THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1790, 8 November 1919, Page 13

THE THEATRES.

"GOODY TWO-SHOES." AT THEATRE ROYAL TO-DAY. "Goody Two-Shoes," the .7. C. Williamson 1919 pantomime, was produced here this afternoon. The curtain will rise at a quarter to 8 to-night. Striking features of the unusually big show arc the ballets, which are more artistic and original than is customary, even in a J. C. Williamson pantomime production. These are bcwildcringly numerous and beautiful, and are costumed in a style that beggars description. It is difficult where all is beautiful to individualise. •Special mention must, however, be made of the "Hobby Horses," Children's Flower Ballet, The Fortune-teller's Dance, Dance of Dolls and Gollywogs, the Kirchner Ballet (a specially artistic poster ballet (, and a brilliant finale in which, as in many others, the skill of Mr W. R. Coleman and his associates is conspicuous. One specialty in the production is the "Toy Soldier" by Mr Fred Walton, a feature which has the distinguished record of 14 years. It is pantomime pure and simple. Not a word is spoken, yet Mr Walton has the audience laughing immoderately throughout. The Sydney "Sunday Times" writes thus of the brilliant show: —"ln their pantomime of 'Goody Two-Shoes' the directors of J. C. Williamson have closely come near attaining the pinnacle of pantomime perfection. It would be hard to imagine a more refined and beau-' tiful entertainment than the 'Goody TwoShoes' pantomime of 1919. There is not one word, item, dance or specialty that is out of tune. Everything is done in a regal manner. The show is crowded with songs, dances, scenes and pretty girls. There are features sufficient for the making of three pantomimes. If 'Goody Two-Shoes' does nothing else it sustains the public faith in the intelligence, the grace, and the shapeliness of the Australian girl. 'Goody Two-Shoes' will be remembered among other things for the brilliance of its principals. There are, moreover, two astonishing specialties in this extraordinary show, in the marionette act of Madame Jewel, and the equally surprising display of cultured acrobatism given by the Brothers Kcnna in their intensely humorous and at times thrilling act, 'To the North Pole by AirSlane.' The performance runs for three ours, during which, in two acts, 19* gorgeous scenes have been exploited, and some 150 people have been seen on the stage." The cast includes such notable players as Messrs Arthur Stigant, Herbert Walton, Charles Howard, Gus Bluett, Arthur Elliott, Stanley Odgers, Sydney Yates, Misses Dorothy Hastings, Hazel Stewart, Floie Allen, Toby Claude, and Maggie Dickinson.

MR EDWARD BRANSCOMBE'S CONCERT. Considerable interest centres in Mr Ed■ward Branscombe's concert, announced for Saturday, November 29, when Mr Frank* Morrison, a new tenor, will make his debut. Competent critics adjudge this young singer to be one of exceptional promise, a voice of unusual beauty being allied to very high musical qualifications. The acknowledged scarcity of good tenor vocalists should make him a welcome addition to the ranks of local artists. OPERA~HOUSE. Crowded houses all the week have been! the order at the Opera House. Moon and Morris two new performers, whose speciality is light-toe dancing and patter, have become most popular already with Christchurch audiences. Pinto, a contortionist of wonderful agility, ties himself into the most extraordinary knots during the p*rogress of his turn. The Cracknells, the AsTons, and Frank Sidney and Co., remain over from' last week's programme and provide excellent entertainment. The Paul Stanhope Revue Company appear for tK*fc last time to-night in their hilarious production "Safety First," which is bristling with fun and amusing situations. Mr Albert Bidgood and his orchestra provide excellent music as usual. The box plan for to-night is open at. Milner and Thompson's.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. I Another of D. W. Griffith's great mas-, terpieces will, be revived at the Queen's Theatre next week This is "Intolerance" a picture which, in many ways, stands unrivalled in the screen world. Four sep- 1 arate stories, each having its own cast of characters, run through the picture. The stories have one idea in common—that of the wickedness of intolerance. Each story deals with a separate period in historyancient, sacred, mediaeval and modern. The ancient theme depicts the fall of Babylon, and the collapse of the world's earliest civilisation through intolerance. The sacred theme depicts the events that led to the criciflxion of Christ, and again the cause is the same. The massacre of the Huguenots at the instigation of the intolerant Catherine de Medici forms the subject of the third story. The modern story, presenting a more personal theme, deals with the intolerance of so-called social upliftcrs, who seek notoriety through misplaced philanthropy. The various scenes are produced on a scale of magnificence that has never been surpassed in any film, and the settings are so richly conceived as to beggar description. This evening "Hearts of the World" will be screened finally at the Queen's. LIBERTY THEATRE. Owing to the great success attending the presentation of "The Sentimental Bloke" the management of the Liberty Theatre, in response to many* requests, has decided to screen , the picture for a further week in order that everyone may have an opportunity of seeing this film masterpiece. A novelty is provided by Mrs Kennedy Black's singing of "The Curse of an Aching Heart," and Mr Abel Rowe's rendering of "Doreen." , This week's entr'acte by the Liberty. Orchestra is a potpourri selection of gems of Irish melodies. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. To-night will see the last screening at Everybody's Theatre of the popular Rex Beach drama "Heart of the Sunset." On Monday the Goldwyn Triumph "Shadows," featuring the famous Geraldine Farrar, equally well known in grand opera and kinema work will be shown. Supporting the Geraldine Farrar film will be Charlie Chaplin in one of his most successful comedies, "A Dog's Life." CRYSTAL PALACE. A drama of love and adventure, entitled "Once to Every Man," will head the new programme to be presented at Crystal Palace next week. The leading roles are played by Jack Shcrril and Mabel Withee. "Slippery Slim and the Fortune-teller," a screamingly funny comedy will also he shown, together with a new Travelogue film and a scenic, showing the beauties of Central France. The new Crystal Palate orchestra under the baton of Mr R. T. Kirk will supply suitable incidental music.

