ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 203, 22 May 1920, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

i THE KING'S THEATRE. Perhaps never, since tho King's Theatre was first opened, has a picture been shown there that could rival in grandeur and sublimity tho drama thut was soreenod last night. Quite probably the beautiful music which accompanied tho screening was in part responsible for tho curiously profound emotion that "Tho Miracle Man" was able to inspire; for all that it is safe to assert Uhat even in far less favourable circumstances' Tucker's remarkable photo-play would have achieved unqualified success. Any attempt to outline the story would do tho picture an injustice, for it is in the innumerable delicate touches with which tJho outlines are filled in that the genius of the author is revealed. Joseph J. Dowling plays the part of the old man from whom the production takes ite name. His performance is something to be remembered, not for cloys, but for months or years. Tho strong, massive head, tlhe soft whito hair, tho tves from which the light has almost, departed, tho mouthi wiilh its expression of infinito compassion for suffering and misfortune, are unforgettable. "The Miracle Man" is simple, affectionate, and unsuspecting. Destitute of all ordinary means of communication with his feUows, he still 'feels instinctively tho moral conflicts of ihe darkening world about him, and exerts an influence so deep and irresistible that beforo it even the iron will of a hardened sinner has eventually to bow. Betty Compson, almost unknown to New Zealand theatre-goers, but indisputably one of the most beautiful actresses playing for the kinema to-day, appeare in the role of Rose, tho feminine "crook," who •works confidence tricks with the aid of male associates.' Rose and Tom Burke (Thomas Meighan) "have a long, painful road to travel before thej come to repentance but it is well ivortJh their while in" the end. The drama has been staged in surroundings of great natural beauty, and no detail that could add conviction to e wonderful story has been omitted in the mounting. A fine musical prologue written by Mr. J. V. Malingi and played by on orchestra of 15 instruments introduces the picture; The action throughout is accompanied by specially 6olected numbers, and during tho final scenes, in which "Tho Miracle Man" goes to his rest, Madame Annetto Hayward (operatic contralto) sings with rare feeling Wallace's "Sweet Spirit, Hear My Prayer." The entr'acte numbers on the present programme are: Overture, "Martha" (Plotow) and Gavotte <'Mignon" (Thomas). There will bo an orchestral matinee daily while tho picture remains at the King's.

EMPRESS THEATRE.'" The comedy-drama. "Tho Hoodlum," was the "star' attraotion in the new programme screened at tho Empress Theatre last evening.. "The .Hoodlum" is tho second picture produced by the Mary. Pickford Film Company, and the little lady herself plays the role of Amy Burke, a dissatisfied heiress, who deliberately elects to make her home in the slums, where she develops into a thor-ough-going street Arab, and where she is thoroughly happy with her slum companions. Amy Burke is a "character," and Mary Pickford plnys the part with rare skill. It is probably one of her greatest achievements. Amy suffers all the sorrows and all the handicaps of tho street urchin, and experiences all the joys, too. It is a jolly, harum-scarum story, rich in comedy and relieved with some most pathetic incidents. The interest is sustained to the very last. The, supporting programmo includes another thrilling episode of the serial "The Man of Might," which features William Duncan in "The Flood of Despair."

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE • Sessue Hayakawa', the celebrated Japanese actor, has figured in numerous photo dramas in recent years, but in no picture has he beon seen to greater advantage than in "The Gray Horizon." This, his latest release, comes with a big reputation from America, wliere.it had unprecedented runs in all the principal cities. Its initial screening iin Evorybodys i'heatre last evening took place before.a crowded audience. "Tho Gray Honeon" has more than good acting to commend it. It is an, impressive story of the vindication of a woman's honour and the sacrifice it entailed. The principal character took vengeance in his own hands, and killed the man who wronged Ms sister. The evidence that would Bavo him would wreck the life of one whom he held most dear, so he lit ft match and watched his hopes' crumble away to ashes. Throughout "The bray Horizon" runs a strong vein.of love and intensified human passion. The theme of the piece is a cleverly-conceived play, not so much on the emotions as on the finer susceptibilities of life. ' Unusual situations develop, and .certain scenes literally hQld tho audience spellbound. Hayakawa's sympathetic acting is at once apparent, and the drama Is also enhanced by the appearance of' Eileen Percy as the leading lady, and Tsuru Aoki, tho Oriental actor's dainty Japanese wife. "The Gray Horizon" is worth eoeing for its magnificent panoramic viows alone. The scenes are all laid in the heart of tho mountain? of California at a season when their grandeur is particularly alluring. Many beautiful views of woodland and snowy peak are disclosed, the whole forming a photographio triumph. The supporting films are all well up to the standard sot at Everybody's, vanetj being their keynote.

