MATTERS THEATRICAL

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 12022, 27 December 1924, Page 10

MATTERS THEATRICAL

A LETTER FROM SYDNEY. FULLER-WARD ACTIVITIES. An esteemed correspondent write® from Sydney as pnder : Matters theatrical aro buzzing in Sydney just now. The Hugh J. Ward Theatres Fty., Ltd., will have, no less than seven -different companies operating over tho Christmas holidays. A somewhat big undertaking for n new firm. I say "new firm" because it has only been in operation for abodt two yours, and hahdlcupped as it is at present,' through tho lack of 'theatres in Sydney, speaks volumes for the thoroughness of tho organisation und energies of the principals, not only in matters of local organisation, but also overseas organisation. WORLD-WIDE iREfPRESENTATION. At tho-inception of the company, two principals, Sir Benjamin Fuller and Hugh J. Ward, made post haste to Landon and Now York to complete foundational arrangements in respect to over-sea-Tepr&fcntations ar.d facilities for the buying;, of .-plays and booking artists, which.. resulted in tire linking-up of the Hugh J. Ward Theatres Pty., Ltd., of

Australia, with Mr George M. Cohan and Mr Sam H. Harris, of the Harris Theatres of American, and Mr Robert Courtneidge, of Etngland, so that the matter of co-operation with overseas proprietors, authors and managers, as well as direct personal representation, is not new with the firm of Hugh J. Ward Theatre Pty., Ltd. Although the new firm didi not deem fit to make any great newspaper propaganda and publicity, the arrangement has been m operation for some considerable period and tho facilities aro such of not: only permitting the new firm of securing the world's premiere attractions and leading artists, but also the extending their theatre operations to America and England. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND FIRST CONSIDERATION.

BofoVe, however, the Hugh Ward theatres. become directly interested in the presentation of attractions overseas, tney must glve_ first consideration at Home to their productions in Australia and New Zealand. AYe are for Australia and New Zealand first, and all energies and knowledge will be devoted to our home attractions and publicity campaigns based on the results of the productions on their stage endoaVours in Sydney, Melbourne, and New Zealand. Sir Benjamin and Mr Ward are at present on a tour taking in Paris, Vienna and Rome, negotiating with theatre proprietors , authors and managers, with a viow to securing first refusal of Continental productions and novelties. NEW SYDNEY THEATRES. The two new theatres in the course of construction for the new firm in Sydney are well on the way and will be even more elaborate than the magnificent Princess and Palace Theatres in Melbourne, and the first of these theatres will be ready for Hugh Ward's Christinas attraction in 1925, Dur Sydney theatres will tueii synchronise with our present Melbourne theatres, permitting the management to present more varied classes of entertainment, which entertainments would in turn, find their way to New Zealand. CHRISTMAS 1924 ATTRACTIONS. _Dver 90 people connected with the Hugh Ward New Zealand attractions will leava Sydney this week for New Zealand. Mr Seymour Hicks, Miss Ellaline Terriss and company proceed to Dunedin, where they,open at His Majesty's Theatre on Friday, December 26th, while the International Company of Comedians -will make thoir first appearance in New Zealand at His Majesty’s Theatre, Wcllinfifton, oh December 26th, the first presentation being George M. Cohan's great dancihg.ehow, "The O'Brien Girl" Hugh Ward's third production is Miss Dorothy Brunton and the Charles, Hes- <^ m P aji y in Rise of Rosie O Reilly," who will appear at the Grand Opera Houee, Sydney, on December 20th. There will b©i "The Bunyip" Pantomime at the Hippodrome, Sydney. * ‘Mother Goose" Pantomime at the Majesty Theatre, Sydney. *‘Cinderella" Pantemime at tho Princess Theatre, Melboure. The Midnight Frolics at the Palace Theatre, Melbourne.

