ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 44, 16 November 1926, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. For gasp-provoking action, spine-ting-ling suspense, clean comedy and tender love scenes, "The Bat,” tho famous mysstery drama showing at the De, Luxe Theatre this week, is in a class by itself. Roland West has taken the Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood stage success and made it into a big "surprise picture." Audiences are kept on the edge of their seats from the opening scenes to the startling finish, when the mask is torn from "The Bat" and ho is disclosed as one of the least suspected characters. Although the plot of the stage play has been followed, new complications have been introduced to battle oven the- thousands who saw the spoken drama. The all-star cast has eminent players such as Jewel Carmen, Jack Pickford, Louiso Fazenda, Emily Fitzroy, Tnllio Carminati, and Robert McKim. Excellent incidental music is played by the De Luxe Orchestra. "THE MIDNIGHT SUN.” A cavern of jewels, a grotto of solid gold and silver, bidden away in the depths of the earth, where the spirits which influence the beautiful gems live in a realm all their own, is the setting for the “Ballet of Jewels” in the Universal SuperJewel production. “The Midnight Sun." which will be shown at the De Luxe Theatre commencing on Friday. The picture was directed by’ Dimitri Buchowetzki, and lias been given an all star cast by Universal. Laura La Plante, whose rise to screen fame has been most rapid, heads the imposing cast. Pat O'Malley is seen in a role entirely different from anything he has ever attempted. As the third principal. Universal is presenting young Raymond Keane. Not only is it Keane’s first prominent role, but also his first picture. George Siegmann, whose name is known wherever photoplays are shown, plays the part of the villain. Arthur Hoyt is to be seen in a most congenial role, as is Earl Metcalf. Nina Romano, one of the screen’s foremost beauties, is also a member of this great cast. Russia has given the picture Mikhael Vavitcli, Medea Radz.ina, Charles A. Hancock, Victor DeLinsky, and William Von Hardenberg. “THE UNFAIR SEX.” From London, via Sydney, comes Joseph Cunningham’s new English Comedy Company, to open a season at the Grand Opera House to-night, commencing with Eric Hudson’s fashionable farce comedy that ran for two years at the Savoy Theatre, London, playing daily matinees with a separate company. “London theatregoers are the hardest in the world to satisfy; in fact I have seen many productions that would have been big successes elsewhere slip into oblivion after a few nights,” comments an English critic. This demand for only the best has made the way' of the playwright an hazardous one. for if he is to win tho • favour of his audiences, he lias to give them nothing but the best. With these remarks in mind one can easily gauge the repertoire of Mr. Cunningham's company, which includes such successes as “The Unfair Sex.” “Eliza Comes to Stay,” “The Sport of Kings,” and “Outward Bound.” The company to interpret these plays is claimed to be a highly distinguished one. with the celebrated London comedy actress, Miss Zillah Bateman, from the principal West End theatres, starring in association with Miss Henrietta Cavendish, Miss Sylvia Clifton, Miss Beryl Barraclough. Miss Vera St. John, and Messrs. Joseph Cunningham, Frank Bradley, Reginald Newson. Charles Macullum, Claud Carter, Campbell Copciin, and Jack Phillips. The Wellington season will extend over a fortnight, during which the four plays mentioned above will be played. The box plans for “The Unfair Sex are now open at the Bristol, and day sales will be available at the Grand Opera House Confectionery from 11 o’clock this morning. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. One day Wellington will wake up )> tha realisation that Hector St. Clair is one of the most amusing comedians seen here in revue. He is one of the rare ones who do not adhere to the ’script, but can improvise humour as he goes along, with a sang froid that is delightful. He was at his best last night in “Tho All-in-one Police Court” in the new revue, “Exit Laughing,” which is well backed with good things. He plays the treble roles of counsel, judge, and jury, ‘‘the fun of which embodies impassioned speeches by the former to the latter, in a ease involving “restitution of convivial nights.” a farce built up on the Enoch Arden theme. His fooling as he bobbed from bench to bar kept the audience roaring with laughter. He was also vorv fnnnv In tho sketches, "Murder Will Out,” and “Ye Simple Maidens,” the last-named a smart interlude, in which three country mice in far-spread-in<r crinolines deceive three smart young fellows from T.ondon town. Mr. St Flair also makes his violin playing matter tor merriment. The company includes a useful actor in Mr. Victor Roberts, and a likeable singer sketch nrtist in Mr Hilton Osborne. Mr Harrv Cash contributed a Dutch clog dance, and yodelled to some purpose Tho Three Rodneys made a pleasant impression bv their youthful grace and liveliness in ‘‘Cecilia’’; Mr. Nicl. Morion sang “H's Too T.nte to be Sorry.” Miss Mmlin McGill and Mr. Oslwrne sang “The Rolls of St. Mary" attractively A clever scarecrow dance introduced tho vimful Ray McLean, and his 1 artner. Dot Cresswell. The revue concluded with a burlesque on “Western” pictures, “The Bad Man,” with Hector St. Clair in the title role. Tn tlio vauxlevillo half of the programme distinction was conferred bv tlie masterly playing of the violin bv Bertini, an executant of rare capacity, who is associated with Byrne, a capable pianist Lorna. Lance and Co., a quartet of juvenile singers and dancers, who were so popular here a few months agix made a welcome reappearance. Lorna lifts a pretty voice in “The Sands of Hawaii.’' and with Lance joined in "The Dance,” in which tho two sang, acted, and danced' very cleverly. T.orna also played the violin, her sister Ferna, the banjo, and Leslie, only five years of caught the audience’s fancy in the comic dlttv. "Dad’s Face.” and also plavcd the drums in great style. Paul du Bur and his partner tore paper into vorv beautiful designs, anil the gifted UarHiy Bros, mingled bright ecmcdv sones ' and gags with some admirable dancing. Mr. Wilfred Kohn’s orchestra was a helpful feature.s

