ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 42, 13 November 1926, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. Originally a 1 novel from the pen of i Mary Roberts Rinehart, “The Bat” sent quivers up and down the spines of read- : ing million's throughout the world. Then . it was made into a stage thriller; with the ' collaboration of Avery l Hopwood, the famous playwright, and the Wellington public still have vivid recollections of the seni sation the play caused here a few years ‘ ago. But' thrilling* as was the mystery [ drama on the legitimate stage, it remains for the screen version, which was pre* i seated at’the De Luxe Theatre last night’ 1 to show the’sensational story in its highest lights. The crowded house which assembled was certainly not disappointed. ■ Though s packed full of battle, murder. and ; suddert death, “Tlie Bat” is l not a ' gruesome play, blit wholesale from start, . to finish, While sthroiigh'its'shuttles’mbve' ' the threads of mysters, and there is. much' bright coniedy iii the' story/- • The/harra- ? tive centres rOijnd 'the- doings’*of’ an np-. • patently superhitniarf' crdok,- and tliei ' ' drama moves on-rapidly? .from- one geh4;' I satiOn'al developm’eijt' tb-another;}until the, . audience is left-gasping'with amazement.The? story is'so- ingeniously' told that the ’ ; identity’ of the maste'r criminal 5 is' dis- , guised-up to the very'end.' The drama is excellently portrayed by an all-star cast/ including Jewel'Carmen", Jack Pickford/ i and Louise Fazenda, and .is splendidly.' produced by the United’ Artists’ Corpora*.,, i tioti. A pleasing Variety/of\ne*w films support the big picture,' a'ml/tli'd’iiicideiilMl" music is all that could bplilesitedy Thbret' , willbea m'atifibe jierfbrmatice at 2.30/thiS' afternoon;, ' 1 ' ■ 5 “THE MIDNIGHT SUN/' ; /' ■ In “The l Midnight Siin," the Urtivcf s ? . 1 sal super production which will commence screening at the De' Luxe Theatreon Friday. November" 19. Dimitri Buchowetzki, doted Russian direetrfr. iA said to have produced one of tho biggest screed specta,iflek-.'of. .the- yeuri. If is ’ »• Russian ' story Staged* in-a lavish letting-that l riv--1 als fotinew-big ,productions made by Universal, -j; Several- huge stages were s constructed ' fgp.. this'* picture alrtiie.' one of ' which contained' al'r'eplieh of the famous St. Petersburg- Opera. •It is*" one of the most wonderful?theatres’in the world and I was built'lidder", royal'• orders in the days of" tlie Tstftti. j.ln/.-iliittitheatre WaS r sta’g--ed the coiourfui -seetlos .showing the’ Imperial Kusglatt- ballet’ "in* action. Over. . a thousand, extras an’d’ principals took, i part in these scenes alone. Sb large was i the' productiori that it required not’ only a- special w'ardr’ob'e staff blit’ a special building in which to house the costumes, aild 1 a special research otaff to handle furnishings, architecture, and other, details. The story from which the picture was adapted wits famous some years ago id Europe' as one of- the’ most' dralhatio . arratives Of the old days’ of the monarchy; and of the' uprisings- of' student Nihi- ’ lists, forerunners and first warning of i Bolshevism. The year in which the abtion of the picture takes place is 1913. : The technical details' of this picture, such , .as uniforms, furnishings, court scenes i and-the military angles were handled almost entirely by Russ • ns. so that they tiro absolutely true to form. Among those who’ assisted Director Buchowetzki was Major-General Theodore Lodijeueky, at one time commander of tho Russian littoorial' Guard; . Laura la Plante is seen tie the young premiere ballerina who has charmed her way from the ranks to the top of the ballet. “The Midhightl ijun” gives Miss La Plante hei- first chance as a dramatic actress. Pat O'Malley is the Grand Duke, resplendent in i gorgeous and- colourful uniforms. Raymond Keahb plays the herd.NEW ENGLISH COMEDY CO. 1 Kcetf interest W being manifested in tlie' 1 coming of Joseph; Cunningham’s- New English Comedy Company, with the celebrated English actress: Miss Zillah Bateman leading/ some. yery distinguished tlieatridal* associates-a' repertoire of plays whode'London- success has been heralded tlu’oi“”hout the world. 7 They'are "The Unfair',..,x,” ’Eliza l Stays at Home," “The Sport bjf_Kings” and .