“HER SISTER FROM PARIS” AND “THE SAINTED DEVIL.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17831, 27 April 1926, Page 7

“HER SISTER FROM PARIS” AND “THE SAINTED DEVIL.”

QUEEN’S NEW PROGRAMME IS GOOD ENTERTAINMENT. Billed at the head of the current programme at the Queen's Theatre as a spicy French comedy-drama, “ Her Sister from Paris,” with Constance Talmadge in the stellar role, is a great entertainer. The story is brilliant with all the sparkle and flash of gay Paris. The domestic troubles of a volatile Viennese novelist and a wife who is growing frumpy, form the theme. A few’ vears of matrimony and the fires of romance are allowed to burn very tow in the household until husband and wife end with a violent quarrel. Wifie decides that the situation has become unbearable and resolves to go back to

■ mother. The dissolution is almost com- ' plete when events take a sudden turn ' for the better. The wife decides that through the wanton negligence of her r appearance and by allowing herself to ’ become hopelessly domesticated in his [ eyes she has lost the love of her hus-

band. She determines to win back his affection and to this end impersonates her dancing sister, who has lately come f from Paris. Then the fun begins. Under the direction of her sister, the quiet wife is shingled and brightened up generally. Her frowsy wardrobe is dis- , carded and she emerges from the re- • juvenating process with all the beauty add grace of the dancer. The sister . from Paris makes a triumph on her first night. The novelist and a friend visit the theatre where she dances and both fall in love with her. The dancer sends the rejuvenated wife, in answer to their invitations, to meet them. Disastrous developments follow and the story goes rocking through one amusing scene to another and winds up to a 1 screaming climax. The settings are superb and true to life. There are entrancing glimpses of the brilliant life : of Vienna that is now no more, its music-loving populace, its famous Follies. courtly officers and lovely women, and in the midst of this atmosphere of beauty and chivalry whirls “ Her Sister from Paris,” bent on recapturing her husband. The denouement is astonishingly amusing, both Ronald Colman,

who takes the supporting role and Miss Talmadge giving a faultless rendering of roles which might easily have been overdone. The second feature. “ A Sainted Devil,” starring Rudolph Valentino, is an exciting romance of Argentine love. There are thrills and tears right throughout the story. Valentino gives a very impressive portrayal of the lover cheated by fate. On his wedding day bandits under the command of the notorious El Tigre swoop down on the hacienda where the wedding feast is in progress and plunder, burn and kill. El Tigre, fascinated by the beauty of Don Castro's bride, carries her off to his stronghold, there to make her a dancer and a plaything. Don Castro rides through the night to save his bride but fate laughs at him. He sees what he thinks is his bride go willingly to the arms of El Tigre. The sight poisons his spirit. He becomes a cynic, and awaits his chance to be revenged on the bandits. 'Ultimately the lovers are restored to each other and a pleasant story is brought to a close. A comedy and the thirteenth episode of the exciting serial, “ Samson of the Circus," complete a very fine programme. The programme will l>? continued all this week. THE COMPETITIONS. OPENING ON FRIDAY. The opening of the sixteenth festivßl of the. Christchurch Competitons Society Will take, place on Friday. In the morning and afternoon the recalls will be decided in several classes, and in the evening the finals will be heard. The official opening will also take place in the evening at a quarter to eight in the Caledonian Hall. Each succeeding festival has seen an improvement in the standard of work of .the competitors, and this year there lias been an increase in the number and variety of the classes. .Many clever young performers have entered, and in the senior classes the competitors include capable performers from Christchurch and other cities. It is expected that many excellent recitals will be given, especially at the evening concerts when the finalists will compete. The test pieces have, been very cat'efully selected, and they afford scope for the talent of the brightest performers in musical and el«y. cutionary work. Season tickets will b# available for use during the festival which will extend over three weeks during which there will be. morning, afternoon and evening sessions.

“ PRIMROSE ” WILL OPEN SATURDAY. COLOURFUL MUSICAL COMEDY IS BILLED. Hailing from London, Miss Margery Ilicklin, a distinguished English musical comedy artist, has been specially brought to New Zealand by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd. firm, to play Joan in the neiv musical production “ Primrose,” to be seen at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening next for the first time. „ c Miss Ilicklin played the part of Toan at the Haymarket Theatre, London, for twelve months, in association with Leslie Henson. Miss Ilicklin comes with an undeniable reputation as comedienne, dancer and singer. Always a big favourite, Mr George Gee will make a welcome reappearance in “ Primrose.” He will be seen as Toby Meopham, a role that should suit this volatile comedian admirably. Another highly popular artist is Miss Dorothy Lena, who is said to be splendidly cast as Pinkie Peach. Mr Jack Cannot is spoken of as giving an ideal performance of the pugilistic would appear that all the clever principals of this popular company are exceptionally well placed. Messrs Ley land Hodgson, Hugh Steyne, Harry Wotton, Jack Testro, Fred M’Kav and John Stuart are all in the picture throughout the play. Of the ladies, a fine performance may be expected of Miss Rosie Le Varde, who plays Lady Sophia Meopham, while Misses Winnie Tate, Reita Nugent, Ivy Parker, Marie Walker and Connie Courtenay have all prominent parts.

One of the big features of the show is the wonderful lighting. The famous Samiloff system is adopted, resulting in some astonishing and occasionally startling features. “ Primrose ” has been called “ the Play Beautiful.” It is endowed with a deal of fine music, a wealth of ballets, glorious frocking, and a story romantic and interesting. The box plans for the season open to-morrow at the Bristol.