ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11786, 24 March 1924, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE SPARKLING REVUE AND BRIGHT VAUDEVILLE. There are many attractions to take patrons to His Majesty’s Theatre this evening, when the usual change of programme will le made by tlio Fuller management. The Hurl-Evans Revue Company, now firmly established in popularity, will stage another entertaining production entitled "Oh! Auntie," which differs entirely from all previous pieces, all the irincipals being cost to sustain fresh characterisations. The übiquitous comedian, Mr Doddy Hurl, is said to be funnier than ever, if that be possible, and he promises several new ideas in oomedy. The principals, who include Messrs Harry Evans, Al Mack, Victor Dyer, Vernon Sellars andl tho Misses Billie Jones, Madeline Dormer and Patsie I Hill, are all provided with good parts. I Special features that are bound to attract admiration will be the dancing of tho Sunbeam Six, whose costuming has been cleverly contrived so as to harmonise .with tho scenic and lighting scheme. New song numbers will bo sung, and the incidental music is stated to be of a startling description. In the vaudeville half of the programme, which precedes the revue, the first appearance is announced of Mr Albert Reese, an English comedian and impressionist. This artist, who has appeared in many leading theatres in England and America, is stated to possess an excellent voice and to specialise in travesties of grand opera vocalists. Another local debut will be that to be made by Alwynne and Penn, high-class vocalists. The lady member of the Duo, Miss Marjorie Alwynne, is spoken of as one of Australia’s leading contraltos. The Littlejohns will continue to amaze with their wonderful juggLing and their unique stage setting, while new items are duo from Mr ■Charles Lawrence, the versatile entertainer at tho piano, and Lloyd and Raymond, specialty dancers. The new programme will be repeated nightly during the week at 8 o’clock, and at a matinee on Saturday at 2.30.

THE KING’S THEATRE "TIES EXCITERS." Starring together for the first time in their career, Bebo Daniels and Antonio Moreno appear in the principal roles of the Paramount production ‘'The Exciters/* now attracting largo audiences to the popular King’s Theatre. Rennie, played by Miss Daniels, is a real speed girl in every sense of the word. Morn-

ing finds her out for a spin in her power launch, and with the afternoon comes a sories of thrills in the air. The close of the day means to Ronnie a delightful trip in one of her motors, with the anticipation of a series of similar exploits on the following day. Pleasure is all that this girl has to think of. She has not a oare in the world—that is, not un-

til 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 number of scrapes. A stranger, Pierre Martell helps her, and Pierre is working out the detailo of the annulment of tho 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 lifo will not bo worth a rent if he returns to the gang. Ronnie decides 'to follow, end the pair are trapped by the gang. They are rescued by Ronnie's father and the police Ronnie decides that her husband is not thrilling enough, being quite a respectable gentleman, and Pierre appears later and makes amends. On the same programme is another hilarious comedy, the latest '‘Gazette," whilst tho King's Select Orchestra contribute® a delgihtful musical programme. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE MARIE PREVOST IN "THEt WANTEES/-* Marie Provost has been away from, the screen for u long time, but that she has lost nothing of her dramatic ability is amply proved by her acting in ''The Wanters," her first film for many months. Marie Prevost takes the part of a young girl Who has a servant's wages to satisfy her craving for luxuries. She is a "wanter" desiring wealth and power. To be near wealth and refinement she takes a humble position as a servant in the home of a millionaire.

Succumbing to her desire for the silks and satins of the rich, she dresses herself in the finery of her mistress and is discharged when caught by her. She returns to tho home as the wife of a young member of the aristocratic family to further complicate the plot. 'The production, whioh takes a fling at snobbishness and vali wanting, is described as one of Die most unusual of the season. In tho all-star cast besides Miss Prevost are Robert Ellis, Norma Shearer, Gertrude Astor, Huntley Gordon, Louise Fazenda, and Hank Mann. The production is adiapted from Leila Burton Wells’s story. The supports are of a very good standard and include a oomeay, Graphic, and Pathe Gazette. The musical portion of the entertainment is supplied by Harry Avery and his Jazz Band in a particularly bright programme of music, which is highly appreciated by the large audiences attending the sessions of this popular place of amusement.

"WOMAN-PROOF” "THE LOVE CALL” AT THE QUEEN’S. However prosaic a man may be, there comes a time in his life when the call of love is irresistible. In “Woman-Proof," a Paramount picture, which is now showing at the Queen’s Theatre, two sisters and a brother anxiously await the answer on the part of 'Bom Lockwood, athlete, civil engineer, and man of the world, since their father’s will mode tho inheritance of his huge fortune conditional upon their marrying. The three successfully comply with the conditions, but Tom remains obdurate; he finds engineering projects for more attractive than iovo, and despite valiant efforts <m the part of the family the fortune remains untouched. Tho prospect brightens, however, when the woman-hater meets Louie® Halliday (played by LUa Lee), and just as tihe necessary arrangements are nearing completion an unscrupulous executor enters the picture; and to yet another man is brought homo the lesson that the course of true love never runs smooth. Bnt Tom Lockwood (admirably portrayed by Thomas Meighan) learned nt engineering the. true value of determination, and he forthwith applies that knowledge in the cause of his happiness, •with the result that the crafty administrator is overthrown, true love comes into its own—and the Lockwood’s into the fortune. Tli® incidental mnsio contributed by tho Queen’s grand orchestra, under the direction of Mr A. H. Jerome, is of tho usual high order.

