Across the Footlights

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13752, 27 April 1918, Page 3

Across the Footlights

A Lover of New Zealand. Mr Stephen Scanlon, who is at present in America with Mr Cyri! Maude, vrites:—"l underst.i:.d wo do i-ea-soJif. in the principal cities, and wind u;i in New York. I have a gr<\id admiration for New Zealand, with its genr.ively hospitable inhabitants It is a wholly delightful country, and the kindncsß extended to the stranger is a boon to poor devils, like myself, who have to career round the world to get a living. Scenically it is a joy to the eye, and theatrically considered, evcept for the heavy cost of transport, it is a good proposition. Tho audiences in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch are exceptionally good to play to, and I was amazed to find in several small towns (10,000 to 12,000 inhabitants) magnificently equipped Municipal Opera Houses. These are let to travelling companies at an averago rental of £2O per night—a pretty stiff figure, but, as far as I could see, a paying arrangement for both sides. When I finally (D.V.) reach my little fiat in far-off Hampstead, I feel sure New Zealand will call me strongly." A Maker of Noises

Rogero, tho man who is a whole band in himself ,accompanies Miss AcU Reeve on her present tour. He would deceive the most practised ear into believing that banjo, guitar or mandoline is playing when it is only the emanations of his own resonant lips His simulation of the' notes of a cornet are extremely good, but it is his imitation'- of the different noises motorcars make under a variety of conditions that causes the audience to scream with laughter. He makes good comedy out of the most commonplace of street noises; indeed, one wond&'S why such an appealing line of business lias never been taken up by other nnnics, for the response is so ready, as the theme for mimicry is ohvious. Rogero has the old farmyird wheeze "beaten to a frazzle. What's in a Name? It seems hardly possible that beautiful, stately Olga Petrova ever could have been'just Minnie Collins. Her father was English, and that explains it. Her mother was a RussionPolish noblewoman; her first husband s name was Pctronovitch, from which she culled tho name Petrova for a stage name. Some way it suits the allur ing personality of this gifted lady ot the stage and screen. If all the world had known that Alary Piekford, commonly known as "Little Mary," "America's Sweetheart," am! other things called "endearing appellations," had been born Gladys Smith, would she have become the most universally beloved girl in the world todayo "Undoubtedly so. Smith is a name of unquestioned respectability: one may be a Smith and be—anything. It takes courage to discard romantic, fanciful "Gladys" for plain sweet. everyday "Mary"; also it takes forethought "and cleverness- One who does that may bo-anythin- And shis—she is tiie world's sweetheart. Norman Kaiser, who was Mary Pickford's leading man in "The Little Princess," was most unfortunate in the name bestowed upon him. So keenly did he feel it that, upon his enlistment in an aviation corps, a short time ago, ho changed (legally) "Kaiser" to 'Kerry." And who can blame him? Jottings. The lisk Jubilee Singers are gradually working their way north, and will probably appear in Hamilton in due course. The old plantation melodies have lost none of their charm. ' Gee, he's some pianist!"—a remark from a southern visitor overheard at the King's Theatre the other night It was a surprise to meet Mr Bert Nicholson with the "Daddy Long Legs" company. S.nce this clever young comedian appeared with the reorganised Pollard Opera Company in "bluebell in Fairyland" unci other pieces a few years ago, he had disappeared from public ken, much to the regret of many admirers of his work in New Zealand. We will lie glad to see him again. "Daddy Long Legs," as played in Hamilton this week, vividly illustrated how much it owed Kathlcne MacDonnell for its success when produced in the centres last year. It is a sweet play of sentiment, and Miss Macl)onnell got every ounce out of the part of Judy Abbott. The same can hardly be said of her successor in the present production. As a result the play "missed .fire " to a large extent.

Personal Picture Pars. Mr and Mrs Sydney Drew have l>ecn robbed. Someone ran off with the safe in their Park Avonue home, alarmclock arrangement and all the contents, consisting of many scenario manuscripts, 4000 dols. worth of jewels, and the will of S. Rankin Drew, who is now an aviator,in France. The alarm. clock fw>ver went off—but the safe did. And here's the news of the month! Anita. Stewart is married to Rudolph Cameron. The two admitted the f.iet with some reluctance! at Miss Stewart's third attempt to free herself from Vitagraph's shackles. Clara Kimball Young's automobile recently argued the right of way with a street-car at Ninetieth Street and Broadway, New York City, with the result that Miss Young was Bhowered with glitss, but escaped with a few scratches.

Mary Miles Minter lias been appointed California president of the Children's Patriotic League of America. She will make trips to all the public schools of Southern California and talk to the childrei. about the necessity for helping children of stricken nations. It was due to Miss Minter also that Santa Barbara was able to dispose of her quota of Liberty Bonds for on the very last day about 30,000 dols. worth remained unsold, and Miss Minter made a street campaign ia that burg whirl) awakened even the oldest Rip Van Winkle.

Douglas Fairbanks will re-appear at the Fine's Theatre next week. It will I*> a pleasure to see Doug's cheery sillily.

The news that Charlie Chaplin Ims been drafted is causing a flutter in film circles. lleccntly the popular comedian expressed his willingness "to "do his bit" when the call came It i* likely that his services will be largely availed of in the entertainments of the troops, the "chcero" branch being :> very important one in the military cuniculum.