ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19171, 15 February 1924, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ANOTHER FINE PROGRAMME. AT THE CIVIC. Despite the weather the crowds flocked to the Municipal Theatre again last night to see the programme of laughter and thrills which has been the topic of town conversation the last day or two. In the preliminary announcements regarding this programme patrons were promised a treat and this promise has been more than fulfilled. Laughter and thrills have been judiciously intermingled and the result is a programme which has given pleasure to all who have so far seen it. “Backbone,” the principal feature, has its setting in a timber camp in the picturesque woods of Maine where an old lumber king and his granddaughter have their home. In scenes of great be.iuty a story of thrilling interest is unfolded, working along to a stirring, dramaXic climax and the fulfillment of a love story of many years standing. Edith Roberts and Alfred Lunt have the leading roles. Viola Dana once more shines as a screen comedienne in her latest "Crinoline and Romance.” Brought up in seclusion she knew nothing of the methods of present day society, but she soon showed a bunch of “Jazz Hounds” that she was capable of holding her own when put to it. Full of comedy, this picture is a delight. John Bowers and Allan Forrtest are the leading men. Stan Laurel is also featured in a two-reel comedy ‘The Egg-'* ALBION THEATRE. AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME. The most dramatic scene in the tremendously fascinating picturisation of Joseph Hergesheimer’s “The Bright Shawl,” is that wherein La Clavel, beautiful Andalusian dancer, who has all Havana worshipping at her feet, meets death. La Clavel, portrayed by Dorothy Gish, has become infatuated with the young American, Charles .Abbott, played by Richard Barthelmess. La Clavel is supposedly in league with the Spanish officers, especially Santacilla; but when she meets Abbott, who is supporting the Cuban patriots, she gives him much valuable information for the cause. Abbott, I though really in love with another, pretends that he, too, is infatuated, thus maintaining his source of information. Santacilla suspects the pair and, by a ruse, traps them. In the struggle that ensues he meets his own death after he has fatally stabbed La Clavel. And as a final token of her devotion La Clavel gives the American the coveted bright shawl. Her own blood stains it. He kisses her lips smiling in death; and accepts the bright shawl which carries him on through his great adventure. In “Glass Houses,” her latest production released by Metro, Viola Dana has to portray the role of Joy Duval, who, on her wedding day, finds that her husband, Billy Norton, believes her to be a notorious crook. He tries to persuade her to give up her life of crime, but she thinks that he has gone mad and tries to soothe him. They are to be guests at a ball in the Hotel Kenilworth, but Billy, still believing that his wife is the notorious Angel Face Ann, sees a picture of Swag Sullivan, the con woman’s husband, who is in prison. Billy goes to him and there learns that Angel Face Ann has planned a big killing at the ball. Billy rushes to the hotel and upon finding Joy insists on saving her from the police. While she is trying to get . him home so that she can have him examined as to his mental condition, the real Angel Face Ann comes upon the scene. WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS. RARE TREAT PROMISED. Music-lovers will be treated to a rare feast of diversified music during the farewell season of Mr Edward Branscombe’s Westminster Glee Singers which commences in the Municipal Theatre on Monday next, and audiences will be regaled with an entirely new fare, as the repertoire of the Westminster’s has been greatly enlarged. In addition to numerous new solos, duets, quartets, madrigals, glees and Old English folk songs, there will be selections from many of the most famous and popular grand operas. The entertainment presented by the Westminster Glee Singers is far apart from the stereotyped concert; there is music which appeals to all tastes; instead of the bare and barren platform, there is a tastefully arranged setting, specially lighted and creating an intimate atmosphere which enhances the enjoyment of the entertainment. Two new boys—Roland

and Thomas Mayne—have been brought from England since the company was here last, and the full strength of the company is now fourteen, ail specially selected. The two boy soloists, Edmund Walter and Albert Cooper, are recognised as the two best soloists in England. During the most successful tour of Australasia Mr Branscombe received many requests for anthems, and their introduction has met with marked success. The Box plans are at The Bristol.