THE THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2988, 27 January 1917, Page 13

THE THEATRE

EBy ■ Sylvius.]

A Big Film Deal. F One of the yet biggest film deals known to Australia has just been completed by tho purchase of the controlling interest in Australian Feature Films by Mr. Alec. Lorimore, acting on behalf of the Famous Players and Jesso L. Lasky corporations. Mr. Lorimore arrived here by the last American mail boat, his mission being a thorough investigation of the motion picture business and that the investigations have been satisfactory ts proved by the extension of tho interests of the two big producing companies. Mr. Lorimore has taken \ip duties as managins director of the Australian Feature Films. Daylight Saving and Pictures. Daylight saving has affected the takings of many suburban picture houses considerably; in fact, all houses of entertainment have suffered from the time change. The reason is that daylight "evenings," particularly msucli hot weather as has accompanied tne change, attract people to out-of-doors recreation, especially that provided by tho sxirf beaches, which have been crowded to a remarkable degree every evening.'Perhaps when people get more accustomed to the idea of going to picture show or theatre in broad daylight, and learn to guide their movements by watch-time instead of actual time, matters will swing towards normal. But it is doubtful if they will swing more than part of the way. A suburban house is reported to have taken during one session last week exactly 2s. 3d.—"The Sun." The Pictur'e Censorship. Australia is bestirring itself in the matter of\ kineinatograpli film censorship. Recently a deputation representing film importers of Australasia waited on the Chief Secretary for New South Wales (Mr. G. W. Fuller)' to obtain information as to the lines to be followed b.y the' N.S.W. Censor Board, and to urge that, as tho importers provided for the whole of Australia, tho question should be made a Federal one. Importers should not be put in the position. of having a film passed iii one State liable to bo blocked in another.- Mr. Fuller said he himself was acting as the Appeal Board. A film going before the Censor Board was reported upon to Him and if there was any further necessitj;, he would himself see the picture at tho earliest opportunity. He would have some broad lines laid down after consultation with the Consor Boardj, would assist importers in instructing their buyers abroad. Ho did not intend that_ the board should interfere with ordinary pictures, topical or educational films, or films based on standard novels or historical episodes. Tho avoidance of sexual matters, scenes of debauchery, and revolting crimes was aimed at. He also promised to write to the Prime Minister on the question of a Federal censorship. Ho was of opinion" there should be one censorship for all over

the Commonwealth. Tait's New Venture. The Australasian rjremiere of "Very Good Eddie," the new musical piece which J. and N. Tait recently acquired in America, is promised at thei Palace Theatre, Sydney, about the middle of next month. The sparkle and novelty of this piece arrested critical attention in America, and therois every likelihood that Australasian critics will he similarly attracted. Musically "Very Good Eddio" is quite enchanting. Some of its brightest numbers havo been the rage in the States for some months past. The "book" is likewise memorable, and the- substan.ee of the plot, revealed in delicious 'dialogue) and dainty, lyrics, is the h'he. art of' honeymooning on a Hudson river steamer. Lillian Tucker, who made a hit in tho New York production of the farce-comedy "Nobody Home," has been engaged for a leading part in the show. Barry Lupino's festive legs will also be seen conspicuously during tho course of the entertainment, while Andrew Higginson is another old favourite who will bo featured on the programme. The Crowth of Fullers'. The Fullers will extend operations to Tasmania this_month, thus linking up the whole of Australasia with vaudeville theatres. In fedney, Fuller attractions play tho National, Princess, and Grand Opera House, and a new theatre in Newtowu, tho most crowded suburb, is being erected. . In Melliourno there are- the Bijou, Palace, and Princes, with interests also in Brunswick, Geelong and Ballarat. In Adelaide there are the Majestic and the King's, with acts also ing Port Adelaide. Fuller acts also play Broken Hill, Perth, Fremantle, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gympie, Maryborough, Charters Towers, Roekhampton, and right through the New Zealand centres. Notes. Many opinions have been expressed about the histrionic capabilities of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Of one .thing I am quite convinced, and that is on his showing as Senator Coburn in "The Old Folk's at Home," ho is a great picture actor. The picture itself, founded on a Rupert Hughes story, is a clean treasure. "Mum Dawson, Boss," is the name of a new bush play by Miss Stunner Locke, produced at the Criterion Theatre last Saturday by' Mr. Bert Bailey. Miss Sumner intends to try her luck in America as a playwright this year. Miss Lilian Adeson will be Mum, and Mr. Bailey old Dawson. Avery Hopwood's farce, "Fair and Warmer," is to be its premiere in Australasia at the Sydney Criterion Theatre on February 5. '.'The Pink Ladv" was in rehearsal at Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, when the last mail left. The Brandon Cremer Stock Dramatic Company is now in its sixteenth week at the King's Theatre, Auckland. It recently presented a play entitled "In the Service of Love," by Mred Newcomb, of Auckland. "The Confession" is being plnved .this week, and next in order will be "A' Working Girl's WroiiES," Tho prices of admission to this show are: —"Two shillings and one —ladies half-price!" •. Messrs. J. and N. Tait have secured a long lease of the Palace Theatre, Sydney, from tlio estate, of the late Georcs Adams, tho original promoter of Tattersall'fs sweeps. This theatre was crectpd with unclaimed prizemoney, which shows what a. number of careless people there are in the world. Mr. Walter Bcntlpy has bcpn made a life member of the -Australian Actors' Association, of which he is at present spcrotary. Mr. Robert Grein: and his wife (neo Miss Beatrice Hollnwayli intend tc les>"<> for America .shortly. The Rporcc Willoimhbv Comedv Co. ii-ifli "Win*; T-fanpptipd tn Joiipf" anc "Win- Smith Loft Home" is snitl '■• b< doing o-nnd business in Auckland. 'Hirfir Tiroafllinrst cmnedips are as cnod as i>oy America has turned out before oi since.