ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 54, 26 November 1921, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

WILKIE BARD. Mr. Wilkie Baid had another large Audience at the Opera House under his spell last night. Mr. Bard's originality and sparkling wit place him in a niche all by himself as a comedian. lie had the large audience simmering with merriment the while ho held the boards, and there was not a dull moment in, tho whole of his bright and original performance, Tho strong supporting company of artists also contributed materially to the pleasure enjoyed by all present, Pedro, tho violinist, was in his happiest- vein. Dlaly and Marr,caused hilarious merriment with their patter and dance specialities, while the Eclair Brothers again pleased with their clever athletic turns. It goes without saying that a record crowd will as-ihmble at the Opera House to-night to farewell tho world-renowned entertainer and his- talented supporting company,. Tho plans are on view at the Bristol, and day sales at Ned Perry's, Manners Street.

KING’S THEATRE,

. Australian life th tho open is strongly represented at tho King's Theatre this week. Tho piece de resistance is ‘'The Jackaroo of Coolabong,” which brings that popular personality, “Snowy" Baker, into the limelight once more in a slashing heroic-part which spells electrio action in every foot of film. In this ■ picture "Snowy" Baker enacts the role of Brian O’Farrell, of the “Fighting O’Farrells." The unknown owner of ; Coolabong station arrives on his estate under a false name to find out how things are going and "to get himself liked on his merits." His first .'exploit sees him give a fine exhibition of live-bar horse jumping and riding buckjumpers of the most persecuting type. His freshness gets on the nerves of some of the farm hands, Srto 'decide to “bog into him" on sight. O’Farrell, however, proves as ready with his fists as he is on horseback, and is fighting the whole station when Peter Macdonald arrives from the next station, nnd, as Brian’s horrified guardian, gives his name away to the crowd. Macdonald has a daughter in Sydney, who is keen on charity work, and the action shifts to town to make the story. Whilst acting the Lady Bountiful she hears the .groans of a man-in a room of the tenement she is visiting, and venturing in finds him to lie a dying "crook, who eolicits the aid of a priest and tells her the name of the parties guilty of tho murder for which he is wanted. O of the gang hoars this revelation, and they lay for her and convey her to a harbour-side rookery. Her screams for help attract Brian O’Farrell. who is motoring in the moonlight. Ho dashes in, rescues the girl, barricade* the door, and then dives from a third-story window into the harbour for help, returning with a constable, and together they hgnt the whole gang in a most realistic amt thrilling fashion. Finally the police arrive in force, and Enid Macdonald and her rescuer find solace m one another’s arms Mr. Baker is at his most strenuous in this picture, and as anathletic screen actor would be difficult to excel. Ho is well supported by Miss Kathleen Key as Enid, whoso native modesty and grace are only equalled by her wonderful eyes. Mr. Arthur Greenaway and Mr. Tauchert (of "Sentimental Bioko” fame) also figure ln q , t . he "Cows 'and Cuddles," with Tai Ordell in tho lead, is an -amusing example ol Australian slap-stick comedy among thn cows of the near-back. A capital mont Gazette and Topical BWget, and n Clvistie comedy, entitled Red Hot Love," are also included m th# programme. The King’s Orchestra, played the "Raymond" overture nicely,, but there was an overplus of drum and racket in the music for the comedies. "The Jackeroo of Coolabong" is an 11. J. Carroll picture, and marks a steady advance in kinenrn endeavour in Australia.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. "Thunder Island,” a gripping story of romance, mystery, and scheming, is the - star feature of tho new programme presented at the Queen’s Theatre last evening. The picturesque coast ot Lerner California supplies the settings and the story relates how a young; Mexico girl marries a dying rancher in order that she might inherit Ins fortune. Later, the girl’s parents die, and she and her twin-brother become the sole proprietors of the ranch. The boy i» murdered by a band of outlaws, who endeavour to rustle tho stoqk, but Iso.-a is rescued by a sett-captain, who arrives on the scene in time to rout the desperadoes. Then a man named Mendoza, who poses ns the dead rancher, appears, and claims the gill he married two years previously as his wife.' ih-e_ path o duty leads to liis ranch, and Isola docs not' falter. Her love for her rescuer, however, soon overcomes everything else, wild she escapes by night, from Mendoza’s launch to the other ship. Enraged blyond- words, the imposter follows anil eventually creates a mutiny among the crew of ihe English vessel. Tho captain and his sturdy henchman the second mate, are, after a valiant overwhelmed. Isola, who has ■ought a hiding place in one of the cabins, overhears Sanchez, one of Mendoza’s followers', who is dissatisfied wi.h his portion of the plunder from tho Lily, accuse his master of havmy murdered C-apala, the rancher, and rf. - mimed bis place. Sanchez subsequently frees the sen captain from his bonds, and a successful denouement is brought about when Mendoza is overthrown, and the course of true love is permjrted to run smoothly. The supporting picture, "Alarm Clock Andy,” tells of the adventures and trials of a man who is literally too slow to move out of his own path. ‘ Charles Rue plays the part of the bashful youth, whose one ambition is to become a successful automobile salesman. He is afflicted by an impediment in Ms speech, and even tho office-boy reprimands him fob bring late for work. He is madly in love with the daughter of the "boss,” and inspired by' her ho tries to "make good." Failure is encountered at every turn, but he ultimately asserts himself, and realises his ambition. 1 Ire programme, which will be shown for the ensuing week, is supplemented by the latest International News and a diverting Century comedy. At the afternoon sessions another episode of the "King 3>f the Circus” will be screened.

