ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15894, 19 January 1924, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TWO VAGABONDS AT ROYAL. HUMOUR, MUSIC, PICTURES. An emphatic hit was scored at the Theatre Royal last night by the Two Vagabonds—Carlton Fay (pianist) and David Burt (violinist) —who, in artistic garb, combined music and humour in the most delightful, original, and entertaining way. Both Mr Fay and Mr Burt arc gifted musicians, and though most of their numbers were of a gay, popular nature, the artistry and touch of the true musician were apparent throughout. And as the turn sparkled with humour it is little wonder that the delighted audience accorded the players an ovation, recalling them, again and again; indeed, the applause continued long after the house lights had been turned up. Musgrove's Celebrity Vaudeville had again proved its worth. The Vagabonds opened with an exhilarating pot pourri, in which classical and jazz airs (all capitally played) were gaily intermingled. The "Miserere" from "II Trovatore," which struck a deeper note, received musicianly treatment, and was followed by "Suez," and Oriental foxtrot. Then the players set shoulders swaying and feet tapping with the lilting and always popular " Georgette," " Carolina in the Morning," and " Yes, We Have no Bananas." Mr Fay gave a realistic impression of a pianola out of tune, which was as funny as it was clever, and Mr Burt (who, by the way, was last in Hamilton with Mr Wilkie Bard) gave an equally effective exhibition of trick fiddling, obtaining the sweetest music' from his instrument as he nonchalantly bowed behind the back, over the head, between the legs, and in other unconventional ways.. " Two Musicians at a Country Dance " was one of the funniest and cleverest tilings presented in Hamilton. The players were heard —-and seen! —be- ] fore and after partaking of alcoholic stimulants. This 'item tickled the audience immensely, and 5 was enthusiastically applauded. , For the final number of their delightful offering the Two Vagabonds .played the melodious " Lullaby Land." The picture programme was magnificent. It is not often that one is privileged to see such a beautifullyproduced motion play as Paramount's delightful creation, "The Purple Highway." The story is absolutely full of interest, which never relaxes through eight entrancing acts, while many of the settings before which the play was so admirably acted by Madge Kennedy, the highest-paid actress in America, with Monte Blue and a splendid cast, were views of rare beauty. An amazing comedy, "Be Careful," in addition to being eminently laughable, revealed Monte Banks in hair-raising stunts that have never been excelled by any other " daredevil " of the screen. The supporting subjects and the orchestral music were sources of extra pleasure. Tonight is the last night, and this great show should not be missed. Seats should be reserved to avoid disappointment. MAGNIFICENT SHOW AT STRAND. A big house greeted the new programme at the popular New Strand theatre last night, and a most satisfied audience left at the finish. "The Girl of the Golden West," is a triumph for its director, Edwin Carewc. This famed success of the legitimate stage has been moulded into a cinema epic. Ramcrrcz, a colourful bandit-cabal-lero of the period, finds himself in a predicament as he is : about to rob the Polka Saloon, for the owner of the establishment is The Girl whom he met on the road a few days before and carried across a stream. It is a case of love at first sight, and a race begins between the sheriff and the bandit for The Girl. In a series of thrilling and captivating incidents, in which the bandit is exposed, wounded, and nearly hanged, the story is brought to a thrilling conclusion. J. Warren Kerrigan, as the bandit Ramerrez, is a dashing caballcro, and will win the hearts of the audience. Sylvia Rreamcr, as The Girl, is beautiful. John Gilbert, in his latest picture, "The Exiles," is up to the usual high standard maintained by this fine artist. A Lupino Lane comedy and two charming dances by the clever little Auckland dancer, Mary Wilson, who last night received a very warm reception, complete an excellent show. Seats for to-night should be reserved at the theatre or by 'phone 1422. CHARLES CHAPLIN ON TUESDAY. Charles Chaplin's first big feature production since "The Kid" will be the attraction-extraordinary