme of music by the King's Select Ordhestra of twelve solo artists, Mr L. H. Austin, musical direstor. The box plan is at the Bristol Piano Co:; after 5 30 at the theatre. Telephone 22-212.

PRINCESS THEATRE DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME. A fine all round programme will be submitted at tho Princess Theatre to-day. The first attraction will be "Don't Ever Marry,” and it is described as one big laugh from beginning to end. Marshall Neilan diroctod the picture, and surely that is sufficient recommendation. Second on the programme is a Paramount picture entitled “When Satan Sleeps,” and features Jack Holt in the lead. There is some gun-play, a dying woman’s confidence, and a denunciation, but 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. QUEEN’S THEATRE "WOMAN PROOP” The reactions of the average American family uSder most unusual circumstances possible in modern life are portrayed in Thomas Meighan's now Paramount star picture, "Woman-Proof,” whioh will be on view at the Queen's Theatre to-day. The story is by George Ade, noted humorist. The 6tony concerns the will of a father who stipulated in his will that all his sons and daughters, must marry before they shall inherit hie estate, valued at several million dollars. One brother and the two sisters have no difficulty in finding mates under these circumstances, but one member of the family alone is uninterested in matrimony. This is Tom Roclcwood, played by Thomas Meighan, a civil engineer, who is working on a big electrical project. All the efforts of his brother end sister and their prospective mates to bring Tom into the nuptial fold only makes matters worse, and when all are (about to give up hope of Tom's marrying, h© accidentally falls in Louise Holliday, a college girl, played hy Lila Lee. In the meantime, Milo Bleeoli, executor of the Rockwood Estate nnd guardian of Ixjuise. effects a breach between the two lovers. In seeking to escape their surroundings hoth accidentally meet on shipboard, and are reconciled and mnrried nt sea. Tho supporting film subjects include the latest in Paramount comedies and Gazettes, while the usual delightful musical fare will be provided by the Queen's Grand Orchestra, under the direction of Mr A. H. Jerome. The is at the Bristol.