THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2143, 28 December 1920, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

"THE MAN FROM TORONTO." "The Man from Toronto," a comedy in three acts, by Douglas Murray. Cast.— Fergus Wimbush George Tullv Buth Wimbush Marie Rignold Ada Wimbush Rosalind Courtneidge Mrs Calthorpe Margaret Swallow Mr Priestley Joseph V. Graham Bobbie Gilmorc Ronald Ward Martha Blanche Massey Mrs Hubbard Leslie Lester Minnie Hubbard ...» Leslie Graham Another accredited English success las found its way to the Dominion. "The iJan from Toronto" was produced last evening at the Theatre Royal by the Robert Courtneidge-Hugh J). Mac-intosh-J. C. Williamson Company, and was most enthusiastically received. The comedy has a small cast, but an eminently well-selected one. Each member of the company—and there are only nine of them —gives a convincing and artistic performance. It is a pleasure to welcome a company of such calibre to Christchurch. The plot is sra amusing one. To start with, there is a captivating young widow, Mrs Calthorpe, whose first adventure on the sea of matrimony has been a somewhat tempestuous one. She possesses a solicitorguardian, whose existence is perpetually harassed by his ward's haziness as to the difference between a credit balance and an overdraft —not an altogether unknown thing with charming widows. An elderly Canadian admirer, having been rejected,by the lady, promptly proceeds to catch a chill and die. All this before the action commences. In a will, however, the old gentleman leaves the little lady a quarter of a million sterling, provided that she allows his nephew, Fergus Wimbush, to be successful where he, the testator, had failed. A similar provision is made for ihe worthy Fergus, who arrives on the Beene to inspect the more tangible part of his legacy. The lady, wishing to be ■wooed before being won, disguises herself as a housemaid in her own home. Thus she is able to wiu her Canadian On her own merits, as it were. The idea is by no means a new one. The story, however, is wittily told, without being brilliant, and the acting is beyond ref roach. Mr George Tully, who created he title role in London, and played the part with immense success during the long run of the production, gave a thoroughly artistic study of the Canadian backwoodsman-hero. His work •was a sheer delight, and not one jarring note marred his performance. Each or ha points appeared to be achieved with a minimum of effort. Having played a part for some years on end, it must follow that an actor knows exactly what is required of him to make every minute ©f his appearance tell. His Fergus Wimbush will be remembered wjien "The Man from .Toronto'' is forgotten. The lively Mrs Calthorpe was played with creat charm by Miss Margaret Swallow. Her incisively witty delivery of the author's lines and her fascinating waywardness were alike attractive. Miss Swallow can be favourably compared with Iris Hoey, who played the part in London, and, in saying that, one has said a considerable deal. Joseph F. Graham, as Mrs_ Calthorpe's guardian, uncle-by-marriage, trustee and slave, gives a quaint, yet entirely natural, study of a whimsical old London solicitor. His secret elation over his ward's successes, and his outward irascibility, palpably forced, were very cleverly portrayed. A study of precocious youth—typically English—was remarkably well given by Mr Ronald Ward. Rosalind Courtneidge, a sister of the brilliant Cecily, of musical comedy fame, made the hoydenish and "slangy" sister of Wimbush breezy and likeable. Marie Rignold, who was through' New Zealand many years ago with Auguste Van Biene in "The Broken Melody," was cast as the elder Wimbush sister, a lady of considerable acerbity. Miss Rignold gave a conscientious performance in an unsympathetic role. She has a mellow speaking voice and excellent enunciation. Blanche Massey (Mrs George Tully), as a maidservant, was responsible for many humorous passages with the volatile Bobby. Only two other characters appeared during the evening. They wei;e Mrs and Miss Hubbard. Mrs Hubbard was a lady of ample proportions and homely appearance —to quote Wimbush: "Certain parts of her face were positively dangerous." Her daughter, a half-witted person, with more gaueheries than a nervous curate at an annual picnic of the Chorusgirls' Union, was an excellent foil. The two parts were cleverly played by Leslie Lester and Leslie Graham. The small cast had evidently been chosen with great care, and a better representation of the comedy could not have been wished for. '' The Man from Toronto" will be produced at the Theatre Royal to-night and on succeeding nights.