TOGOS-ALSACE COMPANY. A very bright little vaudeville entertainment opened last night at the King's Theatre under the management of Louis Alsace and George Togo, both well-known artists lately on the Fuller circuit. A good house greeted the company, and was appreciative of the excellent fare provided. The Togos appeared in some really amazing feats of juggling and balancing. They have lost none of their cunning since their last appearance in Christchurch, and it is safe to say that such an original or wcll-carried-out juggling act has rarely been seen in New Zealand. Uno Togo, the smaller member of the two, in the course of his act, kept six Sticks in the air at one time with case, and his manipulation of two sticks, two indiarubber balls, and a glass of water was quite wonderful. The other member of the combination gave a particularly fine diabolc exhibition and performed a "hair-raising"- tight-rope act, walking up an inclined rope from the stage to the roof, at an angle of 45 degrees, and sliding backwards down the rope on to the stage, a performance he subsequently repeated blindfolded. Louis Alsace, who will be remembered recently on the Fuller circuit, and who is a talented violinist, gave a selection from "Rigoletto" for his opening number, and as an encore played "The Rosary" on his 'cello. Mr Alsace also introduced an instrument of his own design, Jhe "Alsacephone," a stringed instrument with a most mellow tone, on which he played a Tyrolean yodelling song, and "Yaaka Hula," a haunting little Hawaiian melody in which his instrument resembled in tone the ukalcle. Later, Mr Alsace gave further operatic selections, alid a ragtime medley on the "Alsacephone." Wendy Dale and Alphonse, entertainers at the piano, gave some excellent numbers. Miss Dale sang effectively "I'm Going Back to New Zealand" (composed by Alphonse), and was heard to advantage in "Maryland" with Alphonse, who himself gave several entertaining monologues, including his popular variant on "K-K-K-Katic!" and "Murders," which, contrary to its usual interpretation, was rendered in a Yiddish patois. Lalla Knight is a lyric soprano of great charm. Her voice is rich in tone and well produced. In addition Miss Knight possesses a good stage presence and ease of manner. She sang "Harlequin," "Here's to Love!" "Mv Ain Folk," and "The Bells of St. Mary's." Undine, who appears in dances, possesses grace of movement and good looks, but last night appeared to be a little lacking in confidence. Miss O Hana Mitsu accompanied the performers effectively. One or two slight defects in stage management were noticeable last evening, due possibly to the exigencies of the theatre.

STRAND THEATRE. An entirely new programme is being screened at the Strand Theatre today. There are two star pictures on the bill of fare. The first is entitled "His Parisian Wife," with Elsie Ferguson in the leading role. The picture gives Miss Ferguson the opportunity of wearing some of the latest and most fashionable gowns. The women-folk will doubtless appreciate this point. The second stellar attraction on the programme is "Little Women," a film adaptation of Louisa M. Alcott's famous story. The picture is very well produced, and is worthy of its great original. The acting is in the hands of an all-star cast. The humorous element is supplied to the programme by a Drew comedy, entitled "The Amateur Liar." The Strand Theatre is now running continuously from noon each day. GRAND THEATRE. The new programme to be screened at the Grand on Monday will have for its chief item a Jewel production, entitled "Destiny." This picture, which stars the beautiful actress Dorothy Phillips, is said to be quite out of the ordinary run. Another item on the programme will be "The Further Adventures 6f Stingaree," the aristocratic highwayman. SYDENHAM PICTURES. At the Sydenham Picture Theatre this evening "Heart of the Sunset," a film adaptation of Rex Beach's popular story, will be screened, together with "The Triumph of the Weak," featuring Alice Joyce. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next another of Alice Joyce's pictures, entitled "Spark Divine" will be shown. Another instalment of the serial, "The fighting Trail," which is now drawing near its close, will be another item on next week's programme. PIANOFORTE RECITAL. Much favourable comment has been aroused in the musical circles of the city by the announcement of Miss Constance Leafliam's recital to take place in the Choral Hall on Friday, November 21. The works have been chosen with great care, both classic and romantic composers being equally represented, and patrons may be assured of a musical treat of a high order. The plan for reserved seats will open on Thursday next at Robert Francis, Ltd.

EMELIE POLINI SEASON. J. and N. Tait's New Dramatic Company is to begin a season or drama at the Theatre Royal on November 22, when it will present Miss Poliiii in two of her big successes. The opening production will be Max Marcin's dramatic novelty, "Eyes of Youth" —a sensational play that achieved remarkable success in England, being classed as one of the season's greatest successes. The play is of unusual interest and will bring forward a lot of clever children in a novel schoolroom scene. "Eyes of Youth" is in three acts and seven episodes, the various episodes being vividly portrayed by means of swiftly revolving platforms, worked by mechanical means. Thus the actress enacts no fewer than five different 'phases of what fate has in store for her, the passing of the years being made possible by the aid of a friendly Yogi and his magic crystal. Each choice she makes is shown to the audience, the'big scene, that of the dressing-room of the opera star at the Opera House, Paris, being of a sensational nature, culminating in one of the most dramatic finales ever presented. Following the season of "Eyes of Youth," the play of thrills, mystery, and comedy, "De Luxe Annie," will be presented with Miss Polini in her original role of Nan Delmore. The box plan for the seven nights' season of "Eyes of Youth" will open at The Bristol Piano Company on Wednesday, November 19.