ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19501, 16 March 1925, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC PICTURES. BETTY COMPSON, PERCY MARMONT AND DICK TALMADGE. The Civic management secured another of their highly entertaining programmes on Saturday. “The Enemy Sex,” a film with an interesting psychological theme, is the leading feature and provides full scope for the talent of that well-known and popular actress, Betty Compson, who assumes the leading role of Dodo Baxter. The story relates how she considers Broadway as a great recreation ground from which there ia to be extracted unbounded gaiety and amusement, but finds on further acquaintance that the famous thoroughfare is not without its pitfalls and hidden dangers. Ultimately, her affections ire divided between Garry Lindaberry (Percy Marmont), who is rapidly drinking a fortune away, and Judge Massingale (Sheldon Lewis). Massingale, however, turns out to be married, and his wife refuses to free him from an unhappy union. Thoroughly reckless as a result of this discovery, Dodo goes on a wild motor ride with Garry, and through his intoxication narrowly averts an accident. In the determination to save Lindaberry from himself, she refuses further advances from the Judge, and eventually effects the salvation of Garry and makes a man of him. Which of the two she chooses as a partner will be seen by viewing the picture. It is a film full of interesting, episodes and wins attention throughout. While there are enough death-defying stunts performed to suffice for an evening’s entertainment for anyone, Dick Tabnadge’s picture. “Let’s Go!” which is the other star picture, does not have to depend upon these at all. The story is a charming romance of the ne’er-do-well son of a rich business man who finally makes good against odds that would give any man a great battle. It is laid in a small town to which our hero conies to investigate some of his father’s business affairs. How he straightens these out and practically turns the town inside out and finally wins the girl w’ho has captured his heart, makes one of the most pleasing photoplays seen at the Civic this season. ’ A very fine cast appears in support of the star. Eileen Percy, as the girl; Tully Marshall as the Mayor of the town, who has a great influence on the destinies of the hero, and George Nichols, as the sheriff who believed in a kind heart rather than prison bars, all do fine work. All in all you should not miss it. It is by all odds worth a trip to

ALBION TO-NIGHT. A TALENTED ARTIST, MISS MAGGIE FOSTER AND THREE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. A highly delighted and satisfied audience wended their way homeward from the comfortable Albion on Saturday night, everyone expressing their approval of the magnificent evening’s entertainment. It is quite safe to say without fear of contradiction that no more popular artist than Miss Maggie Foster has ever appeared locally. Miss Maggie Foster is an accomplished young violiniste. There was no mistaking the warmth of her reception on Saturday night. Her selections ranged from classical excerpts to comic opera and ragtime, and she was enthusiastically recalled to receive the applause her performance fully merited. Her success is equally attributable to a lovable personality, and to artistic skill. Miss Foster is gifted far above the ordinary, and no orator or songster could express the inmost feelings of his soul more effectively than Maggie Foster can give expression to all that is most beautiful per medium of her violin. The young violiniste is not only brilliant, but versatile, and has a charming appearance. The Master Picture version of “813,” Le Blanc’s famous mystery story, is so cleverly worked out, that the suspense is held right to the last reel, and the biggest shock comes when the real murderer is. discovered. An atmosphere of mystery prevails throughout the picture. A very villainous looking person, with murder in his eye, suddenly springs from a nice, grandfatherly old clock; or a beautifully carved fireplace slides apart, and another figure comes gliding out. Chairs collapse, walls move in a mysterious manner, and even the floor does a few stunts. But this is aH done to steep you with mystery and suspense, for

“813” is the most fascinating picture of the year, guaranteed to thrill even the mast blase spectator. When you have a human love story of dramatic appeal, a secondary motive of vital consequence, lots of comedy and actors who know how to act, then you have a really worthwhile piece of screen entertainment. These elements are all found in “Twenty Dollars a Week,” the Distinctive-Selznick photoplay feature showing at 7.45 p.m. Whether you are a housewife with a small allowance for large needs, whether you are a 20-dollar a' week clerk, male or female, or whether you pay that much income tax, this comedy drama will appeal to you. A Mack Sennett Comedy completes this mammoth programme. Seats may be reserved by ’phoning the Albion (738). H.M.S. PINAFORE. WITHIN WIRELESS DISTANCE. A wireless message has been received from Captain Corcoran, Commander of H.M.S. Pinafore, to the effect that despite heavy seas and boisterous weather encountered, he is nevertheless confident that His Majesty’s Ship will reach port on Wednesday, and the crew have everything in readiness to allow the ship to be thrown open for inspection at 8 p.m. It is many years ago since H.M.S. Pinafore visited this part of the globe, and the news of the approaching visit has caused a stir in the city and surrounding districts. Already hundreds of people have made arrangements to inspect the ship during its anchorage at the Municipal Theatre from Wednesday to Friday, and the Commanding Officer hopes that no one will miss this opportunity of paying a visit of inspection as the ship is fitted out on a most lavish scale, that well-known artist, Mr R. Nash, having been specially engaged for the work. The Captain regrets exceedingly that owing to the infantile paralysis epidemic it will be impossible to allow children under sixteen years of age to come near the ship. H.MB. Pinafore has a very fine orchestra on board, and naturally the officers and men are very proud of it. During the ships stay in port an exceptionally strong cast of characters will appear, supported by a chorus of forty talented young ladies and gentlemen, and the public of Invercargill axe in for a rare treat. As Captain Corcoran, Commanding H.M.S.Pinafore, Mr A. H. Courtis is very popular with his crew and has a striking personality. Mr W. Drummond, as Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.8., First Lord of the Admiralty, is on his first official visit, and so distinguished an officer is sure to be heartily welcomed. Mr Jas W. A. Prentice as Ralph Rackstraw, an able seaman, is the hero who dares to fall in love with Josephine, the Captain’s daughter, and right well does he love her. Dick Deadeye, a pessimist, and the most unpopular member of the crew is portrayed by Mr A. F. Grenfell, who is a host in himself. Mr A. W. Kummert makes an ideal Boatswain and is the life of the crew. As Jasephine, Miss Violet Hobbs, who has a difficult part to play, is adorable, and will captivate the hearts of the audience, Mrs J. D. Campbell as Little Buttercup, is the favourite of the Captain and crew and is charming, while Miss May Maxted, as Sir Joseph’s first cousin is very dainty. Mr C. Couling takes the part of Boatswain’s mate, and will surprise the audience with his original dance. The Ship’s Company is extremely fortunate in having such a capable and experienced person in Mrs J. Prentice (Miss Nellie Black) as Musical Directress, and Mr J. R. Haigh as Producer. The Box Plan is now open at The Bristol, and intending patrons would be wise to secure a visit in order to view the ship in comfort. NEWCASTLE STEEL WORKS BAND. NEXT THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. After a brilliant succession of triumphs in England, Africa and part of Australia, covering a period of 12 months, part of which was devoted to a record engagement'

