Stage & Screen

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11855, 14 June 1924, Page 8

Stage & Screen

Theatrical Pars and Movie Notes.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE To-night, Monday and Tuesday—Victoria University College Students’ Extravaganza, “Pep.” June 21 and 23—Miss Estelle Beere’s Pupils. June 28—Mr W. Bussell: Nellie Bramley Dramatic Company. July—Humphrey-Bishop (dates to be arranged). August 23 —Vanbrugh-Boucicault season commences. TOWN HALL To-morrow —Organ Recital, by Bernard Pago. To-night (Concert Chamber)—Cesaroni Recital. Saturday, June 14— Ccllini-Zacharewitseh-Cimara Farewell Concert. Monday, June 16 (Concert Chamber)— Singing and Concert. Saturday, Juno 21—Fancy Dress Ball. VAUDEVILLE His Majesty’s, Courtenay place, nightly (matinee to-day)—Fullers’ Vaudeville and Revue, featuring "Sliffy and Mo at the Hospital,” the Mirano Bros., Rev. Frank Gorman, etc. Tivoli Theatre, Manners street, nightly (matinee to-day)—Musprove Celebrity Vaudeville, featuring Will Hay (the schoolmaster comedian) and Company, Noni and Horace, the world-famous musical clown and partner, etc. PICTURE THEATRES The King’s. Courtenay place (matinee, tc-day, 2.3o)—“The French Doll,” featuring Mae Murray and Beauty and Fashion Display. Queen’s, Ouha street (matinee to-day, at 2.15)— “Big Brother," featuring Tom Moore, Raymond Hatton, Edith Roberts, and Mickey Bennett. Strand Theatre, Manners street (matinee to-day)—"Scars of Jealousy,” featuring Frank Keenan, Marguerite de la Motte and Lloyd Hughes. Princess Theatre, Manners street '(11 a.m. to 10 p.m.)—"Singed Wings,” featuring Bene Daniels and Conrad Nagel, and "East Lynne.” MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC ,It is a great programme that the conibi nation ■will present at the Town Hall this (Saturday) evening for the farewell concert —in fa r .t it is questionable whether at any previous time such musical gems have been included in the one programme, and of such artists. Cellini will sing:—“II sogno” (Massenet), “M'pai d'udine Ancora” (Bizet), “Dai Campu, dai piati” (Boito), /‘Chimes of Malines” (Cimara), “The Willow” (Thomas), Schubert’s Serenade (with, violin obligato). Zacharewitsch will play: Sonata in A Major (Cesar Franck), Concerto in D Minor (Techaikowski), Ave Maria, by request (Schubert), Kondo, by request (Mozart). It is truly a popular concert. There will be no reserved seats, and no booking, and .all. eeato. are at the same price, viz., 3s. There should bo a big house to hear tiheee three great musicians. Fillers are presenting a very strong programme at His Majesty*s. The Stiffy and Mo combination are presenting a series of-revue burlesques, in which there is plenty of the fun and frolic so dearly loved by theatregoers. Boy Kene is undoubtedly one of the funniest comedians ever ©een in New Zealand, and his great characterisation “Mo” will live for many years. There is a etrong supporting company and the ballet girls are as good as they are good looking. The big draw on the vaudeville 6ide is undoubtedly the extraordinary and sensational act provided by the Mirano Brothers, u hich is hair-raising in its daringl. Lillian and Girls, the Gay Gilberts, Bice an l Elmar (now appearing for the last time), JRev. Frank Gorman and others make up an attractive and diversified programme. The popular prices (2fcs 6d, la 6d and Is) charged enable high-class pro grammas to be witnessed at rates within the reach of, all.