NEW THEATRE FOR CHRISTCHURCH, N.Z. One of the governing directors of the Hugh J. Ward Theatres, Pty., Ltd.,-Ful-cml^6 Theatres, Ltd.* and, John Fuller and Bone—Mr John Fuller— is at present in Melbourne supervising Melbourne attracHone, andl ?s duo to leave Melbourne at P® end of Inis month, when ho proceeds to New Zealand to personally supervise the NOw Zealand productions of the new firm and to finalise arrangements in connection with- the building of a new thea- ™ in Ohristc&ujeh on the site of the (Old Coliseum. Mr Fuller will then vioit all four main contras in connection with future visits of tho Hugh J. Ward attractions.

WILLIAMSON’S ENTERs TAINERS

SUPER-VAUDEVILLE AT GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

The next big theatrical attraction is super-vaudeville, presented by arrangement with J. C. Williamson, Ltd., openinff %l an d Opera House on JanuThe company includes Bert Ralton s famous Havana Band, from the Savoy Hotel, London. Bert Erroll, direct London, in modes and fancies of and his dancing partier, Ray Hart- , Mr Hymack present© "At Becuy Villa, a laughing mystery. Cardini deals a full hand of mystifying card manipulations; Marie Nendall, whose namo ts as dear to the English publio as was Marie Lloyd, ie o versatile comeoienne. Hal Scott and Connie Graham present' The Adventures of Sam and Liz, and Bolde and Alexis are Russian whirlwind dancers from the Coliseum London. ’

Bert Ralton and his famous "Havana Band, direct from the Savoy Hotel, London, head the company of SuperVaudeville (by- arrangement with J. O. Williamson, Ltd.). This hand is the worid s most popular "Jazz" organisation, and there are few homes that have not a numbor oi "Havana Band" records on the gramophone: for it ie easily the most reproduced per this method in the world. The band is also tho favourite dance band of tho Prince of Wales. The "Efra," London, says: "Tho Savoy Havana Band ;« an previous occasions at tile Coliseum, took the anuionc© by storm with its musical qualities and syncopated melodies. B. L. Ralton, evor smiling, versatile, playing, sinking, dancing, whistling, captured all hearts and . received tm ovation both for himself and his wonderful band. The-ir repertoire is. extensive and cheerful in its selection." Bert Erroll, the famous female impersonator (J. C. WilHnm&on's vaudeville), has his earlier experiences with Adder and Sutton’s Pierrots at Douglas, Isle of Man, and it was while -performing there that lie had his life’s romance. Hay Hartley, who addr, to the attractiveness of his oho*w with his dainty dancing, is Mr Errol’s wife, and, hv tho way, a sister of Miss Jennie Ilnrtley. Miss Hartley wfts staying on tho island with uomo professional friends, and was invited to go down to the Derby Castle to hear a "girl with a gorgeous voice." She accepted the invitation and waa enraptured with the singing of tho charming Indy, who camo on wearing a wonderful gown. When Bert, who did not then indulge in any comedy buniness, pulled off his wig and revealed himcclf as a momher of tho sterner sex, it gnv© her quite a shock. Afterwards they met and' married. Now they aro making their first visit to the Antipodes and their West End show promises to be a riot. FILM NOTES The success of "The Ten Commandments," I'arnmaun tV. great picture in Nov/ Zealand to date, is unparalleled in tho history of entertainments in tho Southern Hemisphere. A two week’s season in Wellington resulted in packod house:* every - night at the Do Luxo Theatre, crowds being turned away up till the very last night. Tho picture is now screening in Auckland, and is in its fourth week, and still drawing phenomenal crowds. The reception accorded this firm is not only roasurring for the futuro of the moving picture, hut it goes to show that movio public is as enthusiastic hs evor in regard to really good pictures. With the quality of tho material that is promised for the coming

year, with such productions as "Monsieur Beaucaire," “Peter Pan,” "Wanderer of the Wasteland," and "Scaramouohe,” it is anticipated! that the desire for pictures will he greater than ever. Film -production. -nlork i|n the Paramount's studios are- at top speed, and this organisation has assembled the greatest array of talent and brains in the making of their product that could be possibly gathered together, and the public is not going to to disappointed with this output of at least one production in the future.

