Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), Saturday 27 March 1920, page 6


IN THE THEATRES

'THE MAN THEY COULD NOT HANG.' Conimeneins at tlie matinee at the Theatre Royal to-day the sensational -story of John Lee, 'The Man They CouJd Not Hang,' -vtClI be presented twice daily, it would be difficult to imagine anything, either fiction or fact, that provides so much material for dramatic situations as this account of the Babbaconibe tragedy. John Lee was a personal friend of Emma Keyse, who had been, a maid of honour to the late Queen Victoria. Miss Keyse was foully done to death, and the circumstantial evidence pointed directly to John Lee. He was arrested, and despite liis protests of innocence, was convicted and sentenced to death. On the eve of his appointed execution Lee stated that ' lie would live to prove his innocence, and that night he dreamed that the gallows would not work when called upon to do so. The dream caused a sensation, but when it actually came true people who were loudest in Lee's condemnation now proclaimed his innocence. Mr. Frederick Haldanc, the English, actor-orator, will lecture at both matinee and night sessions. The plans are at Allan's until noon to-day, and thereafter at tie Theatre Royal Office. 'MIND THE PAINT GIRL.'— AT WEST'S. Lily Upjoihn was bom aW brought up in the slum district of London, and after the death of her father she secured a position in -tine chorus at the big Pandora Theatres. The composer was seeking in vain, for a theme for a. new soug wben a scene painter accidentally dropped a pot of paint down from his scaffolding, and Lilv screamed 'Mind the Paint GirL' This gave the composer his inspiration, and Lily was allowed to sing the son?, and became famous overnight as the 'Mind the Paint Girl.' The real heart interest in the etory is where a. fine army officer resigns from the. army rather than go away with his comrades. He wanted to be near Lily wihfle waiting for her to become bis -wife. She was now known as Lily 'ParradeM.' Wihea Lily is courted by Lord Erancombe, the former arniy officer, her old sweetheart discovers them . together, and this is the Trig scene of the play, -which is described as tremulously impressing. 'THE GREAT LOVE.'— AT WONDERGRAPH. 'T never really knew the full meaning of the word gradousneas until I went to England and .began to produce my picture plays over there,' eaid Mr. D. VV. Griffith recently, speaking of 'The Great Love,' tie Paramount masterpiece which is to be screened at Wondergraph on Wednesday next. *^]he personagea with wihom I was working had kindly offered their services as actors and actresses in my Btory; they were giving me their most valuable time simply as a courtesy. But a more willing and obliging assembly I have never had.' Mr. Griffith was referring to the titled personages who appeared in portion of Tie Great Love,' including Queen Alexandra, Lady Diana Manners, Elizabeth. Asquith, Countess Maaserine, the Hon. Mrs. Montague, Lady Lavery, and Katherine Stuart-Worthley. It wag in return, for producing 'Hearts of the World' that the foremost women of the British Empire offered to appear in one of the master-direotor'e photoplays. The featured players include Lillian Gish, Robert Harron, Henry B. Waltball, and George Faticett. BESSIE BARRISCALE— AT THE PAV. ?Monday's feature at the Pavilion will be Bessie Barriacale in -'Witiiin the Cup.' Lorraine, a young American -writer, iias lost faith in life and love since being made the victim of deception at the hands of a man she had loved while studying art in Paris. She. comes to America, 'and is known, m Boihemian eirck3 as a girl whose life ia bubbling over with the effervesoence of nocturnal New York. In refined society she is admired as a. famous and popular author. Her dual personality is never suspected. At a bal masque she meets Le Saint Hammond, a serious-minded painter. He is purely business-Hike, but she scorches Ilia 6oul with her burning passion. During the entire evening she refuses to remove her mask. Later, in the rale of e famous author, she meets Hammond again. He does not recognise her. Both fall in love, but Lonraino, wjioae faith in love has been wrecked, is afraid to love him. Tie events that follow lead to a most unusual and unexpected climax. 'MOTHER HUBBARD' AT THE TIVOLI. For sustained interest, pure, unadulterated fun, whimsical situations, and a carnival of laughter '-Mother Hubbard' has made a place for herself in the hearts of the people. It ran for U weeks in Melbourne. Tlie pantomime has been well styled 'a run on the Bank of Fun,''' and Mr. Barry Lupino in his inimitable portrayal of the Dam? has registered the lughwater mark of his already distinguished career. He is ably supported by Mr. .Tack Cannot, who has invested Mr. Hubbard with a distinction all his own. Miss Wensley Russell as principal 'girl,' Miss Marjorie Carlisle as principal 'boy,' Miss Klsie Parkes, the fascinating premiere danseuse, lliss Daisy Yates, and Kelso Henderson in the ballets, and Mr. William Ifass;'.n as the wise dog ''Lucky' are all moving spirits in this great production. Other artists are Moon and Morris, . EngINU pauto-.Tiimists; Maurice Dudley, a IVilliant character actor: Dorothy Leigh, second 'boy;' Edith' Walker, fairy