AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16204, 6 May 1918, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. • A very large house greeted Mr Sydney James and hia Royal Strollers at the •theatre Royal on Saturday night, and the revue. Come Inside," was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The chief stroller, Mr Jameß, is tie bright particular gem,of tho cluster; in fact, the rest of tho Strollers are used, more as an elaborate setting to show to the ■best advantage his many glittering qualities, but although the spot-light is on him for the greater part of the evening, he is ao versatile—in fact ho is never the same Mr James twice —the the audience never tires of him, and would gladly tolerate as much more. _ Mr James is ably seconded by Miss Madeline .Rossiter, who is a particularly bright and clever entertainer, an eccentric dancer of very great ability, and a singer with a sweet, well-restrained voice. . The whole programme went with a delightful swing on Saturday night, and left the audience very well satisfied with its evening's amusement. TO-NIGHT'S PROGRAMME. This evening th© company will present a complete change of programme. The following are a few of the specialities of to-night's 'programme:—"The Voice Trialj" a, burlesque of ladies and gentlemen with operatic aspirations; "Italiano Burlesque," described as a "fruity" skit; "The .Heart of a City," an illustrated song burlesque by Mr Sydney James, which is said to be an exceedingly amusing number; "A Pyjama Ballet," by the "Come Inside" girls; "A Day at School," by the entire company; and by special request an old favourite, "Mince Pies." "Billy,'* the ventriloquiai automaton, very nearly commits bigamy, and the- alternation between him and his wile is i said to bo screamingly funny. With new songs, dances, etc., the programme should bo an excellent one. The performance commences punctually at eight o'clock. The box plan is at The Bristol, and day sale tickets may be obtained at the Toy Cave Store. OPERA HOUSE. The matinee at the Opera House on Saturday afternoon was largely attended, while in, the evening tho sign, "full house, ' was displayed long before the entertainment commenced. The second part' of the programme underwent a change, the Haverley Farce Company staging for the first time "'Muldoon's Picnic." As in the former productions of the company. Messrs Haverley , and O'Neill are responsible for nearly all ! tho fun, which is of a fast and furious nature. Tho company has been greatly strengthened by the inclusion of Mr Reg. Moore and Miss Merle Stewart, whose attractive stage appearance makes a strong appeal to their audiences. The musical flection of tho bill has been strengthened by the inclusion of this and tho catchy songs and choruses, are quite a feature of this latest farce comedy. Quite a hit of tho evening was Mr Billy Moloney's singing o! "Who'll Play Puss in the "Hello, My Dearie," sung by Miss Stewart and the Kewpie Kids; "Mammy's Coal Black Rose," by Miss Claire Lloyd; "Down Texas Way," by Mr Reg. Moore; "The World Wasn't Built in a Day," by Mr Moore and Miss Stewart; and "Always look," by Misses Dolly Dormer and Ethel Shepherd, were all enjoyable numbers. A wooden shoe dince. neatly performed by the Kewpie Kids, earned these girls a well-merited encore. The finished work of the chorus was again a popular feature of the production— The vaudeville, portion of the programme was given by Mr Philip Newbury and Mias Amy Murphy, Mr Arthur Croxon. Miss Irene Pearse—all of whom appeared for the last time—Jack Martin and Co., and the Five Lewins. There will be some new vaudeville turns in to-night's bill, including Hamlyn and Mack, an American comedy couple, who have been pleasing their audiences in other towns on the circuit; Mandeno's Dogs, a troap of clever and well-trained animals of a comedy turn of mind; and Bonita and Lee, who will reappear for on» week only. The box plans are at Messrs SElner and Thompson's. BENEFIT MATINEE. Those people who attend th® matinee to be ■given at the Opera House will be amply repaid by the knowledge that they are aa-si-Y-ing in a worthy cause, by the excellent entertainment which will bo given. The programme is to be given by the leading artists now appearing at the Open House, who, are to bo e£sisted by the bea>

