THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 98, 1 June 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

THE COLOSSEUM.

At both afternoon.-arid evening sessions on Saturday the attendances at the Colosseum were large, especially.flic kitter, when the audiences gave ample proof of their appreciation of the entertainment provided for them. The customary change of film subjects will be made to-night, when a special feature of the new programme will be * * Threads of Destiny," a production of the celebrated Vitagraph Company. The story deals with life in a large circus, and the evolution of the plot is said to be surpassingly able and novel, introducing many startling episodes. Another film which should command a deal of attention is "The Big Camp, an authoritative record of the work and daily routine of the Dominions Territorials at the recent Hautapu military encampment. It proved exceedingly attractive in Auckland and Wellington. The latest "Gaumont Graphic" (topical), "The Elusive Diamond" (drama), and "Picturesque Greece" and "The Tale of a Cab" (comedy) complete the programme.

HIS MAJESTY'S. To-night the usual new w&elc's programme will be introduced at His Maiesty's Theatre, when a thrilling and dramatic film awaits patrons who make theUv wa.y. to this.jdpular picture house, "it is "a picture l>y the Cines Company, of Rome, entitled "The Forest Dweders " and unfolds a story of a great legacy—an unequal fight for a fortune, and introduces capitalistic and labour troubles. A fine coloured scemc shows "The Roman Campagna, and another excellent educational scenic is Jn Dauphiny." "The Canine Hero" is described as a wonderful animal star play, featuring the marvellous sagacity and courage of a beautiful uog. _ pretty story <*ch a - simple straightforward plot., is a dramatic item, The Ring,'' and the latest'' Path 6 Gazette , furnishes illustrated world s news of topical interest. A couple of good comedies "The " Schemers" and "Taming Terrible Ted" complete the programme. There will be a Matinee on Wednesday afternoon at 2.30.

OPERA HOUSE. • The audience at the Opera House on Saturday night, when the final presentation of a successful programme was made, was bath large and enthusiastic, and all the artists appearing were accorded hearty receptions. To-night _ a special and diversified programme will be presented, including the special starring engagement, direct from America, of Josephine Gassnian and her piccaninnies in comedy, song, and dance. Another special engagement from America, and first appearance here, is Bay Lawrence, in his entirely new and novel act, "Just an American Girl." The popular comedian, Dennis Carney, and the stock company will present a laughable comedy sketch, " The Other Fellow." Other artists who will make their reappearance are those tried favourites, Phillips and Merritt, American entertainers and tangoists, featuring the latest ballroom craze and new Bj>ecialities; Carlton Wax, ventriloquist; Herr Ernest Franz, pianologuist,; Jolly

Marie, English eomediehne, in new impersonations; and Knowles ami Lee, popular comediennes. To-morrow and Thursday the two great tango competitions will take place, when twenty-four couples will vie with one another to secure the approbation of the audience. As this is the' first time that such a competition has been placed before the Chriatehurch public, the enterprise of both the Fuller Company and the tango teachers should meet with its just reward, and there is indeed little doubt but that it will. The box plans are now open at Milner and Thompson 's.

SYDENHAM PIC TUBES. On Saturdayafternoon and evening the Sydenham Theatre was well attended, when the current programme was shown for the last time. This evening the first change for the week will be made, and the star film is a production by the well-known Cines Company, "The Forest Dwellers." It is descriptive of an equal fight for a great legacy, and of the deeds done to secure it. The plot is said to be replete with thrilling episodes all through. The supporting pictures make up a strong and varied array. They are " The Pathe ette" (topical), "The Ring" (drama), 4 'The Schemers'' ( Vita comedy), '' The Canine Hero" (drama), "In Dauphiny" (scenic), "A Glance at the Roman Campagna" (scenic), and "Taming Terrible Ted" (comedy).

\ GFLOBE THEATRE. The j Globe Theatre was well patronised at all the sessions on Saturday, when the programme introduced for the first time on Thursday was shown for the last time. To-day the first change of the week will be made, when the new list will include "The Path of Genius, ' an extraordinary drama, full of thrilling situations, showing the struggle of genius against fate. "The Tango Tangle" is a comedy of the Keystone Company, and a particularly blight and attractive one. Two other < omedics, which should prove easy mirth-makers, are entitled "A Stern Papa" and "The Slumberville Seare." "The Warwick Chronicle, 295" has an abundance of interesting topical news, and Toll-gate Raiders" is a powerful diama. Ihe pictures will be shown during the usual hours to-dav.

OLYMPIA RINK. Large entries have been received for {lie first of the season's poster and fancy dress carnivals on Monday evening next, and the function promises to be a brilliant success. There were large attendances at all the sessions on Saturday, and to-day the link will be open during the usual hours.

"UNCLE TOM'S CABIN." A new musical melodramatic version of Mrs Harriet Beecher Stowe's renowned work will be presented by the George Willoughby New Dramatic Company at the Theatre Royal this evening. It is said the production wi.ll be run on distinctly novel lines, the original story of the horrors of slave life in early American days being unfolded whilst brightened by unique scenic effects and darkey joy night plantation festivities. Melodrama is a law unto itself and its ways are not to be measured by the ordinary miles that make the

art of the stage. Its requirements will therefore undoubtedly be fully met by the promised attractions in "Uncle Tom's Cabin." There is abundance of incident of every kind: from merrymakings on the old plantation to thrilling escapes across the frozen ice pursued by wolf hounds and pathetic illustrations of old time slave sales. Leading parts will be assumed by Mr Cyril Mackay and Miss Nellie Fergusson and remaining roles capably sustained by the full strength of Messrs Willoughby, Ltd's strong combination. The production is to be under the supervision of Mr Lester Brown from New York. Specialty numbers are to be introduced by The Era Comedy Four, New York Jubilee Singers and the National Duo.

The box plans open at the Dresden, and day sales may be obtained at the Toy Cave.