ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10350, 14 March 1925, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HSS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "MORD EM'LY." A world in itself,. with thousands of unsolved mysteries, the East End of London furnishes a setting that leaves a memory. So it is in "Mord Em'ly," one of the finest British productions that has yet been seen in Ashburton. The picture formed the leading feature at His Majesty's Theatre last night, and it earned the praise of the house. It is a drama that is intensely human, giving an insight into the lives of those who live with poverty always staring them in the face, yet never appearing to see it. The call of youth to youth figures prominently throughout the production, and the story shows that although they live in an atmosphere of mirk and grime, the hearts of the inhabitants of slums are clean and 'bright. . The supporting programme includes the All Blacks v. England Rugby match, "How to Dance the Waltz," a comedy and the Pathe Gazette.. The programme will receive its final screening to-night.

OLIVER PEACOCK, BARITONE. In connection with the appearance of j Oliver Peacock, baritone singer, at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday and Tuesday nights, the following extract from the '"Lyttelton Times" is of interest :—Christchurch folk are always ready to .welcome a good singer, and for that reason there can be no surprise at the rousing reception given Mr Oliver Peacock, an eminent baritone. He is a great vocalist, and comes with a reputation that speaks well for his prowess in the world of song. He is worth going a long way to hear, and should prove a strong attraction.

JACK HQXIE IN "FLYING HOOFS"

Jack Hoxie is running Mr Hoot Gibson very close as champion "stunt" actor on horseback. He has a wonderful seat on his mounts, and pictures m which he appears are worth seeing tor his remarkable performances alone. In "Flyiiv Hoofs," which will be the feature him at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday and Tuesday nights, Hoxie is accompanied by a contingent of ranch riders in a story of the out-of-doors, of the hills, mountains, rivers and plains. The .title of this picture is a very ant one, suggesting particularly, the theme and the atmosphere in it.' The supports include two star comedies and a topical.

"HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME."

During the showing in Washington of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which will be screened at His Majesty s Theatre on Wednesday and lhursUay nights a special invitation performance was given for 400 nuns composing the sisterhood around the national capital. The nuns had not seen a theatrical performanceof any kind since taking their vows, and .to many it was their first view of any motion picture. As Laemmle aptly said at the time:—"Pictures are made to entertain all persons and none should contain anything that would prove offensive to any race or creed. There are plenty of good things in the Victor Hugo masterpiece, clean romance and thrilling action, without taking the darker and gloomier aspects." The visitors to the beautiful Shubert- Belasco 'Theatre in the capital were welcomed by Laemmle's representative, and every effort made for their comfort. It was interesting to watch the re-action of the members of the audience to the various big scenes; they were affected in exactly the same .manner as a lay audience, and were highly impressed with reverential treatment of the great story by the producer. While a strict rule of the .various J-obed orders prevents speaking for publication and forbids the taking off pictures for newspaper purposes, one of the Mother Superiors did express her appreciation to those responsible for the entertainment, as follows: 1 think I can speak for everyone who attended .when I say this vim* was a real treat for the sisters. We enjoyed the picture—eveiy minute of it—and found it clean wholesome, and a most interesting story. Truly it is marvellous iow the art of the camera has developed, and to those of us who see such things seldom, the recreation of the great Cathedral of Notre Dame stand* a»s a, modern miracle. We liicea the .actors .also, and I am liappy to put it down as a real memorable day m our lives. We thank you for it.