ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 127, 23 February 1920, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING'S THEATRE. One of the few English films that hns reached these shores is "Choosing n Wife," which heads the'current bill at tho icing's Theatre. It was shown on Saturday to n big attendance. The nature of the plot indicates an attempt to Ret away from conventional lines, inasmuch as ,the romance' unfolded is thnt of an old maid. A distinguished explorer homo on furlough falls in lovo with a young English girl, and on the next day leaves for foreign parts. He sends by letter a .proposal of marriage, and nddrows it "Miss Polly ." Therein lie blunders, for "Dolly" is the maiden aunt of his adored one. Well matured but by no means callous, Dolly reciprocates tho explorer's supposed affection for her.. When tho wanderer re'urns M England three years later lie finds wedding preparations to be the order of the day. Just how he solves the little problem presented by these facts it would be a nity to disclose; suffice it to say that. Saturday's attendance seemed to find the picture interesting. Tho n-nrlc of the King's orchestra is n« delightful a? over, and another musical attraction billed is tho singing of Mr. Sydney Allwright a Wellington baritone.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Hundreds were turned away at both pensions on Saturday at this cosy picture house, when Miss Norma Tnlmodge was seen in her latest and best picture, "The New Moon." A good supporting programme was included, namely: "Pntho Weekly Gazette," "Nature Study of Spiders," and a special picture 01 the Film House annual picnic at Day's Bay.

EMPRESS THEATRE. The leading feature at the Empress Theatre this week is a thrilling World drama, entitled "Mandarin's Gold." Tho picture features Miss Kitty Goijlon, supIKirted by Irving Cttinmings and Warner Oland. A social butterfly. Miss Betty Cimlon gets into deep ot n r .tnTcmg.li being too fond of pretty clothes and haying a passion for cards. She hides her need of ready cash from her husband, after he has once paid off her I.O.U's. Rho pays a visit to Chinatown with a friend who is head of a mission school, and there she meets a. Chinco girl, Tai Mun. Tai Man's father sells her .to a rich mandarin; but she escapes and Miss Cordon takes care of her. The mandarin tempts her with gold, however, and after a hard fight she falls and betrays Tai Mun. Sensation now follows sensation, and a splendid denouement is brought about in the last act. > The supports include Gazettes and another episode, entitled "Cleared of Guilt." of Pathe's fino serial, "The Lightning Balder." in I whicli Pearl White and Warner Olnnd bto featured.

ORGAN RECITAL. Another musical treat was provided at tho Town Hall on Saturday night, when an organ recital was given by Mr. Ber"nnrd i\ Page, .city organist. There was not so largo an attendance; as could havo been desired, but the fact remains that tho recitals are becoming increasingly r popular. The programme opened with a beautiful old English composition. Concerto in E Plat, by William Felton. Much old, English organ music has been allowed to fall almost into oblivion, while the British public has been treated to a surfeit of foreign compositions, particularly German. The works of -the Rev. William .Felton, who lived between tho years 1713 and 17G9, are of a high order throughout, and Mr. Page gave due dignity to the selections rendered on Saturday night. Two dainty items from tho works of Guilmant--"Meditation-Priere<' (Op. 90) No. 40, nml "Canzona" (Op. !)0) No. 35, followed, and the beautiful passages which they both contain were much admired. SaintSaens' "Rhnpsndio" (No. 1) Op. 7, was exquisitely rendered by Mr. Page, as was also' Bach's Pastorale, a peaceful comnosition of great charm. The first portion of■ the programme concluded with Cesar I'm rick's "Toccata in F," a very vigorous piece. By renucst Mr. Page opened after the interval with "In Passing Moods" (MacDowcll), a tender poetical composition of four parts all harmoniously related. The final item was '''the Gatp'of the Warriors at Kiev." by Monssorgsky. This is ?J work vypicnllv Russian, and was conceived as the result of nn inspection of some pictures at an exhibition. Tt is really a noble compilation and Mr. Page gave a nmsterly interp"etation, which was warmly applauded.

, , MISS DAISY KENNEDY;'. After a most successful tour of tho Dominion, Miss Daisv Kennedy will give two farewell concerts in Wellington in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Saturday next and Tuesday, March 2. Mis= Kennedy comes heralded by the most flattering notices accorded any violinist by the leading English papers. Their verdict was endorsed here by both Press and public, and again in 'Auckland. Christchurch, and Duuedin there is the same opinion. The "Lyttelton Times" says:— "It is, no matter for wonder that such a truly great performer as.Miss Daisy Kennedy commands the homage of the critics of the Old World." Beauty and majesty of tune, exquisite execution, phrasing, and expression, and interpretation in all the schools and an absolute mastery of teehnimie—all these are characteristic of her nlaying. Those who heard Miss Kennedy's second recital at the Choral Hall last evening heard a performnnrs which they, will doubtless treasure In their memories for many a long day." The box plans for Miss Kennedy's two farewell appearance here will be opened at the Bristol on Wednesday next.