ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19098, 16 November 1923, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE. LAST NIGHT OF “ROBIN HOOD.” The management of the Albion have every reason to be satisfied with the attendance at their latest released attraction, “Robin Hood.” On every side complimentary remarks have been heard of this gigantic spectacle which does justice to English historical events, so much so that English critics are unanimous in its praise and, in\ deed, are asking for more of the same calibre. The final screening to-night should attract another crowded house for, if ever entertainment is worthy of it, “Robin Hood” surely does. Douglas Fairbanks tried hard to instill the true spirit of chivalry within the very souls of the 1500 supernumeraries he engaged to serve as the. “atmosphere” in this notable production of “Robin Hood.” In order to create the proper environments he directed that every “extra” be impressed with the meaning of gallantry and that they each act and talk gallantly. There was one burly chap far too modernised by his long contact with the vernacular of the street to be susceptible to so much exalted conduct and conversation. The cast includes Enid Bennett, Wallace Beery and others of fame. On the same programme is a Buster Keaton comedy, which is really funny. A fine topic of world events completes the bill, which we can confidently recommend to all readers. The box plan for to-night is at the Bristol till 5.30 p.m., then at the Albion (738). Day sale tickets at Dunlop’s (next Bristol) obtainable all day. MUNICIPAL THEATRE TO-NIGHT. A RIVAL TO “HUMORESQUE.” After a long absence the Civic Pictures will make a welcome re-appearance in the Municipal Theatre. Although it has been ■screened so far under adverse circumstances the programme has proved to be a wonderful attraction. This is really not to be wondered at as each of the star pictures is a gem in its way. In fact it would be hard to name a picture—except “Humoresque”— which has had such a powerful and magnetic pull as the Metro special “Forget Me Not,” which features Bessie Love and Gareth Hughes (the young actcr who made such a sensational success of the chief role in “Sentimental Tommy.”) It is a story of a mother who leaves her baby girl in a foundling home because of poverty. The girl grows up and learns to love one of the boys of the heme. Finally they are separated. The girl’s mother, becoming rich, seeks her baby, and being unsuccessful, takes the boy. The girl is taken by a famous musician. Later they become reunited through the girl becoming famous as a musician. There are moments of pathos and tender sentiment relievd by flashes of humour in this picture, which will stand out as one of the best of the kind the screen has seen. Equally as pleasing is “Gimmee,” a clever Rupert Hughes story that deals with one of the problems confronting all married couples—the question of money—especially as it affects the girl who has been accustomed to earning her own living and spending her own earnings. The first,request for money js bitter to a bride’s, lips. It becomes an easy habit later, but it’s mighty hard to say the first “Gimme.” The sub-titles are clever, witty and snappy, done in Rupert Hughes’ best style, and add much to the enjoyment of the film, but the work of the principals— Helene Chadwick, Gaston Glass, Henry B. Walthall, Eleanor Boardman and others—is also a source of much joy. To-night is the last of the season. ODIVA AND HER SEALS. COMING TO INVERCARGILL. Clean, clever, replete with enjoyment and of considerable educational value is Captain Adam’s attraction “Odiva and Her Seals,” which commences a four night season at the Municipal Theatre on Monday next. The entertainment is a unique and varied one, appealing strongly to old and young. It affords a pleasant study of those lovable and docile amphibians whose sagacity and intelligence is almost human. Immediately responsive to their trainer Captain Adams, the seals perform many remarkable stunts. Odiva is almost as amphibious as her seals. A graceful and clever swimmer, she is thoroughly at home in the water and her evolutions both alone and in consort with the seals are among the outstanding features of the entertainment. Like a mermaid she makes a beautiful tableau when surrounded by her seals, and remains for an incredable long time at the bottom of the tank. The supporting company is particularly strong and includes Trio, harmonisers of plantation melodies, Verna Bain, the famous Australian dancer, Claude de Car the acrobatic waiter, the Hilo Due exponents of the Hawaiian guitar, Eric _ Harrison entertainer, and Valentino ventriloquist. The box plan is now open at the Bristol and those desirous of obtaining good seats would be wise to book early. There will be special matinees on Wednesday and Thursday next at 3.15 p.m. THE REVEILLE. A SPECTACULAR FINISH. The final curtain was rung down on the 1923 Reveille last night amidst rounds of applause from an enthusiastic audience. The demands were so insistant that the final spectacular effect had to be shown many times before the lights went out leaving only a memory of the fine tableau. The programme given last night was well selected and the audience gave the performers a splendid hearing, which was well deserved in every instance. In fact the audience was a particularly happy one and the performers were showered with all sorts of gifts. Every soloist performed their items with an ease -which proved that they had improved as the show progressed. Miss Madge Wilson, as the principal soloist, received many recalls, but her most popular item was her song in naval costume. Miss Brooksmilh, in her dance with Mr Lints, gave another sparkling display for which she was given a great ovation. Misses May Maxted and D. Jones were also in good form, while the solo dancers Misses Vera Ward, Lorna Duncan and May Shirley, were splendid. Each and every performer went into the final night with a well, and everything went with a swing. . Just before the final curtain Mr Lints said that he did not deserve 25 per cent of the praise that had been given the show, and he would like to thank several who had assisted greatly. The gathering of the performers was taken in hand by Mrs VV. 1. Hazlett, and he would like to thank her together with Mrs Cairns and Mr Clapham, stage manager. Miss Muir, who had charge of the make-up, and Mr W. Stone, lights, were also deserving of praise. “I vvant to thank the audience also,” he concluded, “as they have been most sympathetic.”