THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2125, 6 December 1920, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

NEW REVUE CO. AT OPERA HOUSE. Messrs Ben and John Fuller's new revue company in "Six Little Wives." Staged by Walter Johnson. Cast of characters: — Chcrlock Getem .'. Walter Johnson Raymond Rogers, Sen Ernie Crawlord 1 Cuthbcrt Arthur Hemsly | Harold Kennedy Allen I Turkish Girl Elsa Brull [ Dutch Girl Gcorgie Dc Lara] Italian Girl Daphne Leigh I Scotch Girl .Ivy McKay Japanese Girl Alice Ncllis Russian Girl... Florrie Horan Daisy Neil Daisy Yates Rogers, Jun Yorke Gray Captain Jinks Jack McKelliget The thought of six wives in pursuit of one helpless male would strike terror in the hearts of most men. This is the central Idea of the new Walter Johnson revue, produced for the first time at the Opera House on Saturday evening. Young Rogers, son of an American multi-millionaire safetyrazor manufacturer, who is continually reviled by his father for refusing to marry and settle down, arranges to present six Immigrants, from different countries, and speaking different languages, as his wives. The Introduction takes place upon the good ship "Fuller." To add to the complications, Cuthbert and Harold, two of the mildest desperadoes that ever trod a deck, appear as conspirators and make frequent endeavours, bomb-in-hand, to blow up the ship (which, it should be mentioned, was carrying arms for the Bolshevik Light Infantry). Further, there is the daughter of a chewinggum king on board, who succeeds in captaring the wandering affections of Rogers, jun. Despite the cutting quality of safetyrazors and the cloying sweetness of chew-ing-gum, each discovers that the other has "the goods," so to speak. Walter Johnson is the villain of the piece. He is frankly a bad bold man, and informs the audience of the fact at the commencement. Having explained his standing in the revue, he proceeds to perform many villainous acts with a cheeriness that is infectious. He is assisted in his nefarious work—to a more or less degree—by Cuthbert and Harold. Cuthbert is the organiser and Harold the worker. Tiiese two are responsible for some really clever comedy work. Arthur Hemsly, as Cuthbert, is, as Pepys would have it, "vastly diverting." His vacuous make-up, which included a walrus moustache, and his broad north country accent, added to the eccentricity of the role. Mr Hemsly's work stamps him as a very clever all-round performer. Kennedy Allen appeared as the obliging Harold. Harold was also rather a joy. His servile obedience to the bumptious Cuthbert called forth shrieks of laughter. Daisy Yates made her first appearance, under the Fuller banner, as Daisy Neil, the chewing-gum Wng's daughter. She wore some very striking frocks, danced neatly and sang very acceptably. '•He's Coming Home" and "I Never Realised" were two of her best numbers. Ernest Crawford, a survivor of the previous revue company, was cast as the irascible old Rogers pere. His song, "Dixie Melody," was one of the best rendered of the evening. Yorke Gray, who played Rogers, Jun., has rather a pleasant voice. A very catchy melody, "A Girl for Every Port," fell to his share. As a Turkish girl, Elsa Brull looked particularly alluring in a yashmak, and Daphne Leigh was sufficiently tempestuous as an Italian maiden. A clever little study of a stolid Dutch girl was given by Georgie De Lara. The revue was enthusiastically received, and the success of the Bremlere augurs well for the remainder of ie company's season. Heading the vaudeville section of the Srogramme was Helen Charles, who was at er very best with her child studies. "I Couldn't Help It, Could I?" was delightfully given, as was an imitation of a small child, with a large cold, singing "Rock-a-Bye, Baby." Leonard Nelson appeared again in old numbers. Mr Nelson really should change his repertoire occasionally. We all know that "Good Old Pig Island" it a jolly old spot, but that fact doesn't give Mr Nelson carte blanche to sing its praises nightly to a mildly bored audience. He Is a clever performer in his particular line, and should avoid imposing on his public's good nature. His Australian recitation, "Righto!" was one of the brightest things he has done in Christchurch. Mr Albert Bidgood and his orchestra played most acceptably. There will be another strong programme this evening. The chief incoming attraction to-night is Major Kenneth MacLaine, M.C., dubbed by Dorothy Brunton the "Diggers' Pal." He was incapacitated in the historic retreat from Mons, and thereafter devoted his time to the entertainment of wounded soldiers. His reputation became such that he was engaged by London theatre managers. MacLaine is the chief of his clan in Scotland, the 37th in direct