ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE, PICTURES, MUSIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12526, 16 August 1926, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE, PICTURES, MUSIC

OPERA HOUSE ••HOUSE OF GLASS” A WELL-BALANCED COMPANY. The final performance the “The House of Glass was given at the Grand Opera House on Saturday evening to a large audience. Full appreciation was shown ot the undoubted ability of Miss Furiel Starr and her company. To-night and tho following two nights “French Leave 1 ' will be staged. It is from the pen of Mr Reginald Berkeley, a young a member of the inner Temple and ot the New Zealand Bar, who was in tho Kille Brigade—a brigade-major of the Fourth Army. He wrote “French Leave” • while invalided behind the lines during the battle of the Somme. When it was played in Londou “French Leave” went with a roar, for there is a laugh or a smile in almost every line. The enterprising English wife of a smart brigade-major joins her innocent husband in rest billets as a pretended French actress. Of course, she is irresistibly attractive, and a-cts like a. magnet to the crusty, tut susceptible general, and the still more inflammable staff-captain, while goading the devoted major to frenzy. Three performances only will be given of “French Leave/’ and on Thursday, the last night of the season, Miss Muriel Starr will present as a special farewell performance “Within tho Law,” the play which, created such a sensation when originally presented by Miss Starr. The box plans’ are open at The- Bristol. “FRENCH LEAVE” AMUSING FLAY TO-NIGHT. “French Leave/’ which will bo produced at the Grand Opera House this evening, is the work of Reginald Cheyne Berkely, a barrister of the Inner Temple and Auckland (N.Z.), who wrote it while invalided as a bri-gade-major of the Rifle Brigade of the Fourth Army on the Somme. His comedy as will bo presented by the Muriel Starr cast is not only vivacious, but borders frequently on farce, but the whole imbroglio is amusing mainly by reason o>f its conceivable piobability. This central idea is that of a young wife separated by tho war just after her marriage, who daringly persuades the landlady of a house in the French village, where tho British brigade is resting cut of the line to accept hei as her daughter Julie, newly returned from a theatrical engagement in Paris. Meanwhile the dining-room of the house becomes the officers’ messroom of her husband’s regiment. Captain Harry Glenister’s joy at the reunion is considerably dashed by his anxiety lest- such a serious breach of military regulations should cost him his commission, and further by his jealousy at Julie’s evident delight in turning tlio heads of all the officers around her, from subalterns to general. This flirtatious fun and the fine excuse for indulging in it in her Harry’s own interests, fills the lougish young woman’s heart with joy. She has a great time indeed, while Harry sulks and incurs her serious rebuke for ridiculous jealousy. Miss Starr is sure to play the part of Julie with spontaneity and lightness. The tiffs with “l>arlmg” Hariv (“Stupid, jealous boy/’) and the scene broadened a little with the amorous general, especially are said to be delightful. Miss Starr’s archness, cajolery and piquant glances are certain to be made full use of by this brilliant artist. “French Leave” will be presented to-night, to-mcrrrow and Wednesday nights. On the last night of her season here, Miss Starr will stage for her farewell play, “Within the Law, ’ and play her original part of Mary Turner, with which her name has been associated throughout the Englishspeaking world. Packed Jiouses should bo the order for the remaining nights of this charming artist’s season at the Grand Opera House. The season here has been a remarkably successful one, big audiences witnessing every performance. Tho box plans for the remainder of the season arc now open at the Bristol. QUEEN’S THEATRE “COMBAT,” A UNIVERSAL-JEWEL. Rugged pitched battles are on© of the features of “Combat,” a UniversalJewel picture now showing at the Queen’s Theatre,” with House Peters in the starring role. Among other virile action there are two thrilling fights which alone stand out as sufficiently thrilling to be the climax of the story. But neither of them is the high point of tho story. This moment comes in as thrilling a forest fire ever screened. The first of the fights is a gang affair, a free-for-all in which a crowd of lumberjacks mix up with. a gang of lumber' poachers who have been stealing trees. Later House Peters mixes up with the head of the poachers, and they fight a fierce battle in a driving rain on the edge of n dangerous cliff. Lynn Reynolds has done an unusually good piece of directing in this thrilling tale, and has woven a story replete with suspense about tho doings of