ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11932, 12 September 1924, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

BRILLIANT COMEDY “AREN’T WE ALL?” BEGINS. Heal comedy is a rarity nowadays when most dramatists crawl into a corner aud expound a pet idea. But in ‘'Aren’t We All?” the final *Van-bj’ugh-Boucicault production, the Williamson Company has given, us a play alive and up to the minute, full of 1 what Mr George Highland would. call slick dialogue, and only lacking in a touch of 'genius to be pronojinred firstrate. Frederick Lonsdale, mho wrote the play, set out to entertain and he entertains. Tho play is immensely amusing. It deals m a well-worn th-3-mo of a wifely quarrel and reconciliation; but it tskilfully avoids the idiotic misunderstanding so often imported into such a work by inferior playwrights, and it lets the audience see things happen. Willie Tatham and his wife, adoring each other are parted for some months. Willie is half crazed with anxiety abo-ub th«- wife from whom he has not heard for a whole fortnight: but he finds Kitty Lake alluring, and the moment that he elects to kiss her for the first time is tho moment that Margot Latham chooses to walk in at the door- on hc;r return from Egypt. From that moment the fat is in the fire. Useless for Willie to protest, his wife believes tho worst But Willie owns a father, Lord Gresham, fiftyfivtet, frolicsome and a*n> inveterate philanderer. Nor has tho old man lived his life for nothing. He knows what should be done and fate plays into his hands. Fate, in this instance, is in the guise of one Willocks, an Australian. He comes to London becking Margaret Spalding, a woman with whom ba fell in love in Egypt, and who ran away from him, why ho does not know. First Grenham and then Willio is positive that Margot was the woman; they cannot be sure because of two things, Margot’s quickness and the fact that Willocks is a gentleman. The battle of wits takes one piquant turn after another, and it is not until Willocks leaves Grenbam’s country house for London and Australia that the tangled skein is unravelled. When it is, not only* does reconciliation come, but Grenham finds himself mysteriously engaged to be married to Lady Frinton who had been about to give up hope of captrn* mg him. An entirely irresponsible and amusing play. “Aren’t We All?” needed but a touch of genius, jv was stated above, and perhaps that touch is provided by Mr Dion Boucicault. His Lord Grenham resembles none of his other work in tho slightest degree. The portrait of the old peer *till bravfiy fluttering has pennon in the lists o? chivalry, is perfectly painted Gne&iham, by every Ofay standards, should be a man objectionable to a degree. In Mr Bouev cault’e hands, in this enchanted world of comedy, he becomes like something out of Comgieve. He is entirely admirable, and his work is perfection. Miss Vanbrugh’s part in the latest play is smaller than most; but it is fine acting, with just that lightheartedness in which she is at her best. The part of Lady Frinton *ould hardly be better. Miss Janet Eitdes shows flashes' of Dinah in her Margot Latham, an adoiable maiden, doubtless; but one a trifle unbending; and Martin Walker has full play for his bad temper as her husband. Lesser parts well filled are those of the Rev. Ernest Lynton and has wife Angela, played by Reginald Wykoham and Miss Lena Halhdav r«9pectivtly. while E. Pirie Bush is Willocks, the Australian, Paul Longuet and Leonard Doogood two guests, Ethel Wellesley. Kitty Lake, the oause of all the trouble, and George Comynghaim a servant. “Aren’t Wo All?” will be repeated until Tuesday evening, and there will be a matinee to-morrow.

TIVOLI THEATRE DOUBLE STAB FEATURE. A big and popular innovathm) will begin at the Tivoli Theatre to-day, commencing at 2.30. Two massive double star pictures new to Wellington —both productions of 1924—wi1l be shown at special popular cates of admission, full' particulars of which will Ibe found in. the advertising column I After a long absence, during which she has been greatly missed, Clara Kimball Young has returned to the screen with pronounced success under the Metro Corporation. She will be seen, to-day and to-night and twice daily throughous next week in her splendid 7005 feet special, “Cordelia the Magnificent, ,J in which the favourite actress i<* supported by a brilliant oast of celebrities. The play is described as a ‘‘slashing co, besive story that gripe attention] and I enchains interest.’ ’ It features a mystery that has heen so cunningly contrived and so skilfully concealed by the author that the climax, which has to do with the exposure of a, nest of society blackmailers, comes in *inex pectod form with most startling results The second offering, also new to Wellington, will be winsome Mary Milea Mmter, supported by popular Tohr Bowers and a strong oast in the Bealart success. “South of Suva,” a five reels red-blooded romance of the Pacific Isles. An up-to-date gazette will :>cfc as a curtain-raiser to the . hief features. Such quantity with quality offerings at concession prices should attract big attendances. Box plans are at the Bristol. KIING’SMrHEATRE Sf *» TO-DAY’S CHANGE. The change of programme announced for the King’s Theatre this evening is an intriguing comedy drama, entitled “Wily Men Leave Home.” The cast is a partiealarly strong one, and is headed by such favourites as Lewis Stone, Helene Chadwick, and Mary Carr. The story tells of a business man who *s happily married to a very beautiful woman. All goes .well until he neglects bis wife for business. The wife naturally piqued, at first resigns herself to this state of affairs, but soon tires of it, and leaves home with women friends. The husband then becomes very lonely, and turns to a pretty stenographer for sympathy. He takes her to dinner, and all would have been well if his wife had not put in an unexpected appearance. A divorce follows, and the man marries his typiste. Fate decides, however. that it should be a marriage of but a few hours duration. After a surprising series of events the man finds himself united to his first wife. This picture will tell sweethearts and nowly- : weds how to find and hold love and romance. Every girl in love, every married woman, and every man should see this photoplay, and learn “Why Men Leave Home ** The supporting programme will be of the usual high standard, and will include a comedy and a gazette, while the incidental music will be played by the King’s Select Orchestra. There will be a matinee at 2.30 to-morrow. The box plan is at the Bristol*