succession, hut, owing to encumbrances on his estate, he has decided to earn his living. Another newcomer is Nat Hanley, a clever entertainer at the piano. The last five nights are announced of Helen Charles, whose delightful child Stories are so popular, and Leonard Nelson will also appear. Seats may now be reserved at The Bristol. GRAND THEATRE. Owing to the enormous success which "Argus," the boy wonder, has met with, and in response to requests, he will again appear to-day and to-night at the Grand Theatre in conjunction with an excellent and varied vaudeville and picture programme. The vaudeville portion will comprise items by the popular Campbell Brothers and Alsace, and it will also interest Christchurch music lovers to learn that Miss Olive Thorpe has been specially engaged to appear at the Grand this week. "Argus" kept the large audiences on Saturday both mystified and amused by his personality and by his remarkable performances. Sitting blindfolded in the audience, lie described articles and answered written questions without hesitation. The Grand Orchestra of seven players, under the direction of Mr Kennedy Black, assists in the musical items of the vaudeville company, and also renders tuneful and appropriate music during the picture portion of the programme. Eugene O'Brien is the star in the brilliant Selznick production, "His Wife's Money." Another sensational and exciting episode of "The Great Gamble" is also being shown. Patrons may reserve their scats either at The Bristol or the Grand Theatre (telephone 2934). EMPIRE THEATRE. A particularly strong programme drew a large attendance to the Empire Theatre, Sydenham, on Saturday evening, and the same bill will be presented to-night. Little; Meg. Cimino, the child singer and danseuse, gives a number of good items. The picture programme contains two star Items, "The j Flaming Clue" (Harry Morey), and "In the Gloaming' (Violet Hopson), as well as a further instalment of the serial "Smashing Barriers." STRAND THEATRE. "The Last of the Duanes," from the novel by Zane Grey, is showing at the Strand Theatre at present. It deals with Texas, portraying the life of the son of a noted "killer," who was forced into crime through the avengers of a man his father had killed. He falls in with a gang of outlaws, whom he refuses to join, and meets Jenny, who has been captured by them. He rescues her, and, after many thrilling incidents, the outlaws are caught and Jenny and her rescuer are able to find happiness.

LIBERTY THEATRE. The Liberty Theatre was opened to record business on Saturday, when the new programme, comprising three special and extremely enjoyable attractions, was presented to overflowing and greatly enthusiastic audiences at both sessions. Miss Lynne Edwards's dance recital was a great success, being a wholly delightful entertainment. The dancing of the entire 16 performers, and the splendid manner in which they have been trained is a brilliant example of Miss Edwards's ability as a teacher. The programme opened with Thelma Jones and Doris Brammall in "A Dainty Measure," a quaint and pleasing duet, which was appreciatively received, and was followed by "Butterflies," a very dainty and fascinating solo by Miss Betty Jacomb, a real little artist who danced on her tees all the time. This talented little dancer scored the hit of the evening in this, and repeated her success in "Grandmas Days," in which she sang and danced. She was also the soloist in "Ballet des Fleurs," in which she was charmingly supported by a chorus of bewitching little tots in pink and white. Miss Dorothy Walsh as "A Wood Nymph," Dorothy Manhire in "Little Dutch Doll" —one of the brightest items of the display, earning a double recall— Jean Irvine in a Cossack dance, and "An Eastern Harmony," very gracefully and splendidly done by Miss Beatrice Shearsby, were equally appreciated, as was the Fairy Ballet and an old world romance, "Dainty Dorothea," sung by Miss Wagner and completed with an especially pleasing character dance by Miss Lynne Edwards and Betty Jacomb. Special attention was given to all such matters of detail as lighting, dressing, which was on a very elaborate scale. The music further enhanced the pleasure of an entertainment which is well worth seeing. "The Great Coup," an All-British production based on Nat Gould's famous racing story of that name, was also shown. This is one of the best English pictures ever made, and presents a powerful cast of wellknown and highly-accomplished artists, including Poppy Wyndham, Stewart Home, Gregory Scott, and Cameron Carr. "The Great Coup" is a photoplay with a real heart interest, and the picture is one big series of incidents through which the situations develop with force and intense interest to a smashing and sensational climax. The photography is splendid, and the direction and settings could not be bettered. An added "star" attraction is "The Fly Cop," the great Vitagraph super-comedy starring Larry 'Semon, who was seen in "The Grocery Clerk.'