PICKLED PORTER!

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 590, 16 February 1929, Page 15

PICKLED PORTER!

WALLACE AT ST. JAMES George Wallace as a vocalist, as a musician, as a dancer, as an ordinary, or rather extraordinary, nuisance— George Wallace in more roles than he has yet assumed in any one show combined to make this week’s programme at St. James one of the most enjoyable yet. The curtain rises on an original and ambitious ballot symbolising the birth of jazz. Father Time collects the dancers of all nations, boiling them in a big pot from which there ultimately charlestons her way, “The Spirit of Jazz.” “Cloze Props” was Marshall Crosby’s first success, followed with good effect by “Captain John McPherson.” George Wallace then strolled out and called to an unseen “Bill” to “Pull up the curtain mate” and the Flaming Youths were discovered waiting for their leader. No antic is too difficult for George Wallace. The band supported him with good results. Bunny Cannan and Bert Tucker were delightful with their saxophone playing, and Alex. Thompson made the trumpet speak to advantage. Blending pleasingly with the band, the sparkling quintet disposed of some attractive numbers in good style.

The first half of the programme ends with a circus, George Wallace appearing in a scarlet coat as ringmaster with absolutely the greatest collection of freaks and curiosities ever seen on one stage. In this sketch mention must b© made of the great success of Marshall Crosby as a ventriloquist with a remarkable dummy.

“The Pickled Porter” occupies the audience’s attention for the whole of the second half, and George Wallace as an hotel porter is responsible for some splendid comedy work. Maude Stewart, Marie Nyman, Jack Scott and Jim Romaine share the honours with their chief. Marie Nyman, one of the most popular members of the company, has several good numbers, “Just Like a Melody Out of the Sky” being her best effort. The dancing is excellent and the ballet, attractively frocked, is one the show’s best features.

George 'Wallace is responsible for both production and libretto. Bert Tucker is stage manager, and Ivy Moyle ballet mistress.

George Bancroft’s latest Paramount picture, “The Hocks of New York,” will be released in New Zealand shortly. “The Hocks of New York” is a drama of the waterfront, and was taken largely at night time in order to get the right atmosphere. Featured in the cast are Betty Compson and Baclanova.