ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12039, 17 January 1925, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE Seymour Hicks and ellaline TERRISS :TO-NIG4IT. ; t IN “SLEEPING PARTNERS.” Although Mr Seymour Hicks, the eminent English actor, who will commence his Wellington season at His Majesty’s Theatre this evening, has generally (been associated in the public mind with comedy, musical or otherwise, he has actually made some of the greatest hits of his career in Shakespearean plays. One of England’s most sagacious critics, Mr Chance Newton, whose judgment of plays and players is regarded as almost" impeccable,', once said that Seymour Hicks’s Richard the Third was the finest reading of the role he had ever seen. At the other end of his'dramatic range is his Dicky, the crossing sweeper, in “Bluebell in Fairyland,” a charming play of his own, of Barriesque daintiness, which has for many years been a popular revival with London theatregoers. During his first and only New Zealand tour, which is undei t.h« auspices ot the new firm of Hugh J. Ward Theatres, Pty,., Ltd., ■Mr Hicks and liis, charming and accomplished wife. Miss Ellaline Terriss, will appear together in light comedies. The stars have elected to introduce themselves to the Wellington playgoing public in a double hill. “Sleeping Partners" and: “Scrooge.” “Scrooge,” which is to be produced as, a curtain-raiser, is, as readers of Dickens will . quickly guess, a stage adaptation of the author’s world-famous masterpiece, “Christmas. Carol. ’’ The story has heen shortened and otherwise adapted for the stage by the famous dramatist, Mr J. B. Buchstine, with considerable effect The acting of Mr Hicks as Scrooge is spoken of as being most vivid, and the scenes of Christmases ■ past and present, and to come, which turn such a blazing searchlight on the soul of the old miser, are said to be presented most realistically. The piece'will'be most completely staged. The second part the .bill will be devoted to “Sleeping -Partners,” a fast, moving French farce, which will provide a delightful contrast to “Scrooge.” It has . the distinction ■of revealing nothing untimely, being full oi surprises as to story and incident. This piece will serve to introduce Mios Ellaline. Terriss who will play the pqpt of “She-’ . The -scene ,of the play is a bachelor’s flat—the characteristic Parii sian philanderer, a charming wife, /an errant husband, and a discreet man servant. In this clever I play, says a Sydney critic, one must; admire the graoe and discretion with .which Miss Ellaline Terriss plays the wife, and the' humour with which Mr Hicks interprets the bachelor ■ whose blunder brings' the tactics.-of oyer a -year, to nothing. “Sleeping Partners” was first produced in London by Mr >Hioks at St. Martinis Theatre, where'it had a long run. The box . plan fo/ the season is now open at the Bristol.

"THE ENEMY SEX”

AT THE KING’S THEATRE. Betty Compson is one of the most i popular stars in the film world to-day,' I with a long list of successes ■ behind I tier to. support her reputation. In her latest picture, “The Enemy Sex,;’ shown at the Kingls Thetttre last night, she surpasses her former achievements, and makes ,it a vehicle for a veritable triumph. .. . ! The story relates how Dodo Baxter, a girl of unusual appeal and charm; comes to New York looking for' a car-’ eer. She finds, however, that it is far , more profitable to live by -capitalising' her appeal for men. She is invited to a chorus girl’s party, and there, because of her beauty, her charm and “different’ ’ manner, attracts »the attention ot most of the men. Garry Lindaibery, drinking, a -fortune away as fast as he can, has only-time for the wine, (but Judge Massingalo is singularly attracted by Dodo. She considers that it is a'real triumph to have attracted , a man of the standing of Massingale. The next day four of the men begin to' shower thefr attentions on Dodo;' but she is not interested in any except the Judge. Hex. happiness seems complete, but is Shattered when she finds that he is a married man. .Massingale tries to persuade hi| wife to • tree him. but ehp refuses."! 4 Thoroughly reckless. Dodo goes on a wild ride with Garry, who is almost blind drunk. Speeding at terrific pace, they narrowly avert an accident, and when, they, return Dodo promises to help Garry jto reform. But her efforts in this respect do not seem to meet with much success. She even; promises to marry him should he succeed. But Garry fails, and when Judge Massingale offers to desert - his wife and take Dodo with him she agrees. Just as she is-ready to go Garry arrives/at . her'flat, hopelessly and gloriously (drunk. He Lon the verge of. a breakdown; and ple'ads with Dodo to save him. Sacrificing herself, she refuses to go with Massingale, and stays to nurse Garry. She puts him on his feet, and makes'a man of him, and realises that hc.is the man she really loves. ■ The KirigV Select .Orchestra render? specially-selected music during, )he screening;