CLEVER VAUDEVILLE BIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Tho excellent lnll of fare produced by Jim Gerald’s revue company, and a supporting list of first-class vaudeville items lias drawn packed houses to His Majesty’s all this week, and again last night a bumper attendance voted its enthusiasm in no uncertain manner. The latest revue presented by Jim Gerald is the best yet, and not once during its run does the humour lag. Movement and bright songs as well as extremely funny situations and V'ell arranged ballets make the show 'bright and entertaining. '“The Duration,” is its name, and the life of the army is shown true to type, at least as one with a spank of humour is likely to regard it. As Muggins, Jim Gerald is sublimely ridiculous, while Reg. Hawthorne seconds him as Private Fairy, whom, a comrade remarks, one “doesn’t know whether to kies or kill.” Again Mona Thomas distinguishes herself as Sister Goodheart. whilo Sophio Vivian and Essie Jennings ore prominent, and daintv Pollv McLaren trips it lightly, ably surrounded bv the Six Twinklers. The musical numbers, all are good, are interspersed, and serve to make the revue one of the best seen on the Fuller’s stage. Tho first portion of the programme is contributed to by a number of very capable artists, introduced by Reno’s inimitable Marimba Band. Alex. Regan, a most entertaining light comedian, is making his first appearance in Wellington, but immediately captured the attention and appreciation |Of the audience. A raconteur, with the easy, effortless stylo born or long experience coupled with native genius, James Stewart is an inexhaustible fund of wit and pleasantry, and it is with real regret that one realises has turn has corno to an end. The Erodo Boys, those astounding acrobatic violinists again received a well deserved ovation, while Cecil and Jenny Astloy produce some surprising effects on concertina and saxophone. EMPRESB THEATRE “THE MIDNIGHT ALARM.” Commencing with the change of programme to-day at the Empress is the Vitagraph production, “The Midnight Alarm.” No finer bit of work is said to have ever been done by any actress than that displayed by Alice Calhoun in the swift-moving photoplay. Whimsioallv charming as lost daughter of wealth, Miss Calhoun gives a characterisation that wins its way into the sympathetic hearts of spectators. “The Midnight Alarm” is a melodrama so rapid in its action, so tense in its scenes that frequently it is claimed the spectators will find themselves actually breathless. The story is one of a plotting business man, Silas Canringford, who slays his partner Thornton to obtain bis wealth. Mrs Thornton is driven to death before an onrushing train in trying to escape from Oarringford in an automobile. Susan, her daughter, is tossedi to safety and is picked up lost by Mrs Berg, who raises her as her own. Mr and Mrs Tilwell. her grandparents and Carring ■ ford keej> nip an intermittent search for the child, who is now known as Sparkle. Carringford learns she is alive and seeks to destroy evidenco of her identity so that she can’t claim the estate left to her. which on her death is to go to Carringford. Chaser, a lovable crook, played by Cullen Landis, and Harry nfestmore, a fire captain, impersonated by Percy Marmont, save the heroine after many daring adventures. The fire scenes are described as the best ever shown in any photoplay. Percy Marmont, Cullen Landis and Joseph Kilgour, wly» play “heavy,” earn great praise by their remarkable character interpretation. George Pierce is excellent as the hardened father, while Kittle Bradbury gives a pathetic touch as Mrs Tilwell. Maxime Elliot Hicks, plays the part of Aggie, crippled waif charmingly. An excellent supporting programme is promised, including an interesting News film and a comedy, “The Dogs of War,” an Our Gang release. Advance reports indicate that there are some soreamingly funny situations in this film. A speoial soore of incidental music will be played by the Empress orchestra under the direction of Mr M. Dixon. The hex plan is at the Bristol. QUEEN’S THEATRE “BLUFF,” A PARAMOUNT FEATURE Nine years ago when E. H. Calvert refused Agnes Ayres a job, she hurst into tears. They were real. Just recently when the same man refused Miss Ayres a job she registered sorrow for the camera, and then walked out of the scene shaking with reminiscent laughter. And the story is that Calvert was Director-General of the Essanay Studios in Chicago in the old days. Miss Ayres, then fighting hard for recognition, wanted to play a certain part in a picture, and was refused. Now Calvert is an actor, and in “Bluff,” a Sam Wood production for Paramount; he has the role of the head or a fashionable Fifth Avenue modiste shop. His role requires him to turn; down Miss Ayres, when she applies for a position as a designer. “Bluff,” in which Miss Ayres and Antonio Moreno are featured, opens at the Queen’s Theatre to-day. The supporting programme includes a fine Ohristis comedy, “Hold Everything,” the latest Burton Holmes Travelogue, and Paramount Topical Gazette. The Queen’s Grand Orchestra, under the direction of Mr A. H. Jerome, will provide a delightful programme of incidental music. Tho box plan is at the Bristol.