ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 115, 9 February 1920, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"GOING UP." The revival of the musical farce "Goiiiß Up" by tlio Williamson Musical Comedy Company is proving very popular at the Grand Opera House. Saturday night's presentation was again very favourably received, thero being not one dull moment throughout the evening. In London "Going Up - ' had a phenomenally long run' and small wonder, for it is one of the. brightest and most tuneful musical comedies that havo been evolved. One of its most seductive charms is its unusual musical score, which never fails to hit the popular fancy, and the comedy work is well up to standard. With Alfred Frith and Field Fisher cast in particularly appropriate parts ns the c ajef "fun-makers" it could hardly be otherwise. "Going Up" is full of fun and frolic, and the numerous amusing situations never lag. The setting of the play is another gratifying feature, while the costumings are as effective as the} urn elaborate. The orchestration and chorus work aro well lip to the Williamson standard, and special. mention must be made of the skilful dancing of Cyril jiichard. assisted by lladge Elliott, and tho eccentric dancing turn put on by Mr. •Tack Hooker and his companion. "Going Up" will be. staged till Thursday evening next, when it will bo succeeded by "High Jinks." KING'S TIIEATIiE. Not in the last six months has the management of the King's Thentre shown any picture with quite the amount of "nunch" and power to thrill that "Tho Crimson Gardenia" possesses. The production named is theGoldwyu screen version of Rex Beach's celebrated story. The Mardi Gi-as festivities of a big American city form the picturesque eet+ing for adventures unparalleled, incredible, but, nevertheless, so cleverly imagined and so well related that they tako hold upon .the senses and carry conviction despite of reason. Every role in the play is more than satisfactorily filled. The characterisation given by Van Dam, tin voung, handsome, and very much bored New Yorker, 'who is suddenly lured by the spirit of Homance into a bewildering maze of action and intrigue, is altogether admirable and not one whit behind it in artistic, merit is the portrait drawn 'o; ' old Alfred le Due, cruel, despicable, revolting. Supporting the big picture are several acceptable items. Mr. H. F. Wood is billed to sing two solos, but Mr. Wood's audiences have never been in tbe habit of letting him. off lightly. On Saturday, after giving the "Wandering Minstrel" (from "The Mikado") and "Beneath Thv Casement," he was compelled to add '"Sally Horner" and "Tako a Pair of Sparkling Eyes.' He was in splendid voice. EMPRESS THEATRE. "Tbo Love Net,' which was screened at the Einuress Theatre on Saturday for the first time tells a very pretty 'story of gripping interest, and serves to feature two favourite film artists, Jack Duniier and JlaclM Evans. Tho scene is laid in one of those pretty sea coast villages that abound in most countries. Madge Evans iiDDuars in the lole of Patty Barnes. Her lather. Captain Barnes (Jack Duniier) goes to the war, Patty with her grandfather ("Orandper"). The old man is one of three playmates, who, in their day clambered about the rocks on the coast as Patty and her young friends were doing now. Tliq old grand-, father is poor, and his little cottage is mortgaged. In the village lives a Miss Gavthorpe, a rich young woman, who i; obsessed with 'the idea that money can buy anything. She wants the old man' 6 cottage removed, as she regards it as an evesore. She offers to adopt Patty if "Grandper" will take up his lodgings in the uoorhouse. The mortgage is held bv the nephew, Jim Henley, of the old man's boyhood playmate, John Harding (Will Carleton), and Jim forecloses. In suite of violent protests from Patty, the old man goes to the poorhouse, and Pattyfinds a homo with the rich Miss Gaythorpe. When the outlook appears absolutely hopeless certain events J. occur, which make for tho straightening out of the tangle, and make the lovo story attractive. The twelfth episode of the "Lightning Eaidor" is full of excitement, and the. thrills are as intenso as anyone could wish. The other supporting pictures are tho Gaumont Graphic and h I'athe News. The pictures will be screened all this week. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Wm. J. Burns, the great detective, appears in "The Five Million Counterfeit Plot." which is showing nt Everybody's Theatre. • It is a thrilling story of actual facts, and is the first time that a criminal investigation has been shown on tlio screen. There is a delightful love interest running through the film. The supporting programme includes a Fav Finclier comedy, and the latest Gai zctte. "THE KAIWHAKAKAS." An interesting story of the early pioneei davs of New Zealand from 18G2 to ISGB, dealing with tho hardships of tho old settlers, and also depicting the noble work of the Kaiwliakakas or Maori missionaries and their wives during the transition of the Maori from a savage to a civilised life, will be presented at tho Grand Opera House, commencing on February 16, by Ben Mantle's Dramatic Company in "i'lie Kaiwliakakas." Mr. Mantle, the author, lived in the midst of the war. and rendered brave service. Mr. C. Archer, who produced "Hinemoa" as an opera, has control of the Drtiduction, and will play the name part, Miss Marie Denton will appear as tho half-caste wife, and will be supported by a full and efficient cast.