STAGE AND SCREEN ...

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12465, 5 June 1926, Page 13

STAGE AND SCREEN ...

Personal and General jottings

s “THE MIKADO"

Last Saturday night, May 29th, the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company produced “The Mikado" at His Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne. This play was inspired by a very trifling incident. Gilbert had decided to leave his own country alone for a while a.s a subject for his satire and wit, and his attention ■was directed towards Japan by the falling of a sword. For many years an old Japanese sword

had been hanging in Gilbert's study, and one day, just as Gilbert was sitting down to 'his desk, it fell. Immediately the idea of a Japanese setting suggested itself, and there followed this sparkling play in which Gilbert is at his lightest and airiest. The idea was doubly welcome, 'as at the time he had plenty of material at hand. He found all the local colour he needed at Knightsbridge, where a company of Japanese, recently arrived in England, had set up a eolony of their own. “The Mikado," when produced originally at the Savoy, was an instantaneous euccoss, and has remained one of the most popular operas of the series. This is the cast of “Tho Mikudo" at

Melbourne, His Majesty's, next Saturday night:—Charles Walenn as Ko-Ko, Bernard Manning as the Mikado, James as Nanki Poo, Sydney Granville as PooBah, Lance Fairfax as Pish-Tush, Patu Russell as Yum Yum, Effie Armstrong as Peep 80, Mabel Gibson us Pitti Sing, Winifred Williamson as Katisha. The opera is produced by W. R. Coleman. with new costumes, and *»peci-allj painted scenerv by W. Uoler'ui. * • • •

Tn connection with the J. r\ Williamson season, of Gilbert and Sullivan opera at His Majesty's Theatre. Ajelbcuinie. a is interesting to note the list of tho most lengthv original runs at the Bnvr>, London “Pinafore/* 700 nights; “The Mikado," (572 nights; “Patience/* 078 nights. In London revivals during the lifetime of the librettist and composer, “The Mikado" tons the list with 1144 performances; followed by “Pinafore" with JH-1% “The Pirates/'R7(I; “Patience," 811: “The Gondoliers/’ 76."); “The Yeoman of the Guard," 695; and “Jolantbe/' 398. “KU-KLUX-KLAN" COMES TO WELLINGTON Who hns not heard of tho famous Ku-Klux-Klan P Tn America the very name is a byword, but in Wellington——! After the American civil war there appeared in a lot. of the Southern States men who were known as carnet-baggers. These men had followed the Union Army during the war, making their living by any means but work. By various means they would get tho Southerners' land away from him. They advocated negro rule, and in many ways made themselves obnoxious. The Southerner, seeing his home, lands, and everything being taken from him, and not being * able to get justice from the courts, which were composed of these same cnrnet-bairgers and in many cases uneducated negroes, decided to take the law into their own hands, and Ihe outcome of their nction was the forming of a society known as the Ku-Klux-Klan. Thus is G*e history of the formation of the Ku-Klux-Klan in America. And despite a vigilant detective and a nolice force, on Monday evening this dreaded secrei society will come to strike terror (or laughter''' into the hearts of the people of' Wellington. And quite onenlv is announced the leader. George H. Ward, nopularly known as “Little Hermie" will be at tho head of affairs, ably suDported bv the clever members of his Snapshot Revue Company. Then for one week will “Ku-Klux-Klan." as interpreted by the George 11. Ward Snapshot Revue Company, commence its dread reign at. His Majesty's Theatre on Monday evening.

