ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 12015, 18 December 1924, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE VAUDEVILLE AND REVUE. An excellent bill of variety turns, together with an amusing revue, is being presented at His Majesty’s Theatre this week. Entitled “The Night Club,” this week’s George Storey revue is well calculated to catch the popular fancy. The seenery, settings, and costuming are ambitiously conceived and excellently carried out, while the current of the piece proceeds on its merry way without a check. Humorous incidents are numerous, and as far as there exists any continuity, it lies in the search of a wealthy lady for an unkissed man, to whom she is prepared, when she finds him, to give five thousand pounds George Storey, in. the role of an excentric valet, plots to pose as one whose masculine lips have been unsullied hy a single' caress, and is on the very point of getting away with the deception—and with the money—when a handsome stranger walks calmly on and converts both to his own use. The musical numbers include some very attractive Bongs, these■being: “It’s Home to Me,” be Mark Erickson; “Key of My Cellar,” by Rich Butler and girls • “Dance ol the Maid,” solo hy Della Ray; “Piper of Love,” by Mabelle Morgan; “Keep ’Em Guessing,” hy Duloie Milner and firls; “Grannie’s Song at Twilight,” y Fred Monument; “Kissing,” by George Storey and f rank braining; “Evangeline,” hy Duloie Milner and Rich Butler; “I’m Tickled to Death I’m Single,” by George Storey, “Where the Lazy Daisies Grow,” by Rich Butler and girls. The vaudeville portion of the programme contained some first class turns, prominent amongst which is that of Cecile and Frank Eldred, a pair of English novelty performers. Alec Regan, the fashion plate light comedian, was as brilliant as ever in an entirely new repertoire of the t k’test English and American jazz speciSties. Harry Olaff and Winnie Wagner, who are making their last appearance this Week, introduced another of their popular song scenes, entitled “An Arabian Night,” while a new ventriloquial novelty was provided hy Walter Vernon, whose ' cleverness in this subtle art earned for him unstinted appreciation. Armitage and Hine, in a brisk song and patter turn conclud. ed the list. This programme will be repeated throughout the week and there wul be a special matinee on Saturday.

“THE O’BRIEN GIRL”

AT HIS MAJESTY’S ON BOXING NIGHT. 1 Great interest is being shown in, the production of that charming musical comedy “The O’Brien Girl,” at His Majesty’s Theatre on Boxing Day, December 26th, by Hugh J.. Ward’s Company of comedians. The boy plans are now open at the Bristol, and indications point to the hooking Clerks having an exciting time coping with the lush to secure seats. Few pro-' ductions have created: such a widespread interest as Mr Ward’s fascinating musical comedy. It is surprising tho number of people in Wellington who have seen “The O’Brien Girl” in one or other of the Australian centres. There is a snappy story to “The O’Brien Girl.” The action is laid in and Ground a smart summer hotel, and through the narrative runs a romance between Alice O’Brien (played hy Mamie Watson, a charming English actress), a former stenographer, and tho son of one of her employers! • The plot leads to several novel and very funny situations. The dressing is said to be exquisite, while haunting melodics, exhilarating dancing, and settings of rare beauty should make it an ideal attraction for the now era in the theatrical history of Wellington. The three , productions to be staged hero during the season of Hugh J. Ward’s Company of Comedians aTe t“Thbl O'Brien Girl,” “Little Nelly Kelly,” and “Tangerine,” and all are brought across from Australia in their entirety. There are many tons of electrical equipment and scenery, which, when erected, will give the stage of His Majesty’s Theatre the same appearance as those in Melbourne and Sydney. Wellington theatregoers arc assured that. not one dress or act will be omitted, from these productions. The management state that through-, out the whole of the plays there is not one joke or art that could be questioned, and the comedians rely on clean, wholesome humour. The box plans aro now open at the Bristol.

EMPRESB THEATRE

PARTICULARLY FINE PRO- , GRAMME. There is unusual merit in the programme at the Empress Theatre this week and it eolipses even the many fine bills featured at the popular house of entertain in the past. “Harbour Lights” is the film feature, which shows Tom Moore os the dashing navy lieutenant who dominates the story, and the men-o’-war scenes and the / rescues by the lifeboat- are thrilling in the extreme. but not more so than Tom Moore’s plunge of 125 feet into the sea to save the lady. There is a desperate struggle against the fury of the sterm. Perilous climbs down steep cliffs struggles ending in one of the fighters tumbling into an angry sea, and lifebeat rescues !n a fierce gale are stienuous scenes, and there is the attempt to persuade a beautiful girl into a distasteful marriage, who is subsequently thrown over the cliff. into the sea, hut is rescued by Tom. Toth Moore gives a delightful rendering of the jolly navy lieutenant. The remainder of the cast is exceptionally strong. The Campbell boys are deservedly described as the world’s greatest concertina duo. They began with selections from operas, followed by “The Lest Chord,” “Mr Shean, ’’ and a medley, and even then the audience wahied more. An imitation of church bells was delightfully given. They are an entertainment in themselves, and will he a great attraction for the coming wepk and to-day The supports are a Mack Scnnett comedy, a Canadian scenic picture showing animal life, and a Topical Budget.