‘‘Outward Bound,” Mr. Cunningham has selected “The Unfair Sex” to commence'liikln'i'df New Zealand tour- at tho Grand 'Opera House on Tuesday next. A genuine London success rarely fails in either Australia or New Zealand, and “The Unfair Sex” is a' farce comedy that took- Londbn by' storm at the Savoy' Theatre, where it ran for two years, and had-the 1 distinction of being presented l at matinees,, in addition to the evening performances,- by a separate company. The management feel confident that,New Zealand will endorse London's verdict. In Miss Zillah Bateman, who will play the part of Dina ■ Trevor in “The Unfair Sex,” Mr. Cunningham- has l chosen an artist who has won her Way to “star” rank in competition ’with London’s greatest favourites. Miss* from the Savoy and- other West End London-.theatres : is another who comes with honours thick upon her. Mr. Frank Bradley, Mr. Reginald Newson, Miss Sylvia Clifton, Miss- Vera St. John;- Miss Beryl Barra- ( clough, and Mr. Carter McCullum, are all artists of repute. The (box plans for the' opening production, “The’ Unfair Sex,” are now available at Hie' Bristol, . and other interesting pdrticuhtrs appear in our advertising columns. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. ! Adolphe Menjou as a masquerading • waiter,* with beautiful Florence Vidor in the role of a grand duchess, make a decided hit in, the Paramount picture, “The Grand Duchess and the Waiter," adapted from the French stage play, by Albert Savoir, is* now appearing at the New Princess Theatre; Albert Belfort, ’ a millionaire idler,, is very much in. love with a Russian grand duchess. Hearing of her taking apartments at a fashionable hotel in Paris, and wishing .to be as near as possible to her, he takes the suite immediately below that of the duchess. This, however, brings no satisfaction, so exchanging positions with the duchess’s personal waiter, he finds JuriiSelf very much in her presence. Although blessed with a pleasing Planner he is none too dexterous in serving tea with the result that many Mishaps occur, which: furnish some delightful comedy., The duchess is short of funds, so Belfort, unknown to- anydrie, puts money in her Way, but to nd avail, for she eventually take's over a small waysidel iridk where, o'ne race day", Belfort Visifs* her. How the masquerading waiter’s affection's'- are’ reciprocated- is fold in a wholly delightful manner. Those in the cast include., Lawrence Grant, Andre' de- Beranger, Dot Farley/'" Barbara Pierce,- ; and William Court-, right/ The second feature on the programme is “Gold Heels," a Fox film- of, tho most thrilling horse race ever pictured, with an all-star cast. No. 4 group’ of the.?increasingly;popular ch.ild-I'lei-e is a gnod •"coniedy and a gejyite. there is a god- coniedy nnd a gazette. The New Princess Trio plays appropriate music. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Tlie Hector-St. Clair Company arrt con--tinuine their popular run at His Majesty’s Theatre.TJt is. a merry series of sketches they -serve- up in their, current revue, "Contrasts.”- which- Is happily named, as variety is the Keynote of the entertainment. Hector St. Clair is a comedian of the very front rank and he shows .his remarkable versatility in the present programme. He is mmense in the hospital scene. "The Nervous ’Wreck.' and Strikes a deeper note, in The Will That Wasn't,'!. Which sho’Ws him in the role rtf a worker who has received word that he has come into a fortune, only to find that a mistake has teen made. The talented company are seen at their best ’in "Cdrifra'Strt," The Three Rodney Girls do some sprightly dancing anti Ray McLean ami Dot Cresswell arouse enthusiasm with' their presentment of the Apache dance. P<u»l du Bur continues to amoizs. rtirtryrthfi With tiw ability to weave paper patterns Arid Ida Holbein- is as popular as ever in- r«cy songs at the niano.. The’ CarthV Brother's are a pair of light comedians of outstanding merit, nnd Bertini and Byrne put on a really' clever turn with violin and piano. There willbea matinee performance.at? 2.30 this afternoon. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “ThP Duchess of Buffalo.” a gay story Of Russia? in which Miss Constance Taimadge has the role of ah American girl who wins stage fame abroad and plays hitvoc ivifh the hearts of. .ho fulsome voting officers arid wealthy noblrtmen. beads the- programme .which commenced screening at the Pai-ambiinf Theatre last fiiglif.- Greeting a -sensation in a daring dance before it' brilliuht audience, the gifl attracts the attention of a-grand duke, who shmters her with jewels. But the dancer is in love with a dashing lieutenant and when the grand duke bears of the affair he. has the young officer imprisoned. Tho girl flees to another city/ resolving to sacrifice her love for the officer in an effort to safeguard his military career. Her sweetheart, however escapes and follows her. So, does the grand duke. Masquerading as ri grand duchess and leading officials to believe that her sweetheart is her adjutant* the dancer is lavishly entertained. AH goes well until the grand duke suddenly appears on tho scene in the

