ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE, PICTURES, MUSIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12199, 25 July 1925, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE, PICTURES, MUSIC

“WEE” GEORCIE WOOD CHILDREN’S MATINEE TO-DAY

No greater treat cquld be given to the children than u> take them to Wee Georgie Woods’s tr.atfnee this afternoon. : J

It wan the inimitable Geofgie Wood, the world's greatest little, comedian, who at the Opera Htrahe SSBt night, more than justified the description applied to him as the Petep' Pan <of vaudeville. His youthful appearanoe, stature, voice and traging all lent themselves to the tremendous snocess he achieved, end this comedy sketch is one of the heat items in liis wonderful repertoire. It is a great study ot English hem* life. The hart Of the mother is played W. Miss Dolly Hkrmer, who will protsblv be remembered in Wellinsrton as “Our Mary Ellen” in the ‘‘Forty Thieves” pantomime with Barry Lupino. She na* been ' with Georgie Wood as his mother for eight ye'ars, and Mr Tom Blackloek. who plays the policeman, has been with Georgie /for the same length of time. After the -comedy the principal gave a clever study of the forgetful lad trying to recite, “This Little Pig Went to Market/’ and then gave J. J. Bell’s ftunous XftlaeßOW character, “Weei MacGregor/* m which his performance with the bag of sweets made thd audi- - ence laugh flmostto tears. To a vociferous encore he gave the recitation “Earthenware,” and as he retired was given a rousing reception. - v . Tlie support* include Jav Whidden,' from the Palace Theatre, Naw York, whose perform* nosou the. violin is artistic. humorous and versatile to a marvellous degree.. He.playa classical musie. Scottish airs, imitates orchestral instruments, etc., With eKsd, and is a star in his particular firmament. A refined is given-.ljy Mjw Marie Lawton, an expert harpist ana pianist, a particularly contribution being her song with harp accompaniment. Gounod's ‘‘Ave Maria.” Frank’* .canine statuary, in which he poses in Several figures With two white retrievers, makes a delightful and artistio Oeries af studieß, .for the dogs are almost human in their pose and understanding. Billy Maloney, the Beau tirutnmall of vaudeville, achieved a good measure of suer cess with his patter, *ongs, and stops," appearing in evening dress and , the shiniest of silk hats and swagger stick. A thoroughly enjoyable , programme concluded with a number of acrobatic Stunts by the Aldor Trio, hi, which Marjorie is well featured, , Some sensational feats are performed on the. .tirapese, .with’ some astounding displays or strength.' A tribute is deserved by the orchestra, under Mr A. G. Frost, for the first-class accompaniment. '• ' - -.s— ■" “THE LOSTMVORLD” THEATRE DE LUXE. Animals to which elephants are mi<jU ?ets, shapes that appear to he the pyouct of a fevered dream .aidyiet art' tho carefully reconstructed presentations of prehistoric monsters: the Jauna of tho Jurassic period in a modern setting; this, with the inevitable catastrophe entailed by the progress of animals of 80 feat in height and more in contemporary surroundings, makes up the theme of the tremendous National picture which opened ot the De Luxe Theatre last evening to a crowded house. T A drama of 10,000,000 years ago, jPASRfsM-i*®#, Wmpietu**;eere«m, during the filming of “The Lost World/' "which required First National and Wattaraon R. Rothaoker over seven years to produce. Two hungry prehistorio dinosaurs of the ellosaurus species were out looking for breakfast. Bessie Love, Wallace Beery and Lewis Stone who* in the photoplay find the monsters of the Jurassic period still alive in South America, saw. them—and (curried for a cave. From this place of safety they watched the fearsome meat-eaters, each aa big aa five or six elephants. The reptilian pants came upon what they thought was a lone baby triceratops. This youngster was about the alee of one elephant and tha oarmvoroua dinosaurs decided he would do very well, for the first course. The allosauruses pounoed upon the young "triceratops, using their foot-long claws and teeth as big aa a man’s wrist. Then they discovered the baby was not alone! Mamma triceratops came tearing into the scene, the earth quak-, ing under her tons of infuriated flesh, for she was also' us big as five Or six elephants. The triceratops species of dinosaur was a vegetarian and did not have the teeth of the meat-eaters, or the claws. But nature had endowed Mamma triceratops with something more valuable in a conflict than long teeth and claws. Over her eye* she wore two long, vicious horns of tusks and a shorter one over bar nose. With one full toss of her head she gored one allosaurus, -■ and his career on earth ended speedily. The other heat a hasty retreat. This is only one conflict, between mighty monsters of the dim past that Bessie Love, Beery and Stone witness while inhabitants of 'The Lost World.” As Sir Arthur Conan Doyle • wrote the novel of romance and adventure,life remains unchanged in the area for ' 100,000 centuries. Supporting the principals ’ are " more than 2000 other- > players who participate in the huge scene showing the return of the explorers to London, and thy catastrophe which occurs, when a ' captive brontosaurus escapes and proceeds to wreck the city. . * An excellent supporting programme was also screened, and the orchestra. ps always, was a distinct feature of 'the entertainment. Conducted by Mr L. D. Austin, the De Luxe orchestra is recognised as one of the leading musical combinations in AUStraIMIS, and are in themselves well worth the price of admission. The excellence ,of the seating and lighting arrangements is so well known ns hardly to require special mention.

