AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18069, 19 March 1923, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

FULLERS’ PICTURES. 'A capacity house greeted the. new programme at too Theatre Royal on Saturday night, and not lor a ion" time has there been such universal approbation expressed with a. picture pro- , gramme. “The Kngl.sii Gazette” show- | ed many very interesting principally tho wedding of too ex-Kaiser, and “My Country ’ was a beautitul scenic. One long roar of laughter filled the auditorium during the screening of the Harry Lemon comedy “the Show.’ ’ This is Without doubt one or tho most successful mirth-raising iilms presented on tho silver screen for many moons. .Modern love making and tho sentimental courtship of olden times are sharply contrasted in the original photo-piav “Milestones,” which is the star attraction. Arnold Bennett, in lighting on the idea of contrasting the habits of thought of threo successive generations, struck a goldmine or originality, and the play has become a classic instantaneously. There is grim hum our in tho inability of old age to remember its youth. The man who defied convention in lus own younger days is only too ready to inflict Ins will on his children, and the man who enthused at an invention in his youth is ready to sneer at the new idea just as readily as Ins elders did in then day. Tho last episode of modern times, howewer, shows that youth has, come into 'its own. The programme will be screened to-night, and to-morrow night. THE GRAND. Tho now series of films at the Grand was welcomed by a large attendance on Saturday night, and tiio programme proved highly enjoyable and entertaining. The American Gazette has many views of more than usual interest, and is supported by a travelogue of educa- 1 tional value. “Rented troubles is laugh-raising comedy which reaches its objective in no uncertain manner, while “One Glorious Hay” with Mill Rogers and Lila Lee is ono of tho most delightful comedies presented by the Paramount Co. For the first time M ill Rogers, the noted comedy star or stage and screen, appears, in a 1 aramount comedy. Tho popularity of Will Rogers is duo exclusively to his own genius. In whatever role he has been cast, whatever the medium, he has brought to them the flavour of novelty and orieinaLtv. So it was only fitting that ih a motion picture like ‘ ‘One Glorious Day.” which is novel to a degree, so exceptional an artist should appear asthe leading figure. Mr vaudeville, with tho Ziegfeld hollies, in pictures —invariably discloses a lieu note. His quaint, bashful, embarrassed type of monologue made him a prime favourite in vaudeville. His .rope and gun, his tousled hair, his widespread grin, have become thoroughly familiar to the public. That his initial appearaneo under the Paramount banner will add vastly to his vogue there can be little doubt, lhe programme ’throughout is above the aveiage.

“A NIGHT OUT.” To-morrow night at the Theatre Royal, the J. C. Williamson how musical" comedy commence a tivo-nights’ season with the fatuous play “A Night OuV’ to, ; bo followed on Wednesday by “Mary.” , Of this ex.hilerat.ng music play a Sydney critic writes:- —Some- cynic has defined musical comedy as theatrical “bubble and squeak.” If that is so, then “A Night Out” gives us a most gorgeously liued “bubble,” while the • squeak” is screamingly funny. Tho doings in the piece arc similar to the, episodes in the old comedy farce of “Pink Dominoes.” which in days gone by was not considered to be a play to which a g.rl would-be justified in taking her mbtner. Couples visit tho Hotel Pimlico, which has or has not a reputation, just according-to one’s point of view. - They encounter , other people there by whom they do not wish to be seen,'and rush for. shelter into the first place handy, which leads to further complications. The most entertaining of these gay folks, aro tho henpecked Josheoh ringlet (W. S. Percy), Marcello '(Maud Fane), Victoririe (Madge Elliott), Maxima Paillard (Cyril Ritchard), Matthieu (Cecil Kellaway), and Paillard (Roland Hogue). W. S. Percy “a fellow of infinite' jest of niost excellent fancy,” seta-tho house in -a roar every time he speaks, or indulges in a facial contortion. Maud Fane is a charming Marcollc, sings sweetlyj talks brightly, is easy, gay and sprightly, and deserves to bo the favourite that she undoubtedly is. _ An outstanding success is the Victorine of-Miss Madge Elliott, who-makes-the character stand out in dear relief, as a study in which brains and daintiness have co-operated. The ' “ Boulet’- of Mr Field Fisher is excellent, a cameo of comic acting. Cecil Kellaway did well as Matthieu, with, his nervous affecton of the leg at sight of a lovely lady. “MARY.” On Wednesday evening another super brilliant musical play will be presented in “Mary,” of-which the critic of the '“Melbourne Age,” writes: —“Mary” is one of the best and brightest musical plays Melbourne has witnessed for many a Jong day. It is musical comedy at its best, splendidly acted and sung. Solos, duets, part songs and choruses comprise a, melodious least. The performance in all respects was well worthy of the best J. 0. Williamson traditions, and ran with wonderful, precision and smoothness. The costumes were gorgeous, but never garish, the vocalists, actors, and dancers were all in good form, and the scenic and lighting effects left nothing to bo desired. The performance was a particularly gratifying one, for too keenest appreciation accompanied it throughout • two sparkling acts. The joy of the evening was contributed to by the charming story, tho lovely drosses, the haunting melodies, the rhythmic dances, the effective chorus and the| humour displayed by Miss Maud Fane and Air W. S. Percy. It is doubtful if tho bewitching eomedionno has ever been soon in Australia to greater ad- j vantage than as “Mary.” lGne as Miss ! Fane is as the gay “Marcello” in “A Night Out,” it is a moot point as to whether “Mary” is not tho equal of that great dehniation. I