The group of pictures now known as ■'Paramount's Famous Forty” will be released in 1925, and will be screened'in all the leading theatres in Nfew, Zealand (and for that matter all the leading theatres in .the world). In assembling material and talent for this group, Para-, mount have racked the production filed of all the most brilliant talent that there was to be had. Concerhed in the production of some of these pictures, such men as Zano Gfrey, "Wanderer of the Wasteland," "The Border Legion"’ etc:, lames M. Barrie has chosen Paramount as the medium for the filming of his play "Peter Pan," now in the course of filming. "Monsieur Beaucaire,” featuring Rodolph Valentino, is being produced by Paramount from Booth Takington’s story, "The Sideshow of Life." is from William J. Locko's story, “The Mountebank" j James Oliver Curwood’s story, "The Alaskan," featuring Thomas Meighan. The story, “Argentine Love,” is adapted from Vicente Blasco Ibanez "North of 26," was written by Emerson Hough, author of “The Covered Wagon." in regard to stars and producers the talent of such people as Cecil B. Bo Mille, Bebe Daniels, Richard Dix, Pola Negri, Rodolph Valentino, all three famous names -will loom largely in the talentele of Paramount's Famous Forty. Through the assistance of French Government officials and museums, many of the existing articles are of dress, jewellery and properties of Napoleon BonaEarto, Empress Josephine and Maire ouise, nro being used in "Madame Sans Gene,” which Gloria Swanson is now producing for Paramount in Paris. "Monsieur Be.aucaire," which has been brought to the screen ,by Paramount from the success of Booth Tarkiugton, will be released in New Zealand at an early date. • Rodolph Valentino plays tho leading role, and if the wholo of filmdom had been searched no totter typo could have been found to portray the role of tho fighting gallant young French Court of Louis VX. Bebe Daniels, Lois Wilson and Doris Kenyon ore the other leading players. "Wandorer of tho Wasteland," from tho story of the same name by Zane Grey, produced by Paramount, has been executed in solom- by a similar process that was used for the prologue work in "The Ten Commandments.” So vivid is the colour s that the skin cah bo seen pealing oft from the players who were working in the hot sun.' The film version of the play, "Captain Applejack," is entitled 'Strangers of the night," and is being screened in New Zealand at present. In bringing this play to tho screen Fred Niblo, the noted producer, has made one of the fin&st stage adaptions that we liavo seen for sometime. The cn«t include* Enid Bonnett, Barbara La Marr, Matt Moore, and Robert McTvim. "The Ten Commandments.” Paramount's great film at present showing to record houses in Auckland. It is in its fourth week in fchis city, and it is anticipated that it will have a very long run, there. "Changing Husbands,” a Paramount release with Leatvice Jo.v (star of ' The Ten Commandments”), is said to to one of the most uproaringly funny stories that has come to the screen in the age. It deals with the domestic complications that ensue when an actress and a wife change their identities. "Triumph,” Cecil B. BeMille’s production since “The Ten Commandments,” contains practically the same cast ns in the forerunner. Leatrice Joy, Rod La Hocque, Charles Ogle, all prominent players in "The Ten Commandments,” hnvo the lend in “Triumph." Paramount’s Famous Forty will include a number c £ Pola Negri pictures, “Lily of tho Dust,” “Forbidden Paradise,” uid "A Woman Scorned." Gloria Swanson will feature a great deal in Paramount pictures for the doming year. Included in her offerings nro “Manhandled.” “Wages of Virture," nrd "Her Love Story.” The next offering for Paramount by Gloria Swanson will be “Manhandled," Miss Swanson hero essays the role if -a young girl, who. like some of the goods that she is handling, becomes a Title soiled in the process of learning the rays of men. It is a timely story, and <no that will have a very significant meaning to the modern young woman of' this jaar. age.

llovo you ever read a story or seen a picture that made you laugh* and at the same time brought tears to your eyes?

