ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE PICTURES MUSIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12615, 27 November 1926, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE PICTURES MUSIC

DE LUXE THEATRE “BEVERLY OP GRAUSTARK.’’ Marion Davies, heroine of many romantic roles, plays one unlike any in her entire career, in her new Me-tro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, “Beverly of Graustnrk,” which opened at the De Luxe Theatre last evening. Miss Davies has played romantic heroines in historical dramas in the past, and has been the centre of court intrigues in mediaeval times, but this time she is playing the romantic centre in a European court intrigue—but of the modern day. Royalty goes through its devious political bargainings and romances, but it is all strictly up to date —so much that a good deal of modern history is, perhaps unconsciously, echoed in the story, which is a spectacular adaptation of George Barr McCutcheon’s famous novel. Beverly Calhoun, returning home from boarding school, was thrilled to discovered to be the heir to the throne find that her cousin, Oscar, had been of Graustark, a European kTnguom. She and her cousin proceeded to Graustark, where they were met by the duke who was acting as a temporary regent. In the meantime, General Mnrlanax, pretender to the throne, had learned of the coming of the young prince, and plotted with Saranoff, one of his officers, to assassinate him. Miss Davies plays the a cousin to the crown prince of a European kingdom who, to aid her royal relative, engages in a daring masquerade in which, in his uniform and with her hair clipped short, she impersonates him to foil the plot of a pretender to the thrfSne. A notable cast surrounds the star, with Antonio Moreno in the leading male role besides Roy D’Arcy, Creighton Hale, Paulette Duval, Albert Gran, Max Barwyn, Charles Clary and others. Sidney Franklin, director of many of Norma and Constance Talmadge’s successes, directed the picture, which is produced on a lavish scale, wfith gorgeous settings and costumes, at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. There are excellent supporting features and, as an added attraction, the famous Orchestra De Luxe, under Miss A. Bryers, plays “La Burlesque” (Suppo) and the Gavotte from “Mignon,” besides much fine incidental musio by famous composers. The nrogramme will he repeated until Friday next, and there will be a matinee at 2.30 to-d“>y. EMPRESS THEATRE JOHN BARRYMORE IN “THE SEA BEAST.” The whaling days are gone. No longer do four-masters sail forth from New Bedford to scour uncharted seas for the Leviathan of the deep. The breed of salt water men who feared neither the gales which swept the sky nor the monsters beneath the sea, has passed. , ■ , “The Sea Beast.” John Barrymore s marvellous film which opened at the Empress Theatre yesterday, preserves for future generations the romance of those days of 1840. . His interpretation of Captain Ahab in “The Sea Beast” lifts John Barrymore above every previous effort on the screen. In this role are those contrasting values which make for truly great acting. The shy. tender love of youth fires to passion beneath the soft moonlight of tropic nights; a gay heart with every promise of fulfilled happiness sails away; a sturdy man gives battle to the monster of the deep and is torn and crippled for life. Fear of pity ages this youth and when Fate mocks him into the belief that the girl he loves has been won by another, hate scorches his soul and desire for vengeance writes its hideous lines upon the face once lighted by love. Transition upon transition: youth and love and honest ambition; the terror of a soul struggling against the madness of revenge unsatisfied; and the escape of Ahab from his self made horror. Never was there such a role and never such an actor to play it! The heroine of this romance, which is taken from the novel, “Moby Dick,” is the beautiful Dolores Costello. There is an excellent supporting oast. W. G. Fields and Louise Brooks ar© seen in “Its the Old Army Game,” a splendid comedy, which will be seen at the day sessions only, excepting today, when “The Sea Beast” only will be screened. A special musical score accompanies the programme. KING’S THEATRE “THE SKY RAIDER” AND “DON’T.” Captain Charles Nungesser, whose heroism as a soldier of the air is known the world over, comes to the King’s Theatre in the “Sky Raider,” a Paramount release, in which he is featured with Jacqueline Logan. As written by Jack Lait, expressly for Nungesser, “The S'ky Raider” shows romantic and thrilling episodes from real life of the world’s greatest ace. The action of the early scenes takes place in France, but most of the locale is in the United States, where the villain, after tangling two romances, commits the fifst mail robbery, but is brought to earth in thrilling manner by Captain Nungesser. The star in this remarkable production is cited for the destruction of 45 German ’planes, and further credited with 60 more—a total of 115. “The Sky Raider” may turn the minds of men to new trails of the air, where the flying mail and the globe-circlors have blazed the way for commerce of the sky. The most wholesome and fascinating comedy-romance in months is provided by the supporting feature, “Don’t, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer adaptation of the entertaining story by Rupert Hughes. The combination of plausible plot and clean humour makes the new picture the last word in screen entertainment, and its gripping interest is heightened by a delightful romance and tense dramatic moments. Sally O’Neill is given a further opportunity of appearing before the public that has shov/n the greatest appreciation of her universal beauty, piquant personality, and marvellous screen ability. In her role as the college girl, she is irresistible and adorable. John Patrick has the leading masculine role as the girl’s sweetheart, and gives an excellent performance. But it is Bert Roach, as the bibulous uncle, who steals the male honours. A cross-word puzzle cartoon, as original as it is entertaining, makes up a wholesome and delightfully enjoyable programme, enhanced by the musical offerings submitted under the direction of Mr A. H. Jerome. The programme will he repeated throughout the week.

iiiimiiiiimiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE HECTOR. ST. CLAIR’S REVUE. Hector St. Clair and his splendid com pany have further ample opportunities for their undoubted fun-making abilities in “Stop Press,” the current revue at His Majesty’s Theatre. As “The Harassed Comedian,” the principal simply convulsed the large house last night. His spontaneous, effortless, vein of humour, never failing in its quaint succession of original mannerisms, posturing, etc. He was equally amusing in the sketches. “Taken by Surprise,” “Matrimony,” and “Painless Extraction.” The revue abounds in bright, catchy vocal numbers, Leslie Pearce making decided hits in “I’ll Take Her Back,” and “Because They all Love You.” The vaudeville first part is up to the theatre’s usual high standard. The Lorna, Lance Company, a clever band of juveniles, continues popular in their vocal and instrumental offerings; Clyde and Yvette present really up-to-date dancing; Bertini and Byrne are heard in tasteful piano and violin duets, and the Cartliy Brothers, talented English comedians, contribute merry jokes and humorous duets. stranTtheatre DOUBLE FEATURE BILL. There’s a delightful comedy at the Strand Theatre at the present moment, which is called “How Baxter Butted In.” This picture opened last night to a very enthusiastic audience, which had real cause for enthusiasm because the photoplay is a sparkling stream of real fun. in the capable hands of Dorothy Devore and Matt Moore, who share stellar honours in this latest Warner classic of the screen. Dorothy Devore does some very excellent work in her part of Beulah Dyer, the “steuo.” She and Mr Moore axe irresistibly funny as a team, and when the story becomes a little more serious and some drama is interjected, they are not a whit less capable in their interpretations. “How Baxter Butted Tn” is admirably directed and William Beaudine, who handled the directorial end for Warner Bros., again proves his genius for creating amusing entertainment. The second feature, “The Demon,” starring Jack Hoxie, is a story of bronzed-faced men who, for sheer cool nerve, chivalry, and good humour, have no equal the world over. Supports include comedy, gazette, and scenic. PARAMOUNT THEATRE “THE GREATER GLORY.” Exoellent in its realism, with a tremendous appeal to human sympathies, “The Greater Glory,” which had its premiere at the Paramount Theatre yesterday, is a picture in a thousand. Nothing approaching it in emotional sweep has been seen on the screen for many seasons. Anna Q. Nilsson, Conway Tearle, Lucy Beaumont, May Allison, lan Keith, and Jean Hersholt, the principal players, are to be credited with giving superb performances. The story relates how Fanny von Berg, favourite niece of Tante (Aunt) Ude, lovable, old-fashioned aristocrat, around whom the life of a voluminous Host of kinfolk revolves, is sent from Vienna to a drab farm by stern relatives to permit them to outlive a scandal that Fanny unwittingly has precipitated ujxxn their proud heads. • Fanny is played by Miss Nilsson, and Tantellde by Miss Beaumont. Fanny rebels, leaves the farm and soon in the ensuing world war becomes a central _ figure in the extravagant night life in the city. Yet, it is this dem i-mondai ne’s big-heartedness that supports her aloof relations when war’s blight descends upon them. The departure of the final contingent of troops for the front; the terror of an air raid; bread riots; a contrasting scene of revelry in the luxurious haunts—all are shown. “The Greater Glory” has the tribute of tears in addition to the laudation of laughter. A first-rate musical score is rendered by the Paramount Orchestra, and this greatly enhances the programme. “THE GENTLE CYCLE”-BUCK JONES STIRRING PLAY AT QUEEN’S. Buck Jones, the stalwart cowboy of Fox Films productions, has a new kind of role in “Thp Gentle Cyclone,” whioh opened its Wellington season at the Queen’s Theatre last evening. He is a fighting pacifist, and his two-fistedi attempts to restore peace bring about many highly amusing situations. Thrills, action, and speed are composites in this latest Western thriller, which narrates how the famous star, as Wales, uses his own particular methods to settle a long-standing feud between two neighbouring l'anchmen. Each cattle-owner has a comely daughter ; each hates the other; and each has foresworn a deep and terrible vengeance. Then it is that Buck, as a hired peacemaker, comes into the scones. Instead of using the expected force of arms, Buck reverts to. the philosophy of girls, and, using one against the