ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19517, 17 May 1922, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. Well-balanced and strong, the programme to be screened at the Civic to-night forms admirable entertainment-for the most exacting. “After the Show,” the principal feature on the programme bears the gilt-edged imprimatur of Wiliam de Mille. That alone is sufficient to stamp it as a picture out of the ordinary, but when to this consideration is added the fact that the leading artiste are Jack Holt, Lila Lee and Charles Ogle it will readily be realised that “After the Show” is well worth seeing. The story is different—much different—from the usual run. As the name implies it deals with the lives of theatrical people after the ehow. The eternal—or infernal—triangle is missing. In its stead we have another three-cornered fight between the protective love of an old map (Charles Ogle) and the desire of the young man (Jack Holt) for the girl (Lila Lee), and the plot provides material for a most interesting and convincing photo-play. The work of the principals is admirably done. Lila Lee once again proves her ability and charm; Jack Holt is convincing as the debonair, carefree, man-about-town; but the honours of the piece are really with the old veteran Charles Ogle whose characterisation overshadows the others, good as they are. Lighter fare is provided by “Her First Elopement,” a Realart comedy-drama starring Wanda Hawley, who has a peppy story well seasoned with spontaneous humour. It is a veritable “comedy of errors,” played amid beautiful settings. The moonlight views from the deck of the yacht are particularly fine, and the panoramic views dotted with rugged islets, are well above the ordinary. Mistaken for a vamp, kidnapped, and carried out to sea are but a few of the adventures which befall Miss Hawley. Needless to say, Miss Hawley takes full advantage of the comedy, and the fun waxes fast and furious. There is something about the personality of this star that is irresistible. She has an innate leaning towards comedy-drama, and without losing her poise, chn convince the spectator. In all her efforte she adds a dash of the dramatic, which raises a picure from the mere comedy to the life-like. A Century comedy is also included in this strong programme.

ALBION THEATRE. Genius plays a very big part in the two star features screened at the Albion Theatre last night for the first time. First of all the delightful writer, Peter B. Kyne, entertains with his story “The Ten Dollar Raise,” which is dedicated to the underdog the world over. The offering filled with such underlying pathos, is balanced with such exceptionally fine touches that it appears like a slice of every day life. The hero, William V. Mong, as “Wilkins,” has slaved away as a book-keeper at a miserable salary. He lives in constant fear of his employer. Although he has been promised a rise every year for fourteen years the advance never came. He has a romance that has nearly burnt itself out through the patience of years. So he plods his way through life, a life utterly drab and colourless. Then one day he asserts himself. The worm turns and Wilkins is the recipient of a snug\ fortune. At 8.45 p.m. is screened Selznick’s superfeature “A Man’s Home.” William A. Brady, the great American producer, writes thus of this masterpiece. “My Dear Selznick, may I take this opportunity of congratulating you. on your latest special picture play ‘A Man’s Home.’ This super work should surely take its place as one of the great screen successes, and rank with such works as The Miracle Man’ and "Way Down East.” Surely a spendid tribute by a man qualified to know the best in the amusement world. A good comedy and other pictures complete this spendid programme. Seats may be reserved by telephoning the Albion. MADAM ANNETTE HAYWARD (TO-NIGHT). Invercargill audiences are indeed fortunate to be able to hear to-night at the Albion Theatre a singer of the calibre of

the hall-mark of the world as one of the sweetest sopranos. Madame was a great favourite with all the societies in Scotland and England, where she was associated with J. W. Turner’s opera company, and in association with the late W. F. Frame, the distinguished Scottish comedian. Madame Hayward toured the United States of America and Canada. Madame’s songs include “Sweet Spirit Hear My Prayer,” “Annie Laurie,” “Come Back To Me,” and others. Seats may be reserved at the Albion for , to-night’s performance.

THE QUALITY PERFORMERS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMME. The Municipal Theatre was packed last night when the Quality Performers gave their second programme, which was well received by the large audience. Clean, bright and vivacious, the Quality Performers set a high standard from the opening number, which was maintained until the final curtain. In a single night the company had become favourites, and last night’s performance added further to its long list of friends. The show is its own recommendation, and the large audience last night left the theatre well satisfied that it had received full value for its jjioney. The two leading artists, Miss Nina Gordon and Mr Leonard Nelson, were again recalled many times, the excellence of their items being quickly recognised. The “rank and file” to quote Mr Harry Webster, are all worthy of commissions, and their contributions to the programme were so well received that it was only in the concerted numbers they were allowed to leave the stage before giving the audience further proof of their ability to charm with their dancing and singing, or to raise a laugh with their jokes. The Quality Performers will make their final appearance to-night, when their third costume comedy extravaganza, entitled “A Carnival of Comedy,” will be given. Everything with the exception of request numbers will be entirely new.