THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 248, 23 November 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

SYDENHAM PICTURES. • The programme to be screened at the Sydenham Picture Theatre to-night will be headed by '' The Inspector 's Story,'' star ehiid drama, while supporting pictures will comprise "The DaA'is Cup" (tennis special), "The Gaumont Graphic-" (war topical), "Ancient Egypt" (scenic), "Heeza Liar's Big Came Hunt" (comedy), "On the Boarder'' (drama), '' Fanny's Melodrama" (comedy), "On the Hartz Mountains" (scenic), and "Max on the Briny" (comedy). COLOSSEUM. On Saturday afteriipon and evening the Colosseum was liberally patronised, arid the entertainment approved. There will be a complete new programme presented to-night, the central feature being'-a dramatic production by the renowned Edison firm. The story is about, two brothers, one of whom robs his father of ,-50,000d01, a theft for which the innocent brother is blamed. The

narrative begins in the cultured Eastern States, and concludes in the Wild West, a romantic love story being interwoven with the main theme. The supporting films will be '' The Pathe Gazette'' (which shows a Zeppelin dropping bombs on Ostend), "The Battle Before Antwerp, J ' " Motor Racing at Brighton Beach" (this was photographed on Saturday), "Manufacturing Incandescent Lamps," "The Man with the Glove," "The Sky Pirate" (Keystone comedy), "Sacred City of Benares" (scenic), and a Vitagrapli comedy entitled "Pickles, Art, and Sauerkraut." HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. To-night's new programme at His Majesty's Theatre will be headed by a special feature, entitled '' The Inspector's Story." This features America's j greatest child-aetresfl iu a story which traces the fearful developments of drink. A tragedy is accentuated by leaving an only girl of tender years alone and destitute. How the child conies to realise her fearful position is shown with touching beauty and tenderness. "The Davis Cup" shows the tennis players of the world battling' for the

blue riband.. There are a series of clever cartoons by the. noted eartoonist I. R. Bray, and a local topical of special interest depicts the motor car and bicycle race run on Saturday at New Brighton. Special war topicals show the latest illustrated news from the theatre of war, and the "Great Battle Before Antwerp," amongst other things, shows the 4t'li and sth Batteries in action, the violence of explosions, telephone intelligence, effect of gun-fire, German shells, and gathering trophies of the fight.. A conspicuous comedy features Max Linder in "Max on the Briny," and other items include several attractive features of a varied and interesting character. GLOBE PICTURES. The new programme being screened at the Globe Theatre to-day is attracting a great amount of attention. Some of the best films are the special war studies, notably "The Great Battle Before Antwerp." Two star dramas are shown in "The Tudor Princess" afid '' The Open Gate,'' while other films are "The Australian Gazette"- (topical), "Modes of Travel in Japan" (scenic), "His Imaginary Family" (comedy),

<J< Rebecca's Wedding Hay" (Keystone farce), and "Motor Car v. Motor Cycle" (showing the Brighton beaeh races of Saturday). The programme will be presented again this evening and throughout to-morrow. THEATRE EOYAL. There was a good house at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, when the Julius Knight Company brought its season to a close with the final performance of "Monsieur Beaucaire." In a brief speech made at the conclusion of the performance, Mr Knight expressed the hope that he would be able to return to" New Zealand. He assured the audience thatj in the event of his being unable to return, he would not forget the New Zealanders. ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. The Christchurcli Orchestral Society has done excellent work on behalf of the Belgian Fund. The three concerts it has given have been very generously supported, and the fund has received a very substantial and welcome addition.- The, society should also reap some benefit in' the future, as the concerts have been a first-class advertisement for it. Hundreds of people have heard the orchestra for the first time, and have discovered what they have'been missing in the way of orchestral concerts. Last evening's programme was a bright one, and each selection was received with every evidence of appreciation. The programme included the popular "Zanipa" overture, the "Peer Gynt" suite,-and Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony." A very welcome item was the oboe solo by Mr Charles Schmidt, a "Love Song," with charming string orchestra- accompaniment. Mr W. Handel Thorlev, in addition to discharging the duties of accompanist with distinction, played Chopin's "Funeral March," in memory of Lord Roberts. The popular "Patriotic Tribute" was repeated by the orchestra, and it will not be the fault of the society if the national anthems of our allies are not soon as well known as "God Save the King." ' Mrs GowerBurns was the vocal soloist, and sang "Roberto o tu die Adoro" and the "Promise of Life" in her usual artistic and acceptable manner.

«' jffUMPTY DUMPTY'' PANTOMIME.

The above pantomiine, which is to open at tlie Theatre Boy al on Saturday next for a five nights' season, is described as being full of wholesome humour, and will make laugh and laugh again the most staid and well-behaved theatregoer, ami may be simply described as a procession of comicalities. There is an abundance of pretty, catchy music, of bright, picturesque custumes, handsome young ladies, graceful groupings, novel ballets, with beautiful and artistic scenic settings. The transformation "scena" in six scenes, entitled '' Dreamland,'' painted by the Harry Whaite Studios, are superb. Lennon, Ilyinan, and Lennon provide an amusing acrobatic speciality, "Fun in a Restaurant." Although the expense in importing from Australia the complete company of eighty-live people is large, popular prices are being charged. Messrs Stephenson and Linley are said to be exceedingly fdrtunate in securing a remarkably strong combination. It does not consist of one or two leading artists; every role that has the slightest claim to prominence is given to an artist who makes it conspicuous for some special feature. A feature of '' Humpty Duinptv" will be a "Grand March of the Allies," showing the various nations in their colours. A new patriotic song, entitled "New Zealand will be There," will also be introduced. "Humpty Dumpty" can only be played three nights. "The Jam of Cathay" will be at attraction for the last two nights of the season, Wednesday and Thursday, December 2 and "The Jam of Oatliay" is a musical extravaganza, full of. catchy songs, clever comedy, and bright dances. The box plan for the season opens at the Dresden on "Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock.