Stage & Screen

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11785, 22 March 1924, Page 10

Stage & Screen

Theatrical Pars and Movie Notes.

MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC It is truly said that “Sally” is in every souse a triumph. More than that—and for this alone it deserves public recogni-hon-it has.revived the faith of every Australian girl who some day hopes to go on the stage. “Sally,” as interpreted by Josie Melville, is the girl the author had m A lB Josie is the spirit of youth, with the irresistible personality that alone can tackle the temperamental tasks that the plot of the play imposes, seldom has a personality reached right °T e J, the footlights and taken possession ol the audiences hearts from the very hrst, as does Miss Melville. "Sally” is thoroughly entertaining, perfectly cast, scientifically scintillating, and its production reflects the greatest credit on the corps of assistants to whose efforts it fs due that "Sally” is the outstanding musical comedy success of the decade. Apropos of "Sally,” an old theatre-goer 6aid: undoubtedly one of the best musical comedies sent on tour by the firm Josie Melville is just the sweetest giri you could ever wish for, and the transition from the quailing orphan to the famous Russian dancer is one of the most convincing pieces of acting I have seen, and stomps the Australian girl as one of the most notable discoveries made by Mr Highland on behalf of J.C.W., Ltd. Miss Melville must be grateful to the firm for giving her such an opportunity, while, on the other hand, they must recognise that the charming Josie has proved herself in every way worthy 0 f their choice and confidence. Sally is presented with a completeness of detail that makes a direct appeal to seasoned theatre-goers like myself, and there is not an essential mtori™ It is one of the best—if not the very best —productions for which the firm of J. C. Williamson has been responsible, and on 1 y jaants alone deserves the support of

The production of George Wallacfe's revues at Christchurch has been handicapped by the absenco of Miss Marie Nyman, the leading lady, who is in hospital. But with such a loyal company w a ff aK ® admirably. Babs Scott (Mr Wallaces sister) immediately got busy, and with the girls of the Tbafiet ciently *° bridge over ttle B a P most effi-

t says that tbo stage door rn^ e l 8 n^ m P/ e -. Instead, ifhe comes aU It is in an automobile. tr»«J :h ? t i- actor i 8 knighted, and actresses tako a leading place in society, customs have changed somewhat. lne marvellous Littlejohns, whose act is of,the most spectacular nature, head the diversified programme now being presented at the popular His Majesty’s. When they first appeared in Melbourne (with 7T U Wards pantomime, "'Mother vFOose ), they created a sensation, and critics declared that their marvellous feats of juggling had never Been equalled m Australia. Their concluding item In ?. r A r ® turn is not only interesting but highly exciting. Add to this a dlvereified vaudeville programme, which include* many new and startling items, and it will be admitted that one-half the programme is an entertainment in itself.

Then there is the Prinoe of laughtermakers, DocMy Hurl, and Harry Bvans, w*ho makes a splendid foil for the principal comedian. A very useful' ana hardworking man is Harry, and many members of the audience are unaware of the hard work he does and the many characters he can portray if needs be. Patsie Hill, Madeline Dormer, Billie Jones, Vernon Hollars, Victor Dyer, and the others enter thoroughly into the fun, and the result is a bright and highly amusing show. A 1 Mack deserves a par to himself. He is improving every performance, and his specialties are always welcome. The Sunbeam Six, charming girls with pretty faces and shapely limbs, put in some real hard work, and their dancing is about the best seen. Altogether a topping show, and one of which “Daddy” has every reason to be proud. To a Wellington friend who asked if Oscar Asche had really said good-bye to 'New Zealand, the famous producer replied: "Alack and alasl It is so. 1 I would an’ I could, but if I cannot how can IP The call takes me elsewhere (America, it seems), and I regret the parting, for I have made so many friends here (Australia) and in your fair land that I take my departure with very mixed feelings—pleasurable anticipation at the thought of success elsewhere, tinged with sorrow at the severance of so many ties of intimacy." There is no doubt of the popularity of George Gee, Dan Agar, and Hugh Steyne. The first and last made many friends in Wellington during former visits with J.C.W. companies, but Mr Agar is catching them up fast, and at the conclusion of the New Zealand tour they will be as popular a trio as ever trod the boards in this Dominion.

