AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15263, 27 April 1915, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

•DOROTHY O , THE HALL."

.'./ Stevenson invented tho word "tush-I «ry" to apply to a certain kind of j cloak and sword story interlarded wita "li.sh!" and otficr such old-timo "ex- ' flauuiLions. Jb.ua no nvod to soe it'no •tvoiuu quickly navo classed "L)oioiuy o' trio aa.an" as ''tiisi.ery." It is .«,uod straiguuojwarcl, hcai i..-, scnuniouL.u, WHW..S lOn.ajice, heavi.y tlavourocl witn all tiio tiicKs ot tue triiuo. Jtiandsouie "Sir Jomi Manners comes to Jaad^on • liali, tnougn there is a- ueadiy Jeuu foeityccii- tin; houses, and personating Sir Miucolm Vcrnon, wins tuo heart- of Dorothy of the Hali. '■ Doi'dtny is shut *up because siic wilt hot givo up' ncr 1-over and niarry Sir jiaJcoim, and she, pitehe/ food arid dishes tnrough a real gioos window in her temper. Sir Jonn visits ;her in her home, is discovered, and ■'only, aived "by tiio arrival of Queen Elizabeth. -Mary Queen of Scots is in tJio neighbourhood by this time, arid there > are hurryings to" and :fro, and Dorothy rides in disguise to Rutland,: and there personates Mary, and Mary 'goes to Hacidon, and Sir -Malcolm is proved a, traitor, and there .is sword- ; play, and breaking down of doors,'and .Dorothy nlays oil Elizabeth's vinity, nii<r—but it is time- this . sentence, a littlo breathless like the play, came to a hn.t. Set such a story of in."irigiio and eentiment in the stately ~.,J ^ines,o l England, and tell it in stilted aid language, with: many a "Beshrew mc!" and such" sentences as "See how , «hodi - oops her head upon mc breast," and who would doubt"the success, of 'such a. play? It is no wonder that Miss Nehio Stewart has revived it, and .';: that ifc Was very cordially received at the Theatre lloyal las Knight. "■• .In tho part of Dorothy, Miss Nellie StoVart. has plenty of scopo for her ability as an emotional actress, and for *:tho\ displky of thofee littlo, flashes . of' '■■temper, caprice, coquetry, and fun which so endear her to her admirers. She acted last night with great'success, being charming, tearful, humorous and masterful by turns. Whatever shq did, whether it was throwing jies through tho window, or fighting >ir aialcolm.or defying her father: she did with great zest, llfr H; R. ftob- ]■ a forceful and picturesque - lorer, perhaps rather too pointedly pic- * turesquo at times. Mr' Clarence Bla:Kiston acted with artistic restraint as X the -deformed jester. Miss Beatrice -Esniond tried haiv] to make Elizabeth live, a well-m'sh impossible "task under tho circumstances. - Mr J. B. Atr-ol-wo6d. was effective as tho irasciblo old-father. Tho play. \>.<as admirably mounted. ■ - ' ; ; "Dorothy o , the Hall" will bo played for tw.o more nighte, and will give ;; Place on Thursday to "Sweet Nell of Old Drurv."

EVERYBODY'S

•Everybody's Theatre was again largely attondod at all sessions yesterday, when a now programme was presented. "Tho principal ' film was a Keystono comedy, "Hushing the Scandal." The comedy opens with tho arrival of tho day when one of the leading parties, -Mr Droppington, is to announce his en. . gagement to the lady of his choice. A , garden fote i« held "in honour of' tho occasion. Mr Droppington brings the .ring, and the engagement is sealed with a kiss, and everyone is satisfied. But another party, _Mr Breezington, appears t>n the horizon, and is announced. jlr Breezington is Syd. Chaplin, brother of Charles. Mr Breeaington falls in lovo fiancee. He swallows her engagement ring and ■woosher in the shrubbsry. This is objocte<l to by the ypung lady's mother, i ' who loses her wig in doing so. ! After this there aro many complications, and «ach one leads to heai-ty laughter, un-; til the whole comedy culminates in n' ■ big buret of merriment. "The Baby's Hide, ,, a comedy-drama.. wa s another j good film.. Successful supporting pictures were:—"Fivo Bob Rebellion," -vhich included some amusing topical cartoons; "Out of the Deputy's] Hands," a Western drama; "Fine Pea--1 thors Make Fine Birds," a story ,of AjDtterican home life, and the latest /Gaumont Graphic," which gives an; , mterestong selection of recent events at tho War and elsewhere. The pro- • crammo will.be repeated at the usual; • hours tc-day.

*.. - GLOBE PICTURES

borne very interesting war pictures 'frere screened for the first time at the " Globe Theatre yesterday. Ono special , film dealt with the operations on the German eastern front, taken just after the Russian Army had achieved a notable victory over the Austro-German Army, arid secured an immense number of prisoners. The procession of Austrian prisoners rap into thousands, and they were seen marching to tho .prison camp under guard. At tho end of the procession came a number of Russian aroskies, conveying wounded officers of the German and Austrian Army. The latest "Australian Gazette" also occupied a prominent position on th e programme. Pictures , were shown of the. combined theatrical carnival in aid of the Belgian Fund, a patriotic dog parade at the Federal Government "".House,, n patriotic Symkhana by the Automobile Club of vie- - toria. the official opening of the Roynl Agricultural Society's Show by the Governor-General, and a number of - topical war cartoons by Harry Julius. .''Bread Upon the Waters" a strik-

inn Vitagraph drama, and good supporting Jilhis were "As a Man Thirkioth" (comedy), "In tho Czar's Gardens" I (icetiio), "Peggy's Invitation" (drama), and "Shocking Event" (comedy). Tho programme will be repeated at the usual hours to-day.

