ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12093, 21 March 1925, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

N.Z. ENTERTAINERS, LTD. HIGH-CLASS VAUDEVILLE TO-NIGHT. A great deal more than ordinary interest is being manifested in the appearance of the J, C. Williamson company of vaudeville entertainers at the Grand Opera House this evening. The combination is probably the cleverest and most versatile that the J. C. Williamson Company has ever brought to the Dominion. There is a great variety of high, standard offerings. One of the first thrills in the big entertainment is the amazing performance of The Daros, a man and a maid, whose feats of balancing and capering with and on a tall, 'narrow ladder, which rests on the strong man's head, can only be described as astounding. Their incidental talk is bright and clever. One of the principal turns in the varied programme is provided by three coloured gentlemen under the name of the Versatile Three, who give a great exhibition of harmony and. jazz. The sheer joyousness of the trio is infectious, and the piano, banjo, and saxophone are Used in turn in the delightful programme, of solos and concerted items given. A very artistic sketch is given by Miss Ethel Newman, while the attractive singing of Miss Violet Lester, a ‘dual voiced lady, and the finished dancing of Air Jack Hooker and Miss Dorothy SeaSvard carry the house by storm. Then there is the wonderful Felovis, whose performances with all sorte of hats, sticks, and a host of breakable articles, including a tall lamp, are flawlese. One of the greatest novelties is that given by the Four Ortons. One of the company at the same time provides a merry burlesque with the aid of a trained goose. A splendid orchestra provides the musical portion of the programme, under Mr A. G. Frost and altogether it will be generally admitted in Wellington that the J. C. Williamson Company is giving New Zealand something quite out of tho ordinary in clean and classy vaudeville. The box plans for to-night are at the Bristol till noon, afterwards at the Grand Opera House confectionary when day sale tickets are also obtainable. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE HIGH-CLASS VAUDEVILLE. Among, and first on the hill board of the performers and entertainers who have been making the vaudeville such a delightful show at His Majesty’s this week, are the infant prodigies, “The Eleven Wonders.” Their contributions to the programme are of the highest standard. These Pan-like _ children sing well, while their acrobatic dancing and tumbling, together with the spectacular living pyramids, send thrills through the audiences. The simultaneous dancers and birth makers, the Mullaney Brothers, greatly appeal to the audience. Among those who score heavily are Frank Perryn and Maxwell Carew. Both these artists sing perfectly, and are not without their numerous dittie9. Niblo and Doris, the old favourites, have been amusing the crowd nightly, and it is to be hoped that they will be on the bill next week. The second part of the - programme is devoted to George Storey’s revue entitled “The Men in Possession.” George Storey himself figures in most mirth-provoking fashion'as a charwoman and as a bank manager; Mabelle Aforgan, Dulcie Milner, Ada Scadden, Fred Monument, and Frank Haining also contribute greatly to the success of the revue. There is good music m the revue, which is right, and breezy, and has lots of snap. Among the best items are “Loving 01’ Moon” (Rich 1 Butler and girls), “Old Fashioned Town” (Mark Erickson), “Any Time I Any Place!” (Dulcie Milner and Rich Butler), “I’m Monty” (Frank Haining), “Lolita” (Mabelle Morgan), “Every Day is Somebody’s Birthday” (Dulcie Milner and girls). “Good Night” (Ada Scadden and girls), burlesque dance (Frank Haining and George Storey), “Ould County Down” (Fred Monument), and Mark Erickson also sings an All Black ditty successfully. George Storey has good support from his company, all of whom perform well, while the Delectable Six are as charming as ever. There will be a special matinee this afternoon, and,a change- of programme on Monday;