the lumber camp. In the colourful supporting cast are Wanda Hawley, Walter McGrail, C. E. Anderson, Charles Mailer, Steve Clemonto, and Howard Truesdell. The supporting musical programmes are said to bo exceptionally entertaining. KINGVTHEATRE “THE GREAT DIVIDE.” Alice Terry and Conway Tearlo head the cast of “Tho Great Divide,” the big Metro-Goldwyn attraction, whioh is now showing at the King’s Theatre. ltuth Jordan, a romantic and idealistic girl, during a visit to an Arizona ranch, is left alone by night in a cabin. She is forced into marriage by a man named Stephen Ghent, whose mine later yields rich returns, but, obsessed with the thought that she has been bought by gold, the girl refuses to accept any of tbe money. She weaves baskets in order to earn enough to repay .Stephen for the chain of nuggets lie bad given a Mexican to buy her freedom. Meanwhile her friends’ frantic endeavours are at last successful. and the girl returns to the ranch with them. She answers Stephen’s entreaties by throwing him the gold chain which she had puchascd from the Mexican. Whereupon she becomes hysteri cal arid Lapses into unconsciousness Through a driving storm Stephen makes a desperate effort to reach the village and the doctor. She is told how Ghent risked his life to get the doctor for her, and all ends happily. Alice Terry and Conway Tcarle head the cast. The programme includes pictures of tho Byrd Polar Expedition, a New Zealand scenic dealing with the gnnii. I - of Cape Kidnappers, and a comedy. There is excellent incidental --' "‘|UL

THEATRE DE LUXE “HAVOC,”—STUPENDOUS FILM. “Havoc” is ono of the strongest stories screened in Wellington for a long time, and depicts the havoc that may be wrought by tho heartless conduct of a beautiful girl. It’s the picture that will be used as the standard of comparison for years to come. That's a broad statement, when one considers the magnificent screen attractions that have been produced during the past year, but this is a dynamic, dramatic story ot a world caught in a maelstrom of hysteria. It pulsates with tens© action ana. vibrates with high-powered emotional scenes that will sway the most sophisticated and cynical patron of the silent drama. Women will glory the three-cornered light for the hand, of a beautiful woman —a woman without a soul who dangles men s hearts at her finger-flips; who turns 1 ilelong friends into bitter enemies, who laughingly leaves a trail of havoc in her waKe. , __ ~ George O’Brien, W'alter '.McGrail, Margaret Livingston, Madge Bellamy, Leslie Fenton, David Butler, Harvey Clark, Wade Boteler, and Eulalie Jensen head the powerful cast, sawdust and Spangles,” which is said to show in a wonderful fashiop the naanner in which animals are trained tor the circus, is also shown. , Appropriate music is provided by the De Luxe orchestra, under the conductorship of Miss Bryers. COMMENCING NEXT FRIDAY “THE AMERICAN VENUS.” A comedy with a decidedly original theme is “The American Venus ; ■ which commences screening at the De Luxe Theatre on n day next, with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30. It was produced by Paramount and directed by Frank Tuttle. The cast is noteworthy in that it includes seven of the prize-winning girls m the great Atlantic City beauty pageant of last year, and Fay Lanphier, who won the contest, and incidentally the title of “Miss America. Tho leading masculine roles are played by lord Sterling and Lawrence Gray, while Esther Ralston has the chief feminine part. Some of the most spectacular scenes in the film were photographed in natural coloui-s, and sro said to he remarkably beautiful and striking. The story is .most interesting and is full of amusing situations. Hundreds of beautiful girls appear, and this wondrous array of you*., beauty, and talent, is further enhanced by the most lavish and luxurious costumes, sets .and scenic effects, bem*. the finest ever seen on any screen. The high point of spectacular display in the picture is the sumptuous fashion show, and artistic tableauxing, which were also filmed in colour. |he American Venus” is a picture that will not only charm but will fascinate as well. An aditipnal attraction \s the Charleston Ballet, composed . of 10 of Wellington’s prettiest girls. The prologue has been arranged by Miss Phyllis Bates, who, with her partner, will also appear. The musical programme will also be or the highest standard. The box plans are now open at the Bristol Piano Co., Aitken’s Book Arcade, or ring theatre ’phone 23-080. PARAMOUNT THEATRE “OLD LOVES AND NEW.” Adapted fronT~the famous novel, “The Desert Healer,” by E. M. Hull, the author of “The Sheik ’’ the First National production, “Old Loves and New/’ presented for the first time at the Paramount Theatre last evening, tells a story refreshing In its originality and daring in its theme. Gervase