ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 10, 9 December 1926, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NEW LONDON COMEDY COMPANY.

“ELIZA COMES TO STAY.”

The New London Comedy Company concluded their local season last evening with a delightful presentation of the well-known comedy, “Eliza Comes to Stay.” In the title role Miss Zillah Bateman gave a masterly performance and she was ably supported by tho well-balanced cast headed by Mr Campbell Copolin who played opposite Miss Bateman. At tho conclusion of the performance Miss Batoman thanked the audience for its appreciation of the company’s efforts and stated that they would bo returning to Palmerston North on January 22. 23 and 24 —or for two nights if they could not manage the third —when they would produce among other pieces “Tho Sport of Kings.” (Applause.)

PALACE. CONWAY TEARLE IN “DANCER OF PARIS.” Dorothy Mackaill appears on the screen of the Palaco Theatre this week in the title role of Michael Arlen’s finst picture, “Tho Dancer of Paris,” presented through First National by Robert T. Kane. It is a somewhat new Dorothy Mackaill who graces tho various scenes in “The Dancer of Paris.” In many of the sequences she appears with her hair straight back, with only a few undulations interrupting its shiny surface. And she not only presents a new appearance. Her work is said to be moro vivid, more dramatic* and possessed of more depth than it has ever had before. Miss Mackail was selected to fill the important role in the first Arlen picture ever screened over several dozen actresses who were considered. Not only did the successful actress have to conform with the distinct requirements as laid down by the author, but she also had to know how to dance. Miss Mackaill was tho only actress who could fill the bill from every angle. Conway Tearle is starred in “The Dancer of Paris” with Miss Mackaill. Robert Cain appears in the role of the “heavy.” The work of tho two men is reported to bo as distinctive as that of tho feminine star. Cain, it is said, handles an exceedingly difficult role cleverly. Alfred A. Santcll, who directed Kane’s “Bluebeard’s Seven Wives,” acted in tho same capacity in “Tho Dancer of Paris.”

KOSY, HOOT GIBSON IN “THE PHANTOM BULLET.” An unqualified treat is in store for patrons of the Kosy Theatre, commencing today when “The Phantom Bullet,” a Uni-versal-Jewel, starts its featured run. This is a story of the great west. “The Phantom Bullet” concerns tho search of Tom Farlano for the slayer of his father. To allay suspicion, he adopts the disguise of a city fop. In this way he is successful in deceiving tho villain and his men, but unfortunately Jane Terrill, tho girl on whom he has sot his heart, is deceived as to his true character. Tho famous Hoot Gibson is tho likeable Tom Farlane. As a hard-riding, scrapping buckaroo, he. makes a great hero, and in his self-appointed masquerade, he uncovers a hitherto unsuspected lino of comedy that enhances his reputation. The fair-haired, blue-eyed Eileen Percy is the captivating Jane, blie portrays her different role with finesse and vivacity that make her selection a most happy one. The rest of the cast includes a list of screen favourites whose names would grace any production. They include Pat Hannon, Nelson McDowell, William H. Turner, John T. Prince, Gilbert “Peeweo” Holmes, Rosemary Cooper, Robert Milash and others. An exceptionally strong and brilliant cast will bo seen in tho Sclzhick picture, “The Last Hour.” Milton Sills, the leading man, long recognised as a star of tho first water, enacts tho role of Steve Cline, a reformed crook, and is ably supported by Carmel Myers, a charming actress steadily forging her way to tho forefront of film players, who plays the part of Saideo McCall, a refined young woman, tho daughter of a forger, who, although surrounded by crooks all her life, comes through to glorious young womanhood, unscathed. These two enact numerous tense dramatic scenes, in which they are supported by such players as Charles Clary, famous in numbers of heavy roles; smiling Pat O’Malley, star of “Go Get It” and other successes. In addition to these aro Alec Francis, character man for years with tho old Vitagraph Coy.; Walter Long of tho villainous visage; Eric Mayne, English character actor, and a host of others, forming altogether as representative a group ot screen players as tho most critical could wish for. Universal’s new chapter play, “I ho Ace of Spades,” will bo shown (at the night sessions only), also entertaining and interesting supporting subjects to add variety to a good solid bill.

DE LUXE. PETER B. KYNE AND RUDOLPH VALENTINO. “More Pay—Less Work,” ilio film production of Peter B. Kyne’s story, which opened last night at. the Do Luxe Theatre is a fast-moving coinedy-drama that ends in a riot of roars. It is centred around _iiis famous Gappy Ricks and everyone will welcome the return to the screen of this cantankerous hut likable shipping man and of his associates. A merger of Gappy Ricks’ Blue Star line with that of Dad Hinchfield’s Banner Navigation Company ha* been arranged to end a business rivalry of years. Hinchfield has modern ships but antiquated methods. Gappy’s ships are old. but his methods up to date, so the merger should prove mutually profitable. Details are all arranged, but when Dad finds out that Gappy’s name will come first in the firm’s name, the deal is off. Then Dad is called away and Willie decides to run things. How he gets into a jam and out of it with the help of Ghester, the janitor, will send patrons away roaring with laughter. Mary Brian and “Buddy” Rogers are the young people whose romance puls an end to the enmity of their fathers played by Albert Gran and E. J. Rateliffe. Otto Hoffman plays tiie office manager and Charles Conklin as the janitor supplies a great part of the comedy. A subject of considerable interest on this programme is “A Society Sensation” starring Rudolph Valentino.

J. C. WILLIAMSON’S OPERA CO

“THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD.” There was a very large demand for seals when the box plans were opened this morning for the production of the exquisite comic opera. "The Yeomen of the Guard,” in which the J. G. Williamson, Ltd., company will make its final appearance here at the Opera House on Saturday night next, and the indications are that it will bo greeted by a record audience. The wonderful successes which have been achieved by “The Yeomen of the Guard” during the present tour prove that it is as fresh to-day as when it was first staged in London in 1888. It was first produced in Australia at the Melbourne Princess Theatre in April, 1889. Nellie Stewart was Elsie Maynard, and William Elton Jack Point, Ida Osborne was Phoebe Mery 11, G. M. Leumane was Colonel Fairfax and Howard Vernon was Wilfred Shadbolt. Among those who were afterwards seen &£ Elsie Maynard in Australia were Clara Merivale, Fannie Lydiard, Flora Graupncr, Florence Young and Dolly Castles; and George Lauri and Charles Workman are recalled in the part of Jack Point, the jester. The fact that the present organisation is said to give the best all rodnd representation of ‘‘The Yeomen of the Guard'* has added interest to the production, and that this is correct has been proved by the fact that it has attracted larger audiences during the present tour than ever it has on previous occasions. Tho company, which has just terminated a brilliant return season in Auckland, will shortly leavo for Australia.