ENTERTAINMENTS

Wairarapa Daily Times, 20 June 1925, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. A REMARKABLE PICTURE. Catching the rhythm of an author’s conception of the pace of the modern age, Universal has produced a picture of a tempo that is startling in its expose of America’s latest institution. It is “Wine,” released as a UniversalJewel production, with an all-star cast, which will he shown at the Opera House to-night for one showing only. The film play is based on the Cosmopolitan magazine story by William MacHarg, a story which caused quite a ripple in the public at the time of its publication. It deals with bootlegging, on the dissipation of modern society, and the insidious undermining of the standard of living of one of America’s “best established” families. The story contains dramatic situations and the picture was produced on an expensive scale. The sets are realistic reproductions of present-day cafes and homes of the wealthy. Another exciting chapter of ‘ ‘ The 'Ghost City ’ ’ serial heads the big supporting programme.

COSY THEATRE.

AN EXGELLE'NT PROGRAMME,

“The Man Who Eights Alone,” William Farnum’s first starring production for Paramount, is a big picture in every sense of the word. There is not a doubt that William Farnum is the most popular western star in motion pictures to-day. In this production he is supported by (Lois Wilson and Edward Horton, and a big cast which includes Lionel Belmore, Dawn O’Day and George Irving. The story has to do with a civil engineer and his band of empire builders —a sort of advance guard of civilisation which is preparing the great western vastness for the endless tide of humanity. The story is most startling and’ virile, and contains a strong climax. An excellent supporting programme is a feature. Theatre ’phone- 1288 is available after 6.45 for bookings.

LONDON IDOL IN LONDON SUCCESS. ‘ ‘ WILDFLOWER. ’ ’ The.box plans for “ Wildflower” will be opened at the Arts and Crafts on Wednesday next. The coming of bo distinguished a light opera star as Miss Marie Burke, must be regarded as an occasion of importance. Miss Burke is a recognised head singer in London. She has been the creator of many musical comedy roles that have proved big successes there. Her performance of Nina in “ Wildflower,” the new J. C. Williamson production, to be seen for the first time in Masterton on Friday next, is spoken of as being exceptionaly fine. It is a part that not only calls for strong dramatic action in l places, but requires the possessor of a real voice to do justice to the alluring music. The artist must also be a dancer of merit. With all these arts and graces it is said Miss Burke is splendidly endowed. Besides the principal, there is to all appearance a company of big reputations. Of recent years we have had (writes a Sydney critic) no better comedian than Gus Bluett, who seems to definitely come into his own in “Wildflower.” Charles Zoli comes with a London reputation, which he sustains as the volatile “Gaston.” Amongst popular comediennes, Marie La Yarre shines. She is a real artist, and envelopes the freakish “Lucrezia” with a deal of delightful humour. Herbert Browne, who plays ‘ Guido, ” is an ideal lover, and a singer of sweet songs rapturously. If there is a “ villain ’ ’ in the play, it is Noel Allan, who villainises perfectly as “Alberto.” Grandfather Luigi is well done by John Forde, while Marjorie Daw as “Bianca” is refreshingly piquant. As to the costumes, the beau-' ty of design, and the glorious colouring effects simply amaze, synchronising to perfection with the tints of the beautiful scenery painted by Coleman. Of the music there are two airs that are irresistible, “Bambalina” and “Wildfiowcr.” These will be probably hummed, whistled and sung with persistency. Moreover, the entire score is harmoniously alive with lovely themes. It is the composition of Herbert Stothart and Vincent Youmans. The box plans will be opened at the Arts and Crafts on Wednesday next.