This week's programme at the Tivoli has been a particularly strong one, and as additions are to be made for the coming week the bill of fare will become even more diversified. Noni and Horace appear in a unique act of international refutation, while Jen Latona (the girl at the piano), Jim Gerald, the inimitable, and Ida Newton present an entertaining sketch. Ina Bosworth, the talented New Zealand violinist, Lee Petit Totoa in living statuary and wonderful feats of strength, Audrey Knight, and the Royal Barotongans make a diversified bill. Will. Hay, the popular comedian on the Tivoli circuit, who opened' a season at the Tivoli, Manners street, last night, is one of the funniest comedians introduced to New Zealand audiences. He's a great “schoolmaster” funmaker, and he is truly described as “a different sort of funny man ,to any funny man you have ever seen.” He must be seen and heard to be appreciated. The Mirano Brothers have been electrifying Fuller audiences with, their sensational act, “The Flying Torpedo,” which should be seen by all lovors of graceful and wonderful feats. It is one of the most daring acts ever presented on the Fuller circuit, and nightly the clever performed are cheered to the echo. It is to be hoped that the management will be able to retain this “star” turn for another pen jd. It is well worth it. As a provider for really rollicking humour, Bert Harrow, the “rum” comedian who will shortly be seen on the Fuller circuit, is amongst the first rank of his kind. All his subject patter is new, and, in common with his clothes and getup, so comical that he has the audience rocking with laughter. One of lie most successful absurdities followed this announcement that ho would sing. “If you give your baby an onion you will be able to find him in the Dark/ Wliat actually was heard were parodies, first on nursery rhymes, and then other songs which he claims he wrote himself. His “gags” too, are all well out of tJho ordinary run. He is described as “the mile-a-mmute” comediin, and in addition to rolling off some breakneck tongue twisting eongs, reduces his audience to a condition bordering on hysteria with his jokes. To an inquirer. The late W. J. (“Billy”) McLaughlin, formerly of the Post and Tolegraph Department, Dunedin, died in Capetown, South Africa, many years back. He was manager of the Capetown division of the Fleming and De Jongh circuit, and held a responsible and remunerative position. Previously he had appealed with the London Gaiety Company end left that combination to take up managerial duties. The late Mr McLaughlin was well known throughout New Zealand and Australia.

The Rev. Frank Gorman, who tells i’ with song and story, is back at His M. jesty's. His reception was a most nr thusiastic one, proving that “the sireparson” is as popular as ever with Fyjlor audiences. .it W. low writes that the souiht*rt tour of Malini, the magician, i« proviii'' a successful one, and that audiences arc increasing as the value of the entertainment becomes more and more appreciated Fullers' Versatiles have brought rn.vuc back to its own ‘again at their Sydney Theatre, and “Cranking tTp” has scored a great success. It is described as a •perpetual motion picture show—always on the go.” The company is described as a particularly strong one. The personnel includes Will Verne, Jack’ Kinson, Bert Dudley, Jim Caldwell, Lola Evelyn Dudley, Hazel Fuller, end

Fola Negri makes a complete departure from her portrayal in her recent success “Tho Spanish Dancer” in “Shadows of Pariß ” which will be screened this week at the Paramount Theatre. "Shadows of Paris" is adapted from the novel “Mon Homme,” by tho French author, Andre Picard. It is a romance of tho Parisian underworld and tho glittering of French society. Miss Negri is cast as a Parisian apache who is taken from the underworld and marries tho Chief of Police of that city. When a series of crimes have been traced to this woman’s former associates, and her husband is waging a ruthless war against apaches, the story takes one of the most surprising and dramatic turns. Charles De Roche is cast as Fernand, Claire’s npache lover, who is killed when discovered alone with Claire in her rooms. Huntly Gordon plays Raoul, Claire's husband; and Adolphe Menjou, Gurclli Hughes, and Vera Reynolds are tho remainder Qf the all-star Paramount cast. |

