THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 240, 13 November 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

GLOBE THEATRE. The Globe Theatre is receiving exceedingly liberal patronage,, the programme presented being comprised of a splendid series of films. The feature drama is '' The Orphan,' '. which deals with the fortunes of a young girl after the death of her father, a widower, as the result of a machinery accident. The story is well worked out, and interest is maintained from start to finish. Of the war topicals, "The Defence of Alost" takes pride of place, and in it some scenes are shown of actual fighting operations. The Vitagraph Company is responsible for a very pleasing comedy shown in "Why Am I Here?" in which a truly humorous story is told of how a man got '' 30 days'' through doing battle valiantly, thereby claiming the attention of the ponce and a magistrate on a charge of assault and battery. As might be supposed,, there was »' woman in the' case. "He Won a Ranch" is another pleasing comedy; while the programme is completed by "Scottish Scenery," showing some beautiful views.

The programme will be presented again this evening and throughout to-morrow.

SYDENHAM PICTURES.

: The new programme showing at the [Sydenham Picture Theatre continues to I draw large audiences to the evening sessions. The star item is a drama entitled "The Angel of Contention," which tells a story full of action and incident amid the'scenery of the wild West. An excellent series of supporting pictures is shown in the Gaumont Graphic, which gives some very interesting views of the latest war scenes; "The Voice of Silence," a drama in which wireless telegraphy plays an important part; "How Fruit is Crystallised,' ' an educational film; and "Colonel Heez-a-Liar," "Innocent but Awkward," and "Laughing Gas," three splendid comedies. The same pictures will be shown to-night and at the matinee performance to-morrow afternoon. THEATRE ROYAL. There was a full house at the Theatre Royal last evening, when "The Royal Divorce" was given for the last tame. The presentation was highly satisfactory, and was followed with the utmost interest

[and appreciation by the audience. This [ evening and to-morrow evening the company will play '' The Scarlet Pimpernel.'' [Seveja.l years have elapsed since Mr Knight last delighted local playgoers with J his impersonation of Sir Percy Blakeney, and those who saw him then will doubtless wish to renew acquaintance with the gallant Englishman, who again and again risks his life in order to save the French nobility from the revolutionaries, Sir Percy is a character which Mr Knight has made peeuliraly his own. It enables him to display Ms great versatility, not only as an actor who shines where intense dramatic feeling has to be shown, but as a comedian with a gift of genuine humour. Miss Irene Browne, it is said, makes a pretty and convincing Lady Marguerite. In the piece she wears some gorgeous costumes, which were made specially for the present revival. '' The Sign of the Cross" will - be played for three nights, commencing Monday next. MYSTERIOUS HUGARD. Hugard and his Happy Hour Entertainers appeared again at the King's Theatre last evening to the enjoyment of a large audience. A number of new items were presented, the new illusions put on being

skilfully executed and loudly applauded The company will appear again to-night

QUEEN'S THEATRE

The feature drama in the current programme is "The Stolen Document," a French production in the nature of a de-tective-romance. A splendid scenic study is shown in "The Fjords of Norway," while there are two comedies and various war specials, notably "The Defence of Alost." This study shows the famous Belgian cavalry regiment, '' Les Guides,'' which is entirely drawn from the Belgian aristocracy. Some scenes of actual fighting operations are also shown. The "Pathe Gazette" also contains some very fine war pictures, including views of the naval recruits, the British wounded attending church parade, and German prisoners at Frimley. The programme will be presented again this evening and throughout to-morrow.-GRAND THEATRE. "A Bit of Human Driftwood" is the feature drama of the current programme at the Grand Theatre. It tells of the sacrifice of a woman who was imprisoned for the crime of her lover. The sacrifice in later years caused the man to devote his life to the relief of the blind. ' < Our Japanese Allies" was another splendid supporting picture, giving an excellent idea.of Japan's military standing. Sevjeral special war topicals find a place on the programme, which is completed by "The Kidnapped Pugilist," showing Jimmy Clabby, the middle-weight champion of the World; "On the Jungfrau" (scenic), and two comedies, "Wanted on the Phone'' and •'' The Farmer and the Baron." The same programme will be screened again this evening and .tomorrow. - 1 PBERA HOUSE. The Opera House was again a centre of attraction last evening. Mr Leslie Holmes and his company of pierrettos and courtiers held the boards for some time with eminent success, while the performances of Westin, the impersonator, and Arthur Troutt and Violes, called forth much applause. _ The programme will be presented again this evening. COLOSSEUM. '' The Angel of Contention'' pleased another holiday audience last evening, as did '' The Defence of Alost,'' a very fine war topical. "Colonel Heez-a-Liar in Africa" is an excellent comedy, while of Keystone farces '' Laughing Gas'' is one of the best, and indeed' the entire programme., is comprised of first-class pictures. There will be the usual matinee performance to-morrow. HIS MAJESTY'S, Still another holiday audience was entertained and instructed by " Sixty Years a Queen" and the accompanying lecture delivered by Mr Barrie Marschel, last evening. The war pictures, too, are a strong centre of interest. The films will be screened again this evening and at a matinee performance to-morrow.

HUNTLY. CONCERT. % An excellent programme in aid of the Huntley Relief Fund was presented at the Choral Hall last evening by the Christchurch Mandolin- Orchestra, supported by local performers. The entertainment comprised several songs, the principal singers being Miss E. Croxton and Mr L. C. Barnes. Another popular item was a musical monologue by Mr Sydney Brett. TJie Mandolin Orchestra under the able leadership of Mr W. A. East, did some effective work, and Messrs Dobbie and-Withers contributed a pleasing item with a flute and clarionet.

Altogether ii was an enjoyable programme and worthy of more support than it received. The proceeds will be devoted to the Mayor's Huutly Relief Fund.