AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, 5 February 1927, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

“IS ZAT SO?”

Opening at the Opera House on Tuesday next will be something original in theatrical entertainment, when J. G. Williamson (N.Z.), Ltd., will present “the most laughable comedy of all time,” "Is Zat So?” “Is Zat So?” is a unique and altogether different entertainment, a play that combines the most delightful form of comedy with the most compelling and absorbing drama, said one critic. It makes one laugh, and at the same time thrills —it keeps one wondering how it will all turn out. Happy humour, lively laughter, a real plot, a quick fire, wit that crackles all the time, and brings the laughs unceasingly. Three pairs of lovers whose tender passion makes the audience feel young and envious. The characters are sustained by a strong company with the original New York production headed by. Richard Taber, who not only plays the lead, hut is also part author with James Gleason. “Is Zat So?” has been running for two years in New York and London, and is generally recognised as the holder of the world’s long distance laughing record. The box plan is open at the Arts and Crafts.

“THE UNFAIR SEX.”

The big London success which Masterton is to see next Monday is Eric Hudson’s “The Unfair Sex,” a farce comedy with the seal of the fashionable West End Savoy Theatre firmly set upon it. Joseph Cunningham, producer and organiser of the company which is now presenting it to delightful crowds in the north under the direction of Dick White and Eric Edgley holds the rights of these famous farce comedies. “The Unfair Sex” which is usually chosen as the opening bill possesses the unique record of having been performed daily by two separate companies in the same theatre. Keen interest is being manifested in the coming to Masterton. of Joseph Cunningham’s now English Comedy Company with the famous young English cojnedy actress, Zillah Bateman, starring with a notable company in a remarkable repertoire of comedies whose fame has reached the uttermost ends of the earth. The honour of opening the Now Zealand seasons has been bestowed upon “The Unfair Sex,” which speaks volumes for this ultra-clever fashion-able-farcc-comedy. A genuine London success rarely fails in Australia or New Zealand, and “The Unfair Sex” is no exception to the rule. The cast which was specially imported is a notable one, including as it does such well known London names as Frank Bradley, Henrietta Cavendish, Norman Carter, Beryl Barraclopgh, Copelin MacCullum and Cerry St. John. “It is many a day since such laughter has •rung through the rafters of the Wellington Opera House as that which was heard nightly during Joseph Cunningham’s new English Comedy Company’s season,” says a newspaper critic. “It was reminiscent of the best days of the Brough’s and Frank Thornton not only as regards plays and players, but as regards production and setting and general presentation. ‘The Unfair Sex’ is just two and a half hours of sheer delight. The box plan is now open at the Arts and Crafts.

OPERA HOUSE.

“Watch Your Wife,” UniversalJewel ce-starring Virginia Valley and Pat O’Malley, is the current attraction at the Opera House to-night only. It is a photoplay that is certain to cause much comment wherever it is shown. It goes behind the scenes of home life and reveals the many little difficulties that beset husband and wife. “Watch Your Wife” offers something new in motion picture plots. It is clean and entertaining throughout. Miss Valli plays the wife of an author made irritable by his work. O’Malley is the author. Quarrels arc frequent. The wife is just as high-strung as the husband. Divorce presents the only way out, and tl<e two separate. But the husband finds that home without a wife is not much; the wife’s jealousy is awakened when she secs her husband in the company of another woman. The husband’s jealousy is aroused when he secs his wife with another man. The husband’s companion has been “rented” from a social service bureau; the admirer is a fortune seeker. In the role of the wife, Miss Valli adds another to her already long list of triumphs. O’Malley, who has been seen in many varied roles recently, is great in the role of contrasts—first as the zealous author and later as the carefree man-about-town. O’Malley’s work is always finished. The remainder of the cast is well-balanced. Favourite supporting items, including the serial, “ Radio Detective.” Reserves at Henderson’s.

COSY THEATRE

The association of Buster Keaton and Sally O’Ntyl in “Battling Butler,” the Metro-Gold wyn-Maycr screen version of the famous musical comedy, has resulted in a unique and hilariously diverting picture of sparkling entertaining qualities. It will come to the Cosy Theatre to-night for a three-night season. The impassive face of the .famous Buster heightens the ludicrous and excruciatingly funny nature of the entire film. His inimitable type of screen humour has in the story of “Battling Butler” an ideal vehicle and the presence of Sally O’Neil makes the whole a noteworthy comedy. From beginning to end the picture provokes one continuous roar of laughter. To maintain ■this lively interest throughout the length of a feature picture is a remarkable achievement. The story of a rich weakling who poses as the world’s champion lightweight boxer and immediately lands himself into the wildest adventures with brutal bruisers and

tyrannic trainers, keeps every audience simmering with laughter. “Battling Butler” is a real triumph for Keaton, Miss O’Neil, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Good supporting bill. Reserves at Henderson’s, or theatre. ’Phone 1288.