“ALPINE ANTICS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 622, 26 March 1929, Page 17

“ALPINE ANTICS”

GEORGE WALLACE AT ST. JAMES

Hilarity held sway at St. James Theatre last evening, when George Wallace, dean of the mirth-making factulty, led his versatile company through a breezy programme. In the sketch, “Alpine Antics,” George was seldom off the stage, and his accomplished fooling and jesting as the bogus count were immense Marshall Crosby filled the part of the jovial inkeeper in his usual good style lie is always a tower of strength in the heavier roles. His rendering of “Father O'Flynn,” clone in the true spirit of the song, evoked much applause. The antics of Maud Stewart and Tup Dudley as the two city girls on holiday were always comical. The rest of the company gave able support.

In the first half of the programme a varied entertainment was provided. Maida Jones proved a bright spark in her handling of the number, “By the Sea.” Her participation in various turns was always conspicuous for its verve and vivacity. A concerted song and dance act, “Tune Up Your Toes,” and a short sketch, “A Life on the Ocean Wave,” were enthusiastically received. In the specialty dances, “The Six Rascals" (who numbered only five on this occasion), again demonstrated their grace and agility. George Wallace and his “Flaming Youths” played jazz in the jazziest style with intermittent foolery that proved very popular. In a sentimental number, “Old Pals are the Best Pals,” George was heard to advantage in a different role that again demonstrated his all-round ability. The singing of Marie Nyman and Marshall Crosby, and the cornice 1 songs and patter crossfire of the Dudleys were up to their usual high standard.

GRAND SHOWS “WOMAN DISPUTED” A character of unusual strength and fascination, perhaps one of the strongest in fiction, is the way critics have described Mary Ann Wagner, the heroine of “The Woman Disputed,” Norma Talmadge’s new picture, the chief attraction at the Grand Theatre. Mary Ann’s life is the drama of regeneration, the romance, of boundless love, and conflict between self and sacrifice. Two men, inseparable friends, fall in love with Mary Ann. Then comes war and the rivals in love find themselves rivals in war. Misunderstandings destroy the friendship of years, and a lust for vengeance springs up in its place. Loneliness, the unending tread of war-racked soldiery, the desolation of battle-scarred country and the pitiless hand of a steel-hearted Invader sweep before the girl in kaleidoscopic rapidity. Suddenly she finds herself face to face with a supreme test: she must sacrifice either honour or country. “Red Wine.” which is on the same programme, is a comedy-drama of an erring husband, -starring June Collyer and Conrad Nagel.