"Captain January,” Baby Peggy's first big drain a at the Ktnpress this week, is one of these. Heart interest abounds in it from start to finish. Baby Peggy is your child or your sister’s or you brother's ohild, because she is the child you love. the youngster who is not too good to keep out of mischief and not too bad to weaken yur love for her. Irene Rich and Hobart Boeworth head the gapporting cast. A'.merry Mack Bennett comedy, ''Flip Flops,” and an interesting scenic, "Out of the Woods," together with the latest topical budget compete this excellent programme at the Empress. -

Seldom is the photoplay patron offered so milch of eye-appealing beauty, combined with so much of real heart-inter-est, as in "Destiny’s Isle," screening at the Strand this week, a romantic society drama unfolding a moving story, holding the interest at every turn and set in the beautiful background of Miami, the playground Of tho fashionable world. Its Situations are logical; its continuity smooth; its characters human and read, and . their portrayals natural. Added to this, the beauty of its women, the glamour of its background and the brilliance of ite photograuhy, make of this production an- entertainment of distinct charm. Also Screening is Harold Lloyd’s finest comedy, ."Dr. Jaok," a first-rate comedy and scenic, and the latest topical budget.

Baby Peggy just runs away with the honours- in her newest Master picture, "Captain January," adapted from Laura E. Richaixl's story. For the first time she hds been given the right environment for her ability. This big little star slips into this well-loved story of the old lighthouse keeper and hie adopted daughter, and stays within bounds from start to finish.

Menjou has a fashion of looking sidelong at a woman. the while his eyebrows go up and hie eyelids down, and his lips, beneath a perfetly proportioned moustache, move into a cynical smile. His look says: "Woman, I know you. I know every little trick you have in your cabinet, and can match it was a smarter one." He plays the part of the ivealthv man about town in “Broadway After Dark;’’ a Master picture. as she is at present, on the crest of the wave, Anna Q. Nilsson is tho embodiment of the successful actress. There Is no pose about her, hut there is a well-carried poise, a commingling of complacency and confidence. She has reached tho point where producers must big against each other for her services; she is a box office name; books are read with her in mind as tho possible star. She appears next in "Broadway After Dark.

At present Rin-tln-tin, the star In Find Your Man," Is on tour, making personal appearances. One of his greatest tricks is jumping a twelve font fence. After much hard work and, no little delay due to bad weather, "Squibs* Honeymoon," tho logical Conclusion to the series of "Swtiibs" pictures has been completed. Everybody loved Squibs, as portrayed by Betty. Balfour, and everybody will be sorry to lose her; but. after all, ahe was a merry maid, whose decision to retire into serious domesticity deserves to be respected. The French scenes, embracing an itinerary of Calais, Boulogne, Paris and the neighbourhood of Montmorency, In particular, are interesting. "Being Respectable.” the Master picture version of the book by Grace Flandrnu, is a powerful photo-drama, revealing the passions which often flame bcnenth the surface of cnsunl conventional people. The stars, Marie Provost and Montq Blue, arc fast becoming the "screen team of to-day,” and. in these days of freelancing, no two players are associated in more than one picture, whereas Monte Blue and Marie Provost are now at work on their fifth picture together. ; In "How to Educate a Wife,” Elinor Glyn’s story, the characters are just everyday people whose problems are our problems, and the author's witty ideas on the intriguing subject of ninrned life provido morry, mirthful, entertainment. It is quite, a jump from cx-diving beauty, to one of tho most famous characters in fiction, but Marie Provost is about to make thnt leap. She has been chosen to play Camille in the Warner Brothers' "I.over of Camille." Undoubtedly the great charm nnd appeal of “Babbitt" is in its brilliantly achieved domestic scenes, and in the inspired nnturalism of Wllard Louis’s portrayal of the title role. The romantic entanglements share tho honours, however. nnd we get fascinating glimpses of Carmel Myers, ns Tanls Judiquo, luring Babbitt from his wife with beautiful clothes and eyes and deceptions, anrl the gay love affair of Hoodore nnd Eunice. Thousands of noum’s worth of ait treasures will bo seen in “The Man from Brodnuy’s,” including tnnestries. famous paintings and other works of art. (in-., of the finest art soecimcns is a priceless Gobelin tapestry, which mis mode -n the fifteenth century. Genuine painting? by floret and Whistler, and several beautiful statues are also in tho film. Warren