... "THE EED LANTERN." "The Eed Lantern," a Metro production, will be screened at a Matinee beginning at 1.30 p.m. to-day at the Grand Opera House, when children of any age will be admitted. The story of the picture deals with the work of themissionaries in China, and the plot is clever and well worked out. ,The time is during the Boxer rising, when the life of a foreigner in China was held of little value; The talented actress Nazimoya plays the dual role of Mahlee, the halfChiricse girl, and her white sister Blanche, and she has splendid scope for the display of her artistic talent. Oriental mysticism is ever fascinating to Westerners, and there is plenty of it m the Eed Lantern," and the scones of daily life in Peking are quaint and interesting. The children ore bound to appreciate this picture. "The Eed Lantern" will "be screened for the last time at the evening session. "THE DANDIES OF 1920." "The Dandies of 1920" are continuing to provide clleer-up medicine in largo doses at the Concert Chamber, and a visit to this bright little show is calculated to lift depression, however heavy it is. Last night George Sherratt, the lively comedian, was hardly so. convincing in his mirth production as he was in tho last programme, but ho has a lot to come and go on, and was welcomed every time he entered. His "Awesome Story" WB6 distinctly good, his idea of how "Alico Where Art Thou?" ought to be sung, and liis mock drama at the piano as "Professor Spooperewski" raised much laughter. Ho wa9 also a host in tho concerted numbers,,all of which have a humorous twist. Mr. Eonn Miller, the popular baritone, sang that dolightful ballad, "The Ringers," and was equally successful in "Friend o' Mine" and "Twankadillo." Mr. Thomas J. Jenkins, a newcomer among the Dandies, displayed a pleasing light tenor in "The Garonne" "Melisande in tho Woods, and, with Mr. Miller, "Watchman, Wha t of tho Night?" Miss Annette Lang is a sprightly dancer, who is never misplaced whero lightsome footwork is required. Her Fox Trot with Mr. Percy Oughton was ono of the attractions of tho evening. Mr. Ouuhtpn is also a neat stepper. Mr. Wyn Faulknor sang "On Miami Shore," and "I'm Sorry I Mado You Cry." A talented performer is Miss Rosa Walton, whoso work nt tho piano a la Margaret Cooper, is quite a finished thing. Miss Walton sang "Ladies_, Beware," "Billv Boy," and the rorty Cockney song "Hullo, Martha." Miss Pauline Brown, whoso elocutionary items are well' appreciated, revived that old favourite of our youth, "Which Shall It Be?" and infused only some of the feeling that is in tho piece. She also recited "The Hindu Paradise," and "The Night Nursery." Mies Brown would scoro were eho to essay sonio pieces with character, as variants to the "straight" numbers sho affects. Owing to the temporary indisposition of Miss Hazel Fuller, Miss Walton participated in the ensembles, and Mr. Kennedy Black presided efficiently nt the pianoforte.

"THE LITTLE DAMOZEL." Messrs. J. and N. Taifs comedy-drama players are to'appear in the Grand Opera House on Thursday evening next in the fascinating comedy, "The Little Damozel." It is an English, comedy, and has earned the distinction of a command performance at Windsor Castle. Miss Ernita will be seen in the leading rolo of Julie Alardy (ttie Litlio Damozel), and Mr. Herbert Ranson will appear as Recklaw Poole, the onetime gentleman and hard doer. The supporting cast is said to be excellent. The .settings will include the band room at the Cafe Angcliquc and a handsomely' appointed flat in the West End of London, the mountings being in' tho usual 3. and N. Tait style. Intending patrons aro advised "to book their seats at the Bristol Piano Company, where tho box plan opens on Tuesday morning next. THOMAS MOORE ANNIVERSARY. On Friday noxt the local Irishmen intending honouring tho natal day of Ireland's great lyric poet by holding competitions in tho Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Prank J. Oalces, the conductor of St. Gerard's Ohoir, will act as adjudicator for tho musical section, and Mr. P. J. OHegan will officiate in a similar capacity for tho elocutionary section. The concert will take place in tho evoning in the largo Town Hall, and the committee is sparing neither expenso nor energy in arranging an artistic programme. '