ORGAN RECITAL BY CITY ORGANIST. Another exceedingly enjoyable Organ recital was given by the City Organist (Mr Bernard F. Page) at the Town Hall last night. A large number of music lovers were present and thoroughly enjoyed the programme submitted. The items were Chorale Prelude (Bach), which was played with fine dramatic feeling, and suite Anoionne (Hollorway). This suite consists of four movements, “Prelude Chorale" "Courante" "Duo" and "Finale alia Fuga," Walderweban from Act II "Siegfried" (Wagner), was another much appreciated item. The Meditation Priere (Op. 90, No. 40) and Canzona (Op. 90, No. 35) (Guilmant) were played in artistic .fashion. The recital (concluded with. Toooati in F. (Ce6ar Franok).

“SALLY” J | 'WONDERFUL PRODUCTION. CONTINUED SUCCESS AT OPERA HOUSE.

Enthusiastic audiences witnessed the i production of the great J. C. Williami son's musical comedy “Sally” at the Grand Opera House, Saturday afternoon ' and evening, the principals being recalled 1 again and again. The production is certainly one of the most complete ever 6een in the Dominion—beautiful scenery, wonderful stage lighting and effects (indicating a master-hand controlling), gorgeous dressing, pretty girls and handsome men. The orchestra too, under Mr Cass Downing, contributes materially to the success of the production, which must rank as one of the most successful in the long record of successes achieved by the firm. Unlike many of the musical comedies of late years "Sally" has something of a connected story running through it, and is all the more acceptable on that score. The transition of the ambitious little dishwasher from scullery tv cabaret, from cabaret to stage, and lastly from the beautiful flower strewn dressing room (which marks her great success, leading to fame and fortune), into the arms of the man she loves, is followed with the closest interest. Sally is as loveable in her rough kitchen garb as sho is when dressed in silk and 6atin and bespangled with glittering jewels. In the opening scenes the sweet simplicity of Miss Josie Melville as the kitchen drudge, with her rough little dog as the only faithful and loveable companion and her unfailing belief in the future ("You Can't Keep A Good Girl Down") could not fail to charm the audience. Anti in the succeeding scenes when, thanks to the pluck and resourcefulness of the enterprising producer, she develops (as the drab moth turns into the beautiful butterfly) from the orphanage waif into the world renowned dancer and lovely woman. Miss Melville was equally convincing. This alone proves her to be a little lady of thorough understanding, and when added to this is the fact that that she is an accomplished dancer, and a clever actress, possessing a wonderfully appealing manner, the reasons why

Jo6ie Melville finds her way straight to the hearts of her audiences are disclosed. To Miss Melville has been opened up the road to success and fame, and her tr.Bny friends and admirers believe the confidence placed in her ability and steadfastness will not be misplaced. Saturday night was but another triumph for her and the accomplished artists supporting. George Gee is probably seen at his > best in the part of Otis Hooper. While he is in the picture the fun waxes fast and furious, and he gets more laughs to the second than many other humorists who have come with the boom of a band. It is one of George's best parts, and with him Thelma Bumess h&6 an opportunity of which she makes the most. Dan Agar has a less boisterous part—or rather plays his character less boisterously,—but he scores most effectually and displays a humour that cannot fail to aftpeal to the most stolid audience. Pixie Herbert is quite regal as Mrs Ten Brock, and her appearance as The Bat in the wonderful Butterfly scene—one of the most gorgeous ever seen in Wellington—is most effective. Herbert Browne, Josie's steadfast lover, fills the part most capably and deserves eveiy encouragement. He is quite convincing in the scene when, under the mistaken belief that Sally has cruelly played with his affection, he upbraids her, and, brokenhearted, bids ber farewell. Hugh Steyne as usual, makes the most of the part of an elderly noble who is somewhat of a ''gay dog." His fooling in the cabaret scene is ludicrous # in the extreme. Charles Howard, Reginald Roberts, pnd Jack Dunne fill their respective roles most capably, and the whole cast is undoubtedly a 6trong one. The chorus i'? particularly good, and the dancing quite a feature of the production. "Sally" will be a great draw wherever it is produced, and the Wellington season promises to be a record breaker.

DOUBLE DRAW PRINCESS THEATRE SCORES. Marshall Neilan has released nothing bettor than "ho latest mirthful photoplay, 'Don't Ever Marry/' This the Princess Theatre screens all the week for the benefit of Wellington audiences. "Don't, Ever Marry" is full of fun and frolic from beginning to end) Wesley ("Freckles") Barry, as the Bellboy being responsible for no email share of the mirth. The hero of "Don't Ever Marry''’ has wed one girl necretly; but, to his extreme enbarrassmont, has two others thrust i.pon him, ono at the point of her divorced husband's revolver. How he got into this dilemma, and how he gets out of it, makes a capital story that is extremely amusing. "When Satan Sleeps" shows Jack Holt in the unusual lole of a fighting parson. He la not actually a parson in the story, for he only assumes that disguise in order to safely spy out a little town which he and a pal plan to rob. But even at that, there is no disguise in the wsy he fights, especially when a dying girl shows him the error of his ways and another beautiful girl proves to him that she loves him for the man he seems to be Them he fights not only his enemies, but wages a terrific battle tor the regeneration of his own soul. Fritzi Brunette is his parti, er in this excellent film. There are several good supports.