TO KALON STRING QUARTETTE CONCERT CHAMBER THURSDAY. A musical attraction of an exreptionnil? high character iff hilled for the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Thursday next. July 30th, when the Tokalon String Quarttete. a combination of talented local artists, will present a programme of selected items. The troune comprises Ava Symons. Leon d« Mauny (violins’). Frank Crowther viola), and George Ell wood (violoncello). The plevets require no introduction to Wellington, hut are all well known for hixh-clas# performance. The nnartetto, which was formed by Sir Ell wood, will pinv selections from Havdn. Alfred Hill, and Beethoven The String Quartette has long been acknowledged as the noblest and most perfect form of instrumental chamber music. It appeals to, and is annreciated hv tho true music lover. This programme should therefore bo eagerly sought hv those who have a sense of appreciation of what is good in music.

BIS EAJESTY’S A POPULAR PROGRAMME. The i programme■ > at His Majesty's this week, comprising as it does both vaudeville and revue is very popular. “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 Bax Revue Company, and is interspersed with /many catchy musical numbers apd some splendid, dancing, while the vaudeville programme is submitted ibv Arthur and .Helena Buckley, conjurors and thought-readers; Keith Wilbur, impersonator of animals, birds,: and musical Instruments: the Three Mallards, ft trip of ecoenfric dancers; Nick . Morton, a talkative songster. , ' This programme will be presented at a special matinee this aftornoap, ..and the final performance will -he givCh this evening.; t ' < - . > '.-i' ; ladies’ pipe Rand -, .UNIQUE COMBINATION* - -'The* Ladies’ Pipe-Band and Concert Party are most unique entertainers, and thsir efforts are appreciated. > The iadMA haVe.; eaughtt. the. reel Jsjpirii: of the p'broch, and their playing has a distinct appeal to all lovers of this, Scottish instrument. A brilliant performance is that ,of Piper uilvjftt -the. chaOipion Highland"dahc.;r Of Australia", and Piper; Jean Mkdson was'Outstanding in Irish ilgs.andqther dances. A rare'treat' is the" pipe duet by Pipers Standbridgq and fiuehaiuii..:. aa *1«/ the sola hy .Pipa-Serii gaunt Holly.McPherson. Baud go through a pretty minuet, while Pipers, Gertie Oliver and Jean Madc»oit ■ gave' a . spirited performance of the Sailors’ Hornpipe. Drummer Molly Ihnees, the possessor of a rioh/ voiiie. earns great approval,by her singing of- . “Home o’ Mine/’ “Caledonia,”; and “Memorial.” and Piper, Flora Ash contributes “Mary of Argyl*”- and ‘‘Annie Laurie/' Drummer Leura Bates proves herself ah able elocutionist.. and! i« several times' recalled'. .Drum-Major William Darwin, F.R.* G.S.. makes several contributions to the' enjoyment of the evening, that of staff, swinging being fan - especially clever, feature. , Great .enthusiasm is aroused when the whole baud' occupies the stage a lid skirl* id -triumph through popular Scottish airt.

