AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 9 June 1924, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

ADA REEVE IN “ALADDIN.”

"When Aladdin rubs his wonderful lamp, it is traditional that all sorts of wonders come to pass. Ho will c.o so at the Theatre it ova l to-niorr nv night, and the glories cf J. C. Williamson’s latest annual pantomime will be revealed. Those who anticipate the georgeous transformation scenes and ensembles which previous J. C. Wuliamson pantomimes have given is, are promised even greater treats from “Aladdin.” In one of the scenes, the Great lied and White, there is said to be a big surprise in the beautiful “living chandelier.” Here a splendid crystal chandelier forms the central ioature, and posed upon it in graceful curves are what at first appear sculptured figures, beautifully formed and gracefully and lightly draped. Hut they are actual living statuary, girls who stand all through the scene almost immovable, held in position securely by attachments at ankles, waist, and arms, which form part of the ornamentation of this great and wonderful chandelier. These girls wero selected by the producer as the finest for face and figure he had ever seen. “In all my years at the hollies Bergercs, in Paris, and all the leading theatres m London,” said Hr Shirley, the producer, “I have never seen such wondrous beauty.” The presence of Hiss Ade Heeve in the title role of “Aladdin” adds much interest to the production, for it is said that her charm, cleverness, and personality predominate. And with such an able band ot comedians as Hector St. Clair, Tom Payne, George Welch, and Herbert Walton, it will be seen that the pantomime is strong on the comedy side, ft he ballets and dancing should Lo something exceptional, headed by such expei'ts as Phyllis Antery and Kelso Henderson. An outstanding feature of the pantomime will be the comedy aerobatic speciality act by the Kites, who come with a big reputation from the leading vaudeville theatres cf Europe and America. The box plans are now open at the Bristol,

FLAMING YOUTH. The first National photo-drama “Flaming Youth,” which was screened to a packed house at* the Thcatro Hoyal on Saturday evening, is, to say the least of it, very entertaining. Depicting the gaiety of living of Iho youth of America, incident follows incident, with almost bewildering rapidity. The story tells of a man and his wife, whose love for each other has died. In order to keep the ball rolling,' they entertain in a very lavish style. The two married daughters have made bad matches, and the mother decides that her youngest daughter, Pat, must be brought up in a differentway from the others. Before she has finished teaching Pat all she ought to know, she is suddenly taken ill with heart trouble and dies. A few years later sees Pat entering with enthusiasm into the drunken brawls arranged by her father. She is brought to her sense- when she meets an old sweetheart of her mother’s. Carry Scott. Carry Scott helps the girl to give up her wild life, but in his attempt to do this ho falls in love with her himself. First as the innocent little girl in search of adventui'e, and later as the girl having had a certain amount of adventure and looking for more, Colleen Moore is responsible for an excellent portrayal of the part. Both in the dramatic and humorous scenes the star’s undoubted ability is always apparent. As the one lover, among several admirers, whose love filially restores the errant Patricia to a saner view point of life ,Mliton Sills, is admirable. A strong cast also includes Myrtle Stedmnn, Svlvin Breamer and others. An English Gazette, “Uio Oregon Trail.” a clever comedy entitled “The Shippers Narrow Escape” and a Travelogue completed a capital programme.

“RACING HEARTS” AT THE GRAND.

One of those thrilling programmes, which are so popular with patrons cf ihe Grand Theatre, was presented to a, capacity attendance on Saturday evening. The main feature, “Racing Hearts,"” starring the popular actress, Agnes Ayres (of “Sheik” fame), Richard Ilex, the old favourite Theodore Roberts, was indeed thrilling, and some of the most wonderful motor races ever filmed, were to be witnessed. The story centres round Virginia Kent, known as “Ginger,” who maintains that the Granada motors, her father's ears, must have publicity if the •■orporation is to escape bankruptcy. “Ginger” is arrested for speeding by Roddy Smith, a temporary motor-cycle policeman, whose father is the owner of a rival motor company. The ca.so is dismissed by the bench, nut “Ginger” is highly indignant. Fred Claxton, Kent’s general manager, is really a traitor, for he divulges to iho rival company many of Kent’s secrets. Smith, as lie can not trust Claxton, instructs his son to get a job at the Granada Company, under the assumed name of “Tom Jonc-s” to see if the works arc worth buying, hut Roddy becomes acquainted with tho girl and (hey fall in love. The day of a great motor race arrives and tho opposition cars arc all ready for tho fray, when it is discovered that the treacherous Claxton, who was to drive the Granada, has disappeared, and “Ginger,” after being unable to pursuado Roddy, who is piloting his falher’r. car, dedidos to drive the car distinguished as Claxton. I lie race shows ihe rival cars rounding one. of ihe world’s most famous tracks. A shortage of gas in the thirtieth lap forces the girl to stop near the winning post, but, Roddy, in his father’s car, coming up close behind, bumps the slowing car over the line—the winner. The supporting pictures were of an exceptionally high standard, and the comedy, “The Egg,” provided the audience with thirl v minutes of hilarious laughter. Other pictures worthy of mention were “The Travelogue,” and the “American Gnuotic.” The orchestra again provided an excellent programme of selected music, much to the appreciation of all present.

THREE GREAT ARTISTS

On the 25th and 26th inst., Timaru will have an opportunity of hearing 1 hroo world-famous artists, and of listening to virtuosi of the first rank. Lenghi-Collini, according to a critic, “lias improved in voice, if anything. Mis items were vociferously applauded by an audience, who apparently realised that they were listening to a singer amongst singers. This tenor’s consummate artistry is unquestioned, every litt o phase has received attention, each word is finished, and each song is as perii‘i t a lendotimi as is possible. Leiigln-(-ellino sang with eoual charm i h ? ari . as ;J' , ; oln I'''’i'za del De.stino, Tho Lin ot lYmanioy, ILyolcito, etc. au<] two inter songs wen- given by ibis artist as lew oilier singers can' rondo ■ them Macushla, ami Songs My Mother ] Ale, (oiifloijv iiiul bcv.iitJfuMv .sung.” Of Earllarowii-ch, ihe “Jin’, niingham Gazette'’ says of a rocont appearance with the'City Orchestra under ihe baton of Dr. Adrian Boidi ■ “Zach a row i t-sheli, _ as exponent of solo of Elgar’s violin concerto is regarded as absolutely first.” ’ C'onte Pietro Cimara, solo piani.-L ami no" eonipanist of this company, v, .is hoisi in Rome, and received the diploma as

maestro in composition at the Roval Cousorvatorium of St. Celia