TIVOLI THEATRE ALL BLACKS’ RETURN: DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME. The bill at the Tivoli Theatre, which opened last night, is one that should he a particularly strong attraction, not only to picture fans, but to those devoted enthusiasts of Rugby whose heroivorship of the All Blacks is at its height. Those who were privileged to see the famous team land at Pipitea wharf, the triumphal reception accorded them, by Government and civic authorities, tho spontaneous welcome of the crowds with all the accompanying excitement, will long remember this historic occasion. But thousands were only afforded a brief glimpse of events that day, and ft is welUthat such a splendid film as that shown last night will be a permanent record of e,n event that will go down m history. The words of the song, “Oh, Those Old Familiar Faces, Happy, Smiling Faces,” were never bettor applied than to the- team -of All Blacks which has worthily upheld the good name of New Zealand throughout the world. The first of the star features is “Tarnish,” a First National attraction, in which the loading roles are taken by suv-h popular favourites' as May McAvoy. Marie Prevost, Roland Coiman, Norman Kerry and others. It is «• dramatic story very finely arranged, in which tho young lady, on the verge of matrimony, becomes acquainted with some past history of her intended husband which gives her furiously to think. However, further light places his ct#dutt in a somewhat different aspect, the shadows flee away and—well, the climax iB a particularly interesting one. Gloria Swanson is at tne top rung of the ladder in “Her Love Story,” a Paramount special and an adaptation of “Her Majesty the Queen,” the novel by that worldknown authoress, Mary Roberts Rine hart. Despite the fact that history often teaches otherwise, it shows that Cupid does upon occasious gain access to Roval households, and this is a beautiful story of love and motherlove, tkjg*!ove of a little Balkan Princess for the captain of the Royal Guards. Gloria Swanson, robed in magnificent gowns, faithfully represents the character of the Queen with her love for her ’daughter. There are the uaual supoorts, a comedy and topical nows budget, and this big programme is to He screened twice daily during tho coming week. Seats may bo booked at the Bristol -or by telephoning the theatre.

THE SCREEN TESiS AT EMPRESS THEATRE WELLINGTON ASPIRANTS TO BECOME SCREEN ACTORS. Truly Bobbie Burns must have had visions of the future and the development of the magic-lantem into the great movie industry when he wrote: — “Wud some power the giftie gie us? To see ourselves as others see us.” night, at any rate, at the Empress Theatre a great many Wellington aspirants to become screen artists had the satisfaction of witnessing a literal application of the poet’s prayer. The Beaumont Smith screen trials held in New Zealand a few weeks ago will be well within memory, and some of the scenes enacted by the would-be screen dramatists were reproduced last night, it was expeoted that there would be some good fun, but one hardly anticipated that the audience would be provoked to such laughter that it could be heard! in- the streets. The scenes were of a dramatic character, dealing with the tender subject of love and matrimony, than which nothing could have been more suitable for young people. Some of the aspirants, however, had very awkward and novel ways of making love, and at times the audience simply rooked as the suitor dropped desperately to his knees to win the hand of his loved one. Some of the erstwhile performers were amongst the audience, and this glimpse of themselves was somewhat of a revelation to them, thoroughly convincing them that success on the screen is not achieved in live minutes. The abduction scene was in some cases an absolute scream, and the audience were convulsed when one somewhat lightly built young man chloroformed! a sweet maiden (?) of about 18 stone weight, but when faced with tho task of carrying her off found it more than he could manage, and he had to .give it up as a bad job. Then caime the jilted' husband or wife, who committed suicide upon finding out that their partners had gone astray. “How to die.” was the screen title. Some ran a risk of dying from apoplexy through laughing so much. One or two were particularly good, and had some idea of now to perform under the camera. Others —well, the poison must have been very deadly. After all the dramas .and comedies these - .screen trials must prove a refreshing break in the film world. Several of the scenes were filmed in Wellington, at Island Bay, Keliburn Kiosk, and on the Kelburn tram. The drunken man with the crayfish on the tram was cleverly done. These screen trials alone are well worth an evening. It is a big programme, the overture by the orchestra, conducted 1 by Mi ■Dixon,' being “The Lost Chord,” in ■which the bolo wag played by Mr, W. id. Bowman. . The news film includes a review of 1924 great events, a comedy, “Two Too Many”; “Hodge-podge,” sense and nonsense, with Beaumont Smith’s new picture- “Joe” as the grand finale. It IS not a bush .story all the way through, for after the bush portion the film was completed in Sydney, several of the incidents at the Sydney Ambassador, the popular cafe. Arthur Tanchert, of “Sentimental Bloke” fame, is great in the -role of the station hand, who marries the daughter of his employer, and then gets entangled in city affairs. It is Teally the story told in the novel “Joe Wilson and his ‘Mates” (Henry Lawson). The old. old story, love, betrayal, revenge, and then the finding of a friend m need. That friend was “Joe.” In view of the exceptional attraction early booking ,s advised.

