ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE, PICTURES, MUSIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12198, 24 July 1925, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE, PICTURES, MUSIC

A SECONDJETER PAN “WEE" GEORGIE WOOD LEAVING- VAUDEVILLE FOR PANTO. “Don’t worry your heads whether I’m nine, nineteen, or ninety. Take, me as you see me, and if I can please you, that is all 1 care about.” Thus “Wee” Georgie Wood to his audience at the. Opera!House on his opening night, and having regard to the fact that Miss Harmer and Mr Blacklock have been with him for eight years in the respective roles of mother and policeman, probably some of the audience were hazarding a guess as to how many summers had passed over his head. Judging by his appearance on the stage, 14 or 15 would, be the limit, but to meet him in private life does not help one much further. He looks more than nine, he doesn’t look 19, but he is more, but if he keeps his Command of youth as he does now, when he is ninety he will still be a young man. “I particularly-want to please New Zealand,” he told a “Times” representative, “because, although this is my first visit, my fellow-artists speak so well of it and of the audiences. Perhaps they may, turn me down, but, as Addison says, ‘ ’Tis not in mortals to command success.’ If we can only give a few people a little to think and talk about and so make them forget their own troubles, we shall have achieved something.” After completing his tour of New Zealand, he expects to reach Home by mid-October. After a few weeks’ vaudeville at a West End theatre he goes to Birmingham to play the title role in Philip Rodway’s pantomime “Hump-ty-Dumpty.” After that he goes to Moss Empires in musical plays. “This ldoks to be my last venture in vaudeville, and I cannot say I am sorry, because while it is the ladder up which I have climbed to the top—if I may say so and be modest—l find vaudeville work very exacting. You have to get there on sheer hard work and talent, while in productions there are numerous features of interest, and perhaps a strong interest sq far ae the story is concerned. It takes a good deal of onus off the individual artist, and does not rob him of any of the credit.” During his Wellington season he intends introducing his boy scout sketch called ' “Nobody Loves Me,” which has enjoyed the official Sanction of the Chief Scout, Sir Robert Baden-Powell. Georgie Wood has done a good deal of scout propaganda all over the world. “Thicker than water” is another sketch which will probably be presented in Wellington. He will probably introduce a few impressions of famous British vaudeville artists such as Vesta Tilley, Neil Kenyon, Marie Lloyd, and others who made the music-halls in the old days. There will be the usual Saturday and Wednesday matinees, and children will be delighted with the entertainment. STRAND THEATRE jTHREE ATTRACTIONS. These are three attractions commencing at the Strand Theatre to-day. “Dangerous Innocence,” a Universal Jewel production, is the main feature: “In the Days of Daniel Boone,’’ a Universal serial, will also have its first. Wellington screening, and Mr Rud Petersen, well-known entertainer, will appear 'at the night, sessions. ' Some one once said that “marriages are made iii heaven,” and “Dangerous Innocence.” with Laura. La . Plante. and Eugene O'Brien as co-stars, treats of this subject. Not only does “Dangerous Innocence,” adapted from Pamela Wynne’s famous “Ann’s ,An Idiot,” confirm the above, but also shows what youthful innocence can do to even a man of the world. After a romantic meeting on a steamer the two stand on deck, and romance steals aboard There is a kiss arid—well youthful innocence wins. But just gs the calmest voyage is often marred by storms so trouble breaks for the two. “In the Days of Daniel Boone” tella a stirring tale of early American history when America was a British oolonvOne gets an idea of the extreme hardships the early colonists had to undergo. their fights with the Indians were among their greatest trials. The picture is based on authentic history, and one sees such famous men as General Braddook. George Washington, James Monroe, and Daniel Boone in a wonderful picture. Eileen Sedgwick and Jack Mower head a fine cast. VAUDEVILLE CONTESTS. ,Mr Rud Petersen, besides giving a monologue, details the opportunity to be given those who have a penchant for entertaining and who have a de sire to go on the stage next week when vaudeville contests will be held at the Strand Theatre. Commencing on Monday Mr Rud Petersen, who has come down from Auckland for the purpose, will be in attendance at the theatre to interview entrants, and give them his expert knowledge. “SKIRL OF THE PIBROCH” LADIES’ PIPE BAND. The Australian' Scottish Ladies’ World