THE LORGNETTE

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 25, 21 February 1920, Page 6

THE LORGNETTE

£Br Fsomftu.)

(GAIETY is the keynote of the *~* tune played at Fuller's Opera House, and there is sufficient diversity to appeal to the tastes of the most catholic. There has arisen in the Fuller firmament this change, a couple of stars—Charlebert Freres, fresh from France, as their name indicates, and possessing a fund of diverting specialities, which, with the expert aid of Marie, "go" with a loud resonant bang. Miss Maggie Foster, of the violin, twangs the tuneful string with a quality of virtuosity unusual in a music-hall artiste, and dips into the honeypots of classicism with so complete an understanding as to render her exquisitely chosen excerpts understandable to' the uninitiated. Besides a lustrous wealth of vaudeville star items, there still occurs Paul Stanhope and his most interesting subordinates. They are doing "Vanity Fair," a "quaint exposition — hardly in the manner of Thackeray of this wicked world, but recognisable as a deft caricature of the things that happen nowadays Besides the glittering galaxy of stars that shine in the artistic Stanhope sky, there are mirthful people aplenty. There is also music of the Fuller standard —melodious and sufficient. ® ® ® That magnificent organisation, the New South Wales State Orchestra, has become enormously popular in New Zealand solely on account of its unusual skill. It has happily been persuaded to give two Auckland farewell concerts in the Town Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday next. As it is the finest instrumental combination that we have been privileged to hear, it will be useful for the person who desires to attend either concert to get in early. <S * . * At the National Theatre large attendances have witnessed the double programme presented. Virginia Pearson takes the leading part in a powerful drama entitled The Liar." Miss Pearson plays the role of a young bride, who, on her wedding eve, is confronted by a rejected suitor with the declaration that there is negro blood in her veins. The young bride laughs at him, but months later, when she is about to become a mother, this man returns, with papers that purport to be proof. Through a clever ruse she makes him acknowledge that his charges are false, thus clearing her own name and that of her unborn child. Peggy Hyland appears in "Miss Adventure," a fascinating story of the sea, with smugglers, kidnappers, and a. romance on a desert island all skilfully woven into the plot. $ # 9> At the Strand Theatre "The City of Comrades" is being shown, and the popularity of Tom Moore, the leading actor, ia.more firmly established. The hero of the story is Frank Melbury, a weakling driven to crime by drink and hunger. He is surprised at his work by a beautiful girl, who takes a great interest in the burglar. He leaves her with the determination to succeed, and gains rapid promotion. He is blinded in an explosion, and the girl nurses him. There is a happy conclusion to the picture. The supporting programme includes a comedy, ' Maids, "More Maids, and Mermaids," and an interesting gazette.

At the Princess Theatre the combined pictorial and vocal attractions are proving very much in accordance with public taste. Preboni Hanson, a Danish tenor, sang several selections, and was accorded an appreciative hearing and prolonged applause. The photo-play, "The Law of Men," with Enid Bennett in the leading role, proved to be a powerful picture, which maintained the interest of the spectators. The programme will be repeated to-night, when Preboni Hanson will again sing "La Donna a Mobille" (Verdi), "Goodbye" (Tosti), and "Because" (Guy D'Hardelot).

At the Queen's Theatre the photoplay entitled "Silent Strength," is being shown before large attendances It is a swiftly-moving romance with rugged mountains and beautiful rivers for a background. Harry Morey assumes the dual role of timber magnate and profligate society man. The story tells of Dan la Roche, a man of nature, in love with the forests in which he has made his home, and Henry Crozier, a city financier, who stoop's to foul means to achieve his ends. How these two men strive for the love of Ruth Madison and employ their own means forms a dramatic plot.