If perchance in Wellington you should encounter a number (eleven, to be precise) of haughty looking athletes with the light of battle in their eyes, and a song of victory on theiT lips, don’t mistake them for tho Governor-General’s private secretaries and aides-de-camp. They’rs not! They aro the members of tho J. C. Williamson cricket team which defeated tho Press representatives by throe whole runs and won tho ashes. And if it hadn’t been far Josie Melville’s smile and) the charms of the other ladies of the company which simply domoralised the suscept£blo pressmen, there would have been another story to tell. Ha ha ! Tes, you may laugh, curse you, two times, but romembali —prido goeth before a fall, and so I say again: Bewayan ! The Lynch family of bellringers, after a successful Wellington soason, have appeared with success at Upper Hutt and Martinborough. To-night they will mako music at Featherston. On Monday they are due at Carterton, and on Tuesday tho Wairarapa tour finishes at Masterton. They return to Wellington in about three months time. The Humphrey Bishop Company met with a very rordial recepiion at Christchuroh, and Ihe success of the season is assured. Patrons liked the original opening and orchestral offerings, end tho bright andl snappy show presented. As one critic puts it-" Operatic and comedy business interspersed with vaudeville turns, all clean and lefinod, passed away two and a half hours of fun and pleasure, and sent the audience home in a frame of mind) which augurs well for the balance of the Christchurch season.’’ Manager Rudd reports splendid bookings. It is hoped this smart company will be able to arrange a return Wellington season. Seymour Hicks and his -wife (Miss Ellaline Terriss) have received a hearty Welcome to Australia. Mr Hicks is more than an author, he is always humorous. In Melbourne, where it was stated that he was the author of 56 plays, he whispered: "Hush, don’t give me away. They say I am the author of half a hundred plays. Well’'-—and ho leaned forward in the most confidential manner—" Keep this to yourself—they are all the same play with different names.” Christchurch lias certainly extended the glad hand to George Wallaoe and bis revue company. In a special interview. headed "Wholesome Revues," in the "Star," it is remarked that to the wholesomencss of the George Wallace productions may be ascribed a great deal of their success. An interesting account of the comedian’s career (from the days when he first appeared as a child in panto., afterwards swiii(ring his schoolbag over his shoulder, to the time when he started writing and producing revues on the Fnllar circuit) is given,, and the

opinion 19 expressed that provided lie carries on as he is doing, a full measure ol success will ho his. May Beatty confesses to having a strong partiality for O Mimosa San in "The Geisha Girl" and Fifi in. "A Chinese Honeymoon/* Harry Burgess, known in pantomime and revue, is appearing in "My Home Town** at the Casino, Los Angeles. "Little Nelly Kelly" is drawing like a mustard plaster in Australia. Somebody was asking when we are to see "The O'Brien Girl?" "Aladdin" is now touring the Commonwealth. Be patient. •*Tifi said that "Alfred Hill's operas never get a hearing in Australia, though they are miles ahead of some of the tinpot musical 'Girls* imported from London." Now if Alfred Hill could only get a hearing in London, his fortune would he made. But it*s uncommonly hard to get over the London fence! George Robey has signed up at tho London Hippodrome for a year at ,£750 per week. His trip to New Zealand has in the meantime been postponed. George is waiting until the New Zealand Government floats another loan. Lillian and Girls, a new act for the Fuller circuit, has been booked in London by Sir Benjamin Fuller. They aT© 6aid to be a trio of .the prettiest end cleverest girls seen in vaudeville. Sadie Gale and Fisa Scott, of the Bandbox Revue Company, a newly formed organisation to tour the Fuller circuit, are described as girls who will be warm favourites wherever they appear. George Storey has secured six handsome girls to appear at the Bijou, Sydney, in some original revues. No theatrical man knows the East better than Charles J. Carter, the magician, and while he was playing in San Francisco in January he was able to he of very gyeat assistance to Mr E. J. Carroll in giving him the best routes through the Fast for Sir Harry Laudor, whose tour Mr Carroll is directing. Many years ago Mr Carter was able to give similar valuable as|istance to Hugh J. Ward, and this meeting in Calcutta was the commencement- of a friendship which will remain a lifelong one. Mr Scott Colville will conduct the Australian and New Zealand tour.

