The THEATRE

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12247, 19 September 1925, Page 13

The THEATRE

Its VALUE to Mankind....

: I SAGE REMARKS FROM a J C. W. COMEDIAN I rtfr. GEORGE CROTTY INTERVIEWED Astwssn the Acta

It was during a spell of a few moments in his dressing-room, during the performance of ‘‘Good Morning, Dearie,” that a ‘‘Times” reported called on George Crotty, the Williamson star, who plays the part of “Chesty Costello,” so convincingly in that delightful comedy at the Opera HAuse. In answer to a cheery hail of “come in,” the pressman entered to find “Chesty” in the act of putting the final touches on his make-up tor his dance scene with Gladys Hermes in the “Hell’s Bells” cabaret scene. "And so you have come to interview me,” he smiled sidewayß, as he deftly manipulated the grease-paint. “Just a moment. Now do you think I look sufficiently reprehensible?” he appealed, when the final touch had been given. He was promptly re-assured on this point. “Well now, what can I do foi you?” he asked. “My work? Yes, you have got me there. Believe me, I have no desire to be egististieal, but 1 do believe that we “theatre-actors” do a real work in the community, and one which is not perhaps fully appreciated. Let me start off by asking you a question. Do you think that the geneial public have ever stopped long enough during their “daily grind” to consider what we really do for them In the relieving of the dull monotony of life, and how necessary the theatre really is to mankind? “Not that we complain,” he laughed. “Far be it from me to give a; suggestion of that sort. What I really mean is that although we are accepted as part of the scheme of things if We are good, and merely overlooked tf we do not happen to please, still the world would be a very dull and uninteresting place to the average man and woman without us. HAVE YOU EVER ?” “Have you ever st>ent a month or two in a back-country township where there happened to be no places of entertainment —not even a pictureshow ? “For my sins, no doubt, yes,” the pressman replied. Mr Crotty laughed heartily. “Perhaps that was why I was there too” he offered,. “Auyhow I have been, and I firmly belie.e it is the best demonstration possible—even if a negative one—of the value of entertainment to mankind. The theatre, I think, is man’s primary expression of his interest in his fellow-men, for it is nearly as old as man himself. I suppose,” he laughed, “millions of years ago some ancient ocoan-bed or desert was the scene of the first theatrical performance, where cave-men, beginning dimly to grope upward out of the night of evolution, first mimicked life, and evolved a society.” There came the shrill call of the callboy “Air Crotty!” “Come along and see the dance,' he invited, as he hurried out. “We’ll continue onr yarn when this is over.” “Well,-'where are we?” he asked a few minutes later, his strenuous terp•ichorean act finished. Out in front of the curtain the applause with which it had been greeted could still be beard. LESSON FROM THE STAGE “Oh yes, we were talking about the stage. It is my belief,” he proceeded, “that the theatre has a profound and ' fundamental reason for existence, for ■within its walls the human race has learned some valuable lessons, and will continue to teach many more equally valuable to mankind as long as it continues to exist. T t is about the most effective educational institution that we have to-day, as the theatre not only

shows us the lesson in words, but gives us a picture of ; t combined with action. It tells innumerable truths and portrays the everyday life of not only one individual, but of the masses who populate the entire globe. The frivolity and irresponsibility of the .theatre is of as much value to humanity as are its gravity and preaching. Taken altogether they represent the varied and complicated aspects of human nai ure. Humanity is many-sided,

and to reflect us properly the theatre must be many-sided as well. Understand me correctly when I say theatre, for I mean the theatre in all its branches. lam of the firm opinion that the music hall is just as much a theatre as the structure where musical and serious plays are performed. Therefore, I say that a music hall artist may be just as good ,an artist as tiie classic tragedian. Have you ever heard the remark, “Ob, I never go to theatres!” Well, let me tell you rig.it now that I am of the firm opinion that the person who does not enioy the revelation of the character of others is hardly human