A CHRISTMAS ATTRACTION

MURIEL STAR IN “EAST OP SUEZ!” The box plans for “East of Suez,” which is to be staged for the first time in New Zealand at the Grand Opera House on Friday, December 26th (Boxing Night) will'be opened at the Bristol i Piano Company on Monday morning 1 next. This is said to be a brilliant psychological study by Somerset , Maugham, full of dramatic mci- . dent, and set in gorgeous colouring. Muriel Starr is said to have scored her ; best triumph as “Daisy.” a beautiful , young Eurasian girl—half Chinese, half English, who finds out that East is , really East, and that East and West I cannot meet. Frank Harvey, as her i lover, has also scored one of his greati est successes, and these artists will be i ’’-'ported bv a particularly powerful I dramatic company.

DE LUXE THEATRE

“FOR SALE” FRIDAY’S CHANGE AT DE LUXE THEATRE. Telling the story of an American society girl who was virtually offered for sale to the highest bidder that her par. ents might continue to keep up their social pretence. “For Sale, the First National production which opens at the De Luxe on Friday,is without doubt one of the most impressive and colourful pictures of society life that have ever been shown in this city. The picture unfolds the story of Eleanor Bates, a beautiful society girl who agrees to be sold in marriage to save her parents from social oblivion. The part ot Eleanor Bates r. ideally suited to Claire Windsor, who handles her difficult role in a masterly fashion. Robert Ellis is equally well cast and gives an excellent performance, whilst Adolphe Menjou again is seen in a rolei in which he is much fit home. Other prominent players are Tully Marshall, Vera Reynolds, Jack Patrick, Phillips. Smalley, Mary Carr and Frank Elliott. “For Sale” is a scathing indictment of marriage customs in modern society, and shows striking scenes depicting the life in an ultra-fashionable New lork society set, and in Montmartre section of gay Paris. The story is taken from Earl Hudson’s famous novel, a novel that has been read by the millions. The supporting programme is an excellent one, what with a sparkling comedy, latest Topical News, and special music by the Orchestra Do Luxe, patrons are assured of an ideal entertainment. It can be said with confidence that the moment you place your fool on the threshold of this wonderful Theatre De Luxe you are in the finest theatre under the Southern Cross, and a sheer delight to, sit :n comfort and view pictures under ideal conditions. An announcement is made regarding Christmas night entertainment. The management intend having a programme befitting the day', scenic, travelogues and educational pictures will be screened in addition. Barton Ginger, the well-known elocutionist, will recite in costume several of Dickons works, besides the Lyric Quartette will eing special numbers, likewise choice tenor items from Herbert F. Wood, the well-known tenor, besides appropriate musical items by the Orchestra De Luxe under the conductorship of Mr L. D. Austin. . The box plans are at Bristol Piano Company, Aitken’s Book Arcade, or if more convenient, call or ring theatre, ’phone 23080.