Strand theatre - • l A BIG PROGRAMME. ■ ' -

One of the most . attractive programmed which has ever been, biiled for tim Strand Theatre commenced there last evening, i There were three attractions: “Dangerous Innaceaoe,” a ymversaV Jewel . production, is the main feature: “In the Daya of ■ Daniel Boon,” a Universal serial, also had its first. Wellington screening, and Mr Rud well-known entertainer, ap'peara, At-, tfia , night . saesiona. . Some one ones, said "that ’ "marruttes are made in 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 : “Am/s An ‘•ldiot, t’ confirm the abova. but ftlto ehoWs what youthful innocence can do to even ft man of the world. After a romantic meeting on ft .steamer the two stand' on deck, and roippuce steals aboard There is ft kiss and—Well (youthful reaife,est voyage is often ‘marred by storms so trouble breaks for tbe two. “In the Daya of Denial. Boone”, tells a stirring tale r *<jf early American history when America was a colony/ One gets' an idea of the extreme hardships tho early 'oolonists had to undergo, their fights with the Indians were among their greatest trials. The picture is baaed 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 fins cast. VAUDEVILLE CONTEST* Mr Rud Peteraen,. besides giving a monologue, details the opportunity to be given those who have—a penchant for entertaining and who have ft de sire to go on the Stage next week when vaudeville contests will be-held at tho Strand Theatre. Commencing on Monday Mr Rud iPetersen, who has Oonrn down from Auckland for the purpose, will, be id attendance at the theatre to interview entrants, and give' them his expert knowledge. EMPRESS THEATRE “DARING YOUTH." How to ha practical though fnarried was what Alita Allen (Babe Daniels) set out to do,' when she entered into la part-time wedding - agreement with John J, Campbell (Norman Kerry) in tbe atupendoua film attraction, “Dar-' ing Youth,” which commenced a session at the Empress Theatre last evening. . Tho picture is exactly what-its .title suggests—A new* unconventional play wittT tremendous potslbllities. Th« bride said tho wotild love, honour; and obey for four days a week, and/that is the arrangement that these .two were married. Campbell indignantly refuses this condition ; but later accepts when his rival, t Arthur James, poht end optimist, indicates that he is ready to propose to Alita on snob a condition. The first day of married bliss is rudely shattered for Campbell by the realisation that on the morrow bis wife will be away from him. It is one of their separate- days,-. After that the mats, Hage game becomes a sport oh Campbell’a part to try and trick his wife into believing that each succeeding day is his. He succeeds imperfectly. Among tbe companions who maim his wife's off/days is the übiquitous Arthur James. Finally, in • frenzy, Campbell induces one of hi* friends-to make love to his wife to really test but her* devotion, Tbe effort ends in a fiasco; but there is a gloomier tragedy ahead. Arthur and Alita have an evening appointment. Campbell graciously gives them bis dinner reservations ; and his seats at the o(>era. When they go to a cabaret afterwards and remain out until five in 'the morning, however, Campbell refuses to stand tamely by any longer. Ho meets the returning rouple. throws Arthur out. and then Precipitates a ‘show-down with his wife. Tearfully, Alita admits the failure of her instalment wedding, and. confesses that she has loved her husband from the start. Both' of the principals hivg parts of exceptional merit, and, in addition No Kerry’s sensational fall over the bannisters, Mjss Daniels’s remarkable dresses^—evening clothes and riding costume—are a feature of the film. The picture goes from the first click of the projection, and sustains an absorbing interest till tbe black out nftor the happy finale. It’s unconventional, it’s striking, it’s daring; but it's izondk.