AUSTRALIANS IN LONDON “Australian visitors will meet familiar frineds oneo again at many of tiio London theatres.” says the “Empire Review," “for it is surprising how many 'Aussie’ artists are appearing in London showis. Most of them are in the lighter productions—Miss Lorna and’ Miss Toots Pounds are already established favourites; Miss Clarice Hardwicke is responsible for much of the fun in ‘Rose Marie*; Miss Kitty Reidy is the star in ‘Wildflower’; Mr Alan Prior, is the ‘Student Prince* himself; Mr Cyril Ritchard is playing a ‘Jack Buchanan* part in 'R.S.VLP/; and Miss Eve Grey is already counted as one of the most beautiful girls in musical comedy. The ciist of the new musical comedy, “Riki Tiki," includes Miss' Gladys Moncrieff, whose fine voice and natural talent have made her the bright particular star of the J. C. Williamson circuit since tho war. The strange thing is that it is only of recent years that Australian managers thou'Jit it possible to' find talent within their own shores, and many a clever Melbourne or Sydney girl has had to remain in the chorus, while some English actress, who lies been a successful understudy on.a provincial tour, has been imported at a large salary as fthe well-known .English actress who originally created the part/ " WILDE AND WHISTLER When Oscar Wilde left Oxford and went to London to cam his living by his pen, one of his greatest friends was Whistler, the painter. In fact, it was Whistler who introduced Wilde into London society life, and taught him that to make a name in London ho must be different from everybody else. Accordingly, Wilde adopted an extravagant form of dress, and cultivated the art of conversation at which he was naturally brilliant. “Lady Windermere’s Fan" gives a picture of London society life at this time, and for wit 'and beauty of language has no eqqal. Lubitsch, leading film producer, has made a photoplay *of this masterpiece, with Irene Rich,. Ronald Colinan, May MeAvov and Bert Lytell in the leading roles. Miss Cecil Hall, the well-known teacher of dancing in Auckland, will leave for London and Paris in October. * # • # William Heughan, the Scottish baritone; Hyman Lenzer, violinist; and Gladys Sayer, pianiste, who were in New Zealand some months ago, are now in Canada, where they have been having enthusiastic receptions. They have now completed their British Empire tour. * • • * Sydney Granville, 'who is appearing with the J. O. Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, at Melbourne, was associated for over 18 years with the U’Oyly Carte Company, with which he has played every part it was possible for him to take. Mr Gran-

ville received liis first training with the Moody-Manners Opera Company, with whicli ho appeared for three years. * • Halma, the crazy juggler, who is appearing in Fuller vaudeville, combines a thorough knowledge of the ethics . of juggling with wliat Shakespeare would call “a pretty wit," and to those de-

lightful accomplishments there is added his control, or rather lack of control, over his pedal arrangements., Hn treats liis audience to a turn replete in humour and merit.

“THAT ROYLE GIRL" AT DE LUXE D. W. Griffith's first picture since he made his new contract with Paramount in "That Royle Girl," now being shown at* the popular De Luxe Theatre. It is claimed that this is the epic jazz picture of all times. The keynote of the production, is jazz, its background is the jazz-belt of Chicago, and its story treats of a vivid phase of life in that setting. Several of the big scenes take place, in, some of the most pomilar and best known cabarets, all in' harmony with the ultra-modern atmosphere of the whole picture. One of these jazz palaces is done in the cubist effect. It is a weird combination of angels, and angelic effect with Satan casting shadows across the whole. Certainly an extraordinary theme for a dance hall! Another has been worked out on Egyptian lines, and is named Tfit's Tavern,'and is the scene of one of the mo«t hectic parties over staged for a motion picture. The cast is headed by'none other than tho delectable Cn’’ol Dempster, while W. L. Fields, Harrison Ford, and James Kirkwood arc also in the leading - roles. The leading roles have 'been assigned to- Carol Dempster. W. .C. F : plds, James Kirkwood, and Harrison Ford. “That -Royle' Girl" will have its pre* micro at the De Luxe Theatre this week. In connection and as a prelude to the picture. Miss Phyllis Bates will give an interoretation of: a French tango and an exhibition waltz. INVITED TO NEW ZEALAND “Three-reel picture made by New Zealand Government asks Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. to visit that country." “Film invitation brought to New York too late to catch stars and will be forwarded to Paris." •Under the above headings appears the following in New York film journals:— A unique- and flattering invitation from the publicity officer of New Zealand to Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford to visit that country reached, New York City five days after -the United Artists stars sailed on their voyage around the world. ; . ' • * *' # The invitation was brought to New York by Ralph R. Doyle, general manager of United Artists, Ltd., of'Australasia, and is in the form of three reels of* film, displaying the scenic beauties of New Zealand and specially titled for Doug, and Mary. « * • # The film immediately will be sent to the Paris office of United Artists, where the stars may view it and notify New Zealand Government publicity officer whether they will accept the invitation. Officials of the home office of United Artists who viewed the film believe that Doug, and Mary may find it possible to alter their itinerary to include New Zealand after watching tho marvellous pictures of this country.

