ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 66, 10 December 1921, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. . "Paddy, the Next Best Thing,” attracted another largo and appreciative audience to the Grand Opera House last evening, The production met with an excellent reception, and it is clear that "Paddy” has become a decided favourite . with tho theatre patrons in Wellington. The plot centres around the multifarious and amusing escapades of one Paddy—not a boy, but “the next best thing.” This vivacious young tomboy is the daughter of a typical Irish /lobleman, General Adair, and, among' other idiosyncrasies, possesses a fiery temperament, which is equitably balanced by her genuine affection and whimsical nature. The love theme is particularly piquant, and > the end is altogether pleasing. Miss Isohel Brosnan, who. takes the role of Paddy, gives an excellent portrayal, and the success of the production is itn, no small measure due to her charming artistry. The supporting cast do all that is required of them. The lover of Paddy, who persists against heavy odds, is characterised by Mr. Charles Courtneidge. Another performance will he given to-night. KING'S THEATRE. An English photo-play is always .welcome. Good as the American film may be, there is something in it that cannot appeal to British or overseas Dominions' audiences. The temperament of the American people calls for more sickly stuff than is entirely appreciated) by New Zealanders with whom sentiment is a secondary, not a primary consideration. "Sob” matter is beloved of the American producer, who knows what kind of an attendance he has to feed in the American “movie” shows; but it is not’often than he succeeds in totally convincing New Zealanders who want to see pictures that are real, tine, and not forced. Such a picture is “Bars of Iron,” from, the novel by Ethel M. Dell, popular novelist, which was screened for the first time at the King's Theatre Inst night. A decided feature of the play, although he appears only in the early stages, is the acting of Leopold McLaglen. His name is well known in New Zealand. In 1915, after having been wounded at Mons, he came out to the dominion as an instructor of jiu-jitsu and bayonet fighting. Later, he taught jiu-jitsu, solely at the bigger boarding schools —and then he disappeared suddenly. Yeprs later herivas heard of as a professional pugilist, and then he became a kinema actor. As "Samson” Dpnys, the drunken bullv, he gives a splendid characterisation in tho play. Tho plot is good, the photography is good, and the cast is good. The scene is first laid in Australia, and then changes to England, where many delightful spots are shown. One of the most remarkable scenic films that has been screened in New Zealand for aljong time, is an American topical film, entitled "The Enchanted Valley.” Picture show patrons do not usually applaud nt the conclusion of a piece on the "shadow stage”; but at the end of this picture there was very' loud appreciation. It shows tho wonderful Yosemite Valley, in California, in all its beauty. Views from the precipice peak, "El Capitan,” which include in their scope the canyons and ranges away to the north; tho waterfalls, nnd the beautiful lakes, in which the huge peaks are shown in reflection, are delightful. The patron is taken for a motor ride through the groves of giant Sequoias, biggest trees in the world, tho road winding along in a forest gorgeous with scenery. The big Redwoods are so huge that tunnels nre cut in them, through which the road winds. . The extra special comedy on the bill is one in which Larry Semon is tho star. He appears as a. baker’s assistant, and convulses the attendance by, his antics, which include climbing roof-tops, falling into jars of whitewash as big as those that hid the thieves of Ali Baba; and doing "stunts” with trunks that are supposed to .weigh a ton each. The musical programme is excellent, Mr. L. D. Austin being the conductor.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. "A Daughter of the Law/’ th© big Universal attraction which made its appearance at the Queen’s Theatre last night, is one of the most powerful plioto-plays which has happened along for quite ft while. That great dramatic star, Carmel Myers,., appears to great advantage as the daughter of an inspector of police, who tries to save her brother, a member of a gang of criminals, before her father's men swoop down on the rendezvous of the band. The story grips from start to finish, and there is not a. dull moment in the rapid-moving plot. Jim Garth, a tall, handsome secret service man, engaged in running down the criminals, falls in love with the- beautiful girl, and thus carries on a romantic thread of love and adventure which runs brightly through the story. Carmel Myers, as Nora Hayes, has never had a role more suited to her talents, and Jack O’Brien, in the part of the lover, Jim Garth, is at his best. The stirring drama, which abounds in human interest, was received with marked approval las, evening. The second big feature on the programme was tho Paramount-Art-craft comedy, “What Happened to Jones,” which deals most humorously with the recent prohibition legislation in tho United States. What happened to Jones?” Oh, nothing much. He only got robbed of his “drink,” was waylaid and provoked to an assault, chased as a sly grog-seller, caressed by a very antique spinster, forced* to impersonate a faked, reformer, lured to lecture on the evils of tobacco, egged by an angry mob, and forced to hide under a pretty girl’s bed. Bryant Washburn is nt the head of this whirlwind of merriment, which had a large audience holding their sides last evening. The supporting pictures include the latest Gazette, which gives many topical happenings of note in Grettf Britain, the Continent, and America. During the daytime another episode of the popular serial now running will be screened. The bright incidental music by the Queen’s orchestra gteafly enhances tho pleasure of this excellent entertainment, which will be repeated to-day. EMPRESS THEATRE. ’A thrilling! drama, featuring Mahlon Hamilton, and entitled “Half-a-Chance,” is the principal attraction in the new programme of the Empress Theatre. Tho story is perhaps a little bit improbable, but’it abounds in sensational incidents, find the climaxes aro unexpected .and thrilling. In San Francisco “Sailor” Bnako was tried for the murder of a. girl, and ths chain of circumstantial evidence going against him he was convicted and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment. But with the help of “Snowbird” Joe, an old pal, he escapes, and was thought to bo drowned. Later Burke is on a tramp steamer on which is Judge Wray and his wife, and his daughter JocrJyn, and a friend. Jack Ronsdale. Ronsdale recognises Burke, who is immediately handcuffed and imprisoned. The ship is wrecked, and Burke is cast on a desert island. lie laboriously gets ashore a largo case which was supposed to contain liquor, only to find that it was full of law books. Then years later ’Bailor’’ Burke is again in Stan Francisco, but now as John Steele,_ and acknowledged as the city s best criminal lawyer. Steele and Jocelyn meet Jn an endeavour to clear “Snowbird Joe” of. a. frame-up charge, ami the two fall in love. Ronsdale is again after "Sailor” Burke, and engages a private detective to expose him. From then on sensation follows sensation in rapid succession, and the climax is decidedly what would be least expected. The love theme is fineiy worked out. and ends happily. Tho incidents are tense and dramatic, and grip tho attention. Tho second episode of tho serial. "Hidden Dangers,” secs Dr.. Brutoll. tho scientist and physician, and the victim of two personalities, in a murder mood. He has gone to tho house of tho millionaire Stanton, whom he. had saved from a wild steer, and while at the ranch he is attacked by the spell. JTo waylays a stage coach and forces the

