AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17571, 23 June 1925, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5.)

GRAND THEATRE. Phil Flagg, arch-swindler that he was, had an eye for beauty ; but he was no gentleman. He maintained *t mansion for the sole purpose of studying bis friends. They amused him. He fed them, kept them in line clothes, provided them with limousines, and let them swim in his bathing pool. Phil Flagg was not a psycho-analyst—just an over-generous scoundrel. And those foolish people who saw no harm in partaking of the gifts he held out to them, paid dearly in the end, for the toll lie demanded was their selfrespect. Phil Flagg is.the convincing villain in “The Garden of "Weeds,” .Tames Cruze's latest production for Paramount. which heads the current programme at tho Grand Theatre. There are many little points that combine to make “ Tho Garden of Weeds ’’ a charming photoplay. It, is brimful of exciting and highly dramatic incidents relieved by splashes of hilarious comedy. And the acting is all that could be desired. Betty Compson, star of so many recent successes, makes a delightful l>orothy, and Rockliffe Fellowes scores a triumph as tho swindler, Flagg. Warner Baxter is tho lucky man who wins Dorothy’s love. “Three Women” is an engrossing tale of a mother who makes a great mistake. She is the victim of a heartless villain, who seeks her hand solely to gain her fortune. Then he finds that her alluring young daughter has a largo bank balance also, and he decides that she would perhaps after all make a better wife. . It is a heart-rend-ing story simply told, and one that has an appeal for every type of moviegoer. The musical programme played by Mr Harold Beck’s string quartette, is in accordance with the high standard set by this theatre.

LIBERTY THEATRE.

There is a variety of life and action in Zane Grey’s story’, “Wanderer of the Wasteland,” and it has lost none of these characteristics —rather have they been brought about in bolder relief—in the transition stage between the written word and the screen. This author has often dealt with desert life, but in “Wanderers of the Wasteland,” tho story also concerns doings in gold country. There is a strong element of the picturesque in this, and it is fittingly expressed in the production, which is a coloured picture. In the past there have been a number of experiments in colour photography for the movies, but the average picturegoer ha 3 probably regarded these as oddities, rather than a development which is likely to become general. The colour work in “Wanderer of the Wasteland, ” however, is very well done, and is appropriate to tho atmosphere of tho picture, with its background of vast expanses of desert and stunted growth. The picture is presented by a very strong cast, including Jack Holt and Billie Dove. “ Squib's Honeymoon," is a very laughable tale of the accidental separation of a young couple on their honeymoon trip. The subject of marriage and honeymoon couples has provided many burlesques for authors, and playwrights, but in this instance the scenario writer has produced a new and entertaining one. The picture features the charming Betty Balfour. The Liberty Quality Orchestra, under klr Howard Moody, provides a very fine programme of music.

MOSCOVITCH.

GREAT RUSSIAN ACTOR. ‘‘The Outsider,” the record-breaking four-act drama, in which the famous Russian-Jewish actor, Maurice Moscovitch, and his talented dramatic company will make their first appearance in Christchurch at the Theatre Royal on Thursday evening, is highly recommended by success, both in England and America, where it had a wonderful run. Written by the well-known authoress, Dorothy Brandon, with interpretation by the members of this famous organisation, and tho added advantage of tho personal production of Mr Moscovitch, a lino representation of what is spoken of as an exceptionally brilliant play should result. In Wellington recently, “The Outsider” received the unstinted praise of the playgoing public, and the newspaper critics throughout ,iu seven nights’ run. It is stated to be an excellent drama, and possesses in a marked degree a number of tho qualifications that make for success. “Maurice Moscovitch on Saturday night scored a personal triumph. He played on tho feelings of tho audience, and the sure touch of the master hand, and the force of his remarkable personality dominated every scene. Ono felt that here was one of tho great geniuses of the drama..” This is how a leading Melbourne critic began bis notice of “Tho Outsider” on its first presentation in that city. The same critic goes on to sav. “Throughout. the play the situations are tense and dramatic, the dialogue brilliant and, in places daring. The play held Saturday night’s audience enthralled, and towards the end of the performance tho atmosphere was electric*. At the fall of tho final curtain there was a demonstration reminiscent of some of the biggest nights of the grand opera season. I have never seen, nor hope to see, a greater actor than Moscovitch. The play is the strongest dramatic fare Melbourne has been treated to for many a day. If I know Iho Melbourne public—and I think T do the Theatre Royal will bo crowded every night for weeks to coine, and Mr Moscovitch will lind it unecessarv .o xtage any other play in his lai’go repertoire during the present season.” Associated with this famous artist in this play will be exactly the same cast that appeared in the successful Melbourne and Sydnev productions. “The Outsider” will be presented for a iirst five nights of the season. Then will be staged, for two nights each. “The Merchant of Venice” and “The Great Lover.” The company are just terminating a record season at the Grand Opera House. Wellington. The box plans foV the five performances of “The Outsider” will open at The Bristol this morning at 9 o'clock. Owing to the importance of the visit to Christchurch of this famous actor.

intending patrons are strongly advised to secure their scats without delay.