for his mind must be iinaggressive. It is only human nature to gossip, and it is a great exercise for the human brain. Gossip reaches to its perfection in the theatre. There in the' distance we see artists on the stage; they are human, and ”'e do not have to speak to them or about them, for they are talking amongst and about themselves. They are giving out their inmost thoughts and displaying the ' motives of their actions. They are revealing nobility, meanness, cowardice, courage, generosity, and all other contradictory qualities which go to make humanity, right before your very eyes. It is wonderful to see _ yourself or some part of yourself in this reflector, for you are brought without effort on your part right into the inner sanctum of the minds of others. A WONDERFUL PANACEA “A person may be worried with a great amount of trouble, the business worries of life are weighing heavily upon them. They go into the theatre and are uplifted. Perhaps they see a comedian' who makes them laugh to their utmost. "Whatever has heen said or done is so ridiculous that they must let out a good hearty laugh and they have forgotten their troubles and worries. Another side of their personality has been brought forward through the wholesomeness of , hearty laughter. They laugh, and there is something more. After they have left the theatre the wholesome influence is with them. Their troubles and worries are much lighter, for part of them have been dissolved in the theatre. They have been made to see that all in the world is not as black as it appears. “A PRIME BOOSTER” “Now,” said M!r Crotty, in conclusion, as he prepared to answer a further call, “go steady on all that or people will think I am the prime booster of the country.” “Oh, we’ll treat you all right,” the interviewer assured him. “Well mind you do,” waa his final laughing admonition, and he left for the stage Although this is George Crotty 8 first appearance in New Zealand, he has had considerable experience, having travelled extensively during his association with the stage, there being few English-speaking countries that he has not visited. Mr Crotty attributes his success to the experience he has gained of the best in dancing throughout the world. During the past five years he has acted in musical comedy and vaudeville in England and America. His versatility, virility, and real artistry, attracted the attention of the J. O. Williamson Company, who signed him up for r. long contract. The success which be has achieved as “Chesty Costello” in “Good Morning. Dearie,” and as the reporter in “Kid Boots,” is ample demonstration of their farsightedness in the arrangement.

After a successful Season at the Opera House the "Kid Boots” and "Good Morning Dearie” company proceeded to Christchurch and will open the season there this evening. ■* * . * * Miss Floie Allen made a great hit as Aggie Lynch in a revival of “Within the Law,” with Miss Muriel Starr in her old part. * * * * 'The Bing o’ Bells/ - ’ a new play by fSioil Lyons, has been produced in Manchester by the well-known London manager, Mr Robert Courtneidge, among a repertory of plays, in the Prince's Theatre. . *** { * Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson retells a story of Charles Frohman that has long been relished in the theatrical profession. Rebelling against one of his recommendations, as to her stage work, an actress retorted with: "I will have you know that 1 am an artist.” Frohman responded gently: “Madame, I shall keep your secret.” Mr Leo J>u Chateau is doing the preliminary work,-for the New Zealand tour of Paul Altnouse and Arthur Middleton, who open their concert season at Auckland on September 26th. ***** Dame Clara Butt’s Australian tour will commence at Perth on September 3rd under the direction of Messrs J. and N. . Bradley’s Monkey Circus is now touring New Zealand. * • • * Australian papers state that Miss Gladys Moncneff is going to England again. * oTls^:ance Evans, now appearing in No, No, Nanette,” at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, is acknowledged by the critics to bo one of the finest dancers of her type that has ever been seen in Australia. Some Australian comments on "Cappy Ricks, ' which opens the New Zealand season at Wellington on Wednesday:— Argus,” Melbourne: "The play is even runnier than the book and for 12 weeks has won all Melbourne’s good opinion. It is such refreshing comedv, and Ward Lyons has proved a wonderful 'find' as Cappy.” "Age,” Melbourne« "A surprise awaits theatregoers in the dramatisation of 'Cappy Ricks/ It lies chiefly in the excellency of the cast, who talk their way into your heart. As Cappy, u ar-dl Lyons achieved a remarkable success.” "Table-Talk,” Melbourne :• "Melbourne's theatrical Slogan for the past eight weeks has been, 'Don’t miss Cappy Ricks/ You hear it on the trams, sidewalks, .everywhere !” * * * * In the Australian and New Zealand cast of "Cappy Ricks/’ which is described as "a great comedy,” is Mr Ward Lyons, who, it is interesting to note, has been selected by Peter B. Kyne to recreate the part of Cappy in its first London performances in February next. > „ * . * * Cappy Ricks instantaneous Broadway success Theatre world handed a new laugh and one that is wholesome and clean.” These headliners in the "New Herald” appeared when Peter B. Kyne’s celebrated book came up for 6tage criticism and the concluding paragraph

