REVUE’S LAST WEEK

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 756, 31 August 1929, Page 18

REVUE’S LAST WEEK

RFANK O’BRIAN’S FEATURE PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS OF COMEDY Frank O’Brian’s big programme for Die last week of the Auckland season of his “Revellers” company seems certain to make one of the most successful periods in revue. The large audience at St. James Theatre last evening gave Frank (J Brian and his company an ovation at the conclusion of the performance. Request items of successful turns given during tlie season figure prominently in the revue. It is an excellently balanced and highly amusing show, well suited as Frank O’Brian’s farewell to Auckland. As the comedian explained in a speech to the audience, it is difficult to change revue each week, but the company has its last programme mastered thoroughly. rank and Janice Hart manager their funds of jollity pleasingly in the performance, dubbed “Bits and Pieces,” a selected programme including all request items. The popular pair carry out their fooling in an accomplished manner. Frank’s first hit is in the company of Eric Masters, when the two represent somewhat bibulous revellers. They fall foul of Joe Hudson, a ponderous policeman. “ The Bridal Suite” is a clever sketch. Two angles on a honeymoon night are given by Janice Hart and Frank, and Gordon Norville and Mario Ward. “The Dance of the Algerian Army,” featuring Janice Hart. Ernie Brookes and Frank, with the ballet, is colourful. It is preceded by “The Song of the Legion,” in which Gordon Norville sings well. Others of his successes are “Humoreskimo” and “Good Night, Pretty Lady,” but, with Joe Hudson, Eric Masters, Mabelle Morgan and the ballet, he figures in an important item,

“On the Levee.” Eric Masters also sings “A Hundred Years From Now.” But, back to Frank O’Brian’s humour. He saves Eric Masters from a compromising situation in “Auntie,” a bright sketch including Marie Ward and Joe Hudson. Several clever songs are given by Mario Ward and Iris Gumbley. Dainty bell-ringing turns by Janice Hart and the ballet form one of the mgst popular features. The ballet scores a big success with “Sleigh Ride.” In all the items the eight girls are excellently frocked, and the stage settings are well arranged. Ernie Brooks has one of the best numbers, “Regmania,” in which he dances eccentrically. On top of: the company sketches, “Tiny” Douglas’s stage band is in fine fettle and it plays one of the .finest numbers of the season, “In a Monastery Garden.” “Brainstorm,” “My Ohio Home,” with Janice Hart and Marie Ward. “Roses of Picardy,” with “Tiny” Douglas playing the violin, are fine items. Then the pianist, A 1 Batchelder, playing “The Wedding of the Painted Doll,” was twice encored. Chorus work, music, individual turns —Frank O’Brian's players have a really good programme. It is not all light humour, either, as Mabelle Morgan’s singing of the “Barcarolle” showed. And Frank has yet to let Auckland know the meaning of his gag concerning what Eve told to Adam. Last evening he promised to give the secret on the final night.

“The Great Divide," a First NationalVitaphone production, has now been completed. Dorothy Mackaill plays ’■ho leading 1 role in the all-dialogue ■'utdoor drama, which was filmed partially in Zion Canyon, National Park, Utah.