Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), Monday 29 April 1912, page 9


\ AMUSEMENTS.' THEATRE ROYAL. —Maggie Moore. — : =~Casie o£ Characters. — anvileSweewy, Mr. E. B. Russell; Tat Junior and Mike (the twins). Elsie Ucnnie and Florrie Dean; riantagenet Fordham, Mr. Arthur Shirley; Jack Freeman, Mr. Charles Morse; Bottle O! and Two Murs, Bill and Two Pate; Norah Kanstone, Mis Ethel Bashford; Mrs. Gnsham, Miss Edith Lewis; ilrs. Tacitus, Miss Marie Bruce; Mrs. Muddle, Miss Beatrice Esmond; Miss Addwell, Miss Gladys Oomstock; Mrs. McSweeney, Maggie Moore; chorus. Mesdames D. Solloway, C. Aviol, cad K. Aviol, Messrs. Charles Francis, B. Franklin, and A. Bett - ? In the natnm nf ' fhimrs it r^innot be ex

pected of Maggie Moore that she has^ retained in full measure those claracteristisally happy qualities which made her famous, perhaps a quarter of a ' century igo: Kobody, for instance, could think of her now as the frolicsome and piquant Lizzie Stofel in ''Struck Oil,' as Meg, the Castaway, or as M'Uss. But those were characters that 'delighted Adelaide audiences, at any rate, 20 years back, and even Maggie Moore is not an Arcadian. She has long outgrown the frocks that Lizzie Stofel and Meg ware, for the laugh-tonic which is recommended to stimulate physical affluence has established in her favour a balance of generous proportions. So Maggie Moore., obedient to the dictates of time —and prudence — has fitted into the theatrical .caste as a merry matron of comedy. On Saturday night she was the central figure of a farce at thelTheatre Royal, under the direction of Playwrights, Limited —'Mrs. McSweene'y,' and that person, )ear in mind, was herself. Miss Moore had a cordial reception from a crowded audience, and when she dashed on to the stage she seemed to have stepped out of the picture of long ago. The years have been remarkably kind to her. Maggie Moore laughs at them with her freshness, and it has been said of her that she refuses to grow old, just as Peter Pan managed never to grow up. Reckoning all the circumstances she was most successful, in her impersonation of Mrs. McSweeney. She was lively ''as a cricket, and - almost, as . fresh as a daisy.' Miss Moore, was the life and soulj of £he piece. Her vivacity gave the lie toi her- age, and her voice had still much of its old.-time sweetness, if having the limitations which were the milestones of the journey the veteran has travelled from the ye^rs of 'Struck Ofl,' 'Cairofe,' and 'The Child of the Regiment.' Anyway, neither Miss Moore nor the rest of the company had -much chance in 'Mrs. McSweeney.' Most of the piece is commonplace, and a good deal of it is foolish. If this is a genuine specimen . of Australian comedy, then it is weary and silly humour, which eoipmands pity, and cannot pessibly be laughed at except spasmodically. There is often far more fun in the melodrama with its over-pitched pathos. A blend of Australian patriotism does not improve matters, and Capt. Cook would hardly be flattered for the, prominence he gets through the_ mistaken -identity of an. oil painting. Xeltlfcr is there much glory in Mrs. McSweeney's fervent declaration, 'Sure, if it hadn't been for Capt. Cook ray twins would have been black.' The truth is that Mrs. MeSweeney is merely a patchwork of inferior comedy, through which run two or three threads of domestic sentiment to their inevitable fclicitons goal. The conspicuous performers, apart from Magsrie Moore, are Mr, E. B.- Rust^elL who is entertaining as the boisterous, burly Mr. McSweeney, and Mr. Arthur Shirley, who lives up to the aadnine characteristics of impecunious