Lilas Birt. Charles Vaude, producer for the Versatiles, is a Londoner, who Ims been appearing in Australia, for* some sixteen years. Strangely enough he inado his first appearance with tlio Pullers in New Zealand, before their operations extended to Australia, together with Will Verne, with whom he has been associated since his arrival in this country. Mr Vaude is the author of aLI the clever material used in The productions to be staged by the Versatiles at Fullers’ Theatre. .He wields a prolific pen, and is a composer of many noted songs. “‘Bluebell m- Fairyland,* produced in Christchurch by Charities Unlimited, was a wonderful success,” writes a Wellington reader, “and several of us from the capital city, who wero in Ohristcliurch at the time, 'helped to swell the box office receipts. It was a good show, and I would like to see something of the kind produced in Wellington for some of our deserving charitable institutions. * That fine character actor and producer, Mr George Bryant, has joined forces with the Nellie Bramley Company, and will be seen in many of the parts 'he originally created 1 ip America and Australia. The Nellie Bramley Company arrived in Auckland by the Ulimaroa on Wednesday, and open a season at His Majesty’s on Saturday in a big comedy success, “Fair and Warmer.” Miss flramley is reported to have made a pronounced bit in comedy work in a fine repertoire of plays, including “Fair and Warmer,*' “The Misleading Lady/* “Daddy Long Logs,” and “Peg o' My Heart.” Now Zealand theatre-goers know Miss Bramley's worth in emotional roles, so it will bo interesting to watch this clever young actress in another pha.se of the histrionic art. Mr William Bussell, by arrangement with J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will present the plays. He has been in Auckland for some days directing the preliminaries, and a highly successful season ie assured. The Wellington season of the Nellie Bramley Company will probably open cn June 28th in “Fair and Warmer.” The Nelli© Bramley Company, now at Auckland, now have a repertoire of 18 plays. Mr Hugh Ward has sailed for America in search of fresh attractions. According to “Everyone's,” Phil Smith, the popular comedian, has dissolved partnership with Lionel Walsh, and will shortly be featured on the Fuller circuit in musical revue. Sir George Tallis and Mr J. H. Tait, directors of J. C\ Williamson, Limited, fiave just bought Cambridge Buildings, Melbourne, for JBIOO,OOO, on which a most palatial theatre will be built. Hettie King will commence a tour of the Musgrove circuit about the middle of this month. tihe is regarded in America and England as the greatest male impersonator on the halls at the present time. Mr William Bussell has secured the services of Mr George Bryant as producer of his plays, and. is well satisfied to hare the Co-operation of such an experienced actor. Mr Bryant will play his original rele of the burly sea captain in “Paid in Full,” when that drama goes up. “Good Morning, Dearie,” will be Miss Joeia Melville's next starring vehicle. It follows a short revival of “bally” at the Royal, fiydney, its premiere taking place on June 28th. Mr George Highland ia burr rehearsincr the new show. Mr George Willoughby, an old favourite with theatregoers, is in the cast of ’‘Battling Butler,” which Hugh J. Ward i* presenting in Melbourne. Billy Bovis, the broad American with the straw hat, who was at Fullers' some months back, is now one of the comedians in F. Gale Wyer's Band. Box BeVue Company, which recently started on the Fuller circuit. Frank Perryn, who was in revue, is also with the company. Ronald Knight, of the Fuller circuit, is a fine lyrio tenor, wtih a very wide experience in Gilbert and Bulliyan, revue, and variety. He began liis stage career at the early age of nine, and made his first appearance. with Alberto Randegger in “Samson and Delilah.

CHARLES HACKETT “BEST TENOR SINCE CARUSO.” Mir Charles Haokett, the distinguished American tenor who is coining to New Zealand for a concert tour under the direction of H. J. Graves took, has had a meioorio rioe to popular fame in Europe during the last two years, although ho was (previously one of tho principal tenors at tho Metropolitan Opera House, New York: Francis Toye, the London critic, reviewing the tonz-Xv a ddbut at the Royal Albert Hall, London, says:—“At last a tenor of the first order has arrived in London. I never knew the name of Charles Haokett before, though ho singe, I am told, *at the opera in New York; hut I muet confoess that he is undoubtedly the best tenor I have hoard since 1914, and duo of tho bc«t tenors that I have over heard anywhere. Not 6inee Caruso sang at Oovont Garden has an interpretation of arias the Italian operas been so exquisite as his at tho Albert Hall the other day. Diction, phrasing, tonq-gradation, breath control, all were alike perfect. Add to this a lovely voice, amt an impression of oinking with the maximum of ease, conviction, and pleasure, and you will have some idea of one of the meet remarkable opcrntic singers that has ever appeared in London.” His mihsequent appearances in London at Convent Garden Theatre created an extraordinary furore, hir. urppearnnco as Rodolfo in “La Boheme” making a sensation that swept over musical Europe. . BRATZA. Despite his extreme youth, Brat.za, tho brilliant young Serbian violinist with HacUctt, has played at more concerts throughout England and tho Continent during tho past four years than any other violinist to-day. He is undoubtedly Uie most popular instrumentalist now appearing in England, and critics rank him with the greatest violinists of the day. The “London Daily Telegraph,” reviewing his farewell recital beioro leaving for Australia, said:—“Ho confirmed all our forißor high liopos ior his future and, indeed; established himself as one in the very front rank of violinists. The unaccompanied Bach Chaconne was played in a way which has never been surpassed within aho writer's memory.”