OPEIIA HOUSE

At the weekly change of programme 'at the Opera House last night the auditorium \v:is comfortably filbd, and the turns presented by tho numerous ar- . tisttj were all well : received. The I principal attraction was tho turn presented by tho four aerial Lesters, who, in a brilliantly executed act, j>royid.ed the sensation of the evenipg. Tho quartette were all skilled gymnasts. The star act of then , performance was that of tho performers walking head downwards across the roof of tho stage, by means of loops suspended at short intervals from a horizontal bar high above tho sta'tje.' Phil Percival, described as a 'comedian.', at the piano, did not belie, his reputation a 5.,., a* gifted pianist who imparted ; huhnour> and ability to evorythirig he (jssaysd.-FTaTilc, Lank, and Alicp gave a clever and original presentation of club.swinginK, andall three -were heartily applauded. Tli3 ! two Spanish dancers, Mathiklo and Elvira, made a welcome -rc-appearatfce. Mann and Franks, Miss Ella Airlie, Eleanor and Bertie, and the supporting artist« also shared in the success of = the entertainment, which will be repeatc-1 this eveumg..:.: . ..~.4 : : .

GRASD THEATRE.

The third instalment of tho eerial "Troy b' Hearts" was presented at the Grand - Theatre, yesterday, and the series proved brimtul of tnrilling incidents and daring.happenings; in fact, it was easily tho best ■of tiiO series so far>;> The excellent acting of Mies Cleo iUadison as the and Judith, wiis .again a feature 1 of""tiie : play. .-This dual rpeisohality gives plenty of scope for,trick.-.:photography,-and in two - scenes was exceptionally well arranged where tho two sisters aie in tho sarao scene. Tho series ig entitled the "Sea Venture," and deI scribes very graphically -the battle of witsbetwean Judith and Alan Law. The setting fire io niuV bui'ninc of a large yacht is vory realistically depicted. Another drama of merit* was the. Cines nlay. "At the Mercy of the Waves," a photo-play which smugglers and excise a prominent part. The excellent seascapes aro quite a feature of an interesting drama. The "Warwick Chronicle" details many war happenings,' such as Indian Troops in Camp at Arras, the French Dreadnought "La Patrie," Mqtoiv Ambulance Cars off to the Front, National Volunteer lleserves, Our Air Scouts Reconnoitring, and taking photographs' over German territory, Duke of Cambridge's Yeomanry, and Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra at Drury Lane. . The same programme will be shown to-day and to-night.

HIS MAJESTYiS THEATRE

His Majesty's Theatre was very largely patronised last night, when a new programme was presented. One of the , leading films was a romantic drama, "Tho Colonel of tho Red Hussars." This was a most elaborate production, based on the stoiy of the Count of Yalaria, and was eplendidiy presented by the company engaged on its presentation. A most. impressive war topical was" entitled "Russia's Great Haul, , ' and showed immense numbers of German and Austrian so'diers taken prisoners by tho Russiaus, following on ono of their notablo successes. Tho recent big earthquake in Italy was dealt with in another most interesting film, tho devastation caused by the titanic upheaval being set out in great detail. The "Pathe War Gazette" nlso aroused considerable interest, as it contained many of the latest happenings from the seat of war. A beautiful scenic wa<; "After the Snowstorm in Denmark," which showed vast stretches of courtry covered with tho white'mantle. Additional films were; "The Lovo "of Pierre Larosse/' an intense- love drama; "Gettiuc Father's Goat" (comedy), and '"The . Band Lender' (comic). The same pictures will be shown to-night.

QUEEN'S THEATRE

Charles Chaplin, principal comedian of tho Keystone Company, figures in a ludicrous role in the two-reel comedy, "His Prehistoric Past/ , which appeared with the new programme at the Queen's Continuous > ricture Theatre yesterday. Chaplin takes the part of a tramp, who fails asleep on a beach in tho park, and is soon dieamiiifr o f his imaginary experiences in the Sione Age. He finds himself in an ancient kingdom flirting with one of the king's water-maidens. Presently he is set upon by Cleo, the king's jester. The king'armes and the combat becomes .v pi oariously laughable. Other ludicrous events lead up to Chaplin becoming king but the inevitable awakening takes place with most mirthful results. The fifth series of Selig's wild animal feature drama. "The Adventures of Kathlyn," also.excited a great deal of interest, being very exciting in parts. The latest war special, "Russia's Groat Haul," gave us a glimpse in pictorial form of the great number of Austrian (and ■ Gorman prisoners that the Russians have taken. The "Topical Budget" is a realiy pood number, and '■The Daddy of Them All" completed a. good all-round programme.

SYDENHAM PICTURES.

Tho new programme witnessed o.v a large and interested audience last evening. Tho star £lra was 'Tho Colonel of the Red Hussars" a romanco of the Court of Valaria, uroduced by tho Edison Company. Supporting pictuiuj xrere: —"Love'of Pierre I Larosse, ,J a powerful /bainn of the 1 forest: "Getting Fathers Goat" (Kalem comedy) "The Great Earthquake of Italy,' , '* "After the Snowstorm in Denmark" (scenic), and "Tho Band Leader." a Vitagraph comedy, with Lillian \Valker and Wally Van in the lead. The programme will be repeated to-night.

OLYMPIA RINK.

I Tho splendid facilities afforded for the full enjoyment of roller-skatirg sii the Olynipia Rink were again largely availed of yesterday, when la: jco crowds ]of skating" enthusiasts attended tho various sessions. The floor it becqiniiip Letter and bpttey uicJi the coutinuwi use- of tlie new elu-ctria cleaning and smoothing machine, and will bear favourable comparison wit.si any rollerskntiurr floor j n Australasia. Th ( . rmk will bo open at tRo usual hours to-day. I —'