Carew, an Englishman, returns from the horrors of the Great War to find ljis wife in the arms of another man, Lord Geradine. Disillusioned and heart-broken, Carew seeks solace on the Arabian desert, hut even there, devoting Ins life to the care of the sick natives, his wrecked romance pursues him. Geradine has left Carew’s wife and married another woman, Marny. Tho couple, unhappy and bitter, come to the desert on a hunting trip, and Marny is captured by bandits and rescued by Carew. Then begins a romance which, is brought to a gripping climax when Geradine is killed by a mad vlephan.. The pathos and human interest in this remarkable film are well handled by Lewis Stone, Barbara Bedford, and Tully Marshall, under the skilful direction of Maurice Tourneur. There is a bright, supporting programme, which includes a Gaumont Graphic, a scenic, a Path© Review, and a “Felix the Cat” cartoon. The Paramount Orchestra, under the leadership of Mr R. R. Caultou, plays an admirable suite of incidental music. EMPRESS THEATRE “THE ENCHANTED HILL.” Jack Holt is in a role that is quite, to his liking in “The Enchanted'Hill,” the picture now showing at the Empress Theatre. It is the celluloid Paramount version of Peter B. Kyno’s latest dynamic novel, which Irvin Willat produced with a brilliant cast of players featuring Jack Holt, Florence Vidor. Noah Beery and Mary Brian. Lee Purdy, owner of a ranch on “Tho Enchanted Hill” has trouble with Ira Todd, foreman of a neighbouring ranch. The owner, a woman, turns up and is protected by Purdy. Todd tries to discredit Purdy in the eyes of the girl who has trusted him. Finally Todd is brought out in his true colours, and Lee marries her. “Verdict.” the second attraction, is said to be one of the best mystery plays ever screened, containing an entirely new idea in camera story-tell-ing. It is enacted by a cast which includes Lon Tpllegen, Elliott Dexter, William Collier, inr., Taylor Holmes, Gertrude Astor, Gaston x Glass, Walter Long, Louise Lorraine, etc. Excellent music and a good supporting bill complete a fine programme. ORGAN RECITAL AT TOWN HALL. The Town Hall was well-filled last evening on*tho occasion of tho weekly organ recital rendered by Mr Bernard F. Page (city organist). The programme submitted, which met with the high appreciation of those present, was as under: Partita in F Alinor (Bach), Harmonies dn Soir (KnrgT'jlerO, Matin Provencal (from Poems rl’Aatomne), Op. 3 (No. 2) (Bonnet). Scherzo' (Op. 70) (Hoffmann) “Wnld-w-hen.” front Act TT. “Siegfried” (Wagner), Prelude (Op. Iff), No. 3 fScriahine), Finale in B Flat (Op. 21) (Cesar Franck).

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE DIVERSIFIED PROGRAMME. The Elton Black Town Topics Revue Company have achieved a distinct success in their five productions presented to date, and this week promise to still further sustain their established reputation as a topically distinctive, talented) and exceptionally versatile company. In the new presentation entitled “A Box of Tricks” opportunities are piany, and provide ample scope for each member to prove his or her ability in humorous and diverting situations, musical items, original character parts, ensemble and dance numbers, etc., etc., and a very entertaining performance can be expected. Mr Arthur Clarke, Mr Percy McKay, Miss Alice Bennetto, three highly gifted vocalists in this company’s personnel, will provide solo numbers of eminent quality. Miss Neva Carr, Miss Curley Sherwood, Mr Ray McLean, Mr Chas. Megan, Mr Chas. Sherman, and other members of this bright little company, will all he seen to good advantage in their allotted parts, and it can he safely said that Air Elton Black, the irresistible and briskly droll Scotch comedian, will be the funniest “trick” emanating from this box of divertisements to be presented at His Majesty’s to-night. Heading the vaudeville bill are two popular New Zealand artists, Mr Frank Foster and Mr Robert Needham, making their first appearance with an original burlesque entitled “Going to the Party.” The St. Leon Troupe, a high-class athletic, acrobatic quartet, will offer another of their, marvellous balancing, twisting, somersaultin gand eccentric tumbling acts. Hastings and Adair, the novel musical comedy pair, will give an entire change of unique musical Items, and Harry North, the immensely favoured concertina player, will also provide a completely new selection from his uncommonly varied' repertoire, the whole comprising a programme that ’acks neither an abundance of good comedy, music or variety. J. C. WILLIAMSON VAUDEVILLE COMPANY OF INTERNATIONAL STARS. With the hall mark of the Tivoli Theatres in Sydney and Melbourne, an exclusive company of international vaudeville stars will commence a limited season at the Grand Opera. House next Saturday, August 21st. ' Heading a colossal programme are Leonard