FILM GOSSIP Motion picture critics of daily newspapers, ns well as of the trade, are, ap- ' 1 parently, of one opinion in the matter of tlio best production of the year. At least every critic of importance has picked Warner Brothers’ super-feature, "Flaming Passions,” as one of the ten best pictures of th'e year, so far. Irene Rich, Monte Blue, and Norma Shearer share the honours in this Master picture. | Two more Preferred pictures just ! completed are “Tho First Year” and ■ “Tho Boomerang." They will be released in New Zealand as Master pictures. Wesley Barry is undoubtedly a favourite amongst Royalty. Recently the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York, paid a visit to tho New Gallery Cinema in London to see Barry in “Tho Printer’s Devil.” This is a pleasing evidence of tho Prince of Wales’s genuine interest in photoplays. Their Royal Highnesses (Expressed their appreciation of this Master picture to tile theatre manager. The next Master picture featuring Barry to bo released in New Zealand is “George Washington, Junior.” Hope Hampton gave a cheery little “Hello Dinner” at the Savoy, London, on her brief visit there after her honeymoon in Europe. It was very informal, and Miss Hampton, looking singularly pretty and animated, made a neat little speech and told one or two delighted stories. Unfortunately her visit to London was a short one, as she w-as hurrying book to the States to fulfil her stago engagement, which will allow her to emerge from screen silenoe and make use of her voice, whioh. is declared on good authority to be of quite exceptional quality. Hope Hampton’s next appearance in New Zealand will be in the leading part of “The Gold Diggers," the Master picture version of the popular play. All who missed seeing the great New Zealand production, “Venus of the South Seas,” made in Nelson, with Annette Kellerman, at tile Etmpress last week, will have another opportunity ot seeing it this week at the Strand Theatre. This opportunity should not be missed. Practically all the exterior scenes in “Queen of tho Moulin Rouge," a forth- . ooming Master picture, are night scenes, as the story is based on the night life of the gay Montmartre district of Paris. These scenes wVare actually photographed at night, and several batteries of Kleigs and Sunlight arcs had to be used. The terrific rays from these lights burned the eyes of the players, and they wero obliged to rest for some days. Directors and camera men guard against these powerful lights by wearing glasses, but this is out of the question for the players. Those who are really in the know in Los Angeles' have whispered the tip, “Watch for 'Broadway After Dark.'' This Master picture Introduces a new director in the person of Mona Bell. Another interesting feature ie that Adolphe Menjon, the latest and mo6t brilliant Btar in the screen world, plays the leading man. As quoted in Dr Potter’s "Materia Medica,” a work extensvely used in universities as a text book: ''lt is a scientific fact that the body, in and- of itself, has power to cure all its curable disorders." Pharus, the Egyptian, has been explaining at tho Liberty Theatre, Christchurch, how ailments of the nervous system can be cured. Pharus Is coming to Wellington soon. “The most handsome blonde on the screen” —that is Anna. Q. Nilsson, who will be seen shortly in “Broadway After Dark,” a Master picture. "A more stimulating photoplay than 'Diok Turpin’s Ride to York has not been made in this or any other, country,” writes the dramatio critlo in the London “Dally Bxpress." A mystery murder r as recently committed at the Warner Brother's West Coast studio. Rudolph Hanseon, a watchman, died in hospital to which he had been rushed after running from the studio shouting for help and collapsing in the arms of a paseer-bv. It is believed that thieves had broken into tho studio, and Hansson was shot in the execution of his duties. He died without revealing anything that might clear up the mystery. This year’s Oxford and Cambridge boat race Aim is now ready for screening in New Zealand The manager of the Playhouse Cinema, Cambridge, achieved a record by 60reenlng this splendid topical film five boure after the race. It was quite in aooordanoe with the soreen tradition of things that he should have raced recklessly to Cambridge from London on a 9-h.p. Belsdze Bradshaw so ns to get the preoious freight to his patrons in tho nick of time. This exciting boat race film will bo released in New Zealand as a Master picture. Nover has Richard Barthelmess had a role more dashing, more audacious or more fascinating than as the intrepid youth who draws sword for the honour of a woman and dares tbe might and fury of a tyrant, in "The Fighting Blade," showing all this week at the Empress. All the resources of an ambitious producer have been lavished on i the creation of this picture. Daring exploits, hairbreadth escapes, Beoret love affairs, and desperate combats are the thrilling ingredients of this romance of the Cromwellian era. Also screening is "One iStormy Orphan" with Bobby Dun and Helen Dale, a comedy that guarantees to Change the blues to red With A? 1 wLo prefer a real honest-to-good-ness story in preference to society dramas, and giant spectacular productions will thoroughly enjoy the programme at the Strand this week, which is screening “Scars of Jealousy' as its big feature. This story by Anthony Bud has everything from fighting stufi and thrilling adventure to a compelling romance. Lloyd Hughes and Marguerite de la Motto head the caste, and Thomas 11. Ince, the famous producer, has managed to invent some new thrills in this splendid Master picture. Also screening is “Venus of the South Seas,” the wonderful Annette Kellerman picture made in New Zoaland. . All tlio Settings in "Diok Turpin s Ride to York” wero actually taken on tho spots, as described in Harrison y insworth’s novel "Rookwood,” from which tho picture scenario was written. Tills Master picture will b© shown at the Finpress shortly. Clara Bow, tho eighteen-year-old filmerelte who appears in "Maytime,” a delightful Master picture, makes a practice of speaking over tho radio. When you ■oonio to think that she was reared for tho silent drama, this is what you might term versatility in one so young, too! A recent visitor to a famous New York beauty parlour thought sho must have found her way into a movie studio by mistake. There were well-known actress ©s at ©y©ry table, hut they were only thero on beauty bent. There was Betty Blythe, Florence Vidor, Carmel Myers, Ethel Shannon, Marguerite de la Motto and Barbara La Marr. What a chance a casting director would have had. The rest of the people were just plain, everyday society folk, who ' ere having a lovely timo watching tho beauties being made more beautiful. When Elinor Glyn met Charlie <'hnplin sho said, "Dear. dear, so this is Charlie Chaplin. Do you know, you don’t look nearly so funny as I thought you would." To which Charlie snapped right back. "Neither do vou." Elinor Glyn’s next story to appear on tho c,„-pen is “How to Educate a Wife,” a Master picture. Barbara La Marr, tho famous beauty and former dancer, who has been lately hailed by critics as tho coming star of the screen, plays the leading feminine rolo in "Tho Hero,” a Master picture to ho screened in Wellington very soon. The burglar who stole two. watulies from Marguerite do la Motto’s house, leaving much more valuable property, probably was so used to doing time, that lie could not mako his hands beTen Commandments,” tho pic- I turn referred to by Mr Tait, of Ibe Austrn- I lian Theatrical Company, in an inter- J