At the Tivoli Theatre a departure from his usual Western roles is made by William S. Hart in his new release;' "The Poppy Girl's Husband." It is an emotional photodrama in which Mr. Hart impersonate* the part of the betrayed husband. He is seen as Hairpin Harry, an expert lock-picker. Caught robbing a house, he is sentenced to 14 years in gaol. His wife promises' to be true to him, but a year after she obtains a divorce and marries the man who was instrumental in sending her husband to gaol. William is seen "cleaning up" his enemies in great style, and there are other notable dramas and comedies. 9 © 9 VARIETY CONCERT. Mr. Crawford's Concert Company, the "Jovmakers," are holding a concert in St. James' Hall, Wellington Street; on Wednesday and Thursday, the 18th and 19th inst., at 8 p.m. The various items include ragtime dancing by Sylvia Maude, ventriloquism by Adair, classical violin selections by Trocardio, humorous sketches and impersonations by Shorty Franks, the well-known comedian and entertainer; and a series of melodious songs by Miss Mom Cowie and Albert Carlysle. The chic* 1 attraction of the evening will be a spiritualistic feat by Louis Crawford, introducing for the first time "My Invisible Guide." Also sensational escapes. ft ft « The Fuller management realises that there is a genuine demand for melodrama, old and new. Mr. Ben Fuller, now in England, has secured the rights of a number of plays which are to be produced in Australia during the year. Among the latest pieces to be added to the repertoireare "A Daughter of Mother Machree," "The Little Church Round the Corner," # "Going Straight," "A Love Marriage." 'A Light in the Dark," and "A House of Lies." ft ft ft Describing the life of the premiere danseuse, Madame Karsavma, the Russian dancer, says in a Weekly Dispatch" interview:—"All my day is a preparation for the evening, and I cannot have the recreations and pleasures of other people. Even in food I am restricted, since I must eat light foods only, and must abstain from many dishes which 1 would enjoy. Of course, I have no time for sport. During 1 walk—oh, so many miles, for I am so strong that I do not tir<*—and I ride and swim then, but tpiiHMf all. I have never had time to leata the other sports, for T have trained as a dancer since I was nine ysars old. Are dancers ill? But, of course,

we often are. Indeed, I think we suffer much. Many have bad digestion (though, fortunately, not I), and we get colds and rheumatism through becoming overheated and then going into the draughts and cold. Feet, too, are sometimes painful, and very often there will be an overstrained muscle which hurts very badly for a time. What do I get from the life which repays me for these hardships? Ah, there is the love of the theatre, the supreme satisfaction of success I And dancing in itself is a delight. There is a great joy in movement, and especially so in the perfected easeful physical movements of the trained dancer."

A recent cablegram stated that the late Mr. H. B. Irving left a fortune of just over £37,000, which is a fairly considerable sum when the risks attendant on theatrical management are considered. Theatrical managements are not always so sound financially as they seem, and if they miss the whim of the public for "a considerable period the treasury quickly shows it. Here are some theatrical fortunes of interest:—James Bailey, circus proprietor, £400,000; D'Oylcy Carte (producer originally of the GilbertSullivan operas in London), £240,----817; John L. Toole, £79,964; Fred Hengler (circus man), £59,655 • David Belasco, £41,594; Jenny Lind, £10,630; Nicolini, £40,560; Wilson Barrett, £30,882; Helen Faucit, £27,977; Edwin Booth, £24,000; Sir Augustus Harris, £23,677; Corney Grain, £18,950; Wm. Terriss, £18,----257 ; Fred Leslie, £16,113 ; Sir Henry Irving, £14,633; Dan Leno, £10,----94 4; Hon. George Coppin, £10,232. ® ® ® Martin Harvey lately said: There has never been a time when people were so hungering for the theatre as at this moment, and I think it is a thousand pities that this enthusiasm for play-going should be met, as it so largely is, by the terrible trash which is being provided on many stages to-day. People leave their homes to go to the theatre without much inquiry as to what they are likely to see, and when they arrive they often find the stage given over to some rubbishy piece entirely devoid ot moral or intellectual value. This love of the people for the theatre should be turned to bettor purpose. # . # National Theatre. I do not think our political rulers and leaders of thought realise what an immense power the drama could be made for inculcating higher ideals and consolidating forces which make for contentment and prosperity. Wisely used, the drama is a wonderful instrument for teaching great lessons, and counteracting the violent fluctuations of feeling which are so common in these days. I am in favour of both the national and the municipal theatre, and I wish the Government could be brought to understand that a healthy, virile drama could contribute to the solution of some of the gray : est problems with which society is confronted. © <® © James Bain, recently here on the Fuller Circuit, after twenty years away from office life, goes to a Now South Wales Government desk, confidently leaving the family name as far < as' the theatre is concerned to 17-vear-okl daughter Verna, who threatens to be Australia's nearest approach to Genee. Bam (says an Australian paper), who went to ■school in Ipswich with E. J. Carroll, was a real lion-comique m his day, and when he toured with Charles Godfrey the latter ungrudgingly admitted it. Godfrey drew the houses but not the applause. Bain sang seven songs each night, and Godfrey stood in the wings and helped him to change his clothes for each number.