THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1785, 3 November 1919, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. Still another splendidly varied programme Is being presented this evening at the Opera Honse. The chief attraction this week is the turn provided by Moon and Morris, whose sensational dancing has created a most favourable impression wherever the couple have appeared on the Fuller circuit. Another new turn is that of Pinto, described as a novelty contortionist. Frank Sidney aud Co., the Cracknelis, nnd the Astons will continue for a further week's season. The Stanhope Revue Company will be seen in "Safety First," "an unending current of cheerfulness" as it is billed. Paul Stanhope is well placed in the leading comedy role, as also are Mark Krickson and Ernest Pitcher. Ethel Bennetto will be heard in some of the newest song specialties. As usual with this company, the scenery and dressing will be somewhat different from the ordinary run of revue productions. Mr Albert Bidgood and orchestra will contribute selections during the evening. The box plan for the week is now open at Milner and Thompson's. "THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE." When C. J. Dennis wrote "The Sentimental Bloke," some six years ago, he revealed with powerful pen and exquisite humour and sentiment a new world of Australian character to the vast majority of those who delight in good verse. When one finds on rending the poem, that the human truth and sincerity of this romance of the Sydney slums are so apt and expressive, the use of the vernacular of the Australian "tough" so irresistible, the humour and unorthodoxy of its situations so clever, and yet withal, the sweetness underlying the whole story, one no longer wonders at the amazing popularity of the work, not only in Australasia, but in England and America. Work, love, jealousy, courtship and marriage are enacted in the film version of the poem with unconscious art by Arthur I Tauchert as "Bill," and Lottie Lyell as "Doreen." The picture commences with Bill "moochin'" through life, getting "shick" and "doing in his gilt 'heading 'cm'." He pursues this uninteresting existence until he first "lamps" Dorcen "inspecting brums on Steeny Isaac's stall." After Bill is formally introduced to Dorcen at the "pickle foundry" where she spends her busy days, we are able to see the course of true love running as smoothly as is compatible with a good story, culminating in the birth of a son and heir to Bill and Dorcen. at their little valley of content among the apnle trees of sunny New South Wales. The greatest credit for this sterling Australian production must be given to Mr Raymond Longford ,the producer. "The Sentimental Bloke" will be shown throughout the week kt the Liberty. GRAND THEATRE. "For Husbands Only," f-aturing that bright little comedienne, Mildred Harris, known also to fame as Mrs Charlie Chaplin, will be produced to-night at the Grand Theatre. This is not, as might be thought from a first glance at the title, a play for benedicts only. It is a bright production, calculated to appeal to everybody. The film Is staged by the Jewel Company,-and some wonderful stage effects have been achieved by the producer, who claims the picture to be his "best yet." A new serial, with each episode complete in itself, is also starring at this theatre, commencing this evening, "The Further Adventures of Stingarce," sane of the thrilling adventures of whom, through the medium of E. W. Hornung's facile pen, have been published in numbers of the "Strand Magazine." Stingarce, by his cool daring and magnificent exploits, wins the sympathy of the public at the outset. He is Robin "Hood, Raffles and Arsenc .Lupin all rolled into one, which it must be conceded is at least an interesting mixture of personalities. The supporting films at the Grand arc of the usual excellent standard set by this management. STRAND THEATRE. The usual weekly change of programme was made at the Strand Theatre on Saturday, a first-class programme being introduced. One of the principal items is Douglas Fairbanks's latest picture, "Arizona," which presents the popular actor in a role peculiarly suited to his capabilities. A second interesting item on the programme Is a new Paramount drama, "Jane Goes A-Wooing," with Vivian Martin as star. The story is full of human Interest, and for this reason alone it is bound to appeal to picture-lovers. Miss Martin does some of the best work of her career in this picture. She has a strong company supporting her. A comedy, "The Little Widow," and two topical gazettes complete the programme, which will be screened this evening. QUEEN'S THEATRE. D. W. Griffith's spectacular screen classic, "Hearts of the World," is being screened at the Queen's Theatre to-day. On its first tour of New Zealand this picture broke all previous records for attendance. The picture is meeting with equal success on this, its second tour, which, by arrangement with J. C. Williamson, Ltd., the International Attractions Company is conducting. In order to produce the picture, Mr Griffith visited the battlefields witli his artists, so that the scenes are absolutely real. On one occasion the artists were under shell-fire for four hours. The stars, who have helped to make "Hearts of the World" famous, arc the Gish sisters, Robert Harron, Ben Alexander, Robert Anderson and George Fawcett. A first-class programme is being shown in support. . CRYSTAL PALACE. The star attraction at Crystal Palace this week is a five-act comedy-romance, entitled "When A Woman Loves." The principal character is admirably portrayed by the dainty Metro star, Emmy Wchlen. The story told is highly interesting, the humorous and the* romantic elements being well blended. Additional features on the programme are a clever satire on Prohibition, entitled "The Last Bottle," and a screamingly funny comedy., featuring the mercurial comedian, Billy West. In consequence of his great success last week, the popular lyric tenor; Mr Harold Prescott, has been re-engaged for this week. His songs arc: "Lolita" (I r "cavallo), "Lorraine" (Weatherly) and d-bye" (Tostl). EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. To those with the love of adventure Slanted in them, the production of "The [eart of the Sunset," now showing at Everybody's Theatre, is recommended. It deals with an episode of a Mexican rising and contains some of the most thrilling situations ever conceived by a film producer, and most daringly carried out by intrepid performers. The picturesque Mexican setting and the virile action throughout make the production one of keen enjoyment. "The Magnificent Meddler," a Topical Gazette and a good comedy film complete the supports.