EMPRESS THEATRE.

A novel by Jack London is bound to be interesting and entertaining because ho opens the book of life, and from its pages he takes the material for his stories. The tramp author's "The Lit.le I lily of the Big House" lias been adapted for (he screen under tho title of "The .Little Foul” und wits screened for the first lime at the Empress Thea re yesterday, and will be the prineipnl nttractiou at that theatre during tine week. “The Little Fool” is n real Californian story vitl. a iietural Californian background. Paula, a fascinating young woman, known a- •-“»> I it.'o Lady of tho Big House, attracts all the men who are invited to the palatial home of her husband, Dick Forrest, a wealthy rancher. Both are aware of her weakness, but attach no importance to it. Evan Graham, an old f’lum, wires Dick that he is coming to spend a mon h at tho ranch, and their first act together is to inspect the rnneh. Paula, being athletically inclined, is always looking for adventure. Sho rides n spirited <'"wu the .sniLway of it

private .ark. Tl er-? i- n lenp. f’is-n n struggle as the frightened beast, desperate] v plunges and kicks, and endangers its rider. Illis is a thrilling and sensational scene. Graham and Diek, arrive and under Dick's directions Paula swims to safety. Graham in thrilled, emd tells Dick that all his life ho had Wl?ed for just such a woman. , When told that the woman was Dick’s wife, Graham’s disappointment is ill-concealed. A month passes with a succession of parties, and at a trout-fishing expedition,

Paula falls into the stream, and is resound by Graham. Later Graham, who has fallen desperately in love with Paula, tolls Dick that ho must leave the ranch. Dick is amused, and Graham is tolddhat ho can have Paula if she loves him. The developments that follow upon thia are exciting. There is a tense moment when Paula is counselled by Graham to take train for San Francisco, and remain with her aunt until a divorce is secured. Dick arrives before Paula gives her answer, and he tells her that she need not hesitate between Graham and himslf. He goes to his bedroom and waits —well, the climax is dif-ferent—-it is not what the. average individual would expect. The supporting films include a comedy, "Save Your Money," featuring Snub Pollard, and the fourteenth episode of "The Lost City. This serial will be concluded ‘nextweea, when the first episode of another and more fascinating serial, "Hidden Danger," will be screened.

