ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE, PICTURES, MUSIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12357, 29 January 1926, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE, PICTURES, MUSIC

DAME CLARA BUTT HER VIEWS ON ' SINGING—AND THE JOY OF LIFE. Calve, that greatest of great singers once wrote: “Who sings, banishes evil.” I wish people could only realise the truth of that famous motto. Singing does banish evil, and dull care and many more horrible things, and 1 cm quite convinced that- people would be better and happier if they would only allow themselves to sing. The English are so reserved and selfrconscious. They bottle np their joy instead of letting it flow outward to cheer themselves and other people. In Italy, Spain and other southern countries people sing naturally and joyously, just like the birds, simply because they are happy and want to express their happiness and singing is the natural way of doing it. But the Englishman, and perhaps to a lesser degree the Australian and New Zealander, is always afraid that! he is going to make a fool of himself when he sings, so he keeps quiet and loses quite a lot of the joy of life. Only the othe*- day a girl told me that sometimes she “felt so good inside that she simply boiled over with happiness,” but she did not like to let off steam becauss she could not sing. She was so painfully self-conscious that she did not dare to sing even when there was no one within reach of hearing, yet she has a good ear for music and has a very musical speaking voice. If only she had learnt to sing when a child 6he would have been able naturally and tunefully. “Of course I do not mean to suggest that everyone should be an operatic and concert artist, but everyone should know how to sing if he wants to, because life at times is so good that, o'nly song can express the glory of it. People should also know something about musio to be able to appreciate it sincerely; we cannot all be good singers, but there is no reason why we cannot all be good listeners. If I had my way every child would he taught singing and the earlier they started the better pleased I should be. Only by teaching a child to sing when a little more than a mere baby can you cure it of that soul crippling affliction —self-consciousness. That have proved again and again. It is quite impossible l to start a child singing too young. I have listened with great pleasure to the singing of tiny children of six and S6ven. The child should be taught by a good musician if possible, if not, it should he taught by its mother or some grown-up friend who will find the duty a most fascinating one. “It is essential that tbe child should be taught to sing intelligently and in tune, and that its voice should not be forced or over-strained. A sympathetic and systematic early training lays tlie foundation of a love of musio that will increase and grow deeper year by year 1 . Because the souls of so many children, and grown np people, too, are music starved, there is a drear desert where » flowing oasis should be. Musio feeds the slow developing soul of a child, fills it with beauty, and trains to express itself in terms of beauty. Another result of singing is to form a clear and well-modulated speaking voice, a rare and precious gift in these days of slang and clipped speech. Then, too, they must bei taught how to breathe properly and this naturally benefits them jfrom a physical point of view. Talking of physical benefits, I do not know of a better exercise than singing.. When thev are learning children should not be allowed to sing trashy words of bad music. Each song should he woven about some charming idea, making a dainty picture, as it were,: that- can be explained to the child, thus encouraging the development of. imagination. You can easily get them to visualise the theme of the. song and then reconstruct it in their own words. There are scores of delightful simple little songs especially written for the nursery folk, that have good musio and words which are vivid and easily understood; You will find that these songs give the'little ones the utmost joy. AU parents should do their utmost to give their children this gift that is' above all others—the abilitv to 6ing easily, naturally and joyfully—and I can assureyou in all sincerity that the benefits they will derive from it are almost incalculable. Dame Clara Butt and Mr Kenneiley Rumford will open their seasqn in the Town Hall to-morrow night; when a nniversally popular programme will he presented. The box plans are at the Bristol and dav sale tickets at the Grand Opera House Confectionery.

ARTCRAFT 5 theatre FAMOUS “CHARLEY'S AUNT” v PICTURE. II was at the suggestion of his fam. oos brother, Charlie that Syd. Chaplin was given the title role of '"Charley’s Aunt,” the screen version of the great farce, by, Brandon Thomas, which cornea to the Artcraft Theatre for a three-night run. When the film rights were recured by Ideal Films, London, Charlie Chaplin cabled them that in his opinion the logical man to play ,the famous role of “Charley’s Aunt from Bi azil jxhere ' the nuts come from” was his brother Sydney; so the Ideal Company and Christie Film Company set about securing Syd Chaplin for the title role. He played “Charley’s Aunt” on the stage in England and brings to ithe picture the talent which 'he has shown for riotous comedy in such i motion pictures as “The Pilgrim,” “The Galloping Fish,” “Her Temporary Husband” and “The Perfect Flapper.” The first stage of Sydney’s screen career Was his hiring in “The Submarine Pirate,” wliich stili stands out as one of the first and most laughable feature-length comedies. It is said that Syd Chaplin has more than ifnlfilled everyone’s expectation in his screen interpretation of “Charley’s Aunt.” It is considered the best thing Nb has ever done. Three other excellent and varied pictures. all to first-class music by James Haddock complete a really fine hill, which will he shown at the special matinee to-morrow afternoon. TIYOU THEATRE TWO EXCITING FILMS. The Tivoli Theatre is presenting an excellent programme to-day. The star film, “One Exciting Night,” is a D. W. Griffith production, the excellence of which the producer’s name is a guarantee This is billed as one of the most exciting and thrilling films that has been presented at this popular theatre. The second feature, Johnny Hines in “Luck,” is fine entertainment. Hines v» a well-known comedian who rets his lauglw by clean methods. The supports are also up to a high standard, and include a Burton Holmes travelogue, a cartoon, etc. This pro gramme will be shown continuously from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The orchestral items will he of special merit.

s HIS MAJESTY’S MIRTH, MELODY, AND DANCING. As each week goes on the MoonMorris Company of players become more firmly fixed in the favour of frequenters of His Majesty’s. This week’s offering, “Snapshots,” is one of the best revues this talented company has put on. In “A Screen Novelty,” by William Beres'ford and the company, some novel silhouette features are introduced, some very comic effects being achieved. A domestic sketch, “All For Tony,” featuring Nell Fleming as the wife, Syd. Burchall as the husband, and Durham Marcel, the lover, was one of the best sketches in the show. Of the many ballet features “Kentucky” was perhaps the most effective, the charming simplicity of the setting and Nell Fleming’s spirited rendering of the song making a strong appeal. Moon and Morris in some comedy and dancing must not be overlooked. Their dancing is to a large section of the audience the main attraction of the evening. Every member of the company is versatile, and can always be relied on for good work: In the first part of the programme “Tho Four Little Kellys” still maintain themselves as firm favourites. The Romano Bros, appear in a beautifully effective series of representations of famous statuary poses. Sam Stern, the Englisß character comedian, needs no introduction to Wellington audiences. He was particularly good jn his representation of a young Italian on his wedding morn. Slavin and Thompson, in song and comedy numbers, and the Janetski trio, in marimba musical specialties, complete a first-class bilk ■ Mr Frank Ciowther’a orchestra provides excellent musio throughout the hill.

KING’S THEATRE “THE GOLD RUSH.”

Following on the greatest first week ever experienced in Wellington for ft picture, “The Gold Rush”' is now showing for a further week at the popular King’s, matinees taking place daily at 2.30, and nightly performances commencing at 8 o’clock sharp. “The Gold Rush’ ’ is far removed from those twOreelers, of the custard pie and slapstick variety, which characterised the comedian’s premiere on the screen, and is in the opinion of all who have viewed, “the finest comedy achievement of a decade.” Although the broad and, more often, subtle humour is there in great quantity, the pathos and sentiment are just as much in evidence — maybe more so, for a very convincing story forms the background of the comedian’s work: As to the plot it tells of the rush to Klondike, some thirty years ago, when thousands perished on the way; of the many Tomantic figures which contributed a colourful background to events to be; of the' luckless seeker after wealth; and, of the many nondescripts who, due to good, fortune, rose from obscurity to millionaires overnight. The first • few hundred feet of film, showing the route through the Chilcoot Pass, with its long line oL struggling humanity forming a wonderful silhouette in the snow, is awe-in-spiring, and as magnificent as anything given the screen. From thence onward the story proceeds, with Chaplin ns the prospector who ultimately becomes the partner in a lucky strike which makes him rich. Before this siage is reached, however, many vicissitudes are experienced, and their unfolding marks the greatest picture,, of it? kind, ever made, Chaplin is without a peer; he . combines a .wonderful hpmour with a remarkable gift, of sentiment, and neither attribute is overstrained for effect. A happy selection was made when he chose Mack Swain and Georgia Hale for his principal support. They, with Chaplin, are to be congratulated on their truly fine characterisations. Much more could be said of this unique picture, but space does not permit. Suffioe then to say that “The Gold Rush” should, on merit, command attendances this week that will rival the first week. An excellent supporting programme, together with a specially arranged music accompaniment, are additional ieatures. Box plans are available at the Bristol until 5.30 daily, and after at the theatre, or ring ’phone 22-212 for bookings. THE EMPRESS THEATRE DOUBLEI-FEATURE bill. Every person, young and old, dreams of sudden riches and romance —and that’s why “Eve’s Secret,” a Paramount -picture co-starring Betty.Compson and Jack Holt, which Opens.at the Empress Theatre to-day, is going, to prove one of the most entertaining productions of the current season. “Eve’s Secret” tells of a little French peasant girl who marries a duke. It is crammed full of humour. From the very first foot of film showing the little French village down to the revelation of the secret itself, there are laughable situations galore. Real picture enjoyment is attained through the smooth hlend of. comedy and tragedy, for there is a strong vein of possiblo tragedy running throughout the story. The second feature is “One Glorious Night,” starring Elaine Hammerstein, Al. Roseoe. Phyllis Haver, and Freeman Wood. It is the story of a woman’s .struggle through the most trying time of her life, and her subsequent finding of true happiness. There is an excellent supporting hill, and a sniecial musical nronramme by the orchestra under Mr M. Dixon. StRAND THEATRE SPLENDID PROGRAMME. Two good features commence to-day at the Strand Theatre. An interesting study of family life, as it actually is, and not as It ought to be, is prel- - to movie audiences. in “The Home Maker,” Universal-Jewel King Baggot production. Alice Jqyoe and Clive Brook are being featured in this engrossing picture. In the cast are George Fawcett, Frank Newberg, Margaret Camplpell,' Lloyd Whitlock, Martha Mattoxj Alfred Fisher, Alice Flowers, Elaine Ellis, Mary Gordon, and six real American boys and girls. “The King of Wild Horses” will introduce a new horse star to the screen in Rex, and the human cast will be headed by Edna Murphy and Leon Bary. The story opens with the efforts of a cowboy to capture this magnificent wild creature of the dangerous mountain fastness. He glories in pitting his skill (gainst the horse’s cunning. Day after'day the cowboy keeps on his trail, pursuing him relentlessly, tirelessly, until ‘at last, in the black's unruly heart, there Rtirs a sense of respect, almost 6f admiration, for his pursuer, but still be tries to evade canture. There will he good supporting films, and a specially selected musical programme. •