of its review, full of unstinted praise, was: "Measured by the laughs which outnumbered any other comedy this critic, has reviewed. 'Cappy Ricks” promises to eclipse all of this century's comedy successes.” * • • - *■ So successful was the Auckland season of the Sistine Choir Soloists that it had to be extended, and the farewell concert was given on Monday evening. The company is now touring the North Island, and was booked for Wanganui this week. -*• . • • The Gisborne Amateur Operatic Society intends pi’oducing "A Runaway Girl” during the annual carnival week at the end of October next. Mr Fred. Reade Wauchop, of Christchurch, has been engaged to produce, and a first-class performance is being looked' forward to. * * * * Devotees of Gilbert and Sullivan in New York are shockedfcat the performance of Lupino Lane as Ko Ko in "The Mikado,” wherein he turns numerous somersaults and leg twists. "Well! That is what he\wos engaged for; so what were they expecting from an acrobatic pantomimist? At any rate, probably Lupino had not outraged their feelings more than did De Wolf Hopper, who introduced some cross-talk into Gilbert and Sullivan, "to liven things up a bit.” * * * * The London correspondent of the Syda revival of the war-time "Bubbly,” but gossip. “The Duke of York'is housing a revivalv of the'war-time 'Bubbly,” but it is a rank failure. In the cost are your own Madge Dlliott and Cyril Ritchard. The former received no mention in the critiques, but Cyril, making bis first appearance in’ London, has been hailed as a new light comedian with personality.” * * * * As showing the vastness of tha sums now spent on London cabarets, a London correspondent states that the Hotel Metropole spends no less than .650,000 a year for the Midnight Follies on salaries alone. They do not run a cabaret primarily for profit. Its publicity value to the hotel, argues the management, is .610,000 a year.” * * * * United Artists report that dates on Dimer Clifton’s thrilling production, "Down to the Sea in Ships,” are being rapidly booked up, and another copy of this film has been procured to meet the demands of those exhibitors who desire .to screen it at an early date.

Messrs A. R. Shepard and Walter Monk have returned to Australia, and are expected to return to New Zealand in the near future. • • • 4 • Miss Beatrice Day, who has returned to Sydney from her visit to the United States, gained high praise for her acting with the Boucicault-Vanbrugh Company m "His House in Order.”

I Coming to Wellington shortly will bo I the Veterans of Variety, who 'have just concluded a successful season in Aucki land, and who are now in Dunedin. The Veterans are five authentic stars of twenty-five or thirty yeurs ago. specially engaged in London by Sir Benjamin Fuller to portray the songs that won them fame—such ditties, for example, as* "The Man that Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo." "After the Ball," "Lily of Laguna," "Daddy .Wouldn’t Buy a Bowwow," and the like. The five stars comprising the act are .Take Friedman. Geo. I Campbell, Arthur Slater, Lily Bumand, and Florence Hinton. * * * •. Rose Edouin, an actress, once wellknown in Australia, recently died in England at the ago of eighty-one. Rose Edouin (Mrs G. B. W. Lewis) first appeared on the stage in 1851, when she/ played in "The Stranger," with G. Vd. Brooke. She went to Australia in 1850/ and for thirty-six years played in most of the theatres there and in New Zealand. After returning to London in 1893, she made another tour of Australia, She played many Shakespearean parts. • One of the latest successes in London is the musical comedy, "Clo, Clo," which had its premiere at the Shaftesbury Theatre. The music is by Franz Lehar, and there are the usual tuneful waltzes, and also some catchy ragtime tunes.