"WHY WORRY?’*

1 STRAND/THEATRE. - For those people who were not able to see Harold Lloyd in “Why Worrjr” during the first week of screening n Wellington have still an opportunity, this week to do sc at the Strand Theatre .where this , remarkable mirth provoking picture is being presented. Harold liloyd, everybody’s favourite, is to he teen-at the Strand in tfie greats est success of his film career A Lloyd possesses-a charm characteristic'of, no other actor, and wi(h a well, .chosen supporting, cast he is. at his hest and briehtest in this picture. ■ “Why'Worry” is an uproarious picture : the doings of Lloyd and his two companions can leave nobody unmoved. ISison a man as he, who takes the pari of Coloso; has never been seen acting I before. He stands Bft 9in. .Harold Llcyd appears as a rich young idler who, suffering from, various. imaginary complaints, decides to seek -the quiet seclusion of a tropical island. It ,is while on this island thnt ho meets with ihis experiences. Besides this super at. traction there is also screened a cap-' tivating society drama fentitled “Mine. ;to Keep.” It is a compeljing drama of j 'lovo and jealousy accompanied by numerous thrills. Included in the splendid programme are a comedy, - scenic, ! gazette and the continuance of the. serial, “The Purple Riders.” The music played by Harry Avery’s hand is by nq[ , means the least part of the programme' jwhich will be continued to-d«s and all | next week.

“SINGLE WIVES”

AT THE THEATRE DE LUXEABSORBING DRAMA. In the superbly staged and mounted photo-problem-play,' “Single Wives,” screened for the first time in Wellington at the Theatre De Luxe' last night, a veritable triumph is achieved by\ the principals the ever - beautiful and charming. Miss Corinne Griffiths*, and the popular Mr Milton Sills, whose undoubted histrionic powers were recently seen to \such great advantage in “The S'ea Hawk.” The striking, phrase. “Single Wives,”, which constitutes the title of the drains.' was coigned to_ describe those wives whose business-driven or pleasure-seeking husbands have forgotten the art of courtship, so far as their wives'are concerned, with. the'result that the women they-have sworn to love and cherish feel the lure of external attractions, and are . only too often sorely tempted to try and find elsewhere the love and companionship they need. Some yield to the temptatiop. with disastrous results to all concerned. Some put up a brave and prolonged fieht. only to he beaten in the end. Others, more fortunate, win out in the strife, and win back the allegiance of th'eir hhsbands. “Single Wives” tells in the story [of youthful beauty—of a girl, Betty Jordan, who found happiness in the romance of courtship, hut. by reason of her husband’s coldness and neglect, lost it in one -short'year of marriage: and interwoven with this storv is that of her mother, who. striving hard to maintain her footing for her daughter’s sake, is at length tragically overwhelmed, A happier fate, however, is in store for Betty: and the solution of her problem, leading up to a. most unexpected but satisfactory denouement, greatly delighted last night’s large, apd most appreciative audience. It js a picture that holds one fascinated, and the gradual unfolding of .the plot was watched with the keenest interest and enjoyment. The d:esses\are gorgeous, and the settings throughout are of/exceptional beauty, while -Miss Corinne' Griffiths and Mr Milton Sills are supported .by/a strong cast of such well-known screen favourites as Kathlyn Williams., Lou Tellegen, Henry B. Walthall, Phyllis Harvey; Phillips Smaliey, Jere Austin;, and John Patrick. The supporting films •include a very laughable comedy, and'a more than usually interesting Topical Budget, showing the arrival of the; All Black team in England, ; with, photographs of the individual players; and -Dean r (the All Blacks’ manager) in the act of making a speech. . Enthusiastic and long-con-tinued applause greeted the screening of these pictures ! of New Zealand’s world-famed footballers.* ' ’