FULLER’S OPERA HOUSE.

VAUDEVILLE AND A NEW REVUE COM PAN!. .A largo crowd Ailed flic* Opera House last evening when an almost entirely new band of jierforniers made their first appearance. Only two vaudeville acts had been held over from the previous week and apart from these the programme was quite fresh. The five vaudeville turns were all very much appreciated and the new revue company more than fulfilled expectations, so that from start to finish tho entertainment proved most enjoyable. Miss Sadie M’Donaid provided a novel act, which consisted mostly of violin playing and a little contortion. The manner in which she twists her limbs and body about is really’ astonishing, and the fact that she continues playing the violin at the same time won her hearty- applause- Ernest Pitcher told a number of stories in characteristic and humorous fashion and ho succeeded in extracting many Jatiglia. Ho finished off his turn by playing a few melodies on a concertina. Alex Kelleway was one of the new artists, and by means of bis pleasant baritone voice lie won favour with a number of songs, one or two of which were of a light comedy nature. There is quality in his voice and his enunciation is very very good. Judging 'by the hearty applause which followed each of his items the audience could have listened to him much longer. It is not very often that a vaudeville artist is accorded such a wonderful reception as that which fell to the lot of Miss Estelle Rose. This little lady is an artist to her finger tips. The longer she remained on the stage last evening the better the audience liked her. She made her debut in a striking gown and later changed into one ovens more beautiful. H'.er first number was a Yiddish song, following which she told some Hebrew and other stories, not a single one of which was a. “ chestnut,” and in consequence they were all the more enjoyed by tho audience. Miss Rose brought a. thoroughly enjoy .able turn to a conclusion with clever impersonations of how a French and an Italian girl would sing “You’d be Surprised.” The act performed by Beii Bono is not one of a kind anybody with a weak heart could enjoy. A trapeze is hung from tho ceiling right out over the people occupying seats in the stalls. Beno climbs up to this and there performs all sorts of balancing feats while the trapeze swings to and fro. This thrills the patrons of the stalls quite sufficiently, but the performer then takes a, chair up with him and on this goes through a. series of even more daring “ stunts ” such as balancing himself on two of the legs of the chair with the trapeze in motion all the time. M hen finally lits blindfolds himself and does more balancing ho makes the audience hold their breaths. Mr "Walter George is an okl friend of Christchurch audiences, having appeared here previouslv with the wellknown Sunshine Players, recognised as one of tlie strongest revue combinations that have visited New Zealand. The brilliant manner in which Mr George used to produco his shows made last night’s audience somewhat curious as to the initial production of the revue which was presented by Hi© new company which he has gathered around him. And they left the theatre fully convinced that the producer has again on this occasion succeeded in staging a show which is entirely sa+isfyng from every point of view. The revue is entitled “A King for a Day.” The leading character is played by George Moon of Moon and Morris, a pair of clever comedians who had a very successful tour of the Fuller circuit a few years ago. But there are several other clever performers in this talented baud, some of whom have been specially imported for revue work, and as an all-round combination they would indeed be hard to beat. Last night’s show, which was tho very first staged by tho company, made a big impression and if they are able to maintain the some high standard they are assured of a long season in this, their first town. .The revue has been based upon that well-known book “The Prisoner of Zenda.” It is given in three scene* and there is quite an interesting little plot running throughout. It concerns the throne of Polvauia for which there, are two aspirants, one the rightful heir and the other a pretender oi* an imposter. Tliero ore some exceptionally humorous scenes between the principals before tho rightful king ascends tho throne. Georg© Moon scored an instantaneous success on his first appearance as a revue comedian. Tho applause which ensued at the end of the comedy interlude belween him and Dan Morris was ample evidence of what the audience thought of their offering. Moon is a first-class comedian who imparts plenty of variety into his work. Moon and Morris were supported in rare fashion by the members of their company. Messr s "Walter George. Sydney Burehell. William Beresford. Claude Holland. and Misses Lily Foster. Yera Sewell. Jean Keith and Ulv Penville were all well cast and must share in the honours of a great first night success. An outstanding featuro of the show is that everybodv is able in sing and sing very pleasingly. "Wiliiain Beresford (tenor), Sydney Burrhell (baritone), and Claude Holland (light baritone) all have fine voices, and the girls are similarly gifted. The result is that the musical items come as a nice relief in the dialogue. Jean Keith was the central figure in a pretty Russian ballet which was attractiyelv danced bv her in company with the Sunshin, ■Six. These girls also did excellent work in assisting the principals in their nain't word of praise is also due to Mr Albert Bidsrood and his orchestra. They appeared to recognise that it was the new company’s first effort and thev strove to make the path as easv as possible from the musical standpoint And to their great credit it may truthfully be stated that they accomplished their aim.