Kerrigan beads the cast, playing tht title role, and is supported by Alice Calhoun, Miss Dupont. Wanda Hawley,. Pat O’Malley and' Kathleen Key. A romantic love story set amid , a background of Canadian forests with plenty of thrills anfl humour intermingled, call be fonitd in "The Critioal Age," an adaptation of Ralph Connor’s well-knowi 1, "Glengarry School Days." The Sneer took Jus company from lies t up to the upper, reaches of the Ottawa river upon the exact locality in Mr Connor’s novel. Baby Peggy was asked if she would like to see lUn-tin-tin, tho famous dbg; and she inquired-if it Were a Henry Ford production." .- , Sir OsWald- Stoll recently read a psper on "Cinema and Education" at a meeting of the Cambridge Undergraduates' Cinema Club. Coming events cast -their shadows before them, and the industry may yet have its chair and professor at one of the ’Varsities!

Why doesn't tho .French Government send an invitation to Ben Torpin to portray Louis XI., or m he wasiatmliftrly known apioog his courtiers, “Xonie the Cross Eye." \ An argumentative subject is givaa a visual hearing in "This Freedom/* and it may be called a first-rate picture. -It carries out its author's theories to the dot. A. S. 11. Hutchinson has not written another "If Winter Comes/* In the first place it doesn't present any such idealistic figure as Mart Sabre. ' However, once its characters are all introduced, it swings into !•« main argument and finishes with a strrntf clmax THE GRAMOPHONE ABOUT the machine. The playful critic in "The Musica Times" becomes almost horribly practi cal:— At concerts (he soys) we applaud because the rest applaud, or because the performer is- pretty or handsome, or has a pleasing manner. When we listen wo have no such red-herrings. The singer has got to be a ringer. A few years, ago I heard (or rather saw) a fascinating noprano nt Queen’* Hoi!. She had a big name (thanks to her success in musical comedy, a sphere to which she has returned. I am fftad to say), a charming face, a dressmaker beyond rubied, a poorish voice, with an effort for every top-note (there were lots), and she ftang nominally in Er.'flish. but actually in cn unknown tongue. The audience came, eaw, tir.cl was conquered. But if tlii* young woman ever sings from tht British Broadcasting Comoacr’s studio I am sure the majority of scribors will soon say, “Grn't hear I word ! Don't think much of her voice! Switch off. and save the juice!" And switched off she will be. with no pretty face and beguiling manner to help he: out/* . And this drastic method of appratso ment, it is added, "will come into forc< with others —acrobatic pianists, swaying violinists, and others." In short, the wireless is cutting out "personality." end fixing attention on the music. This ii all to the* good. The 8.8.0. is sending good music into thousands of homes whore it hnd never been heard, or per* hop thought of. before, nnd necessarily is sending ia addition to it a considerable quantity of other niuric which should at least have the advantage of set*ir»" tip valuable contrasts— if listener*, in will listen, and not switch off immediately what they dislike or do net understand. Gramophone onthu«irtfet« micnt make a habit of securing copies of the monthly catalogues issued by the recording companies. Those issued by the leading companies aro cTcecdinslr well annotated, and worth clipping for a reference scrapbook. methodically indexed. Making due allowances for the flattering references to the achievement of the recording ,oom there still remains much useful information concerning composers and their works, and if w,u desire to participate intelligently in discussion* on gramophone music '-ou ought to take steps to inform rnnraelf.