EMPRESS THEATRE

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11980, 7 November 1924, Page 3

EMPRESS THEATRE

TO-DAY’S CHANGE. When “Daddies” is produced at the Empress Theatre to-day patrons will have an opportunity to see one of the best screen offerings of the season. This is a pictnrisation of the David Belasoo stage success that had such a long and successful run in the New York and Chicago theatres. It is a delightful comedy-drama, redolent with pathos and heart appeal, presented by a splendid cast. It is another of the Warner ‘Brothers screen classics. -In the cast of “Daddies” they will see such well-known screen favourites as Mae Marsh, Harry Myers, Claire Adams, Oraufnrd Kent, Claude Gillingwater, Millie Davenport and others. Bachelor life, single blessedness, call it what you like, furnishes the motive power for “Daddies.” It is the story of five Yale men who, while yet in college, form a bachelor’s club. Each agrees not to . marry unless he first pays a five-thousand dollar resignation fee to the club. The story opens with the annual club bauquet. A suggestion is adopted at this banquet which, unbeknown to the members, signs the club’s death warrant. Each member of the dub agrees to adopt a war orphan. Later one member finds out his '‘orphan” is a beautiful girl seventeen years old. Another finds his “orphan” to be triplets. Hen the bachelors each learn that adopting orphans is an easy matter but looking after them is a much different thing. Then follows a story of absorbing heart interest, and the ending is a most satisfactory one. The supporting programme includes a Mermaid comedy and educational subject, and the Empress News film The Empress Symphony Orchestra, under Mr M. Dixon, adds to the programme with a choice Belection ttf music. The box plan is at the Bristol till 5.30, then at the theatre ’phone 3412. THE QUEEN’S “THE GUILTY ONE.” “The Guilty One,” a new Paramount picture, featuring Agnes Ayres, opens at the Queen’s Theatre to-day. It’s a neat little programme picture, interesting, and well done—a Joseph Henabery production, adapted from the stage play of the same name.

Miss Ayres has the role of Irene Short, wife of an unusually, successful young architect. The husband’s efforts, to achieve still further recognition cause him to neglect his charming wife. The girl accepts the situation, and tries to make the best of things. Unable to get Donald away from his work, .Irene, always accompanied by her brother, Philip, seeks diversion with some friends—and then she meets Seaton Davies, a wealthy, middle-aged bachelor, who poses as a patron of arts, and who, because of such connections, appeals to Irene as a man who could do. much to help her husband. Unlucky for all concerned, however, Gotham a blackmailing publication, gets wind of the affair, and through, its columns informs the husband of a proposed meeting between' the two, advising him to make use of his talent as a draughtsman and change his wife’s plans. This brings both husband and brother down on top of Davies in short order-—and things begin to happen. Davies is found murdered, and there is conclusive evidence ; that Donald Short and Phillip were at his home on the fatal night. It looks like the chair for one of them, but which one? There’s- a unique climax that brings out the innocence of the accused men.

TOWN HALL Y.M.O.A. NAUTICAL CARNIVAL. The atmosphere created and the individual items of the programmes, especially in the evenings, have helped to make the YJM.C.A’s appeals for funds through the Nautical Carnival at the Town Hall a very popular and successful venture. A particularly good programme was produced last evening, including a repetition of the slave ship spectacular scene, the dancing girls being Misses . Evelyn Wright Phyllis'Cole, and Liardet, pupils of the Knowsley Studios. Another very fine tableau was “Nelson at the Court of Naples.” An’ “angel picture,” “Angels Ever Bright and; Fair,” was most successfully presented. Miss Ward’s sailor’s hornpipe was acceptable to the audience, and throughout the evening the fun .was kept moving heartily by the association’s three comedians, Messrs Dunn, Warner, and Buck. The gymnastic and other displays were alike very well reoeived. Several new items are announced for this evening, and by request the tableau, “At tiie Court of tne Pharaohs,” will be repeated, “the Eastern dance to be done by Miss Myers, a pupil bf MSes O’Brien. A new tableau, depicting the life and characteristics of our own Dominion, is another of the chief) items of the new programme. Yet another novelty display will be “The Girl Marines.” This afternoon Mr Reg. Stephens, ex-chief -stoker oi H.M.A.S. Australia, will give a halfhour’s talk on “The British Navy in War Time." Each evening a programme of instrumental music, in addition to the vocal numbers, solos, and choruses, is given.

RES CRSSS SOCIETY CONCERT Before a large and appreciative audience a concert, promoted in connection with the forthcoming International Red Cross fair, was held at Moore’s Hall, Johnsonville, on Tuesday evening. Many artists journeyed from Wellington to help the Red Cross cause and combined -with Johnsonville talent. rendered an excellent programme, those contributing being: —Mesdames McDonald and Berry, pianoforte duet: Mrs Guy Harding, violin solo; vocal items were rendered by Mrs O. Berry, Miss Power, Miss McDavitt. Mr Peter Isbister, of Johnsonville, was heard to advantage in Scottish songs The Aeolian Quartette (Messrs Mayall, Coe, Church and Hall) pleasantly rendered a number of part songs. Mies Marjorie Newport delighted the audience in a fancy operatic dance, as did Master Ken Hill in song and clog dance. Master George Power gave humorous recitations, for which he was recalled. A one-act play entitled “History Repeats Itself,” was staged by Mr and Mrs Leonard Power, who, throughout had the audience in a simmer of mirth. Mrs ML S. Galloway acted as accompanist. During the performance Dr. E. M. L. Morgan took the opportunity to thank Mrs Kloane and the enthusiastic body of workers she had gathered around her for promoting and carrying through the function; Mr Moore for the use of the hall gratuitously, and the people of Johnsonville for the support they had shown; he also took opportunity to briefly outline the society 's work.