ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 209, 29 May 1920, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE KING'S THEATRE.

A bright and nmusing comedy—ono of events very much more than of character— is "The Veiled Adventure," showing at tlio King's Theatre with Constanco Talmadgo in the leading pnrt. The picturo may be said to differ but littlo from former productions featuring tho same little actress. The story, of course, is Quito new, and is rather clever. But the stylo of Miss Talmadge has undergone no change. Thero is still the siuao. impulsive manner, the same "dolling-up," and thn same mild piquancy, with littlo added that is new. Much may bo said for this consistency, for while it may pall a trifle upon some picture patrons, it clearly never fails to please a host of others To ju'dgo by the laughter .it evoked, the pla.v was a genuine success with last night's attendance, and may be looked to to attract good business during, its run. In point of artistic merit nothing upon the bill was superior to tlie singing of Madame Annette Ilayvrm»«, operatic contralto. Madame Hayward sang old and simple songs—"Annie Laurie." "Home, Sweet Home," and "Tlio Irish Emigrant"; but in the rendering of those familiar airs sho gavo a rare display of technical perfection combined with strong feeling and deep understanding. Few singers could have Awakened so successfully as she the beautiful. almost sacred, associations that cling about the old songs named above. An interesting picture was tlio rough-aud-tumblo. comedy, "A Bold, Bad Knight": interesting because the "heroine" was, of all people, Betty Compson— ths same Betty Compson who in "The Mlraclo -Man" lias surely earned a placo in tlio,front ranic oT kinema players. The metamorphosis of Miss Compson is a curious liWe study. The King's orchestra enrneu applause for its playing of Suppc's "Light Cavalry," which is the entr'acte number on the current programme. Some of the "Mikado" music, extremely well rendered, was to be heard during the screening of "A A r eiled Adventure." . IMPRESS THEATRE.

"Tlio Miracle Jlan" proved such an enormous success during tho week it was screened at the King's Theatre that the management have thought it desirable to transfer it to the Empress Theatre, where it wus screened at all sessions yesterday. Jt is not every picture that draws a crowd during the •day session, but it can bo said for "The Miracle Man" that throughout tho morning and afternoon sessions bigger crowds than usual flocked to tho Empress, and "The Miracle Man" is well worth seeing, for the theme is simple and wholesome. It is a moral achievement, and the beauty of tho spiritual transformation of the gang .'of criminals appeals in a masterful way to the heart of -everyone. No one can sit through tlio screening of this extraordinary picture without being deenly moved and spiritually uplifted. Madame Annette Ilayward lias been specially engaged to "sing during the screening of "Tho Miraclc Man," and she gives a fine interpretation of the song, "Spirit, Hear My Prayer." A feature of the entertainment is the bright and appropriate music supplied by an efficient orchestra of a dozen instruments. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE.

Fascinating glimpses of the gay and eccentric life of the famous ' Latin quarter of Paris iaro a feature of "Within the Cup," which headed tho new bill presented at Everybody's Theatre last evening. The principal rale in this picturesque story of Bohemian life is played by Bessio Barriscale. She figures as a successful novelist who also poses for an artist and proves the inspiration for a famous picture of Psyche. She is wonderfully at home in her part, reaching heights of dramatic fervour 'that she has never previously attained. "Within the Clip"-, is a clever play upon a theme which nowadays is so much discussed—the unfairness of a double code of morals—one law for men and another for women. The studio sccnes_ are faithful to type, and tho film is noteworthy for the gorgeoussettings and the many fanciful frocks. The brilliant but fitful lifo affected by members of the' latin ' quarter is vividly portrayed, the whole forming a most presentable picture. The supporting films-are well up to standard and include a, special 6cenic attraction depicting the far-famed garden city of Bournville. One of the latest Gazettes is also screened.

"THE LITTLE DAMOZEL."

The interesting comcdy-drnma, "The Little Damozel," was presented airain by the new J. and N. Tait Company in tho Grand Opera Houso last night. Miss Ernita Lasceiles, as Julie, is the central figure in this successful play. Julie is ono of the attractions of a Soho cafe, where she scintillates brightly and night,lv for the entertainment of suck people as Captain Partington and Mr. Reclnw Poole.. The plot is the story of Julie's marriage, * with ,her subsequent discovery Wat her husband iws paid for wedding her, and the final reconciliation that clcars away nil the troubles. Miss Lasceiles plays the part daintily. Mr. Herbert Ranson has the part of Reclaw Poole, the husband, and his work is uncommonly good. His personality is responsible for much of the success of the play as interpreted by the Tait Company. "The Littlo Damozel" is a play with wit and originality, and last night's audience enjoyed it' heartily. The play is to hold the stage at the Grand Opera House for a short season, and will bo ■succeeded by a brief revival of the highly popular comedy "Daddies."

"THE DANDIES OP 1920." • A particularly inclement -night did not prevent The Dandies of 1920" from scoring another success in the new programme they presented at tho Concert Chamber last evening. The audienco was not large, but it enjoyed itself heartii" ,V cor " e Sharratt, tlio very capable comcdian of .the-company, had somo bnght numbers, inchiding'a humorously t inning confession of impossibly- bloodthirsty deeds. 110 was associated wtoi.the other male members of the company in_ some musical Limericks, topical, and «T4 wci ' e favourably received. If AVe All Went Out On Strike" was an entertaining concerted number. "A hong of Dixie" find '.'The Village Blacksmitli were among tho musical successes of the evening. They were sung by,-the full company, the voices blending pleasantly. Miss Wyn Eaulknor sang 'I Passed by Your Window" and responded to a well-deserved recall. Her tuneful contralto is .always enjoyable. .1 he basso of the company, Mr. Renn Millar, sang 'The Sea Road," and the «m? r ' ,r r - Jenkins, contributed Rip Aan Winkle." Mia- Annette Lang charming and graceful dancer, provided a song of the sea and a very' .eftective hornpipe. Tho second portion m tho programme introduced tho Dandies iu a Cabaret scenji. One of its features was the "black and white shimmy Bflnlcj, danced by Miss Annette Lang and Mr. Percy Oughton. This exhilarating. couplo danced, with great vigour and abandon, and were insistently recalled. Miss Rosa Walton contributed somo monologues and tuneful versos. Iho excellent soprano voice of Miss ™, Fu '«' «'as heard in "Sing Joyous oi. t i r £, , was an entertaining sketch. The Tobacco Shop," by Miss Lan- and Mr. Sharratt. Miss May Joyce, the solo violinist, played "Romanoo' (Wieruwski), Sho ib a musician «t skill, and her music is a pleasant addition to the lighter faro provided by ino company. Several other attractive numbers wore included in the programme, which closed with a hilarious playlet, Tho Boy Scout," with Mr. bharratt as the scout, Miss Puller as tho ' his affections, and Mr. Millar as the father. Tho new programme is io be presented again this evening.