Plaritagenet. Mr. Charles Morse overdoes the part of Jack Freeman, and the audience is rather pleased when the twins go to bed. Miss Ethel BashfoH could make a much more attractive eluidcter of Xorah Ranstone, and Miss Edith Lewis ia only fair as Mr?. Gfesham. In her email way Miss Beatrice Esmond is true to the demands of the : President of the Female Emancipation League, and the other features of the caste aie' more or \em satisfactorily sustained. Sonas are contributed by Mise Moore, Miss Co/nstock.' and Mr. Shirley, but most of . them by.'Mrs. McSweeney.' , — Tivoli Theatre.— Strong hooks 'of attraction attached to the Tivoli programme accounted for the 'boom' house on Saturday night. Star artists flashed and twinkled right through the show. Terry and Lambert were there, with new goods. The whirlwind Amaranths are to be there until Thursday night. Fred . Poplar reappeared, after nine years' absence, and anybody who saw him with his melodramatic eyebrows on his two former visits to Australia will book a night at the Tivoli this week.' There was -uso a new soubrette. a willowy creature, from off the English mailboat. Vaude and Verne, the Bright sisters, and James Mullaney helped to make the ''first half' exceptionally pleasurable. Miss Kitty Wager proved possession of several sufficient attributes— slim grace, Iflting feet, and a smile. She brought them all to bear on two serio songs, one of which, ''Smile,' secured for her a flattering response. The four female marvels, the Amaranths, worked the audience nearly to hysteria. Upon their avalanche of dancing acrobatism they played a line of reckless, breathless, humour, all of which caught the -assembly in a sweep of cheers and shrill laughter. There havii been seen turns as amazingly clever, but those four Continental women were overwhelming. Terry and Lambert were cheered to the echo. Their popularity is akin to idolatry, and with reason. New lines of light were woven into their 'Yankee Girl and Lord' sketch. and into the 'Star and Cabby' scene. A new presentation, that of an ''Arry and-his rRia,' achieved another hit. As for Fred Poplar, Mr. Terry paid generous tribute when he himself was beggi':; permission to depart from the stage. He said:— 'You've had half an hour with my wife and me;, now let us make way for, a great artist — one to whom you. will give a grand reception.' The character comedian, intro1 dticed a melodrama parody. He was the villain, and what with producing his own storm and snow effects, and dying in an elusive spotlight, lie kept the house in an uproar. It is a turn which no seeker after laughter medicine can afford to miss. —King's Theatre. — The King's College Boys, a quintet of harmonizing vocalkts from England, secured the honours at the KingV Theatre as newcomers on Saturday evening. They contributed several choruses and solos, and delighted the large juidience. Their combined selections provided the greatest pleasure/as the blending of the voices was perfect. Although most of the songs were familiar, the party rendered them in. a manner that added fresh charms. A routing patriotic chorus, which completed the turn, had to be repeated twice to appease imperative demands. 'Datas,'' described as '-The Memory Man.'' made his first appearance at the King's. He giivc the dates of events specified haphazardly by the public with siee.and rapidity. Many of the questions concerned the most obscure happenings, but the artist's resources were equal to them all. Gel. Delwyn and Annie Tye, the other fresh faces, gave an exhibition of really dainty dancing, and their vocal talents proved no less attractive. The Anderson Trio were responsible for a part;--.uiarly interesting display of gymnastic and contortion feats. Their tricks were performed surely and cleanly. Gus Harris again scored a great success. It will be a long time before the patrons of this theatre wish him pone. He sang 'To-night's the uight,' 'All I want is a girlie,' and 'Piccadilly.' Each item was contributed with characteristic rigour, lna Laragy was heartfly applaude/1 for her clever dancing. Jas. Harvey and Madge Morris produced an amusing sketch. The other contributors to the programme included Joe Wallace, Mabelle. Ruby Wallace, Arthur Stacey, Ernest Pitcher, Beattie McDonald, and George Audley. The reappearance of Tom Armstrong and PrisciDa Verne is announced for Saturday next. ? — Margaret Cooper.—