GUY BATES POST HEAVY BOOKING YESTERDAY. Wellington has been eagerly looking tbrward to the visit of Guy Bates Posh for the past two months, and it .was only to be expected therefore that the box plans would be “rush,ea” yesterday. Apparently all Wellington intends being present at “The Masquerader,” and the opening performance, on Saturday night promises to be a particularly brilliant one. In all the large cities a Guy Bates Past “first night” is always a great social event as well as an artistic treat, fpr invariably there is a big demonstration at the final curtain, and a speech from the star actor. Indeed a “Post” premiere is one of the theatrical events which every theatre enthusiast regards as a gala performance which must on no account be missed. There is a special local interest so far as tO-morrow night’s performance at the Grand Opera House Is conoerned, fob after an absence of ten years from her own' city Miss Cecil Haines will make, her reappearance here in a splendid character role in “The Masquerader,”' Referring to Mr Post’s initial performance of “The Masquerader” in Sydney the “Daily Telegraph” critic wrote: Sydney had the high privilege on Saturday night of meeting the greatest actor that has visited Australia for many, years—and Sydney greeted him with an enthusiasm that speaks highly of our appreciation of pre-eminent dramatic artistry. The reception of Mr Guy Bates Post expressed itself in call after call at the close of each act, and in cheers at the final curtain. All Sydney could not crowd into the Palace Theatre on Saturday night, but during his season assuredly all Sydney will.”-Theatre patrons are particularly asked by J. C. Williamson, Ltd,- to note that as “The Masquerader” is a long play the curtain will rise, ;, promptly at 7.55. The - dim shadowed beauty of the prologue makes it imperative that the charm of its brief story be not disturbed by the entrance of latecomers, therefore the doors of the theatre will be kept closed during the progress of the prologue. Another unusual feature of ‘The Masquerader” will he the shortness of the intervals, for the story of the drama is of such absorbing interest that Mr Post has arranged fpr only three minute 'intervals- between tbe acts. The box plans for the six performances of “The Masquerader” are now on view at the Bristol, and-the plans for “The Cad Man” (from February 6th; to February 12th, inclusive) and “The Green Goddess” (February 13tli to February 18th, inclusive) will open next Thursday. QUEEN’S THEATRE “BREAD”—A BRILLIANT PRODUC- . . TION. „ An unusually strong dramatic offering -produced by Metro-Goldwyn in brilliant photography, and in generally excellent style is “Bread,* 1 the screen , adaptation of Charles G. Norris’s widely read hook (which is credited with having run into 50 editions). The Queers Theatre, always well to the fore in securing the best, have negotiated for the first New Zealand release or this powerfully appealing production, which will commence a week’s season with to-night’s premier showing. This profoundly absorbing story, which vigorously and fearlessly reproduces the struggle for existence that besets the lives of so many in the'"big cities today, is said to have been enacted for the Screen with quite exceptional convincing power. A sterling cast of players is prominent in the big list of meVits that the picture possesses, principal among whom are Mae Busch, Pat O’Maliey, Hobart Bosworth. Wanda Hadley, Robert Frazer, Myrtle Steadman, and Ward Crane. Victor Schertzinger is the director, which in itself is a guarantee of skilful production. The supporting subjects are described

as attractions of exceptional merit, while a pleasing music programme by the Queen’s Select Orchestra is to be a further feature of the evening. “LEAVE IT TO JANE” FINAL PERFORMANCE LAST NIGHT. >- The final performance of the popular musical comedy, “Leave It To Jane,’’ took place at the Opera House last .night after a most successful season. Misses Mona Bariee, Dorothy ? Lena, Elma Gibbs, Ethel Walker, and otlier ladies of the company, with Messrs Athol Tier, Cecil Scott, Jack Cannot, Percy le Fre, Harry Wotton, and Leyland Hodgson, provided plenty of fun, with charming frocks and picturesque scenery, while the musical part went with a lilt and swing which was most enjoyable. The company goes south to-night for a short season.