NATIONAL REPERTORY THEATRE. Many of the National Repertory Theatre Society's members and admirers have suggested that it should vary its activities and give the public a taste of its mettle in modern comedy. The committee acceding to these suggestions, requested the director. Mr. Leo du Chateau. lo.put one of the latest Milne comedies into rehearsal, and so the brilliant "Ariadne or Business First” was -elected with' th'e following cast; Ariadne "Winter, Mrs. E. J. Fawcett; John 'Winter (her husband), Mr. Vivian Rhine!; Mary, Miss Louise Fitzherbert ■. 111-tor ( luxiwu-k. ),)■-. P. B. Broad- Hester Chadwick, Miss K. Stocker; Janet Ingleby. Miss Constance Morice, and Horace Meldrum, Mr. W. S. W’atichop. This comedy being rather short, it was decided to do Oliphant Downs’ fantasy ns a curtain-raiser, with Miss Th.vra Baldwin as Pierrette. Mr. Norman Bvrne as Pierrot, and Mr. E. S. Baldwin as The Manufacturer. These plays will be presented to-night an i two following nights, commencing at 7.55. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "The Grand Duchess and the Waiter,” adapted from the French stage play by Albert Savoir, is now appearing at the New Princess Theatre Adolphe Menjou makes a hit ns Albert Belfort, a million niro idler, very much m lov e with a Russian grand duchess (Florence Vidor). Hearing of her taking apartments at a '.ishionable hotel in Paris, and wishing to be ns near ns pot dblo to her, he exchanges positions with the duchess’s personal waiter. ho finds himself very much in her presence. Although blessed with a pleasing manner he is none too dexterous in se-ving tea. with the result that many mishaps occur, which furnish sonic delightful comedy. The second feature on the programme is "Gold Reels,” n Fox film of a most thrilling horse race. No. 4 group of the incrensinglvpopular child contest is lift incline iinir-h attention and Hmre is n grind r-omndv and n gazette. The New P'-bwess Ti-'n plays appropriate musics "Behind the Front” is announced for the next change.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Constance Talmadge in her latest and best "Tlio Duchess of Buffalo." is now to be seen at the Paramount Theatre. Miss Talmadge has the iole of an American ,r irl who wins stage tame in Russia. Creating a sensation in a dariug dance before a brilliant audience, the girl attracts tho attention of a grand duke, who showers her with jewels. But the dancer is in love with a dashing lieutenant, and when the grand auke bears of the affair ho has the young officer imprisoned. The highly amorous ami mirthful situations which follow his escape make the picture one veil worth seeing. The supports include the second scries of Amundsen’s flight to the Pole, a gazette, and another amusin" "Felix the Cat” cartoon, with a capital score of incidental music by the orchestra. KING’S THEATRE, Irresistible humour, touching pathos, and an appealing human note throughout, and all the charm that readers have found a delightful feature of Alice Began Rice’s books, are excellently entertaining features of the Metro-Gold-wyn-Maver presentation of that author’s novel, “Lovey Mary,” which is row showing at t’pc Kings Theatre. Bes<ie Love and William Haines are in tlio leading roles. Miss Love's artistic and sincere portrayal of the lonely < rphnn girl, who lavished all her pent-up affection’s upon a bn by waif, lanks as one of the screen’s greatest characterisations. William Haines, in the 'ending male role, is cast ns a homely milk carter, and' adds still further to his list of successes. Others in the cast are Eileen Percy, Mary Alden, Vivia Ogden, Martha Mnttox and Russell Simpson. A delightful supporting programme, with good music, gives both quality and quantity. QUEEN’S THEATRE. Romance, thrills, comedy and mystery —all arc incorporated into “Black Paradise," the Fox films production featuring Edmund Lowe, Madge Bellamy, and Leslie Fen'>’>. which is now showing at the Queen's Theatre. It is something new in the way of a story, something that is not purely a detective yarn, nor yet the story of a crook, but into which each element is blended in a way that will hold the attention of the audience from start to finish. The picture is full of thrills, the climax being i |;p c' tuition ■’ Inva pouring from whicli overwhelms the inhabitants of an island. All but three perish. The supports include a news, scenic, and most amusing comedy, with tuneful music by the orchestra. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. A unique story splendidly fold; a most thrilling horse race, and a superb cast, equine and human, unite, it .is said, to give powerful appeal to "King of the Turf,” the attraction which will open to-night at the Artcraft Theatre. Carefully chosen supporting pictures, all to suitable music bv James Haydock—whose special entr’acte, "Variations on an Old Plantation Melody." is being enthusiastically received—will complete tho bill.