STAGE AND SCREEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 3 August 1929, Page 11

STAGE AND SCREEN

Mr Allan Wilkie and. his company have commenced another tour of New Zealand, presenting an entirely new repertoire of eighteenth century English comedies, comprising such .famous productions as “The School for Scandal,” “She Stoops to Conquer” and “The Rivals.” These plays will he staged at Nelson during a season which will extend from 30th September to 2nd October inclusively, and it is possible that “Julius Caesar,” one of Shakespeare’s mpst powerful works, will be presented

at a special matinee. Richard Brinsley Sheridan, author of “The School for Scandal” and “The Rivals,” was one of the most brilliant and versatile Irishmen who ever lived, lie was a poet, playwright, orator and statesman, and was also manager of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. Oliver Goldsmith, author of “She Stoops to Conquer,” attained fame in four distinct branches of writing. That play is one of the most famous in the English language. His novel “The Vicar of Wakefield” "is admitted by commentators to be one of the greatest stories ever written, and liis poem. “The Deserted Village” is regarded as a veritable masterpiece. Goldsmith was

also author of some of our greatest essays. To-night, “Going Up" will be staged in Blenheim by the Nelson amateurs. As on the occasion of past visits it is anticipated that the Nelson society will receive generous support from the people of Blenheim. On this occasion the fact that "Going Up” is being put on for tlu> sake of the earthquake relief fund should be an additional inducement to theatre-goers. There never lias been a feverish rush in any progress movement initiated in Blenheim, and the committee which set out to arrange the necessary guarantee to secure ft visit Jrom the Allan Wilkie Company did not experience any wild burst of enthusiasm (states “The Express”). There were many expressions of pleasure at the prospect of the visit, hut it required a lot of newspaper publicity to ensure a guarantee of 250 season tickets, which was achieved yesterday. It is interesting to note that over 700 circulars were sent out to folks ivho were considered likely to he interested in the proposal and that 190 individuals have been responsible for the guarantee of 250 season tickets! Still the visit is assured, and it is anticipated that there will continue to be a steady demand for season tickets during the i next two months.

After so many conflicting reports, it is pleasing to learn definitely that Noel Coward’s revue, "This Year of Grace,” will he played through New Zealand. When flic Williamson management decided not to bring this show from'Australia, it was arranged <o send a vaudeville company in its place, with Miss Maisie Gay ((lie star of “This Year of Grace”) on the bill. Since then, however, arrangements have been made to bring the successful revue, and it is announced that it will he one of the firm’s next attractions.

After seeing the productions of “Show Boat” in London and New York, George Highland, the producer, and Minnie Everett, who will arrange the ballets, dances and ensembles, are of the opinion that, as in the ease of “The Desert Song,” the Australian production of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will he the equal of those in England and America. Several artists arc coining from London to play roles in “Show Boat.” Among them arc Frederic Bentley (the comedian of “Rose Marie”), Muriel Grecl, Glen Dale, Nydia D’Arnell and Bertha Belmorc (who appeared in the Australian production of “The Cradle Snatchers”). George Bryant, Lou Vernon, June Mills, Eileen Ogden and Katie Towers will also he in the cast, which will number over 140.

Richard, Dix’s first all-talking picture has already arrived in New Zealand and is scheduled for early release in the Dominion. Dix has always been tremendously popular in silent pictures, and from all indications, his talkingdebut should send him further up the ladder of fame.

“The Gallant Hussar,” has Ivor Novello in the role of a beau cavalier, who is at once the flapper’s hope and the moneylender’s despair, a combination of personalities which is distinctly entertaining. It is a charming love story with a background of Huiigarian military life and the leading role is in the.hand of Evelyn Holt. Bad luck at cards does not usually suggest good fortune in love-making, but the hero of “The Gallant Hussar” appears to assume that although the fall of cards was usually against him the ace of

trumps and most of t lie others would surely he dealt him when he turned love-making. He adds gaiety to - the proceedings by making a general mess of his army career and .then acting the fortune hunter a little too obviously.

Harry Green, well-known on the Australian legitimate stage, has been chosen to play the leading role in “Kibitzer,” an adaption of the stage success of tile same name. Green will be remembered by his fine piece of acting as tlie inimitable theatre manager in “Close Harmony” now screening in Auckland.

Not every woman in the world can he beautiful, but every woman can he attractive and interesting, is the belief of Nonna Shearer. “Perfect beauty is not always a charming quality,” she says. “Just because a woman is beautiful it does not mean that she is always attractive. One may not be born with classic features, large eyes and luxuriant hair, hut one may acquire charm -and the faculty for being interesting.”

Reginald Denny regarded it as a happy coincidence that the making of “His Lucky Day” coincided with the luckiest day of his life. Denny was married to Miss Betsy Lee, his former leading lady, while “His Lucky Day” wav in production.

Adolphe Menjou sings for the first time before an audience in liis new alltalking picture, “Fashions in Love.” Victor Schertzingerm, director of the photoplay also composed the music for the song" that Menjou sings. The title of the number is “Dclhpini,” the words for which were written by Leo Robin, well-known lyricist.

Here are more talks about talkies:— Charlie Chaplin does not intend to talk in pictures. Mary Bickford won’t make any more silent pictures. D. W. Griffith thinks the talkies will destroy the theatre within five years. Roland West, director of “Alibi,” banned in New Zealand, says the talkies have concentrated interest on the actor who can talk and thus benefited the theatre. He also thinks the demand for .stage-trained players will prove of benefit to the legitimate theatre. Joseph M. Schenck declares his next year’s product will consist mainly of talkies. ,