Untitled

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14760, 2 September 1913, Page 10

amusements! » "THE RED DANDIES." The "light frivolity" of the Red Dandies attracted a largo audience at the Theatre Royal last night, the popular company gaining a reception quite as enthusiastic as the one they received when they first set Christehurch laughing. Mr Claude Dampier was funnier than ever in "Plink Plunk," and his "poetry" pro Ted irresistible. Mr MorI gan dances so well, and is so happy over it all, that he early establishes himself as a favourite with his audience. Both Mr Wood and Mr Peacock were successful in their solos and concerted numbers, and the lady members of the company also gained generous applause. Tonight "The lied Dandies" appear in an entirely new programme, introducing several novelties that local audiences have not yet had the opportunity of laughing over. New items will also bo presented on Thursday night, and a special programme will be given on Saturday evening. WE3T-HAYWARD PICTURES. The outstanding and most noteworthy feature of the new programme of WestHayward Pictures at His Majesty's Theatre last night was the long film illustrative of the Scott Antarctic Expedition. Tho large aiidieneo was thoroughly pleased with the excellence of the film, and the admirable choice made of subjects. The clearness of dotail shown in all the pictures was very noticeable, and generally they show what an admirable cinematograph operator Mr Pouting is. The studies of Antarctic seals, penguins, and skua gulls were most interesting, but naturally chief interest was centred in the pictures describing the activities of the members of the. expedition. They were shown at work and at play—the scientists taking observations under the difficult conditions ruling, and the other members of the party going about their allotted tasks. A game of football on the snow presented several humorous incidents, and the antics of "Nigger," tho pot cat on the Terra Nova, were also laughable.. The conditions under which the searchers for the South Pole travelled, and did their work, and the manner in which they cooked their meals inside their tent were all most realistically pictured. Of especial interest was the portion showing Captain Scott, Dr. Wilson, and other members of the South Pole party in their tent, getting into their reindeer slueping-bags. Tho film is without doubt tho finest Antarctic series seen here. The first part of tho programme consisted of a fine drama, "Where John Bolt Slept," an excellent scenic depicting the ruins of Pompeii, tho latest Pathe Gazette (containing many very interesting pictures, and two humorous films. To-night tho same films will be screened. FULLER'S PICTURES. Tho new programme of Fuller's Pictures at the Colosseum last night was characterised by great variety, and by the screening of several excellent dramatic studies. There was a largo audience which was thoroughly pleased with the films. "The Other Girl" was a vory fine dramatic film, and unfolded ,a love story of great interest One of the features was a procession of deco- j rated vehicles and animals. In "The Sorrowful Shore" a story of the sea was told in which rescues from drowning formed the chief motive. Some beautiful sea pictures. were included, arid tho story told, though sad, was followed with keen interest. "The Lion Hunters" was a lengthy dramatic film in which a story of enthralling interest was unfolded, lovo and jealousy being the theme. It included some fino portions depicting lion hunting. A touching story was the subject of another dramatic study. "In their Hour of Need." The latest Gaumont Graphic pictured many recent important events, notably the funeral of a Victoria Cross hero, Henley regatta, and Queen Mary at Bedford. "Work and Play in China" was an interesting travel study, and was beautifully coloured. "Winter Sports at St. Moritz" were pictured in a series of great interest.. The comedy pictures wero "Bunny's Honeymoon' and "The Now Neighbour," and both were mirth-provoking. To-night tho same programme will be screened. • GLOBE PICTURES. "Temptations of Drink" was the star drama screened at the Globe Picture Theatre yesterday. It was a story with a powerful moral, powerfully told. A daughter of a drunken toymsiker faljs in love with a young artist, and on his leaving her to study abroad she-- seeks solace in drink. He returns, only to become engaged to a professor's daughter, and the plight of the unfortunate girl becomes worse and worse. At length she is induced to leave the drink alone and poses for a picture of a slum girl which the artist is painting. Her expression of hopelessness, however, does not suit, the artist, who induces the girl to break her vow not to drink in order that he might get her more cheerful. An art masterpiece is the result, but tho girl is irretrievably ruined. Tho part of the girl was taken by Miss Asta Neilsen, who gave a most powerful representation of the girl'si terrible struggles against the dreadful Habit. As a set-off against this somewhat** morbid' drama, two very fine comedies were shown. ! "Softy's Legacy" was tho tale of a somewhat out-bMate motor car left to two faithful retainers by their master in his will, and the lamentable adventures of the two motorists. "Newcomb s Necktie" was another entertaining comedy. Several other good films wero also included in the • now' programme, which will be repeated to-day. GRAND THEATRE. Tho new programmo at the Grand • Theatre yesterday was marked by tho appearance of a topical lihn or ::reat Interest. This was a picture of tbe ilifated Devon lying hard at.d fast on tho rocks near tin , entrance to Wel'iiigton harbour, where she was •Asecko! last Monday. Tlu. position of tin- vessel was shown from several points at vio,,- and her hopeless state seemed yiicy oviduct. A rather heavy sea was running when' the picture was taken, but tho stranded boat shewed no sign of lift at all. .She seemed firmly fastened to the rocks. "The House of Mystery" was a particularly exciting and thrilling drama, tho story being well developed and intea.ssly interesting from start to finish. A desperate gang of coiners carry on their illegal operations in a disused country mansion. A nobleman and Jiis couchman, who call at the establisuwnt frr. help aro bound, thrown into a .Tiarsh, and left to drown. The -.lobhiniin's little girl is, however, spared, and trained to report the appearance of strangers about the place. Ten years afterwards the successor to tho title, a young man, with two companions, set out to solve the mystery of the establishment. They aro trapped in a similar way, but are rescued by friends, and tho capture of the criminals follows in duo course. "The Coming of Sunbeam" was a charming child drama, and the Eclair Journal was a particularly interesting number. To-day the same programme will be repeated continuously from noon till 11 p.m. OPERA HOUSE. The weekly change of vaudeville at tho Opera House last .night drew a satisfactory attendance. As usual, the programme was of an entertaining nature. Signor Corona proved a great success with his dbrnet playing, his original scena without words, "The Wandering Musician," being enthusiastically received. THe St. Leonards, acrobats and equilibrists, made a- welcome re-appearance, their clever somersaulting dog coinrng in for his share of applause. Miss Violet Carmen and Mr A. J. Lawrence repeated their previous successes, and the two Rosebuds pirouetted and sang with vivacity. The Three Dccars in their acrobatic feats again earned the warm appreciation of tho audience, as did "Tomato." the j clever donkey. Ernest Pitcher and Hcfachey, Vincetti and Bush also contributed to the programme, which will be repeated this evening.

