ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 168, 12 April 1920, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING'S THEATIiE.

Tho general impression that the current programme leaves upon the mmd is very decidedly a pleasant one, tlhiuila to the varied interest of the pictures and the excellence of tho musical items. All the films are deserving of mention, from tho New Zealand scenic picture A Tour in Westland," to the Constance Talmftd™e-Tom Moore comedy, The Lesion." Films portraying the natural 'beauties of this country. aTe still comparatively Tare, and views of the great Franz Josef glacier sfliould not possess less interest for New Zealanders than hasty glimpses of 6ome almost unknown village in "Sardinia or Spain. The desire to see far countries and other modes of life than ours is, however, catered for in another picture, "A' Waswampae Week-end." This film is notable for the idea it gives of the life led by tlio canoemen among the rapids of the Nwth American rivers. "Sammy in Siberia" is pure farce, and very laughable. In "Tho Lesson" -"both .of Ihe famous players named above fine performances, and lend distinction to a simple, pleasant story that is full oi fun and humour. The entr'acte selections from "Tlia Countw Girl were greatly enjoyed by Saturday's audience, and Mr. Martin Huff (tenor) won liberal applause with his singing.

EMPRESS THEATRE.

Juno Elvidgo is the star of the latest World picture, "Coax Me," now showing at the Empress Theatre. ' Miss Elvidge started'her public, career as a concert singer, but she soon gave the concert sta?o up to accept a prominent part in the Winter Garden production of the "Passing Show of Mi." For the last considerable- while she has been a World pietun star, and has-appeared in a great many of their productions. The seventh episodo of the weekly serial, "The Man of Might,"- is also on this weeks bill, with the usual interesting pictures.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE,

"Woman and Wife," which is allowing at Everybody's Theatre, is a talo of a girl's boundless courage and fiweet optimism in the face of the many difficulties which beset her path; parallel with her story is the struggle of a virile personality. Edward Rochester, whom dark clouds' likewise overshadow; but their paths meet and after still further misfortunes, the denouement brings them together to their well-deserved linpnincss. "Woman and Wife" is .the world-known story of Jane Eyre, and Alice Brady s sympathetic interpretation of the touchin" little governess will make even moro secure her already established place in tho hearts of film audiences.

" 'POSSUM PADDOCK." This tale of the Australian buck country has bean elaborated into a very entertaining play, and the season in W lington has been a decided success, although the types presented aro not types well known to this country. The piny T-bich is being produced by tho authoress and a talented company of her own selection, will bo staged until further notice.

J. AND N. TAIT'S COMEDY CO. Tho Dlimaroa is bringing J. and N. Tail's new company of comedy-drama players from Sydney, and theatre-goers in New Zealand will have the opportunity of witnessing a new comedy, "Daddies," presented by a number of artists who are making their first appearance in this part of the world. This ne.v J. and N. Tait company is over 20 strong, and the lending lady. Miss Ernita Lascelles, is a young English nr.tross who has already had a distinguished enre-.r both in London, New York, and Chicago, wjiilo Mr. Herbert Hanson, tho English actor, will bo the leading .man, and that fine actor, Mr. George Bryant, has a verv important role in.the "Daddies" production. A diminutive youngster, Elva Powie, who appeared in the Australian production, has a lot of impoitant work to perform in the part of Lorry. There are several other children in the cast. "Daddies" has been a phenomenal sneccess in London and New York. It is in four acts, and as J. and N. Tait promise a high-class production which will bo in the capable hands of the well-known producer, Mr. E. W. Morrison, the play is expected to meet with an enthusiastic reception at tho Grand Opera House at the initial performance next Monday evening. Owing to other theatre bookings the present season has to bo limited to- tho six nights, but J. and N. Tait are arranging to bring the company back to Wellington about the third week in Mvv after visiting the south, and two moio • successful piny", "Tho little Damozol" and "Kindling," -will be presented. The box plan for the 7s. reserved seats will be opened next Thursday morning at the Bristol. A heavy demand for. seats is anticipated. ORGAN* KECITAL. Considering tho state of tho weather on Saturday evening, tho attendance at the organ- recital given by Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist).in the Town Hall was fain} snUsfnotory. Once i-iore on Saturday Mr. Page played Hollo-vay'o "Suite Ancienne," of which ho gives a masterly rendering, radiant with resourceful registration. Tho Glanonnov "Prelude in D flat major" was again on the programme-, as was the "Andante" movement from a string quartet 'by Debussy. Bach's '"Toccata and Fugue in D Minor".is a standing classic with all organists. Wonderful and inspiring are the works of Cesar Frnnck, and Mr. Page's devotion to tho -works of tho great Belgian needs no justification. Time will placo Franck on the highest pinnacle as a maker of music. On Saturday tho City Organist selected (wo of his works for tho Gecond part. of tho programme, and those who remained were richly rewarded. The "Priere in C Sharp Minor" is a work of gl'cat reverential beauty—cool, ecrone, and meditative—gloriously melodious, and never free, in atmosphere, from that expression of holy calm that should accompany all earnest prayer. In contrast, was played the same composer's "Finale in B Flat," a bold, llambuoyant majpsticnl work that thrills the senses and awakens the imagination. It opens' with a pompous pedal solo given out in a challenging spirit, which is taken up by the inn mini?, and reflected in n'dozen amazing? ways, only divorcing■ fvnm the spirit •of I jubilant domination to become grnndl) j festal. It is such mnsm as might lr.v'e been written - for a King's tourney in the days when knighthood was in flower, and Mr. Vw nlnvrd it ningnill.iently.