Tour Pipe Band gave their second conoert at the Town Hall last night, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience. The band apart from being a unique combination, compares more than favourably with any of the men’s pipe bands that have visited Wellington. The ladies have caught the real spirit of the pibroch, and their playing has a distinct appeal to all lovers of this Scottish instrument. Remarkable was the excellence with which the pipe solos and duets were played, the marching being a striking feature. As is only to be expected in a combination distinctively Scottish, the ' performances of the national dances were of a very high standard indeed. A brilliant performance was that of Piper Gertie Oliver, the champioh Highland dancer of Australia, and Piper Jean Madson was outstanding in Irish jigs and other dances. A rare treat was the pipe duet by Pipers Standbridge and Buchanan, as also was the solo by PipeSergeant Dolly McPherson. Band girls went through a pretty minuet while Pipers Gertie Oliver and Jean Madson gave a spirited performance of the Sailors’ Hornpipe. Drummer Molly Innes, the possessor of a rich, voice, earned great approval by her singing of ‘‘Home o’ Mine,” “Caledonia,” and “Memories,” and Piper Flora Ash contributed “Mary of Argyle” and “Annie Laurie.” Drummer Leura Bates proved herself an able elocutionist, and was several times recalled. Drum-major' William Darwin, F.R.G.S., ma.de several contributions to the enjoyment of the evening, that of staff swinging being an especially clever feature. Great enthusiasm was aroused when the whole band occupied the stage and skirled in triutaph through popular Scottish airs«

BIS HUESTrS VAUDEVILLE REVUE. This week’s programme at His Majesty’s continues to draw crowded houses, and .at last night’s entertainment the audience were delighted with the fine vaudeville and the revue which followed it. “When the Cat’s Away,” one of the most hilarious comedies seen for a long time, is presented by F. Gayle Wyer and his Band Box Revue Company, and is interspersed with many catchy musical numbers and some splendid dancing, while the vaudeville programme is submitted bv Arthur and Helena Buckley, conjurors and thought-readers; Keith Wilbur, impersonator of animals, birds, and musical instrumentsthe Three Melfords, a trio of eccentric dancers; Nick Morton, a talkative songster. This programme will be presented to night and to-morrow night and at a speejal matinee on Saturday afternoon. THEATRE DE LUXE “THE LOST WORLD” GREAT FIRST NATIONAL FEATURE. The very name, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle allied to a novel, is an assurance of its popularity, and with such a widely read work as “The Lost World,” by this distinguished author, it is small wonder that its picturisation by First National is being looked forward to with more than usual interest. It comes to the De Luxe Theatre, commencing, to-day, Friday, for a season of one week, with a matinee daily at 2.30 p.m., for the convenience of those unable to attend the night sessions. This stupendous production takes the beholder on a trip to wonderland—to the lost world—now found and presented n a vivid, startling story of love and adventure. It tells how Professor Challenger and his band of explorers, among which are two lovers, take a trip up the mighty Amazon to a place never before explored by man. The spectotar lives with them in ■ battles with fierce native tribes. They pass beyond the bounds of civilisation to the strange unknown world of prehistoric monsters. The fight with them against these monsters of the air and land, and the black unfathomed lakes, makes one sit spellbound and breathless, clinging to the seat realising that for onoe, the screen has given something different, a picture you will never forget. Back to London with a chained monster, excitement prevails as he snaps his chain, and runs wild through and over the streets of London, smashing trams and ’buses, pushing down huge buildings, and finally crashing through the famous Tower Bridge. All this and more makes , “The Lost World” truly the marvel of the screen, which will be shown for the first time in New Zealand, at the De Luxe Theatre. A matinee will.be held daily, for the convenience of those who are unable to attend the night sessions. A feature of the presentation of Conan Doyle’s great work, will be the special musical score, especially arranged by Mr L. P. Austin, musical director of the Orchestra De Luxe. Box • plans for the season now on view at the Bristol Piano Company, Aitken’s Book Arcade, or reservations oan also be secured by ringing theatre ’phone 23-080. , '. - . In- Messrs Begg and Co s window is a scene from the story of The Lost World.” Tn the background is a volcano belching forth lava and ra the