Rectently J. C. Williamson, Ltd, put up something of a theatrical record in Melbourne, for on that night the firm presented three new productions at their theatres, and all of theso representing the most diverse phases of the stage—comedy, drama, and musical comedy. At Her Majesty's, tho musical oomedy company, including Alfred Frith, appeared in "The Cabaret Girl." At tho Theatre Royal, Mias. Gertrude JESliott (Lady For-bes-Robertaon) in tho piquant oomedy from the Fhonch, ''Bluebeard's Eighth Wife." Oeoar Asohe staged at the King's Theatre his famous production of Pinero's great drama, "Ins." Surely varied theatrical fare to satisfy the requirements of all tastes of playgoers. Miss Diana Wilson, who was to have finished her Australian season in "The silver Fox/* with Lawrenoo Grossmith, has been persuaded to miss her boat to England and stay a few days longer. She made her farewell appearance with Oscar Asche in "Iris" at the King's Theatre. Melbourne. She played the title role, in "which she achieved a memorable success in Sydney recently. This was the oast of Mr Oscar Asche's production of "Iris" at the King's Theatre, Melbourne: Oscar Asche as Frederick Maldanadfe. Anew McMaeter as Launenoe Tremwith, Mason Wood as Oroker Harrington, Arthur Greenaway as Archibald Kane, George Ide as Colonel Wynning, Diana Wilson as Iris Bellamy, Jesßie Pago as Fanny Sylvain, Marguerite Martini as Mrs Wynning, Olive Proctor as Miss Pinsent. There are five acts in the play, which will be produced by Oscar Asche with his usual wonderful attention to detail. After six nights of "Iris," the season in Melbourne will conclude with two weeks of "Tho Taming of the Shrew." Bays Josie Melville, the wonderful star of the phenomenal musical play, "Sally": '"Happiness oounts much more than what we call suocess. What I mean is that I don't think any success is worth while without happiness. I have no illusions about myself. lam oontent to do my bit, as best I can. lam interested in my work simply because my work is never lees than interesting. Have I any desire to try grand opera? I have nor. Do I think that bachelors should bo taxed? Most certainly I don't. 1 think that anything calculated to make baohelors short of money is ill-advised and most improper. What is my secret ambition? My secret ambition is to sit in a cosy boat under a harvest moon and eat chocolates fwith thp nicest man in the world. But lam not at all sure that there is any such person." "I have found a life on the stage a very jolly lif®- on tne»whole," says Pixie Herbert/of the "Sally" Company. "I've had no heart-breaking adventure or anything like that. I have not done anything scandalous, even for the sake of the advertisement. But I have had a lot of quiet fun. one way and another. And I have met such numbers of kind and charming people that I never can. be thankful enough. Theatrical people’ aro such wonderful good pals, because they don't spend a lot of time interfering with each other's personal affairs. In the end it makes one very happy to work with friends who try to see the best of one and refuse to believe that there is any worst." . . —.— Signor Bruno Sarti, who was in New Zealand last year with the Sistine soloists, is returning to this country next month for a concert tour. Signor Sarti has lately been making a tour of the Australian States. Lawrence Grossmith has received a letter from Cosmo Hamilton, who states that his latest novel, "Another Scandal, is to be dramatised and presented as a sequel to the original "Scandal," in the dramatic version of which Maude Hannaford Appeared in Australia. There are features —particularly one scene- in the new play which should make it as sensational as its forerunner. The Kelleways are a remarkable family (says the Sydney "Sun"), They lived quietly in South Africa until tho spirit of the theatre suddenly conquered them. Cfecil Kelleway (at present a member of the J. C. Williamson forces) rose to wide popularity as a comedian, and his brother Alex went to London and for nine mbnths starred as juvenile load in "Round in Fifty." Jack Kelleway is partnering the Australian Lydia Carne in vaudeville dances in England. Mr Oscar Asche does not intend appearing in Australia again. That is to say, professionally. There is not a large enough public for Shakespeare, he says, and as that is his favourite type of work, he naturally wishes to go where it will be most appreciated. Mr Asche is now contemplating an offer from America, where they wish him to produco and appear in several Shakespearean plays. Of "Solly," the extraordinary successful J. C. Williamson musical oomedy, a prominent critic writes:—A great deal of the success of this musical comedy is due to the delightfully unaffected personality of Josie Melville This clever young Australian actress, who never sang a 6ong or spoke a word on the stage prior to her appearance as Sally, has danced and sung nor way .with elfin grace and pretty cbild-lik© voico to the hearts of theatregoers, and she has shown that, as die sings os Snlly "You can't keen n good girl down." Miss Melville, whether as Sally, the foundling washer of dishes in the alley hotel, the bogus Princess Nooikerova, or as the premiere star of the Follies, is charming in every respect.