The audience was also immensely, delighted with the overture submitted by the Orchestra De Luxe,-under the able directorship of Mr L. D. Austin—“ The .Old'.'Folks" at Home,’’ " an international transcription of the old song in the musical styles of -various countries. In this clever ' and charming novelty by Charles, J. Roberts, the ~;music of no less than: six nationalities—France, 'Scotland, Spain, Ireland," Italy, and- Hungary—is represented; and the result’ is a. most enjoyable melange of melody. . This most .attractive programme will , he: repeated at to-day’s*- matinee' and evening . performance and , nightly throughout the I coming' week. NEXT FRIDAY, “THE THIEF OF BAGBAD.” [/'.:/.. /..v: .v After being acclaimed a marvellous production in every' respect .by! cHtics m America and England, “The Thief of the stupendous feature produced 1 ,hy: Douglaa Fairbanks, has come to ‘ New Zealand, and wilt he screened at the D t b Luxe Theatre, : commencing ■ next Friday, •at , a , matinee.. '‘The .Thief of Bagdad” is-a mythical story, told amidst all the grandeur and allurement of the' East.»lt is; billed as holding for the spectator ■ a thousand and one delights full of magnificence and delightful'romance. 1 It abounds in • fantastic happenings, fanciful scenes,* and! extraordinary effects,' whch are a triumph of screen art: The cast in iitself is- most notable.' -In it’ practically every nationality in; the world is represented. .Douglas Fairbanks is the thief. Be-is supported by. Julanne Johnston, who was specially chosen from a troupe of aes- ' bhetio' dahoers for the role of. the' Prirfcoas.' Anna May Wong, the fascinating Chinese . actress, is seen as the Mongol slave. Snitz Edwards- plays the Evil Man, and Brandon Hurst; an Englishman, .the Caliph. The part of the Mongol Prince is taken by a Japane e actor named So Jin, while 'Alsatians, Germans. Frenchmen and Sioux Indians have different roles, . . For- scenes of the greatest beauty the film ia said to be unrivalled. : It is in fourteen roles, and .lasts for over two hours.

Matinees will be held daily, and 1 patrons are urged to book seats without delay as this picture is indeed the picture, of the year. A special musical score will he, played: by the orchestra De Luxe. . . ■ : The box plans are open ait Bristol Piano Do., Aitken’s Book Arcade, or seats may be reserved by ringing the theatre, ’phone-23-089.

“THE SOCIAL CODE"

AT tfHE QUEEN’S THEATRE. ' , “The Sooial Code,’ ’ which'*commenced a season at. the, Queen’s Theatre' last night, is a thrilling mystery drama of New York society, in which a murder, trigl forms the: key to a particularly enthralling story- Viola Dana is the star and she plays opposite Malcolm McGregor,' who gives a good portrayal of the. young scapegoat who suddenly finds himself between two fires. To save himself from certain execution, he must prove an alibi which [is going to affect the reputation of a woman he once carried on a flirtation with, and who is now a respectable society woman skid the wife of . the 'judge, as well- as the sister of-the girl he loves A. bundle of: old love letters is the-cause of all ,the trouble, for they fall into the hands .of an unscrupulous blackmailer. ; To regain them, the hoy, Dean Cardigan, visits his apartments, hut next morning the, blackmailer is found murdered. Of course, Cardigan is blamed; and he is, put on trial for murder. ’„His predica-’ nsent is certainly extreme>and a start;: ling series of events have .to be ■ gone through before his reputation is; cleared at the expense of.hie sweetheart’s. It would, of course, be hardly fair to-out-, line the final stages of the plot. Suffice it to sa.v that its working 5? hoth.origiI nal' and refreshing. . and .will. he. thor- | oughly enjoyed,hy uicturegoers. Tn sup-f inort, there is; a Universal" film. “Fasti | Steppers.” wlpch, is a .racy, story, of the: turf, intermingled with ■ the love of a I young “tout’’ and a dancer of the cabarets. There is also an excellent • Genitury comedy, “Golfmnnia.” as-well as an International News film.

GRANB OPERA HOUSE

J. O. WILLIAMSON ENTERTAINERS. THEY ENTERTAIN. The J. C. Williamson Entertainers new. at the Grand Opera House, fulfil their function—they entertain. - There is not a dull moment in the show and there. are many bright moments. Again last night a large, enthusiastic audience greeted the rise of the curtain on ■the Savoy Havana Band, and throughout the performance ‘applauded vigorously the vaudeville turns. I No ofie could be other than delighted with, the vigorous and tuneful strains of the Savoy Havana .Band, music which seems to get into the blood, and set hands and feet heating time to its j rhythmic lilt. \

In Bert Errol the company has a female impersonator worthy of the name. If one did not possess a programme it would be hard to recognise him as a woman at all. His character work is astonishing, and he knows how to introduce enough burlesque, to make his ■ turn both attractive and clever. “Cardini’s”' card manipulation was exceedingly mystifying, and manv of hi# turns are uncanny. He is a- star in this; particular firmament. Isolde and Alexis give an exceptionally brilliant dancing ■ display quite off the beaten track, including ballroom; eccentric and whirlwind items. They have: been specially ! engaged from the Iwon don. Hal Scott and Connie Graham are a delightful couple in sentiment and comedy, and their concluding duo and dance inevitably receives a gieat ovation’’. A comedienne of a high calibre if Marie Kendall, who gives three character studies which reveal in her a wonderful’ store of versatility and intimate knowledge of the characters. she so well portrayed. “In Bogey Villa,” is a compact edition of Maskelyne and' Devant with any amount of humour thrown-in, and haw Mr Hyrnack contrives;to shed so many ties, 'shirt sleeves, and Complete, changes in front of his audience lie himself only knows. His is- a wonderful performance, the like of which is new to Wellington, and leaves one cold at?, the thought of ordinary conjuring; ‘ The orchestra is a special feature of the programme and under the cqnductorsliip of Mr Arthur G. Forrest played excellent overtures and incidental pieces. This programme will be repeated nightly until next Saturday. .