Arthur H. Messenger, publicity officer of New Zealand, is responsible for this special “film invitation/ ( The rnain title of the film reads;— Glorious New Zealand," to Mr and Miis Douglas Fairbanks, with tlie compliments of Arthur H. Messenger, publicity officer of New Zealand/'

The .final title of the film is: “When are you coming to New Zealand? A welcome awaits you 1"

GREAT COMBINED ENTERTAINMENT

Great things were claimed for the “show” now running at the Grand Opera House. And it must frankly be admitted that great as the claims were they have been entirely justified by the entertainment. Either of the attractions offered would entertain the most critical audience. * * * * The super picture, Sir John Martin Harvey in “The Only Way,” is a mas-

terpiecc of cinematography that is a credit to the English producers and to Sir John himself. Lavish in production with fine acting generally, and the inspiring portrayal of Siduey Carton by Sir John, “The Only Way” must go on record as one of the greatest successes of the screen.

The Sunbeam Children have endeared themselves to all. Miss Frances Scully, producing “The Wedding of Baby Kerr” herself, has every reason to be proud of these kiddies, who are from, her Sydney studio. Of the children most foe mentioned Baby Kerr (the bride), Georgie Foster (the groom), Stella Lamond (comodinne) and Jackie Clark, a small boy who is irresistibly droll in his impersonation. of Jackie Coogan. Added to

the general brightness of the show is the operatic orchestra, which plays at both afternoon and evening sessions. Various of New Zealand's 6cenic beauties are included in the three reels. The catching of a swordfish is one of the thrilling incidents early in the film. “Geyser Valley,” with its steaming fountains of water, its boiling mud and its peculiar formations or sulphur and silica forms a vastly interesting portion of tlio picture. • • # • The Fox special attraction, “The Iron Horse,” is still playing to remarkable business in the country districts, and a number of exhibitors have written Fox Films asking for repeat bookings. • * * • Mr H. Bardisley, manager for Exhibitors Alliance Films, Ltd., is at present on a business tour of the country. Mr Errol Fuller, manager of Selznick Pictures, Ltd., who has been travelling the South Island for some weeks, returned to Wellington vestordoy. * • * • Alan McGowan, manager of Australasian Films, Ltd., reports that the bookings for the pici urination of Robert Keable’s well-known book, “Recompense,” are tremendous, and that exhibitors who have already played the picture are loud in their praise of it as a box office attraction. Mr Tom Craigic, manager of the Britannia Theatre, Wellington, luts secured the second run of this picture in Wellington, and as many hundreds of people were unable to gain admission to the Empress Theatre when “Recompense” was first released, it. is anticipated that, the capacity of the Britannia Theatre will be taxed to the utmost. • • • * Much interest has been aroused amongst the clergy and many religious bodies in the Fox special, “The Fool,” which has just concluded a most successful week’s run in Wellington. This production is one which makers a very deep impression on the serious minded mem- • • • •

Universal's unique attraction. ‘TTtr People.” has just concluded an excellent run at the King’s Theatre, Wellington. Despite the setback of very wot weather for the entire season, each night’s* takings were “above fine weather” averages, the final night foeincr the biggest house of the season, excepting Saturday.

During the filming of the Master picture. “The Sea Beast, *'* Dolores Costello, who )>laV s * opposite John Ihnrvmoro, designed a chic little hat called “The Harpoon llat" made of soft rooe-beige felt.