ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15320, 22 August 1923, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

COSTUME RECITAL TO-NIGHT.

Special lighting and staging will be features of the costume and dramatic recital in which Mr W. Russell-Wood and his pupils will appear at the Town Hat! to-night. Several promising performers wiU make their first public appearance, and much entertainment will he. provided by juvenile and adult pupils. The box plan is now open at Paul’s, where 3s seats may be reserved free of charge. Intending patrons are advised to book early, as the plan is filling rapidly.

LAUGHABLE SHOW AT STRAND. The hit of the night was Douglas Mac Lean in one of the best comedydramas that has been shown at the popular New Strand Theatre for some time, “ißell Boy 13.” In the role of a yo-ung bond broker who turns bell bop when his uncle disinherits him, MacLean pulled several novel stunts that lend thrills as well as laughs to this original farce.

When the young chap is 'looked up by his uncle to prevent him from eloping, he calls out the fire department, borrows the chief’s car and drives at breakneck speed through the city, trying to catch the train on which bis sweetheart is leaving. • McLean needed ail bis skill and plenty of nerve to make his way through the traffic of Iho crowded streets without killing some one or wrecking the car of the fire chief. Mac Lean’s courage was tried to the limit before the scene was finished and be afterwards admitted that only the sight of the two photographers kept him from backing out and demanding a double for the scene. “Beil Boy 13" is interspersed with romance, and is said to be one of the funniest farces yet produced. The first half is filled by William Farnum, .the big Fox star, in a real man’s picture, “Without Compromise.” Seats may be reserved at Lewis R. Hady and Son, Ltd., or by ’phone 1422. MAGNIFICENT FILMS AT ROYAL. The most arrestingly powerful and dramatio melodramatio triumph seen here in a long period is Priscilla Dean’s latest picture play, “The Flame of Life,” which reproduces Mrs Frances Hodgson Burnett’s gripping book, which gives one a real insight into life in the Lancashire mining districts. The story is one of absorbing interest, the “ types ” are wonderful, and the acting is remarkably convincing. Priscilla Dean, as the girl Lowrie, presents a study from life in a way few actresses could do, and another tremendously effective performance is that of Wallace Beery as her brutal father. There is an amazing fire and flood scene in a coal mine, which for actual realism stands well above anything of the kind previously seen here. Then in altogether different vein—a brilliant Paramount offering, abounding in-merriment and thrills —is “ The Speed Girl,” a most engaging young lady, delightfully presented by Bebe Daniclls, with clever Walter Hiers ably assisting her. And there are other added attractions of a very high standard. Two more presentations of these big attractions will be given. The unrivalled racing picture, “ Racing Hearts ” will definitely open on Friday.

GREAT PICTURES AT FRANKTON,

One of the biggest and best bills ever shown at Frankton’s Own Theatre made a great impression last evening, and It will be repeated to-night. It should not be missed. “The Speed Girl," starring Bebe Daniells and Walter Heirs is exceptionally good, and slashing drama is unfolded in “ Paid Back” by Gladys Brockwell and Mahlon Hamilton. A big Century fun scream will replace “ The Lion Man” to-night.

“ODIVA AND SEALS.' *

To-morrow (Thursday) commencing for a three-night and two-matinee season, Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller will present a full metropolitan Vaudeville Company headed by “Odiva and Seals.” This act is claimed by the Fuller’s as the “Summit of their achievement." The Auckland Star says:—“lt is seldom that an entertainment ds up to expectations, but In Odiva and Seals with full supporting -Company, now playing to capacity at every performance (with extra matinees as well), the Fuller’s are giving the public even more than the Programme indicated. The feature of the evening, however, was Odiva and the seals. In the first portion of this act Captain Adams, the owner and trainer, puts his pets through all manner of exercises and tests, acrobatics, singing, in fact everything but talking, and candidly, that was omitted only because sea lions and seals have no tongues. Had Captain Adams 'lived 250 years ago he would have been burned at the stake for diablerie, had he attempted anything half so uncanny as the training of his seals. The culminating feature of this act is Odiva; her grace of motion in the water may be Imitated, hut it can never be excelled. Her “Mermaid's Prayer” and her various evolutions are an education in spectacular swimming, but it is as the “water nymph” that she carries off the palm—half reclining on the flo-or of the tank, with her seals Playing with and about her, she makes a pretty, realistic picture; and one can understand how the ancient myth of the water nymphs came into being, if there was any “Odiva and her Seals" in the days of the gods." Tho box plan for the season is now open at Lewis R. Body and Sons Ltd., and it would ho wise to book to avoid disappointment.