KING’S THEATRE

“THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.” The final screening at the- Kind’s Theatre of the spectacular and realistic him' “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is announced by the management for this evening. Hugo’s matchless story of pre-revolu-tionary days in France is told with such dramatic force that the characters appear to live and breathe upon the screen. The storming of Notre Dame by the infuriated crowd to rescue the foster-daughter of the leader of the people makes one of the most vivid mob scenes imaginable. Equally realistic is the scene in which Quasimodo, the hunchback, drives off the besiegers with streams of molten lead. Through all runs the love story of Esmeralda, whose wondrous beauty attracts. the attention of good and bad men alike. Lon Chaney makes the character of Quasimodo stand out convincingly. Quasimodo, as Mr Chaney presents him, is a , grotesque monster, and yet' under "UJptfforbiddihg aspect succeeds in making the character very human. His daring poses on the projecting gargoyles of the cathedral; his hold descent of the facade of the great church; his hazardous swinging on the bells at the risk of his life; the gruesome scene of his castigation in the market place; and the pathos of his final act, as, dying, he rings his own-ddath-knell on his beloved bells, were all features which closely riveted the attention of the audience. There is an excellent supporting programme, and the King’s Select Orchestra plays some exquisite musical items. " _ » In addition, as a special attraction for all, there is an interesting film 'o,f the arrival of our new Governor-Gen-eral, Sir Charles Fergu9son. The photography is excellent, and scenes include the boarding of the Muritai, welcome by Mayor and Prime Minister, and scenes at the swearing-in ceremony. “THE LAST CKF THE DUANES.” Zane Grey week commences at the King’s Theatre to-morrow evening, there will also be special matinees daily from Saturday next. The numbers who have read Zane Grey’s .thrilling novel, ‘ The Last of the Duanes,” will welcome the William Fox screen version starring Tom Mix, the special attraction for celebration week. Those who have not had the pleasure of reading the book should take the opportunity the film offers to get a true glimpse of Texas in the old days. “The Last of the Duanes,” showing the passing of the last frontier, fits Max like a glove, for Tom is the typical frontier type. A series of thrilling incidents, including a deseprate 'battle by Tom against bandits, a kidnapping, the escane and pursuit, particularly the activities of the star, crowd one another with almost bewildering rapidity. Tomb horsemanship on the speedy, sure-foot-ed Tony will awaken a fine enthusiasm. Marian Nixon in the feminine lead 1 is sweetnes .itself. There will be an excellent supporting programme, and specially selected music will be rendered by the King’s Select Orchestra, under the conductorshiip of Mr A. H. Jerome. The box plan is now open at the Bristol Piano Co.

BEAUMONT SMITH’S MOVIE TESTS

TO-MORROW AT THE EMPRESS. To-morrow at the Empress' the first teats will be made on the stage of the theatre, under proper studio conditions, by Mr Beaumont Smith's chief producer, Mr L, •H. Nunn. There have been hundreds of applications for tests, and all likely peor>le will be given thorough try-outs. •' The producer will be in attendance to-day, from 2.30 to 4, interviewing aspirants. . .He announces that he has' some very striking adult types and some Sexceptionallv clever juveniles. Various scenes will be “Explained bv the producer to the artistes, and after rehearsing number of them in these the camera-man will photograph them. 'Hie best of these photographic tests will bo shown at the Empress the following week. Tests will be given at the afternoon and evening sessions rmlv. at 2.50 and 8 p.m. Beaumont Smith’s urcatest success, “Hullo, Ma.rmadujce ” will be shown during the week. This comedydrama has been acted hv film artists Mr Smith has discovered in Australia, and it features the well known and popular comedian, Claude Damoier, who is probably the most outstanding film artist Mr Smith has found. Supporting him are Lucille Lisle, Constance Graham, and Mayne Lynton.

“1924 REVEILLE”

LAST NIGHT TO-NIGHT. • To-night will 6ee the "final performance of the “1924 Reveille,” the popular amateur show afc the Opera Mousein aid of the R.S.A. funds. . Tbe Gov-ernor-General, Sir Charles Ferjgusson, and Lady Fergusson have signified tlieir intention of being, present tonight, when this brilliant performance will make a final bow. Again last evening a delighted audience voted its entire approval of this - excellently produced revue, whiob after a run of eight nights is still proving as great an attraction as ever. Many items, in addition to those already described in the “Times” have been added to the programme. Among them must -b« mentioned the dashing Russian baitet performed by a bevy of beautiful dancers. Miss Madge Wilson was heard to advantage in a “Character Study,” portraying different types of servants; Miss Joan Beere and her partner, Mr Jack Monriss, were seen in “Danse Vivant,” and later on in a “Danse Seen* in One, Act.” Florence Hevvorth and Joan Beere danced remarkably well in a danse' duo. Betty Bruges, Jaeomb, Esther Plimmer, and Ethel Barker ' appeared in the “Spanish Quartette,’*’ and Esther Plimmer was loudly applauded as solo dancer in the Spanish ballet. New song numbers were “Look for t-he Silver Lining,” by Mias E. Buckmaster and chorus “Hitch Your Wagon to a Sunbeam,” by L.’Wilson and ballet, “Beware of Chu CJliin Chow,” L. Wilson and ballet; “Have You Ever Seen. Ireland,” by M. Wilson; and other enjoyable selections. Intending patrons should book at the Bristol to-day, as .the seating accommodation will be taxed to the uttermost. His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Charles Ferguseon, and Lady Fergusson will attend the final performance of the 1924 “Reveille” Revue at the Operr House to-night (Thursday).