other, finds a solution of the trouble. It must not be imagined, however, that the peaceful and calm, solution is reached without fistic difficulties. Mr Jones is the cyclone, although at times a gentle one. if gentle cyclones there be. In anv event, Buck leads the way to peaceful valleys and departs with a contented people behind him. How it is achieved forms a thrilling story, deftly and delightfully told, in the “Gentle Cyclone.” Tiny Rose Blossom, who •plays the featured feminine role, makes her presence felt when her protector gets into action, despite her diminutive size. She proves that she can fight as well as advise, and when she is not mixed up in exciting melees, she is busy shouting encouragement to Buck. This latest Fox production of the open spaces is appealing to a degree, and met with the approval of a large audience last evening. The excellent supporting programme includes an interesting gazette and scenic, and an excruciatingly funny comedy. The incidental musia is very appropriate and includes the overture. “Comrades in Arms,” and the entre’acte, “Valentine,” which in itself is a treat. The programme is adjudged as “one of the best yet,” and will be continued throughout the week. ORGAN RECITAL Mr Bernard F. Page (city organist) will give bis usual weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) evening, and the programme will consist of the following items: (a) Prelude from “La Bnmoiselle Flue,” (b) Rrcludo from “L’eufnut Prndigue.’’ bv Dcbussv: Svmpbonv No. Bin B Minor (“Pathetic’"), by Tchaikovsky. (The >vlxple p£ JJys gygipjipuy will bo plaxcdA

GRAND OPERA HOUSE ‘‘ELIZA COMES TO STAY” FINAL PERFORMANCE TO-NIGHT. There was another large audience last evening at the Grand Opera House, Iwhen JoUph Cunningham’s London Comedy Company repeated ‘‘Eliza Comes to Stay.” The story | describes the horror of a young bachelor, the Hon. Sandy Verrall, who has a hoydenish girl willed to him. In disgust he makes a trip, and returns to find that Eliza has blossomed forth into rin attractive young person. A change of name to Dorothy, charming clothes, and attention to her diction have worked wonders, and the Hon. Sandy marries her. The transformation of Miss ZiTlah Bateman (Eliza, the ugly duckling) to Dorothy (the dazzling butterfly), shows acting of rare artistry on the part of Miss Bateman. CamxiDell Copelin is well suited to his part of Verrall, the bachelor who carries the responsibility of Eliza on his shoulders. Others who do excellent work are Miss Henrietta Cavendish (Lady Pennybrook), Miss Sylvia Clifton (Vera Lawrence), Miss Beryl Barraclough (Mrs Alloway), Norman Carter (Alexander Stoop Verrall), Moncrieff McCallum (the valet), and Frank Bradley (Montague Jordan). The final performance of this brilliant comedy takes place to-niglit. PROVINCE AL~TOUR Messrs Dick White and Eric Edgley, under whose auspices Air Joseph Cunningham’s New Elnglish Comedy Company is completing a highly successful season of two weeks at the Grand Opera House, Wellington, tonight, announce a brief provincial tour of “The Unfair Sex” and “Eliza Comes to Stay” as follows: Hawera, Thursday, December 2nd, “The Unfair Sex”; New Plymouth, Friday and Saturday, December 3rd and 4th, “The Unfair Sex” and “Eliza Comes to Stay”; Hawera (return visit), Monday, December 6th, “Eliza Comes to Stay”; Palmerston North, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 7th and Bth, “The Unfair Sex” and “Eliza Comes to Stay”; Wanganui, Thursday and Friday, December 9th and 10th, “The Unfair Sex” and “Eliza Comes to Stay.” A season at His Majesty’s Theatre, Auckland, will follow, and the Christmas and New Year seasons will be played at the Christchurch Theatre Royal. Messrs White and Edgley wish it be understood that the scenery and appointments as used at the Grand Opera House, Wellington, will be taken in their entirety to the above-mentioned , towns, and patrons may look forward ' to the productions being presented- in the same efficient manner as they were at Wellington. “THE GIRL BEHIND THE COUNTER” MUSICAL COMEDY FOR OPERA HOUSE. Thursday night will see the first production in New Zealand of the musical comedy from Wyndham’s Theatre, London, “The Girl Behind the Counter,” which Mr David Devitt Is producing at the Grand Opera House in aid of St, Mary’s Home, Karori. The name part is played by Alice Harris, who, as Winifred Willoughby, the daughter of General and Lady Willoughby, masquerades as an assistant in the flower department of La Maison Duval, and falls in love with her first customer, Charles Chetwynd, just