driver and passengers to leave, and then, taking possession of the vehicle and the money' and valuables aboard, ho drives down the canyon yelling and leering at tho stranded passengers. The vehicle is abandoned on the road, and is found the nqjt day by the sheriff. The scientific feats and magic performed by Dr. Brutell and the Chinese cook in the Stanton’s diming room are remarkable. Tho supporting films include a Rathe comedy entitled “Big Game,” and the Gau- ■ mont Graphic. ANNETTE KELLERMAN. TO VISIT WELLINGTON. Wellington will see one of Australia's two really famous women when Miss Annette Kellerman, celebrated for her aquatic exploits, and known internationally by reason of the movies, appeal’s at the Grand Opera House for a season strictly limited, commencing Thursday next.' Miss Kellerman is known in the American theatrical world as "My Lady Versatile.” her talents being many and various. She sings, she talks, she.dives, she dances, nnd that by no means concludes her accomplishments, not the least of which is the ability to wear wonderful gowns and the equal ability to wear a next-to-nature garment in her amazing crystal tank not. Speaking of Miss Kellerman’s entertainment in Melbourne, the "Argus” says: “Miss Kellerman’s performance in a large glass tank oh tho stage is a remarkable one. Poised for a moment on the springboard high above, she looks the classical statue. A flash, a graceful dive that scarcely ripples :he water, and then Miss Kellerman treats the audience to a succession of acrobatic manoeuvres under tho water's surface that are' as full of grace as they are full of skill. She was recalled again and again.” Miss Kellerman will be supported by the Tivoli Follies International Vaudeville Company, including Brightie and Carlyon from the Coliseum, London, in singing and dancing; Florence Penney, ccmtralto,; Martini, a funny man with a dog; Little and Ship, two funmakers; whose vocal items arc said to be above the ordinary; the Vardells, sensational acrobats and gymnasts; the Dancing Donnellys; and Stuart Barnes, an American raconteur,, humourist, and story-teller from the Palace Theatre, New York, and Empire Theatre, London, in his own sketch. “My Wife’s First Husband John.” The entire production is described as unique, presenting up-to-the-minute characteristic American vaudeville of the highest grade. The box plans for the six nights’ season will open at the Bristol at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. At Everybody’s Theatre this week some exceptionally attractive pictures are being screened, and the two big features, "Other Men’s Shoes/’ starring Cranford Kent, and “Her Lord and Master,” with Alice Joyce in the lead, are sure to fill this popular theatre with lovers of good dramatic pictures. Cranford Kent takes the role of Stephen Browning in “Other Men’s Shoes." Browning has succeeded his father in the Montville pulpit. But he is too tender-hearted to cope effectively with the rough conditions, and is unable to set up any strong resistance to tho local magnate Raphael Crccke, who aspires to'the hand.of Irene Manton, Browning’s fiancee. Creeke sets about getting rid of tho preacher, but Browning’s twin brother Jim, by disposition a rolling stone, and in character strong, hard, knuckled, and aggressive, arrives at the rectory just as the stage is set for the termination of Browning’s parochial work. Jim masquerades as bis brother, sweeps all opposition before him, and set’s about to perfect his brother’s parochial work. A former associate of Jim offers to expose the fact that the minister had a. gaolbird brother, but his schemes end in a tragedy and the gaol. There is a strong love story which works out unexpectedly. Alice Joyce, ns Indiana Stillwater, in “Her Lord and Master,” has a role that suits her particularly well. Indiana is the only child of a railroad magnate, and has been pampered and spoiled. The girl realises that her wilfulness and disregard of restraint are not becoming when she meets Lord Stafford and his nephew, Viscount Canning The latter is strongly attracted by the beautiful girl, and although warned by old Stillwater, the Viscount marr’cs the girl. Indiana is received with marked reserve bv her titled mother-in-law. The young wife defers to her mother-in-law in every way possible, winning her re-ard and affection, and the worshipful devotion of all the servants. Indiana s father, mother, grandmother, nnd others arrive on a visit, and they desire to entertain her in the exuberant fashion or the past. She is willing, .but her husband will not have it, However, she ,-oes to a Sunday party and leaves a note for her husband to call tor her. He determines not to do so, and Indiana in a panic arrives hdme just niter midnight to find all the doors locked Jhe reconciliation between Canning and bis wife is just the climax that requires to be seen.-The scenery is very beautiful and the gowns are pretty. The supporting pictures are the “Dominion Bowlers nt Tafford" and the latest Rathe Gazette. Everybody’s Orchestra is not the least of the attractions at this Picture Theatre.

