ENTERTAINMENTS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 624, 15 April 1921, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE FAHfIOUS DIGGERS.” MONDAY NEXT. Monday night should witness a scene of enthusiastic mirth and merriment when “Tire Famous Diggers” under the direction of Mr Victor Beck will appear at the Premier Hal!, and present an entirely new programme of humorous items, musical gems, potted revues brilliant ensembles, clever comedy sketches, and eccentric dances from their extensive repertoire. “The Diggers” are a happy band of comedians, sing-

er.-', dancers, and burlesque artists -and have concluded such a highly successful tour of Australia under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd. Of their opening performance in Brisbane, the Courier says:—“The opening’ night of the Australian tour of ‘The Famous Diggers’ on Saturday night was another .■ triumph- for this company. The show scintillates with clean humour and each member is an artist to his finger-tips. The programme is of a broadly popular standard. The company totals twenty. including a well-balanced orchestra of ten artists, and as entertainers thej command enough talent to storm even the most undemonstrative audiences.” “The Diggers” gave an entertainment to 3000 soldiers in Authie Wood. Picardy, at which Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward were present Commenting on the performance a writer in the N.Z.E.F. Chronicle says: “Jo see a show like that run by soldiers was a revelation to Bill and Joe. Both of ’em were invited by 3000 diggers at the top of their voices to get up and make a speech. Bill reckoned that he would tell them at home in what romantic surroundings he met them all. Joe congratulated the troupe and said he had never seen better at Fullers’ and often ] paid ten bob in London and not seen j such a decent revue as he got that j night, ‘backsheesh.’ ” Included in the j personnel of “The Diggers” are Stan ’ Lawson, “the misleading- lady”: Gus. Dawson, ragtime exponent and dancer: Frank Perkins, tenor; Len. Lome, comedian; and Len. Walker, dancer and light comedian. An orchestra of ten artists will be a special feature c p “The Diggers” entertainment. The box plan is at the Bookery.

STRAND THEATRE

TO-NIGHT, (FRIDAY). “ the ' DRAGON PAINTER/’ The splendour and beauty of the settings of “ The Dragon Painter ” would make it a notable production, even if it were without a big dramatic theme and an,, unusual actor supported by a fine cast. “The Dragon Painter” is one of the- beautiful love legends of Old Japan awakened to life on the screen, and as is’ fitting, the entire cast is Japanese. Sessue Hayakawa, the great Japanese dramatic actor, has the stellar vole, and is supported by his wife, Tsuru Aoki. One of the most attractive of the Haworth productions is “The Dragon Painter,” featuring Sessue Hayakawa, and a complete cast of players, including pretty Tsuru Aoki. The role of Tat.su, the mad artist, affords the star a totally different character to portray than any he has attempted. His conception of the pavt is intensely artistic. The story is original in character, supplying a wealth of romanticism, and laid amidst the most beautiful Japanese scenery. Every detail of the picture is Japanese.

TO-MORROW (SATURDAY). “OVERLAND RED.” •They were two happy tramps together. They had discovered the location of a valuable mine and just as a girl had come into their lives, a girl that started them both dreaming of love and a home, a crooked sheriff, intent on learning the location of the mine, arrested them and sent them to gaol. They escaped and separated, Red to seek out the mine and Collie to work on the ranch where the girl was staying. They were about to become fabulously wealthy from the mine. The sheriff and his companions shot Collie in the back, after following him from the ranch when he went to meet his friend Red. In a spectacular gun battle Red avenged his friend, who had been taken to the ranch badly wounded. But Collie recovered under the tender care of the girl and his dream of love began to come true. Meanwhile Red discovered that their mine really belongs to the girl. He also realises that he must give up something far more precious to him than a, gold mine. The unsellish way in- which he sacrifices his own heart’s desire for the happiness of his friend, is developed with telling effect in the Universal production of “Overland Red,” starring Harry Carey, which comes to the Strand Theatre on Saturday.