SYDENHAM PICTURES. There was a good attendance at the Sydenham Pictures last night, the prominent feature being a dramatic film entitled "The Lion Hunters," in which story real beasts are killed in order to save the life of the heroine of the piece. Another powerful dramatic is "In Their Hour of Need." '""Winter Sports at St. Moritz" is a highly entertaining item. The "Gaumont Graphic" furnishes topical news from Home and abroad. A dramatic film of heart interest is entitled "The Sorrowful Shore." A love story concerning , a flower girl is very prettily pourtrayed in "The Other Girl," and an educational item of much interest shows "Work and Play in China." while comedies are "The New Neighbour"' and "Bunny's Honeymoon.' , QUEEN'S THEATRE. The-"star" film on the new programme to be shown to-day and to-night at tlio Queen's Continuous Picture Theatre, Hereford street, is "Colleen Bawn." the well-known Irish drama. The picture was taken by the Kalem Company in the exact localities described in the story. The other new items are:—"The Almond-eyed Maiden" (Edison drama), "A Business Woman" (Thanhouser comedy), "Pedro's Dilemma" (Keystone comic), "A Trip on a Swiss River" (Patho scenic), and the "Eclair Journal" of topical items. During the screening of "Colleen Bawn" Mr Neil Brusso, a basso, will sing "Eileen Allannah." OLYMPIA RINK. Tho Olympia Rink was again well attended at all sessions yesterday. Today the rink will be open from 10 to 12, 2.30 to 5, and 7.30 to 10 p.m. THE JUL-lUS KNIGHT SEASON. Tho return of the popular favourite, Mt Julius Knight, will doubtless be 'welcomed. Ho is announced to open his Ohristchurch season on Tuesday evening next at tho Theatre Royal under the direction of- the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management. The initial production of tho season is to be "Milestones," the new comedy which has met with so much success wherever played. In describing this play, a well-known critic writes: —"The dramatic treatment of the interests of this novel scheme present unusual difficulties, but tho authors. Messrs Arnord Bennett and Edward Knoblauch, have met them one and all with an astonishing display of technical skill, and the pathetic atmosphere, .which unconsciously surrounds the happiest and most prosperous of human lives reaches every heart. The season is to be for a limited number of nights, and in addition to "Milestones" it is the intoistion of tho management to .produce, also for the first time in Cliristehurch. James Bernard Fagan's adaptation of Robert Hichcn's novel. "Bella Donna." Another production, also for the first time in Christchurch,- is--promised in Bernard Shaw's delightful work, "Man and Superman." Mr Knight will be sunr»ort<'d by a stroma company, the principal lady being Miss Irene Browne, who is paying her second visit to New Zealand, her first having boon made with the H. 13. Irving Comrany. Tho box plan for "Milestones" will be opened at Milner and Thompson's at 9 a.m. on Friday next. MEAD-EMPSON RECITAL. At tho Theatre Royal on Monday next the pupils of Mrs Arthur Mead and Mr 'Ernest Empspn, L.R.A.M., are giving a recital in aid of Nazareth House. The programme will include vocal and instrumental solos, duets, trios, and quartets, and, by kind permission of J. C. Williamson. Ltd., The Bridal Chorus from "Madame Butterfly," the solo to be taken by Mrs Mead and tho chorus by her pupils. Messrs L. Bonnington and Vere Buchanan will assist in the instrumental trios with Mr E. Empson. A.s the whole of tho net proceeds are to be devoted to the work of tho Sisters of Nazareth, it is anticipated that the seating capacity of the theatre will be taxed to tho utmost, and patrons are therefore requested to book early at the Dresden, where tho box plan is now open. ■ MH DENSEM'S CONCERT. Tho concert to be given by Mr W. Densem's pupils at the King's Theatre .on Saturday evening will consist of _ a series of monologues, character studies, humorous recitations, and Shakespearean excerpts. The performers will include prize-winners at tho recent competitions, and violin solos will be given by Hcrr R. C. Zimmermann : and Mr Robert L. Clarke. Miss Alice Saunders, champion reciter" of New Zealand, will appear in a humorous study, and a comedietta will conclude the programme. Tho box plan is at Messrs Milner and Thompson's, and day sale tickets may be obtained at Mr W. A. East's book shop in Armagh street. . ORPHEUS SOCIETY. The Orpheus Society's concert takes place in tho Choral Hall this evening. The programme contains a number of choruses and glees for mixed voices and male voices only, interspersed with solos by well-known singers.