ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 204, 24 May 1920, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE MIRACLE MAN." Probably no picture since "Tho Birth Of ft Nation" has got right down into the core of human understanding as'has "Th Miracle Man," now being shown to crowded houses at the King's Theatre. Its 6tory, bo vividly told, is ono which shows that the powers of good over thoso of evil are always, available, and it only needs faith to bring them into mumphant action. In the story Tom .Bnrk<V with his pals in crime, Rose, the ffrog, onl tho-Dope, hearing of the Miracle Man and what ho is doing, resolve to exploit the old man. Frog, a professional dislocator, is to pretend to submit nimEelf for treatment, and straighten himself out under such treatment, and then Tom and Hose, who stage-manage the miracle, having ingratiated themselves into th» confidence of tho Miracle Man, who ib both Wind and deaf, are to rako in the dollars from a .fund to be founded for tho benefit of all who wish to be healed by faith. So thew y Frog twists himself into knots, gets on the train, and tells he is croinsr to bo cured oy tho Aura Man A millionaire and his invalid chauvridden sister hear 1 of tto mMi and his missioi). " The Prof, tellethe girl ot the Miracle Man, and if wives to see for herself afc o V? h . r : Tom has prepared the scene, . and Wore one sees the Frog dragging hjnftflf along the village street to the of ,the Miracle Man. begging to be way, and it is a little' cripple to.that does the honours, the crowd slowly toi lowing the grotesque procession, ihey all come to the cotage; the blind man appears at the head of the garden walk. The Frog soramblcs up the path to his feet, and there slowly jerks himself straight, whilst tho ciwd hold their breath at the marvel of it all. Then, to the profound amazement, not only ot tho crowd, but of Tom, Rose, the Frog, and tho Dope, the little child is seen to throw down hi? tiny crutches, and run up to the old man, and. the millionaires sister, slowly rises from her chair, and. walks forth cured. ,lt is the genuine power of the old man, most beautifully . wrought, which. effects a great heart change in Rose andi her friends /of tne underworld. Tom is the most stubborn, but he at- length is brought to see'the light, and a very fine sermon, most powerfully acted and humanly 'told, is brought to a perfect close by the quiet, untheatrioal death of ■ the Miracle i Man himself. It is really a great picture. . among the great pictures. The especially augmented orchestra plays delightful music under the baton of Mr. J. V. Mai- ■ ing, whose introductory tone picture is a very ably-written piece of music. The beautiful singing of 'Sweet, Spirit, Hear My- Prayer," by Madame Annette Hayward. whose rich' mezzo-contralto voice is full of glorious tones, was in happy accord with tho character of the picture.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Sessuo Hayakawa's latest picture, "The Grey Horizon," which was screened to a delighted audience at Everybody's Theatre on Saturday, rests lipon a secure foundation that is well worth while. The drama is based upon vin-dication,-of a woman's honour, and though there is very little love element, such a factor is not missed. -The author and the star have incorporated other. points which more than suffice. A fjood supporting programme includes tho latest Gazettes and. scenic study. /EMPRESS THEATRE. "The Hoodlmn," Mary Piokford's greatest screen success,' ia the main feature of its new programme at the Empress Theatre. In this picture thja Sever little actress has achieved another of her many triumphs. "THE DANDIES OF 1920." "The Dandies of 1920," the talented company of artists being presented by Mr. John Hopkins $t the Town Hall Concert Chamber, were again well patronised by an enthusiastic audience on Saturday night. Songs,' music ' and bright humour kept , everyone in a happy niool from the,rise..to the fall of .the. curtain. Mr. George Sharratfs .capacity for raising mirth .was again well exemplified. The dancing of Annette Lang was ; excellent, ono of her most attractive' items being "The . Dandy Jazz," with Percy Oughton-as her partnor, The remainder of the performers all did. capable worlc, the 6inging of Rosa Walton, and Messrs. Thomas J. Jenkins and Renn Mijlar being much enjoyed. "The Dandies" will appear again, to-night. V

• "THE LITTLE DAMOZEL." Messrs, J. N. Tait's Comedy-Drama Players will open a brief season at the Grand Opera House next Thursday evening when the English comedy, "The Little Damozel," will bo presented for tho first time. This production will bring forth the members of the 'Daddies company in congenial' roles. Miss Ernita Lascelles will be seen in the name part (the Jjttle Damozel), while Mr. Herbert Ranson will appear as the dtvil-may-care "Eecltlaw P«olo." Tho supporting cast is excellent, including Mr. George Bryant as Captain Niel Patington, Mr. Harold Moran as the Hon. Fitzroy Locke, and Mr. Charles Lawrence as Angel. The scenery and properties have already arrived and patrons are assured of a first-class production. The box plans open at the Bristol tomorrow morning, and a heavy demand for seats is anticipated. •

. BENEFIT CONCERT. A concert in aid of the funds of th) Wellington Stage-Employees' Sick and Benefit Fund was given in the Grand Opera House last night. The theatre wa9 filled in all parts and some people were unable to obtain admission. The programme, which was very well. received by tho audience, was lengthy and varied The combined Paramount and orchestras played selectionsfrom'"Tannhauser" (Verdi) as an overture. Jlr. Verdi Mackenzie "Oh, Hear the Winds Blow" (Marchqimi) and Mr. J. Bryant sang "In Old Madrid" (Trotere). Two violin numbers, "Serenade" (Drdla) and "Traumerei" (Schumann) were played by Mr. Louis Spiro. 'Another violin solo, "Mazurka de Concert," was contributed by Miss Maggie Fester. Mr. Culford Bell gave a dramatic recital, "The Dandy Fifth." Other vocul solos were provided by Miss Sullivan, Mr. Rupert Meates, Mr. F. A. Campbell, Mr. C. Melvyn and Mr. W. Goudie. Miss Ireno Byrn and Mr. H. Sraife sang a duet, and Mr. 7/ante Wood gav? the monologue "Fick Toek" 'Chevalier). The performers attained a high standard throughout, and the concert was thoroughly enjoyable. THOMAS MOORE ANNIVERSARY. The programme arranged for next Fri- . day's concert at the Town Hall is expected to appeal to the musical public, as amongst the items are two quartets, one of mixed voices and the other of male voices only, a duct and solos by the best talent procurable. The committee has, through the kindness of Mr. Walter Fuller, secured tho assistance of Mr. Walter White, the Australian tenor, and Miss Pollard, the Victorian soprano, who will not only sing solos, but also join in concerted items. Miss Teresa M'Enroa (soprano), Miss Eileen Driscbll, and Mr. Kevin Dillon are amongsfthe local artists who will contribute items. The winners of tho competitions which will, be held in the day will repeat their test' pieces. Seven choirs are entered for the competitions, and they will combine-in the final item on the programmeu. The final screening of the Metro feature release, "The Red Lantern," with its beautiful Chinese setting, took place in the Grand Opora House on Saturday night.

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