ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19102, 21 November 1923, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE. “THE DANGEROUS AGE” AND “WHEN HUSBANDS DECEIVE.” Of more than passing interest to everyone over the age of sixteen is the programme of features received by the Albion management for patrons to-night. In the first picture, “When Husbands Deceive,” there are a few pointed facts revelations about men, women and marriage. Marry in haste and repent at leisure, wisely warms an old proverb. Viola Baxter married in haste to cover up her wounded pride when she learned that the man in whose safe keeping she had placed her heart was a thief. Viola Baxter is the fascinating heroine of the sensationally dramatic story of “When Husbands Deceive,” written by and featuring Leah Baird. The second feature of the evening is the play, “The Dangerous Age.” Among the spectacular features incorporated in the story are a thrilling race between an automobile and a train, culminating in a sensational smashup, a horse race staged especially by the producer with ten horses and jockeys from the Tia Juana track in Mexico; a magnificent cafe scene in which hundreds of beautifully gowned women take part and in which was installed all of the high-pitched gaiety, glamour and air of extravagance known to mark the famous old Cafe de Paris, after which the set was copied; and last, but vitally important, a wedding scene that for beauty is said to surpass anything in the way of a nuptial celebration ever before attempted for the screen. The prices are as usual and seats may be reserved by telephoning the Albion (738). Day sale tickets at Dunlop’s (next Bristol). A NEW PETER B. KYNE STORY. AT THE CIVIC TO-NIGHT. There are many points of attractive interest to be noted in a glance over the items comprising the new programme to be presented at the Civic to-night. One of the most popular writers of present day fiction —Peter B. Kyne—figures as the author of “The Long Chance,” a Universal Special, with what is virtually an all-star cast, headed by that sterling actor Henry B. Walthall, and with Ralph Graves and Marjorie Daw in the principal supporting roles. Then Viola Dana, the most vivacious, winsome and captivating of all the female movie stars, is the featured player in a Metro production “Love In The Dark.” Miss Dana, too, has a wonderful cast behind her, the most notable names being Cullen Landis, John Harron and Arline Pretty, while one not so well known but destined to go far in the picture world is little Bruce Guerin, a charming child actor around whom much of the action centres, will hold a considerable amount of interest for pic-ture-goers. Like most Peter B. Kyne stories, “The Long Chance” is of the virile order, with a strong flavour of the great outdoors and plenty of action to keep the interest moving along. From a histrionic point of view the story could not be in better hands than the band of artists entrusted with its presentation. Every Viola Dana picture has a very definite appeal to picture audiences, and “Love in the ark” is no exception. The story is a gripping one, and there are many comedy interpolations. There is also plenty of comedy in the Johnny Hines two-reeler, “Torchy’s Big Lead.” A programme such as this will help to still further enhance the reputation achieved by the Civic management. There certainly appears to be no let-up in the awowed policy of presenting only the best picture fare obtainable. BRIGHT MOMENTS. ODIVA AND HER SEALS. A CROWDED HOUSE. “Nix on the overtime,” entreated a perspiring comedian at the Municipal Theatre last night as an insistent audience called him back to the stage for his third encore That the Invercargill public are quick to support a good show was very evident by the large crowd that assembled to witness the second performance of Odiva and her seals and the supporting company of vaudeville artists. It is not often that one sees queues waiting for admittance in this town, but such was the case last night, and before the show started there were many who looked in vain for seats. Nor was the audience behind hand in appreciation. Indeed, they evinced a hearty desire to get the full amount for their money, and no performer was allowed to depart without one or more encores. “The best this year,” people were remarking on all sides as they filed out, and one can but agree. The entertainment presented is frankly and purely vaudevillian, but it is well at the top of its class. Last night’s show was a long one, but no one seemed to notice the clock go round. The first act created an immediately favourable impression which was more than maintained to the finish. Mr Jack Birchley, a very earnest and enthusiastic gentleman who ties himself in incredible knots and then disentangles himself without difficulty, is a contortionist among contortionists. The acrobatic waiter, Claude de Carr, is a comedian as well as an acrobat and in company with his performing dog, was immensely popular. A much encored pair were the Hawaiian instrumentalists, who were assisted by a fine piece of staging. The final turn where Capt. Adams presents Odiva and her seals is, of course, the star item. The antics of these little animals are extraordinary and almost uncannily human. The spectacle of Odiva under the water feeding half a dozen of the seals by hand provoked gasps of astonishment from all, and when eventually the curtain had to be rung down a quarter of an hour after time there was a sigh of regret. There is no need to wish this company success. They cannot help succeeding if they maintain their present standard. The matinee will commence at 3.30 this afternoon, not 3.15 as advertised. “DICK WHITTINGTON” PANTOMIME. MUNICIPAL THEATRE—TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NEXT. Mr Tano Fama, who is noted for his splendid productions in the late Famous Digger Shows, has gone one better in presenting the dazzling, spectacular pantomime “Dick Whittington.” He was fortunate while in Sydney, in securing Sir Arthur Collins’s (of Drury Lane) version of this fine old pantomime, and it is said that no pantomime has such charm and attraction as “Dick Whittington.” Mr Kavello, the animal impersonator, is another link with Drury Lane, he having played animal parts there with Wilkie Bard and other fine artists. The company are particularly strong in comedians, Mr Ted Stanley, Mr Will Cass and Mr George Edwards making up a laughable trio of humorists. Ivy Bowment, the Principal Girl, has just concluded a twelve weeks’ engagement with Harry Musgrove’s Theatres in Australia, where she made a great impression. Another artist of note is Miss Alice Manton, a comedienne who spreads happiners and mirth. The Beauty Ballet and Chorus was selected from the leading theatres in Sydney and Melbourne and is calculated to create, apart from their ability, a good deal of interest from their charming appearance. The scenery makes for wonderful blending of colouring and glitter. Three outstanding settings are the “Tropical Isle,” “The Palace of Jewels,” and the “Flower Setting.” The dresses, particularly in the Lampshade march and the Jewel Scene, are on a very lavish scale. Box plans will be opened at the Bristol on Friday morning next.