BTRAND THEATRE “MASK OF LOPEZ” AND “THE CHALLENGE.” The great double feature programme i at the Strand Theatre this week comprises Fred Thomson, and his wonder horse, Silver King, in “The Maek of Lopez,” and. Rod La Rocque and Dolores ■ Cassinelli in “The Chal- | lenge. Fred Thomson’s successes have been many and in hia latest film, “The Mask of Lopez,” this virile specimen of manhood wins freeh laurels. He takes the name of an ex-convict and obtains a position as cowboy on a ranch owned by a beautiful girl, who i« trying to carry on after her father’s death. A band of cattle thieves threaten to ruin her by their dastardly raids on her herds, and to make matters worse her foreman in whom she places trust is the leader of the gang. The “ex-convict” comes to her aid, but just as he seems to have gained the upper hand the bandits thtorart his manoeuvres and he is placed against the wall before a firing party. Here the famous boise Silver King playß a great part in a thrjjling rescue, and the picture concludes with a fitting climax. “The Challenge” derives its title from the many sides of a man’s nature—-tho challenge of hate, the challenge of jealousy, of curiosity, reason, etc. The story has to do with Barbara, hostess at a fashionable mountain hotel’*hnd her two suitors, an artist and a banker. She marries the artiet and lives in New York. But the- banker has not lost hope. Just here is the striking novelty of “The Challenge,” The banker does none of the things you would expect of him. What he does do is quite new to the screen. It would not he fair to divulge this original solution of the problem he has made for himself. Miss Cassinelli is a lovely star throughout the picture. Her gowns are many, all becoming, many elaborate. The supports and the incidental music are of high standard, and this most excellent programme, which was greatly enjoyed by large houees yesterday, will be repeated to-dav and daily throughout the coming week, ORGAN RECITAL BERNARD PAGE TO-MORROW. Mr Bernard F. Page (city organist) will give his usual weekly recital at the Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) evening, and he has arranged the ' programme as under: —Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, by Ba-ch; Romance, Op 118 (No. 5). by Brahms; Suite Anoienne, by Holloway; Sieefried-Idyll, by Wagner; Scherzo (Op. 70), by Hofmann ; Elegie, by Olaussmann; and Symphonic Poem, “Danse Macabre” (Op. 40), by Saint-Saens. SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS NEWLY-FORMED ORCHESTRA^ The Wellington Society of Musicians are giving the general public, an'opportunity to hear a newly-formed orchestra. Mr C. W. Kerry, the conductor, has arranged an attractive programme of music, including the Ist Symphony of Beethoven. As popular prices are being charged for ticket", it is hoped good support will bo affc-Jo-t hv music lovers of Wellington, a ban further concerts will he r cn during the coming winter.

