ENTERTAINMENTS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 625, 19 April 1921, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

STRAND PICTURES. "i TO-NIGHT—“HELD IN TRUST.” Miss May Allison’s next l&cal screen appearance is scheduled for to-night at the Strand Theatre, when the enchanting golden-haired star will portray the stellar role in “Held in. Trust,” which Metro has adapted fiom the story by G. K. Turner. As the thread-bare little shop girl, she is ever pleasing and appealing. In the department store, and later in the midst of the luxury, she gains unwittingly falsely, the Metro celebrity makes Mary Manchester live. To describe the whole story would rob it of all interest centred in it. Don’t fail to see it to-night because it’s far too good to miss. THURSDAY NEXT. The first law of nature is that of self-preservation, and this forms tb.3 theme of the Pathe featui'e, “ The First Law,” in which the dainty and lovely Irene Castle as the heroine passes through- untold vicissitudes at the hands of a band of blackmailers in whose toils she has become enmeshed through a youthful marriage to a worthless husband. The story is mystifying to a fade-out, and the star gains one’s sympathy for her natural and appealing impersonation of Noma Webb. The leading man is the old favourite, Antonio Moreno. In support of the star comedy is a rollicking comedy with the breath of the old Keystone days in every scene, only more so. Larry Semon is the eccentric party responsible for the roars and shrieks of laughter that the comedy evokes, and any one who cannot raise a pain in the side from, simply looking at it, must be in need of instant medical attention. You starts with a grouch, the grouch becomes a grin, the grin becomes. a snigger, the snigger becomes a giggle, the giggle becomes a smile, the smile becomes a laugh, the laugh becomes a peal, the peal becomes a roar, the roar becomes a shout, the shout becomes a convulsion, the convulsion becomes a side-ache, and you become n nuisance, and there you arre. SATURDAY, APRIL 22. “BLIND HUSBANDS.” On Saturday next a jewel cle luxe production entitled “Blind Husbands” will be unspooled. It is the story of a neglected wife who becomes involved with an Austrian officer whole sole interest in life is women and on the silent majesty of the mountains crushed his puuny soul and freed one good woman from his greedy tentacles, is vividly portrayed. See it on Saturday next. THE- PIERROTS. During the season of seven weeks in Auckand which the English Pierrots are just concluding, the press were unanimous in their praise of the company and programme. The Herald speaking of the second change says: “The new programme presented by the English Pierrots to a large audience on Saturday evening provided a most enjoyable entertainment, entirely free from unwholesome features and abounding with bright musical items and humorous interludes. Setting a merry swing with their opening chorus, the company kept the ball of fun and frolic rolling for over two hours while the audience was treated to gay and grave by artists who thoroughly understood the art of entertaining.” The Pierrots this year are presenting their entertainment under a revue style with the title of “Bits and Pieces.” The programme includes excerpts from well-known operas, latest London humorous sketches, quartets, solos, dances, mimetic novelties and individual scenes by each member of the company. The company is exceptionally strong in musical numbers and comedies plenty of laughter and fun is promised, and on the musical side the Pierrots are renowned for their quartets and operatic numbers. Well-known members of the company who are appearing again this year include Chas. E. Lawrence, David J. Lyle, Roy Cooks, Leslie Austin, Lillian Colenzo, Moya Crosslev Harry Schofield and a London producer, Lieut. Edmund Warrington. The Pierrots appear in Pukekohe on Wednesday next at the Premier Hall. Box plans are at the Bookery.