EMPREBS THEATRE

“BABBITT,” AND MADAME AORAI Only such a master of characterisation as Sinclair ’ Lewis could have built up a “Babbitt,'’: typical of. the average business man of practical qxtenor,whose heart is young with dreams of romance. And'.it. is' this .story of “Babbitt,” in an. its realism and wistfulness, that was screened at the Empress Theatre for-the first time last night. -That'is. the' character that Willard Louis .portrays in the master picture “Babbitt.” -.Tie is bored.with his wife, Myra> . as::played by Mary Alden; tired of the constant quarrelling' of j his children; \feary of the colourless routine of his “real estate office. Blindly, be is seeking' the “something”' life is cheating him- of—until in .final revolt he. breaks the barriers and goes in search of romance, only to find that life is inexorable. ; “Babbitt” is something more, than a motion picture. It is a document of life —human, real, convincing. : , It is-the story of a man—plain, ordinary, average.; just such -9 man as every person: knows—his'wife and his one, great adventure in the land of romanoe.! At is not a spectacular film,' and itv.has.,no . hair-raising thrills.- B,ut. there’s ..laughter, drama, and heart-interest such ’as :you seldom see in any-.photoplay... It, is entertain - ment, such as any audience.must enjoy, be it young or old/large pr small. In addition: to .the splendid film dramaj patrons at the Empress were also regaled with..something out of the. ordinary in some spectacular dancing by Madame Aorta, a wonderfully clever and'finished artist, belonging to the Higher Art .Dancers’ -Company, of 'New York.. > /She dances with a grace and flair that'ie seldom seenin this country, while many' of the effects, obtained are entirely new. Particularly is 1 this so -in- the “Storifi Dance,” wbicli starts., off slowly and rhythmically in ajdaylight setting, then intensifies in action andexpression as the storm gathers, until a climax of absolute abandon- is attained. , The lighting effects are striking and effective in this scene, adding'greatly to its realism and appeal. Madame Aorai’s .dancing- and . “Babbitt” make an entertainment delightful and satisr tying- ", . ; The. programme will •• be repeated throughout the coming -week.

“THEL^EA HAWK”

NOW AT THE TIVOLI. The further. season of Frank Lloyd’s screen version ofi Sabatini’s “The. Sea Hawk” commenced yesterday at i the- Tivoli Theatfe. During the past few weeks the public has seen some remarkable films, but it is safe to sav that in no case , has any film gained more, genuine praise and approval than “The Sea Hawk.’-’ It is *. picture of real. merit with a story abounding, in action, sensation, and thrills, but withal, keeping within the bounds. of possibility and reason.' In addition to ‘"The Sea Hawk” there will also be screened the Universal Su-per-Jewel, which, by the way is a -Booth Tarkington story, entitled “The Flirt.” This gigantic programme will be shown twice diaily,' at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. -

“ROMANTIC INDIA”

LAST PRODUCTION TO-NIGHT J : 1 The last opportunity-of seeing Lowell Thomas’s great travelogue -is to-night. The longing to travel-in foreign ■ countries that seizes most people is inspired by the desire to, see with tireir own eyed countries-different 'to their/; own, about which they have heard'or read. The! majority are, unfortunately, -unable to gratify this n ’ the score of expense. The best, substitute is to visit a- travelogue entertainment; such as is now- being shown at,-the Town Hall. Colonel Pottinger, as guide/ conducts his audiences, on a tour 1 through .thousands of miles tif our-Indian Empire in) a manner which makes them feel -they are Actually participating in the wondrous scenes that are, depicted to them on-the screen. The.artistic merits .of the entertainment, .are superb,' and while the. audiences sit fascinated and entranced at the' various, scenes, they, nevertheless, dhtain a fund of amusement 2 from: the numerous humorousanecdotes interspersed in Colonel PptItinger’s brilliant story. Seats may he .booked at the Bristol, and afterwards at the Town Hall. ’FEone 757,