D AME CT,AR A BUTT. The visits of such world-famed singers as Dame Clara Butt and Mr. .Kennerley RumfoHl to New Zealand are rare, and music-lovers will gladly seize the opportunity of hearing them. Iho hold these two delightful artists have over the. Eng-lish-speaking world is extraordinaiy; everywhere they appear crowded houses are the rule, and this state of affairs is readily understood by those who 'appreclate the remarkable gifts and wonderful artistry of Dame Clara Butt and Mr. Rumford. Their appeal is universal, nnd they represent everything that is worth while in the world of music, for endowed with musical gifts of the highest possible order, coupled with remarkable personal charm, they weave a spell < hat is irresistible. The second of the four concerts set out for Wellington will be given to-night, when they have chosen attractive numbers from their store of famous songs .and ballads. Damo Clars Butt’s numbers include the aria from the opera “Orpheus,” Objc- demon amour, the “Spirit Song (Haydn), How Pansies Grow” (Grace Torrens) My Child is My Treasure.” an old Irish melody; “Yonder,” a fine dramatic number which has been exceedingly popular with Australian audiences; and the everpopular “Abide With Me.” whwh the distinguished contralto will sing w . IUI organ obbligato. Mr. Rumford will sing the popular number from the Barber of Seville,” “Largo al Factotum. Sea Fever” (John Ireland). “Go Not, Happy Day” (Frank Bfidge), and “King Charles”' (M. V. AVhite). M. Mrlsa. fbe brilliant Russian violinist, will play solos, and Miss Grace Torrens will ho tho accompanist, nnd Mr. Bernard Page tho organist. Messrs. J. and N. Tait call attention in our advertising columns to tho arrangements for the final two concerts. The plans are at Bristol until noon to-day. afterwards nt the Blue Bird, next to the Grand Opera House. The day sales will bo at N. Perry’s, Manners Street, this morning, and at the Blue Bird this afternoon.

THORN DON MAR IST BROS.’ SCHOOL CONCERT. The Thorndon Marist Bron.’ School pupils will give their annual concert in the Concert Chamber on Monday evening next. The school's prize choir will sing part-songs and glees, ami (here will also be elocutionary. items *and scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. Masters Tom ters nnd Dick Maunder will contribute solos. The box plans are now open at the Bristol. MISS GARD’NER’S NEW PRODUCTION. Q n Friday and Saturday. December 1G and 17, in the Concert Chamber, Miss Giird’ner will present "A Pot Pourri of Quaint Character and Cute Comedy.’ in

which her pupils will be seen in a variety of numbers, including extracts from famous plays, humorous sketches, ballads, and character songs. Mr. F. J. Easther (Auckland) and Mr. J. Elliott (Wellington) will assist. -Mr. Whittle, as accompanist, and a professional orchestra, will provide tho instrumental music, and the costumes are from designs by Mrs. James Hannah. “THE MESSIAH.” The final concert of the Royal Wellington Choral Union on Saturday next is expected to prove in many respects to be the union’s best effort of the season. Mr. Temple White has had his choir in active rehearsal for some weeks past, and as it is expected to assemble nearly 300 vocalists on this occasion a fine performance is confidently anticipated. The union has engaged the best available talent, for the solo parts, namely soprano Winnie Fraser, contralto Mina Caldow, tenor Ernest Drake, and bass William ‘Walters, Tho last-named is a vocalist new to Wellington audiences, but his reputation in the south is of the highest. The box plan opens at the Bristol on Tuesday at 9.

TO-MORROW’S ORGAN RECITALThe programme for to-morrow night's organ recital to be given in the Tow'n Hall Bernard F. Page (city organist) includes three items by request, which are: Cesar Franck’s Pastorale (Op. 19); Andante (from String Quartet), by Debussy (1862-1918). and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (Dorian). The remainder of the programme is as follows: Holloway’s Suite Ancienne and Caprice in G Minor by Crackel.