on the screen at the New Strand Theatre next Tuesday. It is a four-recler i-ntitled "The Pilgrim." Charlie has the role of a fugitive from justice who appropriates a minister's rai ■ ment and, on donning it, is not only pursued by an eloping coupl-2 who desire to be married but is also forced to take charge of a church. According to preview reports, the comtdian has not included one unnecessary foot of film. Starting with a closcup of a handbill offering a reward for an escaped convict, illustrated by a portrait of Charlie in prison garb, all through the series of thrilling, humorous and even pathetic situations in which ho finds himself, the interest is sustained by ever mounting situations which bring the slory to a fine climax. -Mr Chaplin's ;-rt attains heights of subtlety which he has never excelled. A splendid i■art suppports Chaplin, whose leading lady is again Edna Purviance. Seats may be reserved at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. Be wise and book. GREAT FILMS AT FRAKKTON. A packed house at Frankton's Own Theatre is assured for this evening for the pictures are very fine samplse of the motion picture art. The great Rejane, France's greatest actress, will electrify spectators in Robert Hichon's book story, " The Call of the Blood," in seven acts.while that clever comedian Mont.e Banks will thrill everyone in his amazing comedy, " Be Careful." There are some astounding dare-devil stunts in this comedy. " Hurricane Hutch " will continue its popular course, and two added attractions will complete the big list. " The Eagle's Talons " will begin on Tuesday next. WRESTLING. ( The attention of those interested in the sport of wrestling is directed to the advertised particulars of a contest arranged to take place at the Town Hail, Hamilton, en Friday evening between the well-known local exponent of the wrestling art---Mr "Joe" Dufty, and Sirdar Jawah Singh, a recent 'arrival from India. The match will be conducted under the rules of the New Zealand Wrestling Association, and Mr John MclCe.izie, local tccretary of the Y.M.C.A. will referee the contest. A fast end clever exhibition of wrestling is -assured and the public attendance will doubtless be . latse.

I HUMPHREY BISHOP COMPANY. The bcx plans are open at Paul's for the season of the famous English Humphrey Bishop Comedy and Operatic Company at the Theatre Royal on Monday find Tuesday next. The news of the groat and unprecedented success of this company in Auckland has preceded them, and the Auckland press says 'it is the bi-ightest, breeziest, md finest show of its kind that has ever visited New Zealand. Comedy is the keynote, and with such comedians as George Ross, Robert Roberts, Harry Avcndaiie, and Edward Elliott to lead them there is not a dull moment al Hhrough the show. Although comedy and laughter predominate, on the vocal side the company are especially strong, and to hear one of their operatic finales, accompanied by the Humphrey Bishop orchestra, it would seem impossible to believe that ihere was not a full grand opera chorus behind them. The original ragtime quartette, composed of Harry Avondale, Rebert Roberts, Walter Kingsley, and Maurice Jaffoy has for years now never been allowed to leave the stage without at least four encores. The Auckland Herald, in its notice of the opening performance, remarked: "The verdict of last night's audience upon the excellence cf the Humphrey Bishop Company has ensured the success of their whole season. The secret of this success wis not only the cleverness of every turn (each member of the company has talent), but to the "ginger" which everyone installed into their work. . . The Humphrey Bishop Company created a furore. BAND MARCHING CONTEST. The grand band-marching contest to be held on the A. and P. grounds, Pukekohe, on Saturday, January 26, on behalf of the new instrument fund of the Pukekohe Band, Is sure to attract many people from outside districts. The visiting bands will be tendered a reception by the Mayor, Mr J. Routly, and the Auckland Artillery Band will give an exhibition in quickstep. An excellent programme is l»eing arranged. On Sunday, January 27, a sacred concert will be given in the Domain, Pukekohe. For those in search of a pleasant and interesting day's outing nothing better could be recommended than a visit to Pukekohe for the band marching contest, i Doubtless many Walkato people will be there.