queen; Geity Latcliford. vivacious soubiette; Colin Crane, baritone; and Les Coney, original sketch artist. A full chorus of excellent quality will also take part, in addition to the numerous captivated ballets originated by Miss Alice Parkes. The whole pantomime is produced under the direct supervision of Mr. Barry Lupino. Tlie 'Mother Hubbard' season commences at the Tivoli Theatre on Easter Saturday at a matinee, with other special matinees on Easter Monday mid every Wednesday and Saturday, when a feature will be made in the ''Sweets Ballet' by a special distribution from the Mage of choice bags of lollieF. The booking plans will be opened on Monday next. GRIFFITH ASKS GREAT QUESTION. Will the prayers of mothers whose boys were killed as a result of the world war be answered? Or will the bereaved motherliood of the world have offered up invocations to nothing more than a mere fancy? This is the daring thought D. W. Griffith, master motion-picture producer of the world, presents in his latest creation, 'The Greatest Question,' which will he been at the Town Hall, commencing Easter Monday. Never before in the history of the screen or Etage has this almighty problem been brought face to face with the public and in a inanncr that cannot bo misinterpreted. Weaving his thought through the meshes of a simple story about farm folk who arc deprived of an oldebt and favourite son through the war, Griffith calls for the answer of the greatest question. 'BABES IN THE WOOD.' On Saturday nest 3Ir. W. G. Coombe will inaugurate a pantomime season at the King's Theatre, with Milton & Gaul's 70 wonders in 'The Babes in the Wood.' Mies Stella Gaul has been engaged as principal boy and Miss Mildred De Lain as principal girl. Mr. Jack Duval is tlie new dame, aud the musical director is Mr. Claude Spangler. The first matinee will take place on Saturday afternoon. The plan will open at Allan's at 9 o'clock on Tuesday. 'ROSE OF PARADISE.'— AT WEST'S. Seventeen years back Virginia's uioUier died at tier birtih, and the heartbroken husband was ]-laoed in a. home by his halfbrother Jordan Morse. Jordan is happy in the administration o£ hia brother'* money, but there is the knowledge that Virginia, wili inherit the money on completing her eighteenth, year. Thomas Singleton breaks free from his gaolers and flies to 'warn -thc child. Under has dying instructions Virginia goes to Late Graudqken, a cobbler, who has reason to admire her father. Lafe has a wife Peg — with a womanly motherly heart, and Virginia comes as a balm to her starved soul. Virginia plays exquisitely on the violin. TJieodore King, a young man of wealth, hears her music, and begs her to play for his guests. Lafe and Peg consen-t under protest. Virginia must be rigged out appropriately, and Peg's cherished laoe curtains apd some of Lafe's stock-in-trade are utilised to gaily bedei-k joyous Viiginia.' Jordan is guest at the party, and he seeks the he'I-p of Maudlin Bates, an unwelcome lover of Virginia's, and Mollie is only too ready to further his plans, for Theodore declared his love for the ?''Rose.' Between them they kidnap the girl, but Maudlin turns traitor and is shot by Jordan, -who throws the blame on thr. cobbler. Millie forces the

girl to wire King, denying her love for him. Virginia, escapes in tie nick of time and proves that Jordan is the murderer. The ending is most satisfactory. THE EGG CRATE WALLOP.' Charles Ray's latest photoplay, The Egg Crate Wallop,' a Paramount picture, will be presented at Wondergraph an Wednesday next. It is a T. H. Ince production, the story being written by Julian Josephson. Much of the action centres round an extraordinary boxing contest, in which, the star actually participates. Ray is no common fighter. His tactics will satisfy even the most hardened fight fan. He plays the role of a country boy who has been drawn into the bout at the last minute, and is all the more eager to punish his opponent when be learns he is the man who had caused -iim to leave bis home and who bad endeavoured to usurp the affections of his girl. The match lasts four rounds. Ray endures terrific punishment at the hands of his skilful opponent, but eventually an opening presents itself, and he places his famous ''Egg Crate Wallop' — so named because it was developed^ by handling heavy egg crates. In gaining a knockout he opens the ivay to nis reinstatement at home asd happiness with. hi« sweetheart. Colleen Moore is the girl. EMMY WHELEN— AT THE PAV. 'A Favour to a Friend,' which wiil be the special feature at the Pavilion on Thursday next, is a romantic comedydrama. Il is an interesting breezy sort of story- com'binmg romance and adventure. It has for its star the brilliant comedienne, Emmy W3ielen, fitted with a most charming role. Hera is the part of Mary Worthington, heir to a valuable estate of her father. The story deals with the -tiiirilling and novel adventures through which 'Mary travels in securing her rightful property. It is absorbingly told in a series of exciting incidents, culminating in one of the strongest situations ever conceived, and has been staged in beautiful settings and artistic exterior backgrounds, which make the whole an attraction suited to the tastes of the enLire family.In In the Theatres continued on Page 7.