view with one of the 'Wellington dailies this week, it is interesting to note, arrived at the Paramount Exchange per s.s. Tahiti this week. It was reviewed Privately at the exchange. There is no loubt that it is the supreme achievement of the modern screen. In magnitude it the most ambitious effort of any modern producer. In theme it is of world appeal, dealing as it does with the Ten Commandments of Moses and their application to our modern system of living. The drying up of the Red Sea to let the fleeing Israelites pass through from the pursuing army of the Egyptians is one of the master feats of modern screen production and photography. The story has been produced for Paramount

9 by Cecil TDe Mille, and will 4>e released - in New Zealand some time late in 1924. r "Big Brother,” the long heralded Para--1 mount attraction, will be screened at the > Queen's Theatre this week. This picture, t it will be remembered, was presented by t epecial arrangement to the Kotary Club r and the Y.M.C.A. at a special screening. I It deals with the Big Brotherhood move- » ment in America, ana the central charac- ? ters are a New York gangster and a littlo - ragamuffin of the streets, the latter role > being played by Mickey Bennett, a juvei nile star who was born in Australia. The > story is one of regeneration, and i« perl haps the most dramatic and powerful j screen offering of its kind since “The : Miracle Man. • Tom Moore is cast as

the gangster who is reformed through the influence of the little boy to whom he becomes a Big Brother.