at Wembley, the now famous Newcastle Steel Works Band will be heard at the Grand Theatre next Thursday and Friday evenings. This band returns laden with trophies, and a long list of fine records achieved in England last year. Arriving, in London with only a four weeks’ engagement at the British Empire Exhibition, the band was so successful that its stay at Wembley was eventually extended at periods to three months. A tour of Great Britain followed, and advantage was taken to enter the contesting arena against the picked bands of England, with the gratifying result that two out of three of the band championships were won by the Newcastle bandsmen. They also played before Royalty, and subsequently toured the Union of South Africa with great success. Last week, after being feted by the civic authorities in Christchurch, the Newcastle Band inaugurated its New Zealand tour under the most favourable circumstances. Mr G. D. Portus, the director of the world’s tour of the band, states that both the Christchurch and Wellington morning Press affirms that it is the greatest band that has been heard there. When it is considered that the “Besses o’ the Barn” Band only found 10th place at the Belle Vue Contest that the Australians won last year, and the “Black Dyke” eighth position, when the Newcastle Band secured the judge’s verdict at the British Empire championship of Halifax, the quality of the victors can be gauged. The Box Plans open at The Bristol. IRISH CONCERT. ON TUESDAY EVENING. Concert lovers are reminded that there is a splendid treat in store for them at the Irish national concert on Tuesday evening, March 17. As the Committee have been successful in arranging a most excellent and varied programme which is certain to please even the most fastidious. Mrs N. N. Millar, who is a gold medalist for the Royal Academy, is contributing two items. The Committee have also been successful in securing the services of a number of very promising and talented young artists from the pupils of St. Catherine’s Convent, who are making their initial appearance on the concert platform. Misses Nina Hardy and Catherine Woods are both possessed of excellent voices of pleasing quality and pianoforte duets and selections by Miss Rhoda Lynch, Mary Fitzgerald and Thelma Paton, and a violin solo by Miss Soper are all certain to be well received. Miss May Thorn, who has just returned from a trip to Scotland, where she has been successful in defeating all of the lady champion dancers of Scotland on their own heath, is set down for an Irish Hornpipe and Reel. As she has spent a considerable portion of her holiday in acquiring the latest knowledge in her art, her items are certain to be recalled. A splendid programme of instrumental music, song and story backed by an excellent orchestra under the conductorship of Mr Arthur Wills provides an attractive evening’s entertainment. COMING SHORTLY. 1 WILLIAM HEUGHAN. “Not since Wattein Mills visited this country has such a pure basso cantante been heard as William Heughan, the operatic basso who made a fine appearance in New Zealand in Wellington this month. “This artist has not only an astonishing voice; he possesses also an astonishing talent for dramatic acting—a singer of the very front rank.” Thus writes the Wellington Dominion in respect of William Heughan, who recently opened his tour in New Zealand in that city. He is at present on a world tour under the direction of the Burns Federation, London, arid has scored success upon success through the principal cities of .he world. In Sydney and Melbourne he creaS ed a furore amongst music lovers and v. . s acclaimed one of the greatest artists who ever visited that country. The Sydney Morning Herald writes:—“He is certainly an actor-singer of remarkable powers,” while the Daily Telegraph acclaims him “The incomparable Scottish basso, whose art is a triumph of dramatic vocalism.” He is one of the very few Britons who have appeared and made a name in Italian opera and was also for five seasons a leading bass in the Royal Opera, Covent Garden. He is considered to be “the greatest living exponent of Scottish song” and to again quote the Wellington Dominion: —“One can neither realise the full beauty nor meaning of Scottish song till sung by Mr Heughan.” Such was the success of his opening season in Wellington that a return season of four concerts is being given in the Town Hall on completion of which he proceeds to the cities of the South Island and will appear in this city during the month of March. He is assisted by two talented artists, Hyman Lenzer, the brilliant young violinist who is claimed to be the Heifetz of Australia, and Gladys Sayer, the well-known English solo pianiste and accompaniste, and will appear here shortly.