back from West Africa. Norman Byrne is Chetwynd. Both Mrs Harris and Mr Byrne are the possessors of beautiful .voices and do ample justice to Howard Talbot’s music. The comedy is in the capable, hands of Lillian Grey, Mollie Plimmer, Kathryn Murie, Mabel Robertson, Robert Charlton, Jack Cannon, Joseph Hunt, Harold Abbott, James McBryde and Leslie Anderson. In addition to Florence Heyworth and Phillip Low, the speciality dancers include Joan Carter, Muriel Wilton, Gladys Smyth, Irene Wilton, Iris Low, Zeena Holden and Doe Wheeler. Messrs Kirkcaldie and Stains are supplying gowns, millinery, eto. for display m the first act. Mr Len Barnes is in charge of the music. Box plan is now open at the Bristol where holders of six-ahilling iiokets may reserve their seats. GILBERT AND SULLIVAN CO. THE FAREWELL TOUR* The success achieved by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company has never been equalled m the theatrical history of New Zealand, and the fact that this popular organisation is to visit the leading cities and towns again will be appreciated by lovers of genuine comic opera. The numerous requests which have been received in the provincial towns for “Tho Yeoman of the Guard” is being acceded to, and this glorious English comic opera will be staged at Napier on Thursday, December 9th, at Hastings on Friday, December 10th, and at Palmerston North on Saturday, December lltli. The company will present “The Gondoliers” to playgoers at Mastorton on Monday, Docember 13fch, and they will begin a farewell season of six night at the Grand Opera House, Wellington, on Tuesday, December 14th, when a magnificent revival of “Tho Gondoliers” will be staged. On Wednesday afternoon and evening, December Isth, “The Yeoman of tho Guard” will be performed, and on Thursday, December 16th, the exquisito fairy opera, “lolanthe,” will be performed. On Friday, December 17th, “H.M.S. Pinafore” (preceded by “Trial By Jury”) will be presented, and on Saturday afternoon and evening, December 18th, the exhilarating Japanese opera, “The Mikado,” will be revived. The season will close on Monday, December 20th, when the deliciously tuneful and very amusing opera “Tho Pirates of Penzance” will be produced. Playgoers will, be glad to have another opportunity to enjoy the works of the famous collaborators, as it may be some years before they are revived in Now Zealand again. Tho present organisation compares more than favourably with any that have appeared in the Gilbert and Sullivan works for many years, including as it does the dashing young lyric tenor, Mr James Hay; the popular comedian, Charles Walenn; the brilliant young Australian soprano Miss Strella Wilson; tho famous Gilbertian artist, Mr Bernard Manning; tho very clever oomedian and baritone, Mr John Ralston; also Lanoo Fairfax, Leo Darnton, Patti Russell, Mabel Gibson, Effie Armstrong, and Miss Winifred Wiliamsan, whose characterisations were greatly appreciated during the original season here. The magnificent chorus is an outstanding feature of all the operas and so is the orchestra, both of which are under the direction of Gustave Slapoffski. The box plans for the Wellington season will be opened at the Bristol Piano Company on Friday, December 10th.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE “THAT’S MY BABY.’’In ‘‘That’s My Baby,” his latest hilarious starring vehicle, which commenced at the New Princess Theatre yesterday, Douglas MacLeau returns to the rollicking, swift-rolling type of situation comedy typified by such past performances as “The Hottentot,” “Going Up,”- and “Introduce Me.” Unlike many of the other current faroes, “That’s My Baby,” has the novelty of a series of situations that are refreshingly new. The irrepressible Mac Lean plays the role of an infatuated young man, who falls in love with a feminine ankle, starts a whirlwind courtship of. the ankle’s lovely owner, only to find himself suddenly saddled with a strange baby at a time when he needs a baby about as much as he needs smallpox. Comic complications pile up with increasing rapidity and take an unexpected turn when gives the girl’s father what he thinks is a headache powder, but which turns out to be poison. The second feature is “The Snowshoe Trail,” starring Jane Novak. Founded on the novel by Edwin Marshall, it depicts in dramatic sequences the story of a beautiful society girl who goes adventuring amid frozen, silent spaces of the North, in search of her missing fiance. The supports are a gazette, comedy, screen snapshots, and No. 5 group of the children’s beauty contest.