.' Without doubt, "The Fly Cop" is one of the funniest comedies ever made, and Mr Semon displays his amazing ability as an acrobat and comedian in a number of daring and amusing stunts. Mr Semon is also credited with the direction, staging, and authorship of "The Fiy Cop." The Pathe Gazette, Topical Budget, "China and the Chinese," Pathe scenic, and a new chapter of "Smashing Barriers" was also screened. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Thrills, romance and adventure are the Ingredients of "Terror Island," Houdini's new Paramount-Artcraft picture, which is being presented to-day and throughout this week at Everybody's Theatre. The story is by Arthur B. Reeve, author of the wellknown Craig Kennedy stories. In the plot Houdini is the inventor of a new submarine to be used in salvaging sunken ships. But a girl leads him to use it for a different purpose—to rescue her father, who is held prisoner by natives on a South Sea island. A treasure and a skull-shaped pearl also figure in the yarn. The big thrill scenes of the production are enacted on the bed of the ocean, and sensational they are In the extreme. The spectacle of Houdini in

an underwater fight with a professional diver, and his rescue of Lila Lee from an iron safe at the bottom of the sea, tin-ills the picture patron. The supporting programme includes the Paramount comedy. “Why Smith Left Home,” starring Bryant Washburn. The climax of the action is an earthquake, and the camera shows, not the' results of the disturbance, as is usually i the case, but the actual ’quake working full blast. Chimneys and huge trees fail, an automobile is wrecked, whole houses collapse and scores of people flee in terror. It is a trick—a very clever one. The picture is packed with fun, the genial Bryant Washburn proving splendid ns the muchabused honcynvooner who is prevented by all sorts of humorous developments from getting his first bridal kiss. Lois Wilson is the girl. An excellent musical programme is provided by Everybody’s Select rehestra. Reserved seats may be cither booked at The Bristol or by ’phoning 4925. CRYSTAL PALACE. In Altamura, the capital of a Central American State, a young American sculptor, according to the plot of “Whitewashed Walls,” on the current bill at the Crystal Palace, is employed by Governor Romero in sculpturing the new Municipal Palace. His failure to show proper respect to the governor and other iifgh dignitaries affords many amusing situations and leads him to strike an official on the head with a decanter. The sweetheart of the official persuades him to feign death, and a fake funeral Is staged. When the American is about to be stood with his back to the whitewashed wall, and shot, he reminds the conceited governor that if he is killed he will have no one to finish the work on the palace. At each attempt to accomplish the execution he finds some other reason why he is necessary to the governor’s piece of mind. Finally lie persuades the governor to allow him to make a statue of him, to be placed in a niche of the palace. In the meantime a friend passes a revolver through the prison window to the American, and at the last attempt to execute him he produces tlie revolver, makes the governor step into his place in the wall, and from there he forces from him his permission to marry his pretty niece. The other film on the programme is “Wanted—A Husband.” QUEEN’S THEATRE. “Molly of the Follies,” now showing at the Queen’s Theatre, is an attractive film featuring Margarita Fisher, and deals with the life and experiences of a dancer in a Coney Island show. It is a most exciting photo-play. Romance, in which a burglar, a prospective husband and a love affair are mixed up, is provided in novel and interesting settings, which never allow the interest of the beholder to flog for a second. Particularly original are the settings describing the Coney Island show, which includes freaks of all kinds. Margarita Fisher is very charming as Molly, and the picture gives her excellent opportunities for the display of those qualities which have so endeared her to picture patrons. The story is worked out In an engaging way, and altogether is of a type calculated to be extremely popular. From to-day on an added attraction will be the star picture “Innocent,” with Fannie Ward in the leading role. The supporting pictures Include the Queen’s Pictorial Budget, the Gaumont Graphic, a Pathe comedy “House Cleaning Horrors,” and episode eight of the serial story, “Tlie Mystery of 13.” Appropriate