foreground are the great prehistoric animals fleeing through the forest before the awful stream threatening them with annihilation. The exhibit has attracted considerable attention. “THE TEN COMMANDMENTS” AT THE QUEEN’S THEATRE. “The Ten Commandments,” Paramount’s great picture, commences its third Wellington season at the Queen s Theatre to-night (Friday). It will be remembered that this picture opened the De Luxe Theatre in November laßt, and played for two weeks with day and night performances. Later followed a week’s season at the King s Theatre, but it was found that the time then allowed this gigantic attraction m Wel r lington was all too insufficient for those who desired to see it. Accordingly it is being brought hack to the Queen s Theatre for a further season. Since leaving- Wellington last, “The Ten Commandments” has established records everywhere. Return seasons are being called for, and it was found necessary to rush fresh copies from the Paramount headquarters In New York, not only to New Zealand but to all parts of the world.. Wherever the picture has been shown in New Zealand it has had the whole-hearted support of the Press, clergy, educational bodies, and the picture-going public alike. Without a doubt, “The Ten Commandments” is the greatest achievement in the history of the screen, and it will be a long time before another such film prqduction is to reach these shores, or, for that matter, to be released to the world. The box plan for “The Ten Commandments” now open at the Bristol for the entire season. Performances will be held twice daily, at 2.30 and 8 o’clock. EMPRESS THEATRE TWO EXCEPTIONAL FEATURES. The programme commencing at the Empress Theatre to-day is headed by two features, “Daring Youth.” and Charlie Chaplin in “Easy Street.” Ever since the . showing of “Merry Go Round” Norman Kerry’s name has been counted ae one to be reckoned with among screen luminaries. No other leading man has come to the fore so rapidly during the past year. His latest screen work is “Daring Youth.” This film, presented by Master Picture®, is a comedy-drama of modern marriage in which Kerry plays opposite Bebe Daniels. He has the i*ole of a modern society man who wins the girl of his choice by agreeing to take ner on a part-time basis. How such a frank and novel exposition of present day marriage problems works out furnishes one of the most interesting chapters of recent screen history. The solution is an entirely natural one, but it is apt to surprise those who expect the conventional type of picture ending. In addition to Norman Kerry and Bebe Daniels the vast includes Lee Moran, George Penbody, Lillian Langdon, and Arthur Pearce. Charlie Chaplin is seen in “Easy Street,” one of the comedies that made him world famous. This is a brand new up-to-date copy of the picture, and intending patrons can rest assured that they will get the laugh of their lives. Supporting items include the third and last of tlie “Hints on Horsemanship” series and the. latest Pathe Gazette

BASSO PROFUNDO RECITAL BY SIGNOR CESARONI. Signor Lncien Cesarfeni gave a successful recital in the Concert Chamber last night to a packed house. The well-, known basso was in good voice, and his selections of arias and works of famous composers gave ample scope for his profound and sonorous organ. Signor Cesaroni possesses a fine stage personality, and his interpretation by gesture and facial expression adds greatly to the merit of his performances. Last night his selections ranged from the dramatic “Ave Signore” from Boito’s “Mephistopheles,” through the lofty “Nature’s Praise to God’’ by Beethoven, to the light humour of Mozart. The programme was a eearching trial of the singer, but he acquitted himself with honours. From the Italian composers came the aria, “Ombre di Mia Prospapia,” from Ponchielli s “La Giconda” ; Prayer from “Nabucodonosor” (Verdi), and “Ave" Signore”- from Boito’s “Mephistopheles.” .Of the Russian composers he sang a bracket by Koeneman. “The Three Roads” and “When the King Went Forth, to War,” and “O, Thou Sun, Thou Blessed, Glowing Sun” (Slonov). The third part of the pro. gramme was devoted to Beethoven, and from the great German’s works Signot Cesaroni rendered “The Prayer,” “Nature’s Prajgs to God,” and “Roccoi Aria.” from the opera “Fidelie.” Mozart’s numbers were “O, These Dandies Hither Roaming,” from “H Seraglio.” and “Hal How I Will Triumph,’’ from the same opera. Encores included “A Prayer” (Tosti), Boatmen’s Song” in Russian, and Mozart’s “For-tune-tellers’ Song,” and “The Power of God” (Beethoven). Accompanying Signor Cesaroni was Mr Harold Whittle, who. with Miss Reg. Foster, played the pianoforte Concertstuck, opus 79, by Weber. Enthu<<v?* lca^y encored was a violin solo, Romance” (from the second Concerto), by Wieniawsky.