AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 8 April 1926, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

COMEDY DRAMA AT THE GRAND.

“Wages for Wives,” the William Fox production of the John Golden success, “Chick'enfeed,” comes to the Grnnd Theatre to-night. This clever comedy drama is based on the moot question ,of whether wives should be paid for their household services or not. It is filled with laugh-provoking situations and the characters are very real indeed. SO real are they in fact that more than one meiiibor of the audience will recognise their next-door neighbour among them. The argument, upon which the story is based, arises on tho day of Nell Bailey’s wedding, when her father discovers her mother has held out on the premium payments to provide Nell’s trousseau —and tho mother discovers that hor father has borrowed on the policy itself to invest in nono-too-ccrtain bonds. Nell leads tho revolt of the wives when her newlyaoquired husband fails ,to agree with her. She establishes them at a farmhouso in the country, prevents them from communicating with their respective spouses and awaits results. In the meantime the husbands are getting very tired of shifting for themselves. Danny, tho bridogrooin, is forever hunting for a means of declaring a truce or reaching some sort of an agreement. Tho others reach the point where they are willing to arbitrate-—when the wives return and find them in the company of the villngo vamp. About that time it looks as if the comedy would have a sad. dramatic ending—but old Mr Tevis, the station agent,, who is the walking newspaper _ of the community, saves the. situation. Supports include a screaming Imperial comedy, “Tho Heart Breaker,” and the latest “Fox News.” Scats may bo reserved as usual. ’Phone 486.

A MYSTERY SENSATION, “BEFORE MIDNIGHT.” Just as mystery stories have always hold a high place in fiction, they take pre-eminence on the screen. As a striking example of tho strength which concentrates in such a tale, “Before Midnight;” tho latest William Russell picture, is said to stand out notably. This Royal picture. comes to the Theatre Royal this evening. The narrative deals with the invincible U.S. Secret Service. So cleverly is tho plot presented that, Russell appears more as a super-smuggler, who in some way is connected with tho theft of a priceless gem from Rome. Alan Roscoe as the crooked private detective has a difficult, role, yet ho handles it with supremo finish. Barbara Bedford is said to have performed the best role of her career as the society girl in love with tho mysterious suspected smuggler. Tho -scenes arc placed on the Pacific Const and in Los Angeles, with tho result that beautiful photography enhances tho value of tho acting and the plot. Before ho mado tho picture William Russell made a careful study of tho methods employed by Secret Service agents. Fortunately, ho-nmhbers among his friends several members of that, organisation, and from them' he acquired valuable suggestions. In addition, Mr Russell lias always been a Btudcnt of tho servico and his interest centres in detective work perhaps to a greater extent than anything else !exeept his art. According to advance notices it ranks high among tho mystery pictures.- Supporting films will include “Tho Universal News,” Charles Putty in a star comedy, “Speak Easy,” and the clover Wanda Wiley in a Century scream, “Speedy Marriage.” Seats may bo reserved through ’phone 570. “THE FARMER’S WIFE.” THEATRE ROYAL, TO-MORROW. To-morrow (Friday) evening, at tho Theatre Royal, J. C. .Williuiiison, Ltd. will present an entirely new English company, including tell noted London artists, in Eden Philpott’s comedy of rustic manners, “The Farmer s \\ it'e," for one night only. It is a play of homely wit and sparkling dialogue, and tho atmosphere is English to the last degree. It is a comedy of old Devonshire, rich in local humour, and tinged hero and thero with sufficient pathos to make the story Worth While. “Why are old maids?” once said a guileless a- good chance when they get it.” All youth, and tho answers according to the farmer in the play would seem to be legion. “Because they are too nervous to show their feelings—‘because they • become too independent-—because they giggle, because they can’t grasp theso answers apply to all spinsters ill this play, who say “nay” to their first offer of marriage, arid tho sensible ono of tho lot is tho one who eventually claims the coveted title, “Tho Farmer’s Wife.” Tho company presenting the play includes many English artists who appeared in the original production in London. Prominent in a. big cast arb Miss Doris Johnstone, eventually the farmer’s wife; Townsend TVhitling, the farmer; Su3ari Richmond, a pernicketty old maid ; Edwin Brett, as the farm hand''; and clever character studies' aro presented by Dougins Vigors, Frances Cave, Reginald Newson, Grahhin Stuart, Violet Ley, Millie Englor, Peggy Welch, Doris TaSselles, Daphne Unin, Enunalino Oxford, Arthur Greenaway, and Eardley Turner. Tho scenery, effects and music will all bo t.vpicai of the atmosphere of tho story, distinctly English. The Box plans are nfnv open at the Bristol. '