" GOODY TWO-SHOES." The box plans for the first six nights of the pantomime will be opened at Milncr and Thompson's on Wednesday morning. The season commences with a matinee next Saturday. The play will run for nine nights, ■with matinees every Wednesday and Saturday. Of this glittering show the critic of the Melbourne "Argus" writes as follows: "The J. C. Williamson 1919 pantomime, 'Goody Two-Shoes,' has come, has been seen, and has conquered. In every respect it is a great show. A veritable triumph for the producers and the scenic artists. It carries all before it with its spectacular charm and Its toyland scenes, with their undeniable appeal to children. Still further should be noted the Kcnna brothers' clever airplane stunt, the reappearance of Mr Arthur Stigant as the Dame, the unique toy soldier of Mr Fred Walton, and the refined grace of the new principal boy, Miss Dorothy Hastings. She who shall these magic shoes possess shall become the heroine of a pantomime, though that is not exactly what the evil Wizard declares to the equally bad Duke of Improvidentia. Mainly Goody has to keep a contented heart, an easy task for the new American principal girl, Miss Madeliene Harrison. There is an athletic-looking Demon of Discontent, and a comely Fairy protector with a good voice in the person of another American newcomer, Maude Gray. The | foundation well and truly laid, the scene becomes filled with the sunshine and springlike animation of the village of Blossomvillc—hobby horses prancing to the crack of whips, lasses and lads footing it merrily at a rustic* festival. This is where good Mrs Tuck (Arthur Stigant) makes her entrance, and reaches high water mark in a duct with Mr Herbert Walton, leading to innumerable encore verses. Maggie Dickinson shows more than her old grace as a solo dancer. She is artistically partnered on this occasion by another elegant dancer in Mr Sydney Yates. The Kcnna brothers made a central success in their whimsical acrobatic burlesque—to the North Pole in an airplane, defying the laws of gravity with irresistible humour. Mr Fred Walton is simply wonderful as the "Toy Soldier." He is a pantomimist without peer. Miss Toby Claude is a comedienne of a refreshingly novel type, and quickly became a _ prime favourite. Another fine specialty 'is the Marionette Circus. Here is seen a miniature circus, complete in every detail, with astonishing lions, tigers and trick elephants. Added to all this there is a wealth of beautiful scenery, costly and graceful ballets, a wonderful effect in the Mysterious Tent, the Magic Crystal, and the baffling Bubble feature, the whole terminating with a supergorgeous exposition of the Grand March of the Allies in the Palace of Peace." "POTPOURRI." An enthusiastic audience heartily applauded the final performance of "Potpourri" in the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening. Among the special features of that final performance was a Bacchanalian dance by Miss Ruby Wilding, which she executed in a finished manner. VAUDEVILLE AT THE KING'S. At the King's Theatre on Friday next, a special vaudeville company of artists of high standing on the variety stage will appear. The company is headed by the famous Japanese artists, Uno and George Togo. These clever people present an act of juggling, balancing and daring feats such as has not been seen in these parts. The act terminates with the dazzling "slide for life," in which one of the brothers walks along a slender rope which is stretched from the stage over the heads of the audience to the dome of fhe dress circle. Finally, blindfolded, George Togo astounds all with his thrilling "slide for life." Louis Alsace, who is recognised as the Wizard of the Violin, offers choice classic gems, excerpts from grand opera, and also introduces musical items on the 'cello and alsaccphone. Dorcen Dore, the well-known dancer, has just concluded a successful tour under Fuller's circuit. These artists depart shortly for America and Europe, and this is their farewell to New Zealand. Wendy Dale and Alphonse are first-class performers, whose forte is harmony singimt. smart sketches and neat dancing. The lady member of the duo appears In some wonderful creations of the modiste's art. In Lalla Knight the company has a soprano singer of rare charm and brilliancy, whose vocal numbers will be appreciated by all. Miss O. Hana Mit.su is the accompaniste, and the stage settings are most appropriate and gorgeous. The box plans open at The Bristol on Wednesday next. ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT. To-morrow evening, at the Choral Hall, the Christchurch Orchestral Society will give its third concert of the 1919 season, under the conductorship of Mr Alfred Bunz. A splendid orchestral programme has been arranged, including the overture to "Pique Dame" (Suppc), "To A Wild Rose" (McDowell), the march from "Tannhauser" (Wagner), and Concert Suite (ColeridgeTaylor). Miss Kathleen Cresswell will play the Pianoforte Concerto of Grieg with full orchestral accompaniment. Miss Louise Crouchcr, the talented violinist, will play "Romance" (Beethoven), and Miss Agnes Lawlor will play Tschaikowsky's Pianoforte Concerto in its entirety, with full orchestral accompaniment. Mr Heathcote Garland (vocalist) and the well-known quartet. Messrs Matheson, .1011, Beveridgc and Hawker will also appear on the programme. The box plan for the performance is now open at The Bristol. * ORGAN RECITAL. Dr. Bradshaw will give another organ recital at St. Luke's Church on Saturday next, when a "Request Programme" will be played, consisting of the following items:—Widor's Allegro Vivace and Toccata (from the Organ Symphony No. 5), Haydn's Cantabile (from the Symphony in D), Tschaikowsky's Symphonie Pathetiquc (Finale), Lemmen's grand fantasia "The Storm," Beethoven's Larghetto (from Symphony No. s 2), and Lemare's Andantino.