THEATRE DE LUXE 'MARY PHTLBIN IN “THE GAIETY GIRL.” “The Gaiety Girl,” with the beautiful and evei'-channing Mary Pbilbin in the title role, was screened to a large and enthusiastic house at the De Luxe Theatre last night. This delightful photoplay, a marvellous blend of comedy and tragedy, of Bordid realism and high endeavour, with a golden thread of romance running throughout the plot, tells a wonderful story of how a poverty-stricken but aristocratic maiden, of the great house of Tudor of Pencarrey, becomes a dancing gill at the Gaiety Theatre, rises meteor-like from just one of/ the chorus to be an artist of international fame, and is tricked ■ into marrying a man she does not love, '■sacrificing herself for her fine old grandfather, an aristocrat of the aristocrats. But., impossible as it may seem. all ends well, and true love comes into its own. Tricked into marriage by a man’s lie —swept from the arms of the man she loved by a terrible plot—was she morally bound to be a wife ? This is the problem that Irene Tudor, descendant of a line of kings, had to face. Her lover, returning from a year in a tropic exile for her sake, found her wedded to the man she hated); could he be blamed for the cruel words that broke her heart ? She sacrificed all for the only two persons in the world she loved—and both reviled hef as faithless. It is a greater love story than “ ‘Merry-Go-Round.’ ’ with the same wistful heroin© in a role ten times as heart-gripping. Filmdom sees a new Mary Philbin in “The Inheritors,” one of the year’s most daring and remarkable novels, made into one of the decade’s greatest plays, “The Gaiety Girl.” which marks a new page in the history of the art of the screen. As a scenic alone, tfie nicture is a revelation of beauty; arid when such scenery constitutes the setting of a great and i gripping play thfe result is a marvellously appealing drama of the screen, a truly worthy film version of I. A. R. Wylie’s famous novel. The supports include a most interesting International News Budget, and a mirth-inspiring Century comedy, “Broadway Beauties,” while the Orchestra De Luxe, under the able directorship of Mr h. D. Austin, renders in very finished fashion an admirable selection of musical items. , This most attractive programme will be repeated this Evening, at to-day’s matinee, and nightly throughout tho coming week. ,

KING’B THEATRE “MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE.” The Court of Louis XV ip all its pomp and ceremony, intrigue, duels, and a charming lovo romance are the features of “Monsieur Beaucaire,” tho latest 'attraction at the King’s Theatre.

The picture is a. triumph of the photographer’s art, and the dressing i and mounting are a delight to behold. Rudolph Valentino and Be,be Daniels, vrho head the cast, have seldom been 6een to better advantage. . The King of France dominated by the powerful mind of Madame La Pompadour, the crafty Richelieu, and the ignored Queen, are the central characters into whose lives comes the Duke de Chartres, ' the fii*st peer of the realm and the idol of the Court ladies. The King affiances him to his cousin just released from the convent; and La Pompadour is insulted in turn by each. The Duke’s arrest is ordered, but he escapes and disappears. Shortly af- i terwards there appears fn Bath a mysterious individual who is barber to the French Ambassador, yet acquires a reputation for gambling for high stakes. He falls in love with the haughty belle of the town,- and, attired in gorgeous clothes, sets out to woo and win her. Success is near when he is set upon by the hirelings of the card- ! sharping Duke of Winterset, who denounces him as no gentleman. The lady leaves him in high dudgeon, hut hot before she has witnessed tho Tout of ■ the 'hirelings at the point of the barber’s rapier. He threatens JVinterset that a week later he will present himself at the assembly rooms, and deepite every precaution he gains access to the rooms disguised under a woman’s cloak and hood. By a trick the belle of, Bath is ushered into his presence and he tries to explain. Just then the French Ambassador arrives, and on seeing the barber he makes obeisance and introduces him to the astoufided company as the Duke of Chartres. The humilatioit of the Belle of Bath follows, and Chartres, pardoned by the King, returns to France, and lays his fortunes !at the feet of his old love. I In addition to the feature film there is an, interesting picture showing the departure and the return of the All Blacks to New Zealand. The orchestra, under "Mr A. H. Jerome, is as usual a pleasant feature of an excellent entertainment. The current programme will be show." throughout the coming week.