midst of a banquet—but, instead of denouncing the girl, lie seizes the oppor‘tunity to thrust his unwelcome attem tions upon her. Tullie Carminati, Ed-, ward Martindel, Hose Dione, Chester Gonklhi, Lftwrcnco Grant, Martha, Bjanklin, and Jean de Brine are some; o? the notables in the supporting Tho supports include an English Gnz--| ette, “I'elix” cartoon, and tho second series of Amundson’s Polo Hight, while a. 1 first-class musical programme is supplied by the orchestra.

‘.EMPRESS THEATRE. •' A thoSoughly spoiled and yet thoroughly- lovable daughter of wealth, who is placed 1 in a, position whereby she becomes abst'lutely and irrevocably tamed, is tho idle afforded beautiful Gloria Swanson in “The Untamed Lady, ’ which commenced'its Wellington season at the Empress Tbeatro yesterday. Cheering fbr’ Yale University, while sitting in the Princeton University stand, during a! Yale-PrinecVon football match; attendHjm a smart Social function in a bath•ihg suit; interrupting a famous musician ■at an exclusive! recital-are some of her exploits that cmuso her friends much an.ginsh of spirit. Ibcijlentally. are responsible for -.the failure of her romances sinco lose and temper mix' Along comas Larry Graj, fiance No -t Larry tjiiv ,sS that it is up to JHm 'to tame’her,, mnd he almost breaks hl's neck before he rt'ftlises that the g rl doesn’t take kindly to his caveman do'iiws. However, love finds a wav in tho ”nd; and’ everything’ out-Impp y. .Matt,Mqore and Dorotjry Devore aie* tho stars' itt-the other ■ btgl. feature, How •Baxter'Butted In." In it the comedy of lifo- turiw a stammering, awkwaid Young man from a shy, fidoring hcroworslupper into a dashing hero, despite ■ his firm belief that u V J lllrv and courage has been shifted by the “jazz ago." Tho. latent gazette is also shown. V

STRAND* THEATKE. “Barce, Son of Kazan, _ wli!ch was screened at the Strand Theatre last night for" tlte'first time, is a- romance of the north of Canada, written by James Oliver Ciirwood, one of the greatest nov el sts of his kind. The stars of tins film, the name of tho author of which is eriougli to recommend Stewart and' Wolf, a dog. The_ atm snhere of the frozen lands; is iery thoroughly infused' into the picture, and tiro characters of the region are typical, while the fitr' trappers, mushers, Indians, and wolves are present j"StM they are described in hooka dealing av tn the land ot snow. A pretty romance is told in entertaining l fashion, “Baree. Sori of Kazan," a picture qt high standard. The second t e!lturc *? “Skv-High Corral,” featuring Art Acord mounted on his horse, Raven. Rex, a dog’ of surpassing: intelligence, is very prominent also. These three individuals are inseparable coiupauious in wanderings and adventures in the American cattle country. To these features is added a splendid supporting programme.

NATIONAL REPERTORY SOCIETY THEATRE. A smooth and up-to-standard performance of the' National Repertory Theatre Society's final offering for the year IJ2B ; is promised when A. A. Milnes brilliant comedy, “Ariadne, Or Business birst, preceded bv the late- Oliphant Downs s delightful fantasy in one act. Ihe Maker of Dreams,” is presented in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Tuesday, AVednesday. nnd Thursday of next week, p There is a purpose behind Milne s comedy, |- inasmueb- as its-plot’ is' built' upqn the unconscious selfishness and incoiisiderateness of a country solicitor who Will insist upon placing his business before his wife. ,: Some exceedingly clever business nnd ; situations keep the audience’interested, and the dialogue i#delightfully crisp and 1 clever'right through the three nets. The curtain-raiser is a beautiful little fantasy, very human, through wliich is woven a story’grave and'gay. Mr. Leo de Manny i is arranging' the special entr'-n'ete music. Tlie’ box plans are at the Bristol.

KING’S THEATRE. Comedy and; patliok' are subtly blended in tlie screen version of Alice Hogan Rice’s famous 1 novel, “Lovey Mary, which commenced screening at' the King’s Theatre last night. The artistic, handling’of the picture'by both director and actors, Who show a rare delicacy of forich and insight into the beauty’of the original work, gives a production of the highest quality. Miss' Lov’e’s artistic and siheefe - portrayal df‘ the lonely, orphan' girl, who lavished all htei* pent-up affections upon a' baby waif, ranks as one of the screen’s greatest characterisations. No one is more capable than this beautiful actress of gaining the most from the' humorous possibilities of the picture. AVilliam Haines, in the 1 leading male role, and his romance with Mary is one of the bright sjiots of an excellent picture. Others in the cast are Eileen, Bercy, Mary Al’d’en; Vivw Ogden, Martha Mattox, and Russell Simpson. A delightful supporting programme gives both quality and quantity, the incidental music by the King s orchestra being a feature of the programme.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Madge Bellamy and Edmund Lowe have the romantic leads in Black 1 aradise,” the Fox. production which opened last night at the Queen's Theatre. MiSa Bellamy plays the part of a young girl who has* become engaged to a croon, a condition that he reforms. The boy is Weak, Uowdver,- and decides* on one more coup. He is l discovered, and makes Ilia way to his fiance's apartments. The girl shields* him, and they escape after aii exciting chase fo\an old sailing vessel. The detective follows fhepi on board, but the owner proves to be an old enemy, and forces the 1 three of thein to stav on- board. Then the detective, a’a'inst his will, falls in love with the girl. Leslie Fenton is the crook. A l!ox News, scenic,- and really humorous comedy figure among the supports, while suitable incidental music is played by the' 1 orchestra. ' ’ ft-