EVERT BODY’S THEATRE.

Two powerful dramas provide the attractions in- this week’s change -of programme at Everybody’s Theatre. Ihe more important of these, entitled lhe Master Mind," featuring Lionel BarryJ more, runs the whole gamut of human emotions. No one could be immune .to the thrills this great star gives in tins drama, which portrays an amazingly gripping story of a remarkable psychologist who devotes live years of his Ute in . endeavour to ruin -the district attorney, who had sent his brothel to his death. It is a case of a man s master mind against d woman's master line. Henry Allen (Lionel Barrymore), n brilliant psychologist, has two interests in life-—his younger brother Dick Allen, and his mental science study. Dick engages in- a violent quarrel with one of his young friends, which culminated m Dick accidentally killing his friend. Despite all that Allen can do, Dick is sentenced to death through tho clever prosecution of a young district attorney, Cortland Wainwright. On his way home in his car the district attorney- falls to dreaming of his triumph, and what it meant 'to him, and his car is wrecked in turnmg a sharp curve, and the car starts to bum with the unconscious attorney in imminent danger of being burned to death. He is rescued by Maggie llynt, the orphaned daughter of an impoverisned artist. Wainwright takes an interest in his fair rescuer, but she leaves for a distant city, -and all his efforts to find her prove fruitless. Allen, bent on revenge, enlists the aid -of Wainwrights enemies, and makes himself the master of the best of the crooks, who stand in awe of his terrible psychic powers. Maggie Flynt is located in Chicago by. Allen s trusted accomplice, and she is attested on a framed-up charge of robbery. Allen rescues her, and she is ready to do his bidding out of gratitude. She is suit to Europe for four years to study. At tho end of the period she returns to NewYork as Lucine Blount. From that point onwards there is a succession of thrilling incidents, showing the working of the master mind, but in the end Allen comes to the realisation that vengeance is not for man, but for God. It is a great story prjrenfully acted. “The Girl ip. the Web," featuring Blanche Sweet, is a vivid story of a girl blindly entangled m a mesh of deception. Esther is the social secretary in the house of the rich Mr. van Zile Janneys; that lady s safe is opened and her jewels stolen. Esther is accused of the theft, because she knew the combination, and because certain telephone conversations incriminated her. Tho Janneys' grandchild is kidnapped, and Esther is accused of that also. Mystery follows mystery, but it concludes with a delightful and uncommon, romance. The Pathe Gazette completes a very attractive programme.

DAME CLARA BUTT.

It does not seem seven years since Dame Clara Butt, the famous contralto, and M'r. Rumford visited. New- Zealand, yet it ft that long Since they were here, Alld they return with fresh laurels wnn in England, and during their just completed tour of Australia, during which J. anil N. Tait state records were established in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane. In Melbourne the Town Hall'could not accommodate the crow-ds, and the Tinge Exhibition Building was engaged, and the audiences there averaged over 6600. For her distinguished services rendered In aid of numerous war charitibs the eminent contralto was decorated Dame of the Order of tho British Empire. >ind during the years of war Dame Clara Buft: was responsible for the handing over of .£lOO,OOO to .the various organisations, and in addition provided engagements for concert artists during the lean times. On the outbreak of war Mr. Rumford offered his services to the War Office, and he was for the first few years continually at the front in France as cWnffeur to a high Staff officer, and later he gained his captaincy and was transferred to the War Office, where he was engaged-in important work in the Intelligence Department. Last year tho two great singers engaged m a memorable tour of Great Britmn' jlnrin- which, in conjunction' with the Coldsteam Guards Ban'll, they gave a senes of one hundred concerts. On the eve of their departure on this tour they ga. p farewell concert .nt the Crystal Palace, and-the magnitude of gauged when it is stated that t ie mull ence .numbered over 25.1100. the choir and urenesvra number.ng 5500. consisting of tho Handel Festival (.noir and Ou its tra anti the London Symphony tra. conducted by Sir Frederic Cowan. Accompanying Panic Clara But . and Ml. W a number of concerts ‘being given in ; £ Zealand, and Messrs. J. and N. Tait announce (hat four will bo giveni in Wellington at the Town Hall on Decenber 7. (0. 12. and 14. nnd the box plan for the series will be on Monday, December 5, at-tlie Bris o . - tendin'- patrons are requested to tlmt not more than twelve seats may-be booked by one person, and npphenbo.for seats from country patrons Mill M allocated in order received. Special attention is drawn to the of fb.e arrangements for prefere booking.