IN THE THEATRES *YESf UNCLE.'— AT THE THEATRE This delightful production -will be staged by tie popular J- C. Williamson Jj«w Musical Comedy Company, which last appeared here in 'Going Up.' Adelaide theatregoers should appreciate the compliment J. C. WiUiamson are paying them, as, like 'Goinfr. Up,' the new play 'Tee. tinde,' is to receive its Australian, debut in Adelaide. The production is said to be bright, spectacular, and attractive. The pretty scenes, elaborate dresBine, charming soloe, and eccentric dancias are pleasing to the eye, while the catchy songs and sparkling choruses rfiarm the ear. There are many old favourites in the cast, amongwhom are Field Fisher and Alfred Fnth, George ITOliBouehby, Pirie Bush, Harry Wooton, Jack Hooker, Gracie Lavers, Millie Engler Qltarie Eaton, ftfadge Elbot, and Cecil Bradley. The season is to be of -3iree weeks' duration i and the repertoire includes a revival of ''Going Up, 'JJ1^ tKnis,' and 'So Long, Letty. There ?grill be a special holiday matinee on taster Monday.BIB BIB ROSS SMITH'S TRIP. Sir Ross Smith has decided to present Ibis entertainment, which will comprise the ipewnal recounting of the story of the great air voyage, and a. remarkable motion Sncture record, unde rthe direction of Union Theatres, Limited. In older that he may be able to fulfil important contracts in I^ondon, Sir Boss Smith, has mapped out a series of town hall seasons in the -various capital cities, opening in Adelaide on May 3. He hopes ifl this way to give, the people of Australia an opportunity' to hear from his own lips the complete narrative of the flight that set all the world agog. The cineinatograpii record is now- being edited by Capt. Frank Hurley. whose photographic diary of the intrepid quartet 'a experiences in r&eir homeland wiH link up with the other pictares-tof the great flight from Hounslow to Darwin taken by Sir Ross Smith personally. HARRY BORRAOALE'S COMPANY. The weekly change of Harry Borrati&le's taienfed company at Austral t»-J-r-dens reveals that the clever artists ave by no means at the end of their resources. An outstanding feature -is Mies Lulu Bart's be:utiiul dancing. Miss Hart brought out vhe steps of PaderewskiB 'Minuet' with grace and perfect rhythm of movement. Her song 'They're _ All After Me' also proved popular. Mus ?/Vfana Brown contributes ''She Jb lar TVom the Land' -with tenderness aixd cfharm, while Mias Edith Moore rave 'Waiting' with feeling.' Mr. ..William BvBrard sutoits the tenor ballad ''Once' in capital styue, and as an encore 'There's e Race We Call Home.' Another number to receive favourable notice is Mr. 6am White's rendering of Dvorak's ''Humoresque.' Miss Peggy Merrit and Mr. Hairy Borradale rendered capitally the duet, 'You Know What I Mean.' Mr- Borradale was delightful in 'Any Girl from. Anywiiere.' Comedy is supplied an Mr. Sara White's ejrpknation pf the mystery of the 'Maid of the Mist,'' nnd 'The Happy Land,' by Messrs. White, Everard, Gregory, and Borradale. Mr. Harry Gregory is amusing in. 'Bil-liards.' The company added a refined fend humorous burlesque 'ImpresaKms of a Vaudeville f?how.' Other successful artists were Tom Richards and May Belle. There is not a dull item anywhere. THE STORY OF GINGER MICK. ?Widen the proposal to put 'Ginger Mick' on the ecreen was first mooted by E. J- Carroll many experienced folk said 'It can't be done.' Producer Raymond Longford took the matter in hand, and after consideration decided to amalgamate Dennis' poems 'The Moods of Ginger Mick' and 'Doreen' into one scenario under the title of 'The Story of Ginger Mack, a* told by his Cobber, title Sentimental Bloke.' The result has been as happy as the conception. The Bloke and Doreen axe shown as happily married, their little farm flourishing, and young 'BD1' as an ex&na item in the scenery The opening reels deal witi Ginger Mick's life up to the time of his going to 'the flamdn' war.' His subsequent letters from the front are received by the Bloke and hie wife, and the incidents described there are depicted, on the screen. It is a film full of humour and pathos, and a worthy euocssor to the famous record-breaking '.Sen-timental Bloke.'