ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2743, 10 June 1924, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROYAL PICTURES. “The Thrill Chaser’’ starring Hoot Gibson, the latest UniversalHoof Gibson special production, directed by Edward Sedgwick, will bo screened at the Royal Cabnrei fo-morrow night. “The Thrill Chaser’’ is about a cowboy who rode his way into the land of romance, fought his way into Ihe movies, fought his way into the movies and out-chanced his rivals in the game of love. Studio life, reflected as it is every day at Universal City, California, with many celebrities np-l'.'-ring in amusing incidents, is the material of important sequences. Besides the directors, the famous stars who appear include Mary Philbin and Norman Kerry of “Merry-Go-Round,” Reginald Denny and Laura. La. Plante. Hundreds of lesser lights, actors and extras who are around the big studio, pass through the sets in their work. A really good picture, full of thrills. Prices 1/-, children half-price. “THE SILENT PARTNER” Has a wife the right lo say in her husband’s business? What is the effect of sudden wealth upon married love? These are a couple of vital questions effectively answered in “The Silent Partner” leading picture attractions at the Town Hall Cabaret to-morrow evening. This story deals with the. wife of a stockbroker who takes summary measures to save her husband from financial ruin. Tt is played by Leal-rice Joy, Owen Moore, Robert Edeson and a. number of prominent artists. Of interest to ladies will he the wonderful gown display. The comedy to-morrow is “The Rare Bird” whilst the programme also includes a travelogue and the latest Gazette. Cabaret Prices. A particularly appropriate title is “Stepping Fast” the story in which the favourite Tom Mix will he seen on Saturday next. In this feature Mix takes us on an adventurous (rip from San Francisco across Ihe Pacific, lo I lie Hong Kong waterfront and hack to Arizona. Naturally the horse “Tony” has a part in keeping with his big reputation. Claire Adams is the leading lady. Prices as usual.

ROBINSON CRUSOE” PANTOMIME.

A SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTION,

There was a large and keenly appreciative audience at the Royal Theatre last night to witness the first locally produced pantomime and Mr Sinclair and Miss La France arc- to be congratulated upon the successful result of their' strenuous efforts over so short a period of preparation. Within a few weeks about 39 children and adults had (o be coached in chorus work, stage deportment, dance movements efc. and the manner in which they all acquitted themse'lves and, particularly the little tots, called forth the unstinted praise of a delighted audience. The scenery and settings of the several acts were excellent, while the dressing of the children was most attractive and reflected credit upon parents and Mrs Hamex. The whole affair went -off without unnecessary delays, which is usually associated with “first nights.” The leading characters were sustained by Winifred La France and Mr Lester Sinclair as the’/‘bov” and “dame” respectively. The former gave the audience an indication of her capabilities as a star actress and her bright and vivacious manner, vocal items and child impersonations fairly .captivated the audience whose appreciation and recalls seemed never to be appeased. The latter as the “dame not only kept the house in a simmer of amdaemivnt with his jokes, songs and antics, but was the centre pin round which the fun circled. A particularly pretty little interlude in which lie figured was the children’s singing of the “Little Red School house.” The youngsters fairly brought down the house in this scene. Another charming item was Ihe graceful dancing of Maggie Smith and Mollie Downes. These two little girls fairly captivated the audience and were given a flattering reception which was well deserved. Mr Harold Hamer as the “Pirate,” not only looked a “bloodthirsty villain” but carried tbe temperament of the character info his vocal items. Frank Lockwood, as “Robinson Crusoe,” accompanied by “Friday” (.John Mathers) added a touch of modernity to his sheepskin make-up, with a battered toplmt which was tilted at a rakish angle, which came off occasionally in polite, recognition to the applause. Hector Perreau took the part of “Friday’s” Grandfather, and his antics as a monkey caused much merriment. Mrs Slade as the “Fairy” looked and acted the part to perfection, her enunciation being very clear. Miss Isie Patterson as “Polly” made a modest and charming counterpart for the leading boy. The work of (he local members of the caste was everything that could he desired their deportment, acting, and general make-up reflected great credit on all concerned. The entire production was in the hands of Lester Sinclair and by last night’s performance he has displayed marked organising ability. In scene 1, “Village of Hull,” the following items were reindered; — Isie Patterson, assisted by little Joan Cowley, “I’m a Great Big Cuddley Kid”; Winifred La France, “Give me the Moonlight,” Frank Lockwood, x “How Are You,” Wini-

fred La France "Keep Your Eye on the Girl you Love,” Lester Sinclair “Why do the Men run After Me” and encore “You Tell Iler I Stutter.” Scene 2.—“ Pirate Ship”:— Harold Hamer “Asleep in the Deep” Frank Lockwood “Can you Tame Wild Women?” Winifred La Franco' “Playthings,” encore “When You’re a Long, Long Way from Home:'’ finale “It’s a Sad Heart that never rejoices.” Act 2, scene 1. —“Bottom of the Sea.” —Lester Sinclair and children “In the Little Red School House;” trio: Lester Sinclair, Frank Lockwood and Jack Mai hers “I Wish,” Isie Patterson and chorus, “Good-bye Hawaii;” Lester Sinclair “Don’t Forget, your Little Dicky Bird;” Harold Hamer,

“Because.” Scene 2.—“ Rainbow Island.” .Tack Murray “Lonesome,” encore “Nora Malone;” Winifred La Frauec Child Impersonations: “I’d Sooner Have a Teddy. Bear,” and

“Abe,” “Mary bad a Little Lamb.” Spectacular dance “Tbe Spider and the Butterfly,” Maggie Smith and Mollie Downs. Vagabond Violinist, “Melody in F” and a melody of Plantation choruses by Jack Murray and "Molly Downs and children in “Stand up and Sing for your Father.” Also special lmllet: Misses Patterson, Perreau, Robinson and Andrews.

The pantomime will be repeated on Thursday night. All those who missd seeing il last night, make a point of seeing it: on Thursday night. It’s worth it.