The boxplans will open at 9 a,m- to-day at Allan's for the first week of Margaret Cooper's Adelaide season, which will commence in the Theatre Roy,al on Saturday evening next, under the direction of Messrs. J. and N. Tait. Experience in the recent Melbourne ?season, showed that patrons had to book early to secure sood seats. Of her opening performance in Melbourne The Argus said:— 'The entertainment was a two hours' delight. Mis Cooper possesses a' rare combination, of- taliaits. ' Supreme above all others is 'lie talent of happiness iu her: task, and the art of injecting others with her happiness. Our Melbourne carrespondenfc telegraphed last nieht:— 'Mk3 Margaret Cooper, : the celebrated London society entertainer, concluded her extraordinarily successful appearances . in Melbourne on Saturday night. Hundreds were turned away. The bookings for the three weeks constitute a 'record.' . —Lyric Pictures and Competitions.—* A crowd estimated at 1,700 persons were entertained at Mr. W. H. Bruce's Lyric Theatre. Grote street, on Saturday night. Every patron received ? a gift of some sort, and amoujr the articles given, away were va=ts. cruet-s, clocks, art overmantels, ami electroplated ware. The movine pictures were- thoroughly popular, and included in the subjects shown were: — '?Cedar Ridge' {a western drama), 'Lieat. Darling' (a naval, story). 'The Little Prospector'' (a nrinmjc episode). 'The Poet's Wooing,' and 'Tmtolini and the Donkey' (comic), and 'Cascades of the Loire' (sarnie), jfnsic was provided by Mr. A. Clayton. Mnci interest was- taken in th*; competitions open to members of the audience. Suoms*tnl Antratit«» JtCTe Ml, *'-- Mfai f-Tf*~«'

(best ? double turn) , Miss . Edna Chaplin md partner f acrobatic performance), Henry ChaHender and Ethel Donnop (sentimental ? song— juveniles), Mabel Kendrick (sentimental sons — adults). The second round af the competitions will begin this evening, and will be continued during the week. —West's Pictures.— To-night .West's Pictures will make another change of ?programme. The principal 'eature is a romantic nautical drama, 'A Sailor and His Lass.' This is a wellthoughtout story, and many interesting and thrilling' incidents are introduced.' They include the. burning of a private yacht at sea, the launch, of a. genuine lifeboat, and an heroic rescue by the lifeboat's crew of the sailors on the yacht. The photographic Quality of

the picture is excellent, and reflects credit on the Nordisk Company, the producers of the film; Another dramatic study is 'A Romance of the Cliff Dwellers.' taken by the Edison Company at the Clifi Dwellers' Canyon, Manitou, Colorado. Around these barbaric people Edison has weaved a tragic romance. Other features include 'Climbing the Yngrar Nielsen,' a famous Norwegian mountain: 'Butterflies,' a beautiful study in colours: and the latest editions of Pathe's European Gazette and Pathe's Australian Gazette. Two comedy pictures are entitled 'Willie's Sister' and 'Got a Match.' To-morrow night West's entertainment will be under the auspices of the Mercantile Rowing Club, and a part of the takings will be given to the club's funds in aid of the. new boathouse. —Town Hall Wondergraph.— There will be a complete change of programme at the Town Hall Wondergraph to-night. Something extra gdod is promised in an entirely Australian production entitled 'The. Tide of Death.' This play was cinematographed by the Spencer Company, Sydney, whose work can bast be judged by previous ? efforts. 'The Tide of Death' is a powerful drama of Australian - origin, framed in a series of beautiful natural settings, and 'scented with the odour of gum leaves.' It met with a magnificent reception in Melbourne and Sydney, and 13 sure to_ attract crowded houses in Adelaide. It «rill be shown at the Town Hall. Another new item will be a spectacular and thrilling war production. 'A Spartan Mother.' This picture is founded 'on the American Civil War, and is said to surpass all former Kalem successes. Patrons wHT be delighted with a study entitled 'Wild Birds at Home.' It is in natural colcjurs, and shows the habits of English wild birds. Another good picture will be ''The Heart of a King's Jester,' a Vitgraph drama dealing with Court life in . the sixteenth century. 'Under Burning Skies,' 'Pathe's Gazette,' and a number of humorous scenic and other subjects will also be included in an excellent programme. The Wondergraph Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. W. R. Cade, will provide the musical portion of the entertainment. Seats may be booked at Duhst & Biven's. —Empire Theatre. —