“THE TEN COMMANDMENTS’’ i RETURN SEASON AT KING’S THEATRE. “The Ten Commandments,” Paramount’s great picture, will, in response to many requests on the part of the Wellington public, be brought back to the King’s Theatre for a return season commencing Friday-next. On the occasion of its Inst appearance in this city hundreds of people were unable to see it on account of the fact that its time was limited. Whilst it established a record in Wellington previously its reception elsewhere has been none the less notable. The picture ran for a nine weeks’ season at one theatre in Auckland, and four weeks in Christchurch.. It has established something like a record for number of screenings. It has been shown continuously for 15 weeks, and its screenings total over 260. An entirely new copy has been sent from America, and those many people who were unfortunate enough to miss “The Ten Commandments” are being provided with another opportunity, of seeing it. DOROTHEA SPINNEY CONCERT CHAMBER NEXT FRIDAY. Miss Dorothea Spinney is paying us a return visit after an absence of four years. Her only appearance here will be in “The Medea,” of Euripides, at the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Friday, March 27th. Of her work one critic recently said : “Like a strong wind working to a climax, the Greek play swept on, unbroken bv the falling of a curtain or tho shifting of scenery. It is a building up of synthetic unity. Love for and association with the classics has attuned Miss Spinney’s spirit to the harmony end rhythm of the form, nnd her voice, body, arms, movement, are corielated with that Inherent unity the play demands. , She melts into the plot,; the action becomes music and rhythm in her embrace.’-*

QUEEN’S THEATRE “BORN RICH.” Perhaps the greatest wish of the vast majority of the dwellers on this earth is to be born “with a silver spoon in the mouth,” to be born amidst luxurious surroundings with unlimited wealth at their command. What the feeling is can be accurately gauged at Queen’s Theatre, where, the 1-irst National drama of soriety, “Born Rich,” was filmed for the first time yesterday. It is a lavish production having for its background wealthy city houses, luxurious country estates, gorgeous gowns, glittering jewels, expensive motors, beautiful yachts, and blooded horses; and entwined is one of the most hu- . man stories ever penned or screened, i In one scene we have two men battling furiously on the lawn of a mansion on the outskirts of Nrv York City. “Bei tween rounds,” both looked at the .young and pretty girl over whom they were fighting. She was calmly applying her lip-stick. As she finished her I weary task, she asked of the gladiators: “Well, who won? I am waiting j for the victor to take me to lunch!” ; Yet in contrast there are intensely dramatic moments, when there are revealed the heartbreaks and grief that even millionaires experience. Terrific suspense follows on the track of light comedy, and now and then the pair blend in harmony. In the cast are such noted players as Claire Windsor, Bert Lytell, Cullen Landis, Doris Kenyon, Frank Morgan, and Maude Turner Gordon. A big supporting programme includes the latest Gazette, a scenic entitled “With Rod and Gun,” and two laughable comedies—“ Between Showers,” and “The Dude.” A feature of the programme is the fine selection of music played by the Queen’s Select Orchestra, • under Mrs A. Wright. The box plan is at The Brisi tol until 5 p.m., afterwards at the I theatre. As this programme is bound I to command great popularity, patrons would he advised to note this fact. NEW EMPIRE THEATRE ISLAND BAY TO-NIGHT. The new Empire Theatre at Island Bay will be officially opened by the Mayor (Mr R-. A. Wright) this evening, at 7.30 .o’clock. Jupp’s Band will play outside the theatre from 7 o’clock. Zane Grey’s thrilling novel, “The Last of the Duanes,” forms the basis for the chief picture on the programme, '('om Mix playing the leading role. “The Last.of the Duanes,” showing .the passing of the last frontier, [fits Mix like a glove, for Tom is the typical frontier type. . A series of 'thrilling incidents include? a desperate i battle against bandits, a kidnapping, [escape and pursuit, crowd one another with almost bewildering rapidity. Mix’s horsemanship on surefooted Tony will arouse enthusiasm. Marian Nixon, the feminine lead, is sweetness itself. There will be an excellent supporting i programme, and there will he, in addition, an exhibition of fancy dancing which is expected to delight all who witness it. To secure a seat an early attendance will probably be required.