THEATRE ROYAL,

LONG TACK SAM. Large audiences are being attracted to the Theatre Royal, where the J. C. Williamson vaudeville company, headed by Long Tack Sam and his troupe of Chinese are appearing. The Chinese occupy the greater portion of the second half of the programme and their offering includes magic, juggling, balancing work on tho horizontal bar and on ropes. Tho leader is an artist who dominates, and his versatility is amazing. The Novelle Brothers, dressed as clowns, present a, varied turn, but th© gem of the offering is the imitation of loving birds. Other items on the programme include a dance specialty by Errol Addison and Gertrude Mitrenga, feats of illusion by Chris. Charlton and a juggling act by Moran and Wiser. The programme will be repeated tonight, and there will be a matinee performance to-morrow afternoon.

QUEEN’S THEATRE.

•bHE SHEPHERD KING.” A BRILLIANT PRODUCTION. Modern plays arc absorbing enough, but. there comes a time when change oi faro is desired bv many peoi>k\ who have a wish to go back to one of the world'* oldest stones for entertainment. Those who feel this mood upon them could not do better this week than go to the Queen s Theatre, where the principal featuro is “The Shepherd King,” a magnificent Fox productionThe plot, is tho Old Testament story of David and his rise from shepherd boy to king. The picture opens with a prologue showing the sorrowful departure of tho Children of Israel from the land of Egypt. This is an appropriate introduction, for from tho house of Moses came the Hons© of David. The Egyptian scene is pregnant and realistic, and is made even more remarkable because of its having been photographed in Egypt under th© shadow of the Pyramids. The opening of the mam story shows the Israelites, under Saul, being beset by tho Philistines. David, •then gi youth, is not skilled in arms, and Jio contents himself with being harper to th© king. The story, of course, does not quit© square with the Biblical one. for it was necessary to get a. little more action into it. David, accordingly, has an. opportunity of rescuing Saul's daughter, "Michal, from tho jaws of a- lion, and tho rescuer and rescued fall in love. Th© time conies when the Israelite army and that of tho Philistines find themselves fronting each other and th© Philistine giant Goliath taunts Saul anti challenges him to battle. ‘David goes out. instead and slays this leader of the Philistines, and the enemy, demoralised by this surprising reverse, flees. David is received with outstretched arms by the. king, and mad© third commander of the army. Saul’s son Jonathan being second. He spurns the hand ,of the elder daughter offered to him, and goes to young Michal. Does:, one of th© Philistine spies, sees that David is th© greatest enemy his people have to face and he devises plans for the ruin of the young warrior. By subtle insinuation he makes tho king believe that David is a usurper and Saul, full of terror, sends David out with an inadequate army to do battle. He promises that David shall wed Michal on the Feast of the New Moon if ho returns with a hundred Philistine banners. After a terrible strugl© the little Israelite army gains the victory and David, acclaimed a* a hero, returns to the city. Saul refuses to keep his promise of the wedding and accuses David of being a traitor, and the young man distressed at this goes into exile. Fate then turns against tho king and his country is overrun. In a fierce battle in the city Saul and Jonathan are killed and the finish is that David become* king and Michal. his wife, queen. ’lhe picture i* brilliantly produced, and the battle scenes in the desert have been staged with realistic effect The interior *cenes aro also splendidly managed. The second feature, “My Husband’s Wives” is a delightful comedy cram full of embarrassing situations. It is the man's ex-wives who bring about all the trouble and the presence of on© of them at the hotel where ho is spending a honeymoon causes most of the complications. The wife and ex-wife soon fall foul of each other, but in the end the new wife gains a. full decision over her rival. Shirley Mason, who is starred in the production, does work which cannot fail to enhance her reputation. The supporting pictures include “Monkey Romeo.” a comedy, and the Educational News. A brilliant musical programme was played by the Queen’s Superb Orchestra.