JOY-NIGHT NO. & . The-Siicce'ss of Joy Night No. 6 is assured by. tho.reputacioTi of the five previous given by the conimercial Travellers and Warehousemen s Association to provide funds for the provision of Christmas cheer sick and orphan children of the city. The BJind -Soldiers and Sailors’ Fiitid also will benefit. For this great annual plain and fancy dress ball, Both fixed tor November 26, the Town Hall and the Concert Chamber will be used for dancing, and two orchestras will provide the season’s most popular melodies. A very attractive prize (a gold wristlet watch) is offered for the best original dress worn bv’ a ladv, and a trophy will also lie competed for by the men in fancy-dress. In connection with Joy Night there will be raffled a gold nugget valued at Tho price of admission will’ include a ticket in the raffle. Other prizes offered for competition are four oil paintings. Late trams have been arranged.

ARTCRAFT.THEATRE. . Hou=e Peters is tho star actor in the Universal-Jewel picture. Combat, which is one of the most thrilling me odranias of the great outdoors > n this popular star has ever "PP en «‘>- “ has commenced a season at the Aitciatt Theatre. With rapid action, fights, a forest fire and a terrific raging torrent this’ picture has many dramatic moments? It is a picture of life in tombeicamp-'. Through it all is woven the strand of a pretty romance between the characters portrayed by Peters and Wanda ITawley. Three excellent aud interesting supporting pictures are screened, all to special music bv James Haydock who will play to-night as entracta, bv special request, “Variations on an Ohl Plantation Melody” (Pope).

'“HIAWATHA.” To-night, in tho Grand Opera House, Miss Nesta Carwell Cooke and MlreJohn Hannah will present the amateu. production, “Hiawatha, from a tisation by Florence Holbrook, ballets included in the “Rainbow ot I’lowers are Firefly, Birds, Tulip. Stunheon, Morning Gfories, Bullrushes. Buitetcdps, and Paisies Peony, I ( ’ lnset ‘ a j Tiger Lilv, Poiir-lear Clover, Holly, and Gerftniuni. There is also to be a ballet of Indians. . The cast of P e s f °^ iel o R / who should give a good account of themselves is as follows:—Hiawatna, Miss Peg’v Welch; Hiawatha, Mr. John Peiifsoh: Minehaba, Miss M. jjailiday; Nokomis. Miss Mudjekeowis, Mr. G. G. M- ; Ai-row-niaker. Mr. G. G. M. M Tagoo, Mr. J. Caughlcyj Priest, Miss KStocker; Famine, Miss K. Stocker; lever,

Miss NicAholls; Youth, Miss Kathleen Haire; C.'libiabos, Mr. Norman Byrne; PapakeWis, Miss Nesta Carwell Cooke; Women, M.Uses Scaife, Blacklock, Bla-k--lOck, Bush, »aiid Ellis; Warriors, Misses Pharlizyn aitd Watson, Messrs. Kirkcr, Pearson, and Sellers.

OfiG'AN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (city orgau.ist) will give his weekly" organ recital at the Town Hall to-niorrew evening, and tho programme has been arranged-as follow: Fragment d’unei Stiito by Bach; Sorutta No. 6 by Meudclssobn; l ied des Chrysanthemes ‘Op. 3 (No. I>. by Bonnett: Scherzo (Op. 70) by Hofmann;; Choral (No. 2 in B Minor by Cesar Franck; and RimskyKoraakotl s Third Movement from "Scheherazade'’ (Suite Syiuphonique for Orchestra) Op. 35.

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. Lover’s of orchestral music in Wellington will no doubtappreciate the concert to be given this evening in the Concert Chamber by Mq’- Leon de Manny’s orchestra. A delightful programme has been arranged, which will include Haydn’s "Military l . Symphony," “Mirella Overture” by Qomnod, and the first performance in Wellington of two lovely .melodies, written for strings only, by Edvard Grieg. Mrs. Clinton Hunt has been specially engaged for this concert.