THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 139, 18 July 1914, Page 13

THE THEATRES.

COLOSSEUM. Last evening there was again a very . large audience at the Colosseum, when "A Fight For a Fortune," a spectacular detective drama, was screened most successfully. The supporting pictures also are full of interest and go to make ■up a highly entertaining programme, which will be screened finally this ingHIS MAJESTY'S. The screening of "A Day of Days" and a strong series of supporting pictures was responsible for another large audience attending His Majesty's Theatre last evening. The production is excellent, the story, acting, and photography being of the best. The programme will be shown finally this i evening. OPERA HOUSE. The Opera House again proved a eentre of attraction last night, when another very large audience witnessed the splendid programme which has been runRing ?o successfully this week. It will bt; presented finally to-night. Next

week's special programme will be headed by the exclusive starring engagement, direct from Hammerstein's Theatre, New York, of Mr Edward Biondell, claimed to be America's greatest comedian. He -will appear in his original absurdity in one act, entitled "The Lost Boy," and will be assisted by Miss Katheryne Caine, the noted American actress. The Edward Blondcll season will be strictly limited to six i.ights and one special matinee. There will be a strong supporting company, incJuding Crotten and Kremka, Roman poseurs and athletes; Leslie and Sol Bern, presenting their comedy sketch, '' Motorin',''; the Eary Comedy Trio of Acrobats, and others. The box plan is GLOBE THEATRE. The current programme at the Globe Theatre has been attracting much favourable attention, the star drama, '' Duty,'' being a highly interesting production. The supporting pictures also are an attractive series and will be presented finally this evening, a new series being promised for Monday. SYDENHAM PICTURES. The current programme at the Sydenham Picture Theatre, with the spectacular detective drama, "A Fight For

a Fortune'' in the forefront, was screened again successfully last evening, together with the splendid series of supporting pictures. The programme will be presented finally this evening. On Monday the Cines masterpiece, "Antony and Cleopatra,'' will be presented, depicting the great love tragedy of the Eoman General and the beautiful Queen of Egypt. OLYMBIA RINK. All the sessions at the Olympia Rink continue to be well attended, especially in the evenings and on Saturday afternoon, when the Olympia Band is in attendance. The same hours will be observed this evening and on Monday. "THE SMART SET." The above phenomenally successful costume comedy under the direction of Mr Branscombe is to commence at the Theatre Royal on Thursday next. This company has been taken over by AJLr Edward Branscombe, whose well "ami favourably known ? ' Dandies'' have appeared here with such conspicuous success. The '' Smart Set' 7 possesses a certain distinctive individuality which distinguishes them from the "Dandies," but exactly what that trait is, it is hard to define. The only way to appreciate this is to see them for yourself.' Mr

Branscombe is desirous of preserving this distinct "atmosphere," and is giving local patrons an opportunity of witnessing this combination at the zenith of a very successful tour. The repertoire has been considerably added to since their last visit, several new artists of the front rank, in addition to the old favourites, will also appear, and the very latest specialities and "hits" will be features of their programme, which will be changed frequently during the season. Musical comedy in miniature will also be presented, and the tango dances and tango- burlesques will be special features of the programmes. The box plan is at the Dresden, and day sales at the Toy Cave.

"ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA." The first presentation of Cines's classic reproduction of '' Antony and Cleopatra'' is promised for Monday next at His Majesty's Theatre. The success of this film at Auckland and Wellington is stated to have been of an unprecedented order. The film is said to fairly bristle with brilliant spectacles, but that part of the drama which excels the rest in picture story is the series dealing with the war waged upon Antony by Rome, on resolutions of the Roman Senate. It begins with the meeting of the Senate, in which the | "assembled fathers" of Rome are shown in a resurrected Curia. Then the invasion of Egypt follows. The heaviest expense in the making of the film was incurred here. A large number of Italian sailing vessels, approximating in size and lines to the ancient Roman galleys of war, were leased, and, under the direction of the best classical scholars of Italy, were altered and remodelled to be propelled by oars, as in the days when Rome was mistress of the world, by sea as well as 011 land. At Toronto or Tarentum,. the very port i from which the main body of the Roman fleet sailed, the film producers built a I stone quay 011 classic models, and 011 historic ground, famous for the original ' event, it reproduced the embarkation of the Romans. The galleys were then ! taken out to sea, and followed by a specially chartered steamer, and were several times filmed to show the passage of the army over the Mediterranean. A highly exciting section shows the easting of a girl slave to the alli- ' gators. An augmented orchestra has been arranged for under Signor Martinelli and Mr Whitley. Box plans are available at the Dresden for the six nights' season. There is no extra charge for booking. MISCHA ELMAN OPENS TO-NIGHT. Mischa Elman, the world's greatest violinist, fresh from his triumphs in Australia and elsewhere, gives the first of his two concerts here in the Theatre Royal this (Saturday) evening. It is surprising to find the universal chorus of approbation which has everywhere met this, young., virtuoso and New Zealanders are fortunate in being able to hear him in the zenith of his wonderful powers and success. From all accounts this visit of Mischa Elman will be regarded as unique in the annals of his-1 tory for we have with us an artist who has musical Europe at his command, and can draw all sections of the community to his concerts, and what is more hold them by the wonderful talent that he is blessed with. There have been violinists and violinists in this part of the world but admittedly there is only one Elman and these two opportunities commencing with this evening will assuredly, or at least should be, taken full advantage of. Apart from the artistie treat the educational value of Ehnan's visit to this city must be incalculable. His tone is peerlessly beautiful, and above everything else there is a world of meaning in all that heroes with his violin. Under his magical fingers it passionately sings the melody of Lalo Andante, it laughs mockingly in Mepliisto's "Calf of Gold," diablerie, it jubilantly trolls the merry dances of the southern peasants. At the second concert. to be given here 011 Monday evening Mischa Elman gives an entire change of programme. Mile. Eva Gauthier, the brilliant French-Canadian mezzo-soprano, will be the vocalist for the evening while Mr Percy Kali 11. will be the accompanist. The box plan for both concerts is at Miluer and Thompson's, Ltd., where seats should be reserved. The day sale for the 4/- tickets is at Woodwards, tobacconist. The 2/- tickets will bo sold at the door, but only in a* limited number. .