SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1415, 7 June 1917, Page 34

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”

WELLINGTON, June 5. In an elaboration of the premise that self-love and intolerance have been the bane of all life’s tragedies, Mr. D. W. Gr.ffith, the author of the colossal picture “Intolerance,” which was presented at the King’s Theatre this evening, has produced something of quite unparalleled magnitude. As an achievement in organisation, attention to detail, and mastery of all the arts and contrivances which lie to the hand of the picture maker, it outrivals “The Birth of a Nation,” which was also due to Mr. Griffith. Everything is done on a colossal scale, leaving the spectators amazed. The author goes back to the fifth century before Christ, for the opening scenes of his play, and the story runs through succeeding ages to social problems of modern times. Though widely divergent in period, the stories show that the morals of man and the world are unchanged. The characterisation is proportionately equal lo the scenery and setting, and the whole result is that of a wonderful achievement. In short, “Intolerance” is a great work, the greatest of its kind, and those interested in the progress of the times cannot afford to miss seeing it. In fact, a second and third visit is really necessary for a proper appreciation of this gigantic work.

A number of artists new to New Zealand will appear in the J. C. Williamson pantomime, “The House That Jack Built,” which opens a tour at the Grand Opera House on Monday, the 18th inst. The humour of the piece lies largely in the trials of the man on the land. Farmer Barleycorn is notorious in English pantomime as a bad husbandman. He is mostly concerned with trying to lift the mortgage, a weight-lifting feat of which he is wholly incapable. .This character will be impersonated by an English comedian named Ernest Langford. The wife is none other than the owner of the cow with the crumpled horn —in other words, the dame, Arthur Stigant. This clever artist is already popular in New Zealand, and his return will be welcome. The principal boy of the story is the apprentice to the farmer, who inspires the confidence of the Fairy Industria in his capacity. Miss Hilda Guiver will be the principal boy. She has played several such roles with big

success in England, where her record for the most part is one of musical comedy. The principal girl, Miss Gretchen Yates, is from the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, where she was a member of Mr George Courtneidge’s musical comedy organisation. Mr. Harrj 7 Roxbury is another newcomer. His reputation rests solely upon pantomime, though he has done vaudeville and revue work. Miss Maggie Dickenson will again be the principal dancer, with Mr. Charles Albert as the male dancer.

The Brandon-Cremer Dramatic Company are enjoying an excellent season at the Grand Opera House. “The Silver King” had a run of seven nights, the performance of this old favourite being an excellent one in every way.