The Lorgnette

Observer, Volume XXXV, Issue 50, 21 August 1915, Page 18

The Lorgnette

(CONTINUED.)

Mr George Stephenson will be sending a strong comedy company through New Zealand shortly. He has already secured the theatres for the race dates at Napier, Hastings, and Gisbome. It is expected that the tour will commence in Wellington at the Grand Opera House. Mr Stephenson will be remembered; as the manager who brought the StineEvans combination company through here, and later on the opera company headed by EdAvard Lauri and Miss May Beatty, while quite recently the "Humpty Dumpty" Pantomime Company toured under his direction.

"Wayfarer" in the "Nation" tells this story:—"From the Front— Scene: Improvised sing-song, to Avhich a number of German prisoners Avere admitted as a special favour. Officer running it returns after a brief absence to find the sergeant left in control of the programme announcing the folloAving 'item': 'Our friends Fritz and 'Ans Avill noAv oblige Avith the " 'Ynm of 'Ate."

The Kalem Company is making a move into the higher branches of photo-drama. In order to do this four neAv companies are being constructed. Mr Arthur Shirley, who visited Noav Zealand with several dramatic companies, has been engaged to play leading parts in the melodramas.'

Cyril Knigilitley, Avhjo is well known ■and popular in the Dominion ■and Australia, principally on account of his brilliant Avork with George Riguold, Kyrle Bellew, Nance O'Neill, and the J. C. Williamson forces, and in England, by reason of his artistic Avork in some of the Drury Lane productions, has joined the army of screen players. Mr Keightley Avill Avork as the leadiing man Avith George Kleinc, and Avitli have as support tAVo Avell-knoAvn stars.

Picture-goers will remember the clever acting of Signorina Franoesca Bertini in that fine picture "Women." The Caesar Film Co., of Rome, have decided to star this gifted young actress in several modern society dramas. The first to be shown here will be a story of ItalianAmerican life, entitled "Tho One BetAveeii," Avlhich gives Signorina Bertini full scope to display her emotional powers.

Advice has been received from America that the big six reel star photo-play, "The Spoilers" is to be sent to tbe Dominion by the first mail Avhich leaves New York. Amongst the all-star cast in "The Spoilers" are some Avell-knoAvn Australian actors, notably Frank Clark, the original player of that screaming comedy "Mukloon's Picnic," which Avas the greatest laughing success of its time, some tAventy years ago; Sydney liracy, avlio is well knoAvn here as a singer Avith several companies, and who is also a firstclass cricketer, has a big part, as also has "Billy" Towneend. who toured these parts with AndreAV Mack.

The news that De Wolf ' Hopper, the famous American comedian, has consented at last to act for moving pictures Avas regarded as sufficiently important neAVS to be wired all over the United States. After refusing for several years to act before the camera, De Wolf Hopper has at last surrendered. He will receive 125,000 dollars a year. Hopper's first- ■'• professional appearance was made in "Our Boys,".in 1878, since Avhen he has starred with the best companies in the States. Over £25,000 per annum is a fair .living wage in these times of financial unrest.