Mr Sid Bridgeford, of the Paramount Theatre, Wellington, is busy this week advertising Douglas Fairbanks’s gnasterpiece, "Don Q, Son of Zorro,” which commences its two weeks run at the Paramount Theatre on Friday next. Great business is anticipated with this United Artists’ special, which, according to those who have viewed 1 the film, is Fairbanks’s bestproduction to date. * * * * The Paragon Films release "Wonderful London,” opened at the D.e Luxe Theatre, Wellington, on September 11th, and played to capacity business all the week. This picture is indeed well worth seeing. and is a credit to those responsible for its production. Mr L. D. Austin, musical director of the De Luxe Theatre, is to be congratulated on the exceptionally fine music played by his orchestra during the screening of. '‘Wonderful London.” Owing to the big business by "Wonderful London” at the D.e Luxe, arrangements have been made to transfer the picture to the Tivoli for a further season. * * * * Mr Drake, of Manakau pictures, was a visitor to Wellington during the week. * * * 0 Mr Frank Fowler, who controls the Opera House, Tauranga, is at present on a business visit to Wellington. On disposing of his picture interests in Invercargill to Mr E. McKeever, Mr Fowler took over the Artcraft Theatre, Wellington, which he controlled with success for some months, ultimately selling out to Mr Dallen, of the Princess, Wellington. He then bought out Welsh Bros.’ interest in the Opera House, Tauranga, and is running this show in his usual capable manner. It is rumoured that Mr Fowler will most likely again assume the Artcraft, Wellington, in the near future.

The next Warner Bros, .classic of the screen to be released by Master pictures is "The Bridge of Sighs,” which is now screening all this week at the Empress, and starring Dorothy Mackaill, with Creighton Hale, Ralph Lewis, and Alec. B. Francis. The author, Oharles K. Harris, who wrote "After the Ball,” has his story to mark the poignancy fof the innocents passing with weary tread across the desolate passage from the New York Central Criminal Court to the oblivion of the Tombs Prison. Hero is a drama which shows how blind is Justice, and how entirely misleading circumstantial evidence may be. This story of temptation, error, punishment and heroic sacrifice has humanity and heart appeal in every single moment,,which just about makes it first-rate entertainment for all classes.

Mr 0. N. Gillespie, general manager of National Pictures, Ltd., js at present in Auckland on business. '#*#«* Mr Arthur Davis, managing director of Exhibitors Alliance Films, returned to Wellinfjton from Sydney lop Monday last. # 0 # • • Mr C. F. Eskell, general manager for Universal Film Mfg., Co., was expected to leave Sydney yesterday o nhis return to Wellington. * * * * Mr W. R. Hoggan, general 6ales manager for Australasiia, and W. W Duff, general manager for New Zealand for Famous Lasky Film Service, Ltd., are at present in the South. Island on business. Mr Errol Filler, manager for Selznick pictures, recently made a flying visit to Christchurch, where he was successful in completing arrangements with the management of the Queen's Theatre m that city for the screening of Selznick pictures * * * * Mr George Dagnall, manager of Fox Films, Ltd., returned to Wellington on Thursday after a successful trip to Auckland and district. Ml* Maurice Ralph, manager for Beaumont Smith Filftis, is at present in Auckland. He is expected to return to Wellington during days^ Mr Barrie Marschel, general manager Qf Metro Goldwyn Films, Ltd., is at present in the Taranaki district, giving private screenings of some of the pictures which will shortly be released by this firm. * * * * Mr W. A. Gibson, 0.8. E., general manager, and Percy Dive, secretary of Australasian Films, Sydney, returned to Sydney by the Moeraki on Friday last. * * * * Mr E. J. Mcßrearty, of Famous Lasky, who has been transferred to Auckland as chief booker of the Auckland branch, is well-known to exhibitors all over New Zealand. "Mac" has been with Famous Lasky for some years, having commenced with them as dispatch clerk. For some time he has been assistant booker to Mr T. Hanson, and his appointment of chief booker at Auckland is well deserved. He is a. most conscienious worker and exhibitors can rely on getting their film on the dates for which it is booked, and also securing the utmost courtesy and attention from Mr Mcßrearty. * * * * Mr E. McKeever, of the Civic Pictures, Invercargill, is present on a business visit to Wellington. Mr McKeever is one of the most popular exhibitors in New Zealand, snd the capable manner in which he controls his business in Invercargill reflects great credit on him. For some time he controlled Mac’s movies in Milton, giving up that show to manage the Civic, Invercargill, for Mr Frank Fowler, which he did with splendid results. Later on he nought Mr Fowler out, and has continued to run the Civic pictures to great advantage. * * * * Melodrama of the type so well-known some twenty odd years ago is to be revived in Melbourne at the Palace Theatre. The opening piece is "The Revelations of a Wife. It. is expected (says a writer) that all the Melbourne bodies nofr making knee-high disclosures will rush