ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 138, 6 March 1920, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING'S THEATRE. A lovable young feminist', who for the pake of I lie "cause" wished to ride rough-shod over the conventions of matrimony. is the chief figure in "Bxperiiiteiitnl Marriage," a delightful coinedydrama which headed the new bill at the King's Theatre iast evening. The picture is of a particularly bright order, thanks to the vivacious acting of Constance Taliuadge, who is ably seconded bv Sewell Ford, a rising star in filmdom. "Experimental Marriage" has to do with the exploits of the president of a fashionable feminist club, who, while seeking marriage. wished to retain her "freedom." So she compromised with her fiance, and the result was a contract marlragc—a Saturday to Monday mar-riage-conceding freedom to Jioth parties for tho remainder of the week. This "brilliant and original arrangement" lasted but one week, and then the erstwhile champion of women's rights "saw the light," and her surrender to homo and convention was complete. With the fascinating Constance as the experimental bride, the picture is naturally crowded with original and saucy situations: indeed, interest never lags once throughout its length. Much mild satins is worked in in the piece, to the delight of (lie audience, who were manifestly well pleased with "Experimental Marriage." The supporting films were excellent, including a long gazette and a fine ecenic film from Brazil! Mr. Fnif- , fax Jones, the accomplished baritone, was heard to considerable advantage in an engaging trio of 60iigs, "Shipmates o' Mine." "Invictus," and "Macushla." Mr. Jones, who was in splendid voice, was very favourably received, and was heartily encored.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A World drama, "The Lovo Defender," heads the new bill at Everybody's Theatre. The film features June Elvidge, the talented actress, in a role well suited to her abilities, also little-Madge Evans, the child actress On the male side of the cast, Frank Mayo,, as a young doctor, is at his hest. The young doctor is assistant to Dr, Meredith, and he is in love with a society girl. Dr. Meredith's eldest daughter is secretly in love with Frank, and she is heartbroken when she learns of his engagement, But at the Inst moment the vampire breaks off the marriage and mprries a Wall Street millionaire. Dr. and Mrs. Meredith are killed in a motor smash, anil Frank marries their daughter Hope, and adopts the youi/ger child, Dolly. The marriage of the millionaire and the vampire does not prove the success the latter had- expected it to be, and she send? for Prank. The rest of the story shows hov the young wife saves W husband from the clutches of the Now York society woman, and brings joy to her home. Madge Evan* is irrepressible as tho young sister of Frank's wife. Tho supports are very good, and include n P.ithe Gazette, in which some wonderful views of Washington, taken from the sir, appear. An educational film, featuring native life in Africa, big game hunting in Java, and a number of other interesting subject?, complete the programme.

"TEE MAN FROM. KANGAROO." "So many Australian stories have been maltreated in kinematograph production," says an Australian exchange, "that it is a real pleasure to welcomc E, J. Carroll's picturisation of "The Man from Kangaroo," directed and produced by Wilfred Lucas, a man who "kriows his business from A to Z. 'The Mail from Kangaroo' is fully equal in general production, and superior in photographic settings and picturesque scenery, to anything- yet imIXirted from America, and the scenario by Bess Meredith is gripping, coherently continuous, scrupulous in detail, and, above all, clean, wholesome, and refreshing. The characterisations are true to life, the stockmen, cattle duffers, bushrangers, arid gold diggers being not Californians masquerading in Australian dress, but just such types as were and are to be found in Australia. The genoral atmosphere is redolent of Australian life without the somewhat ostentatious vulgarity which has so often disfigured previous productions. Mr. 'Snowy' Baker a part as the fighting parson abounds with excellent opportunities for different athletic stunts, which arc warranted to bring down the house. Miss Brownie Vcrjion, who is making her first appearance in Australia, jumps right into the heart of her audience." "The Man from Kangaroo" will be screened continuously from 11 a.m. till 10 p.m. at the Empress, commencing to-dny. "The Sinn from Kangaroo will be (Screened at 11.35' a.m., 2.35 p.m., 5.15 p.uu and 8.15 p.m. .

ALLAN WII.TCTE COMPANY TONIGHT. At tlio Grand Opera House this even- 1 ins tlie Allan Wilkio Dramatic Company will present for the fir6t time in Wellington the naval drama, "The Luck of the Navy." After a remarkable run of nearly two years in London this piece is now appearing before huge audiences at the Manhattan Opera House, New York. The author has managed to hit the popular taste, the action being lively, the plot engrossing, the dialogue crisp, and there is plenty of humour. According to the story Lieutenant C'live Stanton, V.C., R.N., of H.M. submarine SA. carries a secret order in code, when visiting the home of his suh-lieutennnt, Louis Peel, who is really a Hun spy. The latter's mother, Mrs. Gordon Peel, also a spy, is camouflaged as a society hostess, Red Cross worker, and indefatigable member of patriotic organisations. The spies decided that they must obtain possession of the key to the Admiralty code from Stanton. Subsequently, at a dinner party at the Peel family's home, the schemers commence operations, and Ihero are some startling developments. Mr. Wilkie will figure is Lieutenant Stanton, Miss Fraliswyde Hunter-Watts as his fiancee, Miss Helen Fergus as Mrs. Gordon Peel, Mr. J. Castle Morris, late of the J. C. Williamson company, as the chief male spv, and Mr. Augustus Neville as Louis Peel. The drama will bo staged on an elaborate scalc. Heavy bookings have been registered at the Bristol, where the box plan is on view daily. Tickets are on sale during the day at Neil Perry's.

TO-NIGHT'S ORGAN RECITAL. The weekly organ recital will'be given in the Town Hall to-night by Mr. Hern ard F. Page (City Organist), and the programme should prove" of considerable interest. Cesar Franck's Second Move, ment from Symphony in D Minor is being plnved by spccial request, and the remainder of the programme is as follows :-Konatina in A Minor, by KnrgElert- Bernard Johnsons Canzonet; Llogiac Romance (John Ireland),: a. Pavano (Bvr«). (1542-1623) ■ b. Oapnccio Pastorale (Frescohaldi) (1537-1054) c. Musetlo (Danarieu) (ICSi-1740); Schumann s I'ligue on the na 1115 of Bach (No. (!) and Fantasia in C (Op. 1C), by Cesar Franck.