THE FILM WORLD Those who remember Pola Negri itt "Bella Donna" and “The Cheat" are promised another rare treat in her nwtfc Paramount offering, which will be released on New Zealand soon. “The Spanish Dancer" is an adaptation of "Don Caesar de Baxan," by Marie Beulah Dix. It is a glorious romance of old Spain, telling of the fortunes of Maritana, a Spanish gypsy dancing girl. All the colour, the picturcsqueness, the glamour of this romantic age of the rule of King Louis Y„ has been captured by the producers,. and the result is one of the most lavish and spectacular productions of the times. The cast includes some very well-known players. Wallace Beery plays King Louis, Antonia Moreno is Don Caesar, Kathryn Williams, the Queen Isabel of Bourbon, Adolphe Monjou, and Robert Agnew. "The Spanish Dancer" is an artistic masterpiece; and is a triumph of production for Famous Players Lasky. William S. Hart, who has just returned to the screen under the Paramount banner, will offer as his first picture, "Wild Bill Hickock.” It is a Hart story; he is here again with all his old style and sensation creating stunts. A real two-gun man again, and with the spirit of his particular art revived expressing itself at high pressure. "To the Ladies."-~This is another pio* duction for Paramount by James Craze, maker *of "The Covered Wagon." Hero is a story that will find a response in. tho hearts of every member of the fair sex, for it is a document dedicated in some measure to the (sometimes doubted) intellect of tho ladies. It gives woman due credit for personal and mental qualities, which many a story has denied and derided. The cast includes Edward Horton and Theodore Roberts. "The Exciters," the leading attraction at the King's Theatre this week, features Bebe Daniels, that vivacious little Paramount star, who has been featured in many Paramount successes recently. This is a clever little story about a girl who is always on the search for a new "thrill." it is a story that will find'a parallel with many of the girls of every town in the world. "You Can Fool Your Wife," a Paramount all-star picture with Nita Naldi, Lewis Stone, and Leatrice Joy, is a fashion story of high life in New York. Jt is set in a most fashionable atmosphere, and gives us an insight into the really gay set in the big American cities. Nita Naldi, as usual, plays the role of a society vamp, and Lewis Stone plays ihe part of the erring husband. In making "The Ninety and Nine/ the big Master picture screening at the Empress Theatre this week, the director had a carte blanche to produce a picture that would Btand out as something different and something big. o The* tmafln thrill is a forest fire, through which the hero drives a locomotive to rescue hundreds of people. This happened to be a real forest fire, and au entire village was burnt. Colleen Moore and Warner Baxter play the leading parts in. this exciting Master picture. The rescue of a girl from death before a swiftly moving train provides a hair-' raising thrill in "The Wanters/' screening at Everybody's this week. This photoplay pictures the wanters of. the world, with their desires and ambitions. A remarkable caste includes Marie Prevoßt, Huntley Gordon, Norma Shearer, Robert Ellis, Gertrude Astor, and little Richard Headrick. ' Preferred Pictures are getting ready to produce "The 'Boomerang," which will be released in New Zealand as a Master picture. This is a delightful comedy that made a good play* and which ought to make as good a picture. The police censors in Japan eliminate all the kissing scenes from imported pictures, kissing not being customary in t Japan. So all the osculation close-ups are being eliminated from the harem scenes in ,r Lov© in a Harem," a French Master picture. These cuts, noweveT, are not being thrown away. They will be sent to Borneo and Sumatra, where the black tribes laugh heartily at Irissing, as a hilarious comedy. "Lucretia Lombard," or "Flaming Passion/' call it what you will, is a strong story adapted from Kathleen Norris's novel of tne same title. Monte Blue does his best work in this great Master picture, and Irene Rich, who can always be depended upon' for a good performance, excels herself in several scenes. The honours of the picture, however, must be handed to Norma Shearer, who plays the secondary* woman role. This girl is an absolute find, and "Lucretia Lombard" will make her. Miriam Cooper is working her way sc fast toward stardom that any night you may expect to see her shining in the sky —supplementing Venus. Thera has probably never been a picture with such a lavish display of fashions as "Daughters of the Rich," tc be shown at the Empress Theatre next week. Practically every scene of this Master picture is replete with the latest gowns, and the forecasts of coming fashions, worn by Miriam Cooper, Ethel Shannon and Ruth Clifford. The title promises the luxurious atmosphere the picture contains. There is a brand new classification oi screen player creeping into the movie dictionaiy—the juvenile character man, he who is neither distinctly hero nor Villain, but is able to fill a variety of young masculine roles that comprise the whole range. Topical of these is Wallace MacDonald!, who plays tho sauve in the Master* Picture, "Mayme/*