Gautier’s Bricklayers, comprising a troupe of wonderful dogs, who actually stage a playlet, “The Bricklayers of Dogville,” apparently of their own volition. They have their own special cast, and introduce comedy and pathos with the sagacity of humans. It is claimed that audiences everywhere have been staggered at the uncanny wisdom of these four-footed Thespians. Another top-liner that is sure to evoke particular interest is that given hy Mantell’s Mannikins, a really marvellous miniature entertainment staged under the title of “Le Petit Cabaret,” and presenting in inimitable fashion an army of acrobats, comedians, dancers, singers, and musicians. It is stated that no finer show of its kind has been seen in New Zealand before. A glance through the other contributors to the bill further indicates the strength of the attraction en masse. Van Dock, a skilful caricaturist comes under special engagement. Imito is a famous .bird mimic who can even deceive the feathered songsters; Katrina and Joan are two dainty classical dancers with London experience; and Miss Elroy performs bewildering evolutions on a luminous sphere. In addition, Peggy Mouat, one of the most charming finalists in the “Miss Australia” beauty contest, will make her appearance in a Charleston exhibition; Marie ■ Moore will give her monologue seen a, “Jazz Snapshots at the Piano,” and Maxim Brodi (tenor) with Dech (pianist) will be heard in an effectively built-up musical act. Unique lighting effects, and musio by a symphony orohestra shou'd sot the seal on a high-class entertainment. A reminder is given that tho box plans will open next Thursday morning at the Bristol. stra’ndjheatre ‘ “THE BEAUTIFUL CHEAT.” “The Beautiful Cheat,” featuring Laura La Plante, is the attraction now showing at the Strand Theatre. Tho story is about a little shop girl who rises to stardom, surrounded by the fiction that she is a great Russian emotional actress. ' Miss La Plante is supreme in her role, which is by far the most captivating she has ever had. Harry Myers, as her press agent, injects a large share of comedy into this picture hy his unique ways of giving publicity to his client. One of the main sources of comody is the efforts of all concerned to. maintain the claim that Miss La Plante is Russian. Youcca Troubetzkoy, a real Russian prince, has his biggest role in pictures. The supporting picture is “The Code of tho Wilderness,” an actionful, fighting story of tho real West of a dandy from the East who violated tho unwritten code: “Ono man is as good as another, and no better than his gun-play.” A good supporting hill and tuneful music completo the programme. C.T. "MALE CHOIR SECOND CONCERT FINISHED PERFORMANCE. The Wellington Commercial Travellers’ Male Choir can always be relied upon to provide a programme that will meet tho unstinted approval of inusic-lovers, and the second concert of the 1926 season, in the Concert Chamber on Saturday evening, proved no exception. The fullness of the choir’s harmony was evinced in all the well-sung gieea and part songs, and the 'finish and balance of their performance charmed all present. Perhaps the choir’s finest numbers were:—'“lrish Folk Song” (Foote;, “Cannibal Idyll” (Faber), “Song of the Norsemen” (Maunder). “Dejathless Army” (Trotere), and “Allen Water” (H. Elliott Button), all of which were accorded enthusiastic recalls. Apart from tho choral work, tho choir are to be congratulated upon the splendid band of soloists gathered togethor for the performance, Comprising Mrs Alice Harris (soprano), Miss Lily Maekie (contralto), Messrs B. H. Mayall, E. Pegg, W. Goudie, and the Lyric Quartette (Messrs H. Phipps, G. 11. Howe, W. 13. Brown and W. Goudie). All these artists were beard to exceptional advantage, and received enthusiastic recalls. Mr Desmond Lavin was recalled for his charming violin solo, while Mr Harold Whittle, at the piano, was the ideal accompanist. The choir was under the able direction of Mr H. Temple White.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE “BEAU BRUMMEL” One of the finest pictures seen in the Artcrafi Theatre is the screen classic, “Beaaji Brummel/ 5 -starring tho great actor, John Barrymore. This is a production which stands alone for excellence from ©very point ol view. A magnificent, artistic, and accurate production—a cast which is composed of tlio pick of motion picture stars, hea.led by John Barrymore. A fascinating lifo-stoiy that grips from the opening soeno to the impressive, finale. “Beau Brummer’ has that elusive quality of being “different' 1 that ro many directors strive for and so tew attain. It is not due so much to directorial achievement as to the- inherent natujio of the theme, the character. and 1 tlie superb portrayal Barrymore creates. There is also a vorv interesting gazette, all to specially appropriate music by ddtr James iriay-