GREATER CRYSTAL PALACE. The management of Greater Crystal Palace Jws been wise in its choice of n headliner for the opening programme. "Blind Husbands" is one of the most successful productions of the Universal Film Company, of Universal City, California. Staged amidst enthralling alpine scenery, "Blind Husbands" Is a drama of two men and a neglected wife, which it is claimed rises to heights of emotion as towering as the mighty peaks which are the silent witnesses of the great disaster, and surprise at the end of the play. "Blind Husbands" is described OS a "a love story as appealing nil the most beautiful romance, an adventure picture as gripping as any serial thriller, a scenic marvel as wondrous as the most inspiring travel picture ever screened. The story holds the heart a helpless prisoner until the last tremendous moment when comes the glorious surprise, that sends the audience away in a glow of happiness. A feature of the entertainment are the musical numbers by the Symphony Orchestra of 2() performers, conducted by Mr A. .1. liunz. The music-loving portion of the community should be assured of a rare treat, as the Crystal Palace management claims thai this is the only full symphony orchestra ever engaged to play permanently .-it a picture theatre in Australasia.

STRAND THEATRE. Two big films are being presented at the Strand Theatre this week. In "The Mother of His Children," Gladys Brockwell stars as an Arabian princess. The director of the production has infused the spirit of the East with extraordinary success by selecting furnishings for the Arabian salon of the Princess Yve with the greatest care and attention to detail. The story is one that will hold the unbroken Interest of everyone. It deals with the fascinating artist life of Paris. In the second feature, "Love's Harvest," Shirley Mason is the star. The story is of a girl of 15, whose father, dying, gave her away like a parcel of real estate, to a man she had never seen. It is a story of Hie stage and of a young girl's Heart. The .supporting dims are "In Wrong" (cartoon), and an Australian News.

OPERA HOUSE. Probably no offering on the Fuller circuit finds more ready acceptance than the, musical revue. It was therefore a wise course which the management of the Opera House took in retaining the Walter Johnson company of entertainers over the holiday season. Last evening, when an entirely new bill was submitted, seating accommodation was at a premium long before the jverture—in fact, the management was forced to turn patrons away. The public wants merit, and last evening's capacity house was a recognition of the fact that the current bill suits all requirements. The revue, "Right There," comprises the second half of the programme, its title has little, if .anything, to do with the plot, which is as evanescent' as most revue plots. Suffice it to say that there is a millionaire's daughter whose hand and money are sought by the usual type of schemer in the usual clumsy and laughable way. About the machinations of the schemers is woven the fabric of humour and burlesque, affording ample Opportunity for the display of feminine- -charms, further adorned by pretty frocks and skilfully contemplated settings. The revue is quite, the best produced by this company, and ranks with the best presented at the Opera House. The principals, upon whom falls the major portion of the work, extract the utmost humour from their parts. Rippling along joyously to the accompaniment of tuneful numbers, the revue terminates •with a scene which, is at once strikingly well conceived and redolent of much more ambitious performances. "Lilac lime" and "The Naughty Waltz" were probably the pick of the musical numbers. The vaudeville first part was vnried and distinctly entertaining. Miss Adelaide Taylor, billed as "the sweet singer of sweet songs," pleased by her refreshing personality and singing of songs which never grow old. Auditors were vociferous in their approval. "The Drovers' Holiday" was a unique turn presented by the C.racknells, whose specialty consisted of tricks with stock-whips and fancy shooting. They employ two well-trained greyhounds and a diminutive monkey to leap extremely high hurdles. Novelty and merit mark the turn, which was deservedly well received. Dc Wilfred (xylophonist)' and Louis W. Bloy (banjoist) provided musical turns. Both arc experts on the instruments of their choice. Huley and Bent caused much merriment in their turn,-"In a Flatt" LIBERTY THEATRE. "In Search of a Sinner," Constance Talmadge's latest comedy triumph, is being screened to delighted audiences at the Liberty Theatre. "In Search of a Sinner" has so much dash that it cannot fail to appeal to any audience. This comedy is. a tremendous success in its laugh-provoking merits alone. It is a rollicking farce produced' with the care and skill that is expected of the highest grade pictures. At 20 Georgina was a widow. For three dreadful years she had been "Mrs St. Anthony," married to a man who was so good that there was no place on earth for him. Georgina bit the trail for the modern Babylon, in searcli of the wildest man in the world. "In Search of a Sinner" is the sauciest comedy that has ever presented Constance Talmadge, whose delicious interpretation again proves her right to be placed in the very front rank of famous artists. The picture is presented by First National, and is the joint work of Anita Loos and John Emerson, the foremost scenario writers of filmdom. The story is based on the popular novel by Charlotte Thompson, and the direction was in the skilful hands of David Kirklaud. A notable cast of well-known screen players is headed by Radcllffe Fellows in the principal male role opposite Miss Talmadge. This programme is greatly enhanced by Mr George W. Stevens with his splendid and highlyamusing humorous character monologues, "The Student," "A Chapter of Accidents," and "A Polyglot Speech." Other films shown are an excellent Goldwyn comedy, "In a Pinch," the Pathe Gazette, Topical Budget, and a new chapter of "Smashing Barriers." QUEEN'S THEATRE. If lavish and luxurious production and a beautiful and appealing star like Corinne Griffith cannot make a success of a good story such as "Miss Ambition" there must be something radically wrong with an audience. That there is no such evidence was revealed last evening at the Queen's Theatre. "Miss Ambition," in addition to being a story with human appeal in every scene, furnishes another opportunity for Corinne Griffith to achieve instant success in her role of the* society girl, who has climbed the ladder of social success, only to sacrifice what she has gained for the man she loves. "De Luxe Annie," featuring Norma Talmadge, is also screened as a support in addition to "His Royal Nibs" and jui interesting Gaumont Graphic. SYDENHAM PICTURES. The highly interesting depiction, "A Fugitive from Matrimony," featuring the capable actor, H. B. Warner, heads the list at the Sydenham Theatre. Sessue Hayakawa, the Japanese idol of the screen, appears in the fascinating picture, "The Man Beneath." Patrons are also provided with a unique, -turn by Cecil Verne, the comedian, who appears with his live teddy-bear in "Merry Moments."