KING’S THEATRE “THE TOP OF THE WOULD,” No author has achieved greater ■ popularity during recent years ‘ than Ethel M. Dell. She has won popularity unbounded, and has justly deserved'her. great success. She creates human characters. and her stories have the touch ot real Jifo with its humour and its pathos, Thus the pieturisation of Ethel Dells widely rehd Story, “The Top of the World,” bv the Paramount Company, under the direction of George Meiford, is a noteworthy event in the “'OL/Forid. The picture was screened for the first time at the King’s Theatre last night, and it can. be said that it, is a faithful and realistic production of the great Uovel, It should certainly prove as popular. Anna Q.- Nilsson, James Kirkwood, Raymond Hatton, and Sheldon Lewis are the featured .players, and they are supported-by a strong cast. The-story is a vivid melodramatic romance, „ involving a girl and two men- in Darkest Africa. Bnefiy, it concerns S.ylvia Ingleton, the proud and-spirited daughter of wealthy English, parents. To escape a loveless mafriafeewhe runs awav to South Africa fully/determined to Marry Guy Ranger, a childhood sweetheart, Whom she mas not seen for years. 'On ' her arrival there She learns.that the passing years worked a great'change in Guy, -Hsiis /a physical and moral wreck. Help Jess and thousands of miles from holhe, Sylvia is grateful to Guy’s ,-ctfUsin, Burke, who makes her welcome •at his farm. Shortly afterwards,'“to 1 avert malicious gossip Sylvia marries Burke upon the agreed understanding ke just pals.. What happens h j^(, G dV, tries to riaim her, andishe findS'herielf tom between the old l6v« tbe end husn an ? are TeuViited is 'dratnntically d-eveloped in a series of tense* gripping Situations' that lead to a startling climax- before the picture comes to a happy and satisfying close. A choice array, of supporting; films nas been chosen to accompany; this feature including the latest Gazette, An Australian Government film! “In /' auncest °n,” and an ,ex,f, Christie coinedv, 6 c r ' ~Th*'»i'isical programms rendered by the King’s select otohestra, under the baton of Mr A. 11. Jeropie, has been well chosen. A lull heid to - da y .-- -fu 't. l - , plans are now? open at the Bristol Piano Co., or ring Die theatre. 22-212. nog. me

DENIS KEHOE 'COMING WITH “MOTHER MACHREE.” -A forthcoming attraction at the Urand Opera House will bo' Denis Kehoe on August Bth with his Irish folk play, “Mother Machree:” Since the opening of the New Zealand; tour • at - His Majesty’s(Theatre, Auckland, on June 13th, this production ; has achieved a notable siiccesa. Its ness and bracing humour have everywhare compiended it to a publio :' on tbs lockout fbr something a little hit different, and Wellington audiences should prove no exception to the rule. Denis Kehoe is an artist of the.. ro-. bust order, who specialises in “telling , it with, music,” and his voice a resdnand his littie. Irish (hand harp have attracted many admirefs. The company supporting him has been seloatod with.’ a view to mafr;'especial fitneks for delineating the Irish character and costains a numher of artists already favourably known to Dominion imdivnces. At., their head js -Miss Frances Kayhef, makrng her first/appearance in Wellington also. The name of “Mother Machree” is in the hands of. Miss Helen, Fergus. ‘lMothcr Machree” is a story of plain home--folksdrased on the age-old ‘theme of mother love vibrant with human' interest, yet instinoi with the rollicking humour inseparable from the Irish race. Full particulars' Will Appear .later. QUEEN’S THEATRE “THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.” Last evening at the Queen’s Theatre commenced the stupendous all recordbreaking Cecil B. De Milla production, “The Ten . Commandments.” Lavish in the magnificence t qf Its settings, superb in photography, and strong in the vital human interest of the theme, “The Ten Cbmmiahdments" undoubtedly deserves recognition as being one of the premier photo-plays ever presented in the Do,mitti6n. The ; magnificence of the Phftl’aoh and the oppression of the Israelites, the pursuit by / the obariots of Pharaoh, the column of fire, and the parting . of tho Red Sea^rthese are a few of the breathless wonders depicted itt this splendid production. Tho Srologue -vividly tell* of the story of ib children of Israel, from the time of thqir oppression in the land of Pharaoh to the time of Mosee receiving the tablets qf stone on Mount Sinai. Then is strikingly depicted the modern story 'of. a mother and bet two rons—one a scoff#r at the Bible and religion .generally, and the other, serious and God fearltig. Gradually ascending to immense height* of ' interest, finally comes the olimax, gripping and soulstirring •in the very intensity of its dramatic power. Ttt the prologue, Theodore Roberts; interprets the role of Moses, while Charles De ltoche takes the part of Pharaoh. Coming to the modern version featured roles aye portrayed by Beatrice Joy,. Nita Naldi, Edytbe Ohap'man, Agnes Ayres. Richard Dix, and Rod La Itocque. The original musical score is submitted by a specially, augmented Orchestra, tinder Miss K Den-; nehy. . The overture, “Ratnoczy” (Keler Belal. is a most delightful attraction. . Performances will be held twice daily, at the 2,30 p.m.. and ,8 p.m. sessions. TIVOLI THEATRE A POPULAR- PROGRAMME. There are two feature films included in the Tivoli programme this . week. Number one is “Prehistoric Hayseeds/’ the Beaumont Smith Australian comedy, that has just completed a brilliant week at the Strand Theatre. The sanie producer has present* *d many fine Australian films, but it is safe to say not one more popular. The other picture is "The Fortunes, of Christina MoNab// a delightful and. entertaining comedy-dramaof domestic character. A splendid supporting selection. A delightful musical programme is rendered, and the management has left nothing undone toward making a first-class evening’s entertainment. There are two sessions daily,‘at i> p.m. aHd 7 o.lh>