To-night .signalizes the usual weekly change of programme, when an entirely new c-oterie of the latest and best subjects in photo-plays will be screened, of the calibre that has made the name of the Lyceum Pictures famous. The series is a remarkably powerful combination, and will no doubt meet with the approval of the eyer-increasinfc number of the management's patrons. ? The most striking films will be found in 'His Country Before AH,' a stirring war picture, 'A Mender of .Nets,', a story of the infatuation of a fisherman for a girl, 'The Trouble Maker,' an exciting cowboy story, 'A

Tragedy at Sea, a hne marine drama, and 'A Brute's Revenge.' A fine collection of comic subjects will include 'His Act and Deed.' 'Of: the Deepest Dye,' 'Little Moritz,' Tn the Grocery lane,' and 'Cele-brating Her Saints' Day.' Two good topical subjects will be found in 'Winter Sports in Switzerland.' and Pathe's Gazette. The Lyceam Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. James Stewart, will contribute neiv and incidental selections of music. —Empire Picture Palace, Port 'AdelaideTo-night the management will present as the star attraction on the new programme, the pictures of the recent wrestling match for the world's championship between Gotch and Hackenschmidt. This great bout was witnessed by over 35,000 people, and every incident connected 'with the match has been reproduced. It Tanks as the best film of any important sporting event, and should draw crowded houses to this popuh'x picture theatre. In addition there will also be presented. 'The Military- Air Scout,' 'The Trouble Maker,' 'A Brute's Revenge,' 'Of the Deepest Dye.' 'His Act and Deed,' 'The Wrong Letter,' 'Cele-brating Her Saints' Day.' 'Making a Cinematograph Scene,' ' arwr ''The Manchester Ship Canal.' ? ? UNIVEESITY OF ADELATDH

A meeting ot the council was held on Friday. Present— The Chancellor, the Yicc-Cnancellorv Sir Lancelot Stirling, Hon. J. J. Duncan, M.L.C., Hon. F. %V. Youies,1 Messrs. Denny and Ruthll, JLP.'s, Professors Stirling, Lowrie, Rennic, Mitchell, and Fjjiis, Drs. Poullon and Uavward, and Messrs. G. Brookman, A. Williams, S. T. Smith, F. Chappie, md S. J. Jacobs. The Chancellor, on behalf ot the council, welcomed Sir Lancelot Stirling, the Hon. J. J. Duncan, and Mcs»:rs. LVnuy and kucill, the members bf council appointed at the last session o£ ParliaH!'.-nt. Tiie firsinamed returned thanks. The council appointed the Parliamentary members to committees as follows:— Finance, Sir Lancelot Stirling and Hessrs. Duncan and Denny i education, Jkisrs. Angus and liudall. Mr. H. H. Corbin, B.Se. (Lecturer, on Forestry), ?was 'upnointeu a member of the Faculty of Science. Professor Stirling retJortcd that he bad attended the conference in Melbourne compoevd of memuers cf the Naval Board and representatives of the Universities oi Sydney, Melbourne, and Adeiside in regard to the conditions of appointment cf Medical Officers in the Australian Kavy. The conference had prepared a. report for submission t-j the Minister, and when it had been approved it wculd be forwarded to the several universities. On the recommendation oi the Board of Musical Si 1, die* ai-: of tbe Education Committee the council approved amended regulation of the Elder Scholarships for submission to the Senate The regulations were amended in the direction of roQuirice Elder scholars to take the Associate course. On the application ot the Director of Technical Education in Western Australia the council resolved to recognise Mr. Tattersall, B.Sc., JLSc, F.I.C., as Lecturer in Physics and Mathematics at the ftrth Technical School as successor to the late -Mr. 3. B. Allen, B.A., B.Sc. Invitations, to l-e represented at the fifteenth International Congress on Hygiene and Demography at Washington, U.S.A., in September next, anil the dedication of the New York State Education Building in October, were received, and the question of appointing representatives was referred to committees, with power to act The report of the Faculty of Music in regard to syllabus for the Public Examinations for 1913 and Examiner m Practice of Music -was approved.