talent in the Royal Strollers Company, at present appearing at tho Theatre Royal. The uratineS is being given by permission of Messrs John Fuller and Sons in order to assist one of their artists. Miss Lydia Caraf, who has been lying dangerously ill in hospital eince February, and who will bo unable to appear again on tho before the end of the present year. As eoon as Mr Sydney James hoard of the object _h® promptly and generously offered the assistance of the leading members cf his company. Those who will appear on the Opera House stape on Wednesday in addition to Messrs Fuller's artists arc: —Mr Sydney Jarne3 and "Billy," Messrs G. W. Desmond and Geo. Graystone, and Misses Madeline Ross iter, Josio Jackson, Ira Bissett, and Queenie Trenberth. Tickets are on sale at Messrs Milncr and Thompson's. "A TALE OF TWO CITIES." The big attraction at the Crystal Falaco this week will be the great Fox release from CharW Dickens's famous "A Two Cities." This picturisation of this immortal story of tee Frencn Revolution n-» been filmed, it is-eaid, iu a manner tna* adds lustre to the already brilliant reputation of Wm. Fox. There are eight reels of the story, which is packed with thrilling incident and tense dramatic situations. Mr Wm. Farnum takes the dual rolo of the softspoken aristocratic Charles Darnay and the devil-may-care, dissolute English barrister Sydney Carton, and tho part of Lucie Manette ia played by Jewel Carmen. Tho story lends itself to dramatic treatment, and tho producer, with his keen sense of stagecraft, has seized upon the terrible times of the Revolution which are portrayed with an almost terrifying realism. The 6tory ia well known—and among the incidents which occur are the storming of the Bastille, it® demolition, and the release of the prisoners; T he scenes of terror in the streets of Parfe; the awe-inspiring courtroom scene when Darnay is placed on trial for his life, and acquitted; the touching and pathetic family re-union, interrupted by Daraay's second arrest and irn- I prisonment; the heart-breaking scenes court before the Revolutionary Tribunal when Darnay is sentenced to death; the breathless scene when Carton saves Darnay by substituting himself the prisoner the day set for the execution; and lastlv the heroic and historical sacrifice of Sydney Carton aa he ascends the guillotine instead of Darnay. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The management of the Queen's Theatre 1 announce another "two-hour" programme for [ thi3 week, commencing at la o'clock thi3 morning. The "star" film is "Southern Pride," a five-reel "Mutual" drama featuring that talented emotional actress Gail Kane, who io supported by an exceptionally good all-round cast. The scenes are laid in and around New Orleans, and some of the finest historic mansions of that romantic locality appear in the film. The story is that Lucie do Montrond (Gail Kane), with her aunt Jeanne, and her brother Francois, are the only living members of a proud ar.d impoverished Creole family of New Orleans. Francois is in love with an unscrupulous woman, and in order to win favour with her, steals tho family jewels, on which money has been lent to Lucie, by Gaspar Lo Roche, an avaricious old antique dealer. Robert Ormo, a member of an old but poor family, is Lucie's favoured suitor, but is forbidden tho house by her aunt, who orders Lucie to favourably reoeive tho attentions of James Morgan, a wealthy cotton planter. At a fete given by Morgan, Gaspar is preecnt and notioes that Lucie does not wear tho family jewels. She has to confess that sho does not know where they are, and Gaspar proposes that she should many him, and ho will say no more about tho money he has lent her. Lucie, knowing of her • brother's infatuation, suspects that he has taken tho jowcls for his mistress, goes to her, and demands their return. Sho receives them, but when handing them to Gaspar, is grossly insulted by him. Francois, overhearing this, has an altercation with Gaspar, during whioh Gaspar's pistol is accidentally discharged, and ho (Gaspar) is killed. Francois is acquitted from all blame, but tho tragedy sobers him, and eventually all difficulties being smoothed over, Lucie and Robert are enabled to marry. There are two comedies and another drama in the supporting programme.