ORGAN RECITAL BERNARD PAGE TO-MORROW. Mr Bernard F; Page '(city organist) will give his usual Weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) evening, and the programme has -been arranged as under:—Fountain Music ! and Duet (Act 11., Scene,. I.), from .“Pelleas and MSlisande,” by Debussy; , 1 Andante from String Quartette, by Debussy; Finale. in B Flat (Oj>. 21), by , Cesar Frank;,-Sonata in O Minor and Major, Op. 65 (No. 2), by Mendelssohn; Cantilena, by Salome; and (a) Air, (b) Gayotte, by WesleyELOCUTIONARY RECITALS BY A. STANLEY’ WARYPICK. Mr A. Stanley Warwick wjll give two-elocutionary recitals in the. Town Hall Cancer,t Chamber on Saturday next and the following Tuesday, at 8 o’clock. Several new works will, hs presented, including stories, with ifiusical accompaniment. Miss Gwen Wing will be at. the piano, Master Desmond Larin will render, violin solos, :and Miss Norsk Burt will assist on the Tuesday ip a scene from “Hear.v V, 1 ’ The plan is now open at the Bristol Piano Company. SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS SECOND CONCERT OF SEASON. The orchestra, recently, formed; under the auspices of the Wellington Society of Musicians will again, be' heard at the Town Hall on Thursday, August 6th, This is the sepend concert of the season, and it Is the intention of the conductor, Mr Charles W. Kerry. to hive two . further concerts before the summer vacation. .The musical -public will look forward to another opportunity of hearing; thie orchestra, which will present ’ Beethoven's Overture Leonora No, 3 and Mozart. Symphony in E Flat. The vocalist assisting in the second part of the .programme will he Mr Harrison Cook, who has already delighted Wellington audiences, by his fine bass voice, and his selection will also be entertaining, Biset, a composer of the middle eighteenth century, is famous for hjs fine Opara “Carmen.” presented at the Paris House in March, 1875. - A suite by this musician is to be pertermed~at Thursday’s concert, and is bf a character that will he a pleasing contrast’to What is commonly termed miodern music. CESARONMN GRAND OPERA To-night, in the' Concert. Chamber, Town Hall, Signor Oesareni will give the second act from Boito’s opera, “Mephistopheles,” in costume. He will be assisted by chorU# and ballet A miscellaneous programme of great composer* by his -students and a piano, forto solo, by Mr George Mackay will also be given. Mr Harold. Whittle is the accompanjst, . . HNALL|ANC^AT'cABARET . D is hard for those who hare formed the habit of dancing at Goring street to realise that only- three more dances are .to be held- there before: it* final closing, A vow large attendance is expected to-night, judging from -the number of reservations of tables up to last night. The farewell 'oarnival dance on Tuesday next should he a memorable function, large parties haring already been mpde up ter it. A speriallv ■ augmented orchestra will he in attendenes, and nstoltiei wiH,he a the evening. The final dance at Goring street will, h* held on Saturday next.’-; Much interest is. being taken ,in the preparations being made for the opening at the new premises, Goodwin Chambers, ,126, Cuba’ street,- on Saturday. August Bth. Patrons are advised to book their tables as early as possihle. as a very large crowd is expectod. V;