ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19515, 15 May 1922, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. It was expected that the programme which is to be shown at the Civic for the last time to-night would attract big business, but it was not anticipated that the rush would be so great as it actually proved to be. Both at the matinee and night sessions record crowds assembled. The programme proved to be quite up to the most sanguine expectations. Tom Mix was quite at his best in “The Night Horsemen,” an adventurous story of a man, a horse and a dog—each of them possessed of a fiery temper when roused. This trio has previously been seen in “The Untamed,” to which “The Night Horsemen” is a fitting sequel. Little Breezy Eason quite captivated both the oldsters and the youngsters in “The Big Adventure.” This charming little chap, w.hose career was unfortunately cut short by a fatal motor car accident, made quite an heroic figure in the big rescue scene, which fairly brought the whole of the audience to a high pitch of excitement. This little chap is perhaps the cleverest of the screen’s juveniles, and with his dog "Mickey” should not be missed in this fine picture. The film of Princess Mary's wedding, showing a glimpse of the actual ceremony, and the screamingly funny Sunshine comedy will also be shown for the last time to-night. ALBION THEATRE. Many eyes were tearful at the conclusion of the Anita Stewart super feature “Sowing the Wind,” so appealing is the play especially to the womenfolk, for the story is one of devoted love, a love that is to woman her very life. The ever-increasing popularity of the star and the assurance that this is one of the best starring vehicles provided for her would indicate that our patrons are due for a full measure of diversified entertainment. In “Sowing the Wind” an unusual story is unfolded—one which concerns an innocent convent girl who goes out into the world only to discover that her reputation is tainted by a notorious mother —a mother who has achieved bad notoriety. Her struggles—her romance—her effort to maintain her ideals, these combine to make a story of unusual appeal. In this picture the star has one of the most difficult roles of her career. It is a dramatic characterisation of the heaviest variety, and she proves herself easily equal to it. In addition, the many close ups of her show off her remarkable beauty as well as any picture in which she has appeared. The second feature is the smartest detective story to date, entitled “Wits versus Wits.” There is more action and thrills contained in this picture than any usual five-reeler. A comedy and Pathe Gazette complete the balance of a very fine programme.

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT OF ANNETTE HAYWARD. | Of particular interest to lovers of good j vocal songs is the announcement of the special engagement of Madame Annette • Hayward (soprano) who has had the eni viable distinction of appearing before Royalty ;on very many occasions. Madame Hay- ! ward has rung with great success in the city j halls of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Inverness, and was associated with the late W. F. Frame, the celebrated Scottish societies. Madame Hayward’s numbers include the following numbers: “Sweet Spirit Hear My Prayer,” “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” “Annie Laurie,” “Alas, Those Chimes,” “Come Back to Me,” and other popular numbers. The season commences Wednesday night at the Albion. Seats may now be reserved at the Albion.

SOUTHWOOD’S QUALITY PERFORMERS.

MUNICIPAL THEATRE TO-NIGHT. “The Quality Performers certainly provided an evening’s entertainment worthy of being ranked with the most pleasant it is possible to conceive,” says the Wellington Dominion of April 17 last . The same praise has been bestowed upon this talented combination wherever it has appeared, and to-night at the Municipal Theatre, theatregoers will have the opportunity of seeing the unique entertainment, which is said to be the brightest and happiest show that ever toured New Zealand. Mr Southwood, who is anxious to give his patrons the maximum of entertainment value at the minmium of cost, has added an additional attraction in the famous mimic, Nina Gordon. Miss Gordon will this evening give imitations of Dame Melba, Sir Harry Lauder, Connie Ediss, and the lovable Ella Shileds in her famous song ‘Berlington Bertie of Bow.’ Other members of the company are Hazel Fuller, Rose Fitzgerald, Aneurin J. Morris, and Wilfred Scott, a quartette who would be featured on any concert platform. Rollicking funmaking will be the work of Geo. Sharratt, Harry Webster, the renowned Leonard Nelson, and the piquant comedienne Beattie Wenhan. A great deal of the success of the“Q.P.s” (as they are termed for short) is attributable to the excellent orchestra under the direction of Phil Asiole, and the jazz band under the leadership of Wally Foster, “the man with the laughing trombone.” To-night’s programme, which is entitled ‘A Harvest of Humor and Harmony,’ contains many excellent concerted numbers produced by Geo. Sharratt, notably at excerpt from Tales of Hoffman,’ in which Aneurin Morris, the lyric tenor sings When Love is but Tender and Sweet,’ an old English country scena, and a new theme in vocal flights described as the syncopated opera Verdi. It is a unique conception of operas interwoven into a single number ; gorgeously gowned and true in every detail to the original and familiar operatic characters. This programme will be presented to-night only. On Tuesday a complete change takes place, when every item will be entirely new. Box plans at the Bristol. Patrons are advised to reserve seats, for which there is no extra 1 charge. >