DRAMATIC RECITAL.

.Mr. Culford Bell’s students will apnear in their annual elocutionary d snlav on Friday and Saturday. December 2 and 3. in the Concert Chamber. A lino scle'ction of character sketches, dramatic and humorous, musical L. a Shakespearean scene will be . J Hie adults, while the juniors will be see in a charming fairy play, Ihe Palace” and the senior girls in a smalt (•oin'cdv. ’’The First Prize.” The box plan will open on Monday at the Bristol.

CONCERT RECITAL. A number ol' very fine concert items are promised for the recital to bo given hv Mmlame Mueller’s students on ucsdav November 29. at the Concert Cham■bcr. Choruses, quartets, tnos, duels, and solos will be given by some ot Wellington’s well-known and popular artists. The. hex plan is now open at the Bristol. Air. • Norman Izctt will be t.ie accompanist.

”A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM." [t is many years since ibis delightful comedy was seen in Wellington on a large scale, and Ute forthcoming revival nt the Opera House is attracting much at ten ion. The fairy element, tho quaintncus of the clowns, tho human interest, together with the deligh-iul incidental music, all go to make up an excellent entertainment. Mr. A. Stanley Warwick has the co-operation of Miss EsJ.elle Beerc who has arranged the fairy ballet, and Mr. Horace Hunt, who will conduct n lull orchestra of thirty-five players. As there is a largo demand for scats it Is essential that scats should bo scoured at once. Students’ concessions are announced. The box plan is at the Bria*ol.

HARMONIC SOCIETY TO-NIGHT. To-night, in tho Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, tho above society, under the conductorsliip of Mr. H. Temple White, will repent the excellent concert given ia the same place on Thursday evening last, when the choir of sixty picked voices qui.e upheld the splendid reputation it Irad gained for itself In past appearances. The assisting vocalists are Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Orr, who will sing "Kingfisher Blue,” from Amy Woodforde-Finden’s song cycle “On .Thelinn River"; Mrs. W. J. Coventry, "The Sands o’ Dee" (Clay); Mrs. E. H. Strickland, “Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal” and "In Spring" (Roger Quilter); and the Harmonic Quartet, who were compelled to respond io a double encore on Thursday night, their programme number being Horsley’s old English glee "By Celia’s Arbor.” Violin solos will be played, by Miss Laurie Anderson, and Miss Dorothy Mills will also assist, with Miss Anderson, in tho accompaniment for two violins and piano, with Mr. Harold Whittle ni the piano. Tho box plan will be at the Bristol till 12.30 p.m.

ORGAN RECITAL.

The recital to be given (tomorrow evening in the Town Hall by Mr. Bernard F. Pago (city organist) will be the 250th recital given by Mr. Page, and a special programme - has been arranged, giving a list of all the works played by him at these recitalsi. The lisit of works are in themselves a proof of Mr. Page’s achievement and sincerity in his art, and such that will appeal to musicians and laymen alike. Tho items for tho organ recital are as underFelton’s concerto in E flat: "A Tear,” by Moussorgsky; Rimsky-Korsakoff’s Third Movement from "Scheherazade” (Suite Symphoniqtie for Orchestra.), Op. 35; Prelude Op. 16 (No. 3). by Scriabine; Finale in B Flat (Op. 21), by Cesar Franck.