HERMIE BOWS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 508, 10 November 1928, Page 15

HERMIE BOWS

NEW REVUE SHOW GEORGE WARD AT ST. JAMES “A choice collection of tit-bits from the world of laughter,” says the programme in description of “Revueitis,” the entertainment given by George Ward and his company, who made their bow at St. James Theatre last evening. Yes, the description is accurate enough, but there is in addition gay music to set the blues in flight, and a bunch of girls who could dance their way to an ascetic’s heart. George W'ard, alias Little Hermie, alias Hermie Schultz, is not a stranger to Auckland audien< f s, for he was well known on the Fuller circuit three or four years back. His company has also remained faithful, and the people who supported him then are with him still. Little Hermie is the healthy type of fun-maker, and having little subtlety in his methods, relies for success on cheerful exuberance. That he does succeed is proved by the rising tide of laughter that follows on his sallies. Whether he is the placid family man anticipating a quiet evening with bis wife, or the hobo spark having his introduction to society, Hermie has something engaging to offer. Opening with a gay chorus, the show loses no time before its colourful progress begins. Hermie soon gets himself acquainted, and with a few charming malapropisms, and some foggy articulation (on purpose, of course) causes the first salvoes of laughter. In a sketch, “Matrimonial Bliss,” we see Mr. and Mrs. Schultz entertaining friends at bridge. A little domestic storm develops, and then comes much more laughter. Hermie appears in other sketches, with much the same result. A 1 Maurice, a vest pocket comedian, discoursed on boardinghouse “mas,” and the discomforts of boardinghouse fleas. He is naive and amusing, and to borrow one of his own excellent quips, we have no intention of turning his “Hamlet” into an “omelette.’ Charles Sherman, a comedian and entertainer in the light style, is one of Hermie’s steadfast supporters. After apostrophising his grand piano in a sentimental monologue, he goes on, with the assistance of Mrs. Ward, a useful pianist, to perform a few musical acrobatics. The audience is treated to the delightful harmonic holocaust of having “Dixie,” “Yankee Doodle,” and “The British Grenadiers” all played at once. Patsy Hill, charming as ever, and Vernon Sellars, whose voice has lost none of its depth and richness, sang an excellent duet, “Old Sweetheart of Mine.” Miss Hill also cheered with “Sunshine,” a number bright as its name. Alme Valdor, full of pep and grace, appeared in a “Dutch Girl” dancing interlude, and also in a comedy sketch with the V.P. comedian. Both stunts were pleasing. The girls in the show are shapely and talented, and let us mention first Bell Barnes and Peggy Barnes, who sang “Beautiful” to ukulele accompaniment, and then did a few neat steps to give warranty of versatility. Charming people, both of them, and very talented. Jean Keith is another neat stepper, who is also versatile. Her “Sing Me a Baby Song” was quite as satisfying as such a number could be. The ballet does a helpful share in the show, apart from scenic considerations, and in addition to dancing, sings sturdily and prettily. The Charleston Symphonic Six, who have remained with the Ward company, play another blithe selection of dance numbers. “Revueitis” is showing again this evening. “SO THIS IS LOVE” The Columbia production. “So This is Love.” is full of interesting highlights and novel situations. It presents Shirley Mason and William Collier Jr. at their best. The former delineates a Scandinavian delicattessen store girl, while the latter portrays a male dressmaker in an exclusive Greenwich Village modiste establishment. Both of these players win new honours in their roles. The story has a charm about it which is inexpressible. The acting blends comedy, drama, suspense and spectacular scenes with the skill of an artist. Others included in the cast are Johnnie Walker, Ernie Adams. William H. Strauss and Carl Gerard. Frank Capra directed. “So This is Love” is scheduled for early release by Master Pictures.

Preparatory work on “Eric the Great,” Paul Fejos’s Universal feature, is under way. Announcement has just been made of the addition of William M. Turner to the cast, which is headed by Conrad Veidt and Mary Philbin.