GRAND THEATRE. The first performance of Levantc and Kerch, the entertainers from Maskclyne arid Cook's Egyptian Hall, London, was given in the Grand Theatre yesterday hefore huge attendances, many hundreds being turned away. Levantc and Kccch amply sustained their high reputation. Lcvante opened the performance with a clever exhibition of sleight of hand. His work is clean, crisp, and fascinating, and his stream of humorous "patter" adds considerably to the enjoy- ■ ment. Lcvante first worked with pieces of silk, changing a blue one to a red one before the gaze of the audience. Then, from one or two pieces he proceeded to produce dozens of others. Flags innumerable also began to make their appearance, but whence came was in no way apparent. After a number of other clever tricks and feats, Levantc presented, a mystifying illusion called the "Taylor Trunk Mystery. Keech, the man with a prodigious memory, was next introduced. His instant memorising of 20 common nouns called out by members of ihe audience was only one of the remarkable demonstrations he gave. He was blindfolded during this and other tests oven more severe. Of course the greatest interest attached to his exposure of the simple trickery of so-called spirit mediums. Keech does not condemn all Spiritualists, but he says that all the mediums he has met have been unable to show him any genuine psychic phenomena. In the concluding scene Keech .acts as a "medium," and from a cabinet, which members of the audience are satisfied is unoccupied, all. kinds of eerie manifestations take place. . Skulls, spirits, astral lights, and ghostly hands make their appearance. Lcvante and Keech appear again this afternoon and evening. A good picture programme is also showing at the Grand, including a virile drama of the frozen north, entitled "The Valley of Doubt," also an'exciting episode of the serial, "The Great Gamble."' An excellent musical programme is provided by the Grand Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Kennedy Black. The box plan is at The Bristol until 5 p.m., and thereafter at the Grand.Theatre. The sessions commence at 2.30 md 7.30 p.m. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. This week's attraction at Everybody's Theatre is the Paramount-Artcraft Royalty masterpiece, "Why Ghange Your Wife?" which was produced by Cecil B. de Mille. Thomas Meighan, who did such tine work in "Male and Female" and "The Miracle Man," heads the masculine portion of the cast in the role of the husband, with Gloria Swanson, the beautiful and talented screen favourite, playing opposite. Theodore. Kusliff, the famous Russian dancer, is cast in the role of a violinist, and Bcbe Daniels, of the fascinating half-Oriental -personality, handles the difficult role of "the other woman." Notable members of the cast also include Sylvia Ashton and Clarence Geldart, who are known and appreciated by the host of people who have seen their excellentportrayal in previous photoplays. In addition to "Why Change Your Wife?" a Paramount drama, entitled "His Wife's Friend," starring Dorothy Dalton, is also being screened. A feature of the entertainments at this theatre is the special music played by Everybody's Select Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr W. Belllngham, F.R.C.M.