After all tho talk and speculation about tho Annette Kellorman picture made in the Nelson district, it is good news to leer that it is definitely to be shortly. Now the rest of the Dominion can see just exactly what did happen in Nelson, and why its naturally placid inhabitants became so excited. The majority of the scenes were taken cutside Nelson, Pohara Beach, Takaka, Pelorug Shund, while others included Island Bay, Wellington, and Christchurch. After tho actual photographing was completed, tho picture was taken to Los Angelos tc receive the finishing touches by film experts. Both as regards the thrilling story of the South Seas and tho perfect photography, ‘'Venus of tho Southern Seas" is a remarkable motion picture. The story is stirring and romantic, with plenty of thrilling incidents, and Miss Kollerm&n does the finest work of her career. Her display of diving and ewimming is unsurpassed, while t her underwater work is marvellous. Miss Kell arm an is supported ’by a specially selected cast, and no expense or trouble has been spared for this production. "Venus of tho Southern Seas" is the first big drama to be produced in Australasia, and it is hoped that its success will pave the way for the foundation of a flourishing motion picture industry in New Zealand. Stuart Holmes spends much of his spare time studying sculpture. He has lately modelled a head of his polico dog, "Bojar," who plays with him in "Daughters of tho Rich," a Master Picture. | Owing to the tremendous success of "The Virginian" at the Empress last week, this screen vorrion of Owen Wister*s famous novel will he screened at the Strand Theatre this week. "The Virginian" is one of the raallv big pictures of tho year, and the cast includes such well-known players as Kenneth Harlan, Florence Vidor, Russell Simpson anc* Fat O'Malley.