GRAND THEATRE. Emily 'Stevens, the "star" of the gripping Metro wonderplay "Alias lira Jessop," to bo shown at the Grand Theatre to-day, is a gifted actress who has been starred in a numbet of notable Metro productions, and las also a record of successes on the speaking stage. It is, however, stated that Miss Stevens rises to new heights in this the latest of Metro photo-plays "Alias Mrs Jessop," where she plays a dual role, that of Janet and Lillian Ford, cousins. Although tho girls are alike in appearance, their natures are vastly different, and Miss Stevens makes of each a distinct characterisationNoted for tho staging and setting of all their plays, the Metro directors are said to have excelled themselves in "Alias Mrs Jessop," and rfne startling eccnc follows another, including a eenoational raid on a fashionable gambling den. Tho scenes wero "staged" in a notorious gambling resort well known, to the police. Tho supporting oast is a strong one. A big supporting programme- includes what is stated to be Charles Chaplin's greatest .performance, viz., "Ono a.m." Owing to the big success attending Professor Martin's vocal efforts, and by special request; he will again appear' with new songs. The latest number of the popular ''Co-operative Weekly" will alao bo shown. Times of screening, etc., are advertised ■elsewhere in this issue. STRAND THEATRE. Heading the new programme shown" for the first time on Saturday at the Strand lheatre, was the Paramount- drama "The Long- Trail," a story of tho wild north-west of Canada. The grim, sno-wy solitude® of that territory figure largely in the incidents, but do not too greatly monopolise the scenes. The film stare Lou Tel leg-en, whose fine figure and handsome but strong face fit admirably tho character of the French-Cana-dian trapper ho represents. Mias May Fuller is the principal woman lead, and again gives complete satisfaction with her graceful acting and with her charming costumeed. There naturally, a great wealth of furs worn t>y the principal characters in the drama, and these are both rich and expensive.' The story is a tense one of human passion, the interest in which is admirably sustained throughout. The greatest possible attention has been paid to the important details necessary to impress the beholder with the realism of the action of the drama. An entertaining comedy, "Faint Heart and Fair Lady," provided many laughter-making incidents, and the Australian and American "Gazettes" pictured interesting topical happenings. The Burton Holmes travel series dealt with ecents in and around San Francisco, including a fine series of views of the Panama-Pacific Exposition at night. To-day and this evening the same films -will be screened. LIBERTY THEATRE. To-day will see at th© Libertv Theatre the introduction of another successful superfeature, bearing tlio title "Enlighten Thy Daughter," -which, similarly to the picture, "Where are My Children?" touches on a subject requiring tactful and delicate treatment. Tho picture is not conventional —it is a vivid and direct dealing with a grave problem, and to mothers especially, points out that their highest duty is to prepare their daughters for the journey of life. This production is from the pen of Ivan Abramson, who dcala trenchantly in the day with a Bocial evil that has been a scand'al of our modern civilisation. The themo is eaid to be delicately handled, and there is a general atmosphere of refinement that gives tone to the oortr&yal. There is an exceptional cast of players, headed by Rubye de Reemer, Zeena H.eefe, and "James Morrison, and the mounting and dressing are of the richest and most costly description. The eleventh instalment of ''The Neglected Wife"' (serial) ("Reckless Indiscretion") is also to be shown, which, is as brimful of interest as

the preceding episodes, and altogether the programme is one that ehorald make a strong appeal to Liberty patrons this week. EVEHYBODTS. ®tar feature at Everybody's Theatre this wook will be the bright and fascinating 1 Story "Betty Take* a Hand/' which is a 6ptenajd play of lore, life, and laughter. The chief role will be played ov the beautiful and vivacious Olive Thomas', and the plet will eho-?.- how a demure little girl marries a>» man of her choice and the catch of San rxancisco. and incidentally reconciles her father and his ancient enemy. Another splendid picture will bs ehown, "Auckland from Aloft," these being a series of views of the city taken from one of the*Kohimarama eeapianee. Very fine pictures will also be shown of the work done at- Kohitnarama the first flying school to be established in the Dominion. STAHLAND. Th© feature of the programme at Starland this week Will bf the great Wm. Fox drama adapted from Charles Dickens's book "A A. . of .J WO Cities." This gTcai eiorv of : t ff r > b;e L scenes ia the French Revolution is said to be ono cf tie fineet of the many magnificent Fox productions; SKATING RINK. Record crowds patronised the Colosseum o Rating Rink on SaturdEy. The learners' session was easily the most largelv attended since the r:nk was opened. At "night the floor wa3 crowded, antl late-oomers had greatest difficulty in obtaining suitable skates, aJmost every pair of tho very large stock the management possesses iu use. Mr C. Dunn's band played lively music, waltzes predominating on account of their popularity. To-day's sessions will be: TO a.m. to 12 noon. 2.30 p.m. to -1.30 p.m., 6.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (learners' session), and 7.30 pjn. to 10 p.m.

THE FILM CENSOR'S "CROSS." Perhaps nobody in Wellington is more out of the workaday world and yet more iu the world than tho film censor, Mr Joliffe. Hi*' littlo film theatre is in tho quietest part of tho town, whero science, in museum and laboratory, holds inquests 011 many things. From that placid spot go out all the "thrills," the 'throbs," and other sensations of 'unique episodes." All the world comfs to that small hall—a case about 25ft x 12ft, into which all the coutiuents of tho seven ee3s are packed. All countries, all races, history in the making, and history made, flicker through that littlo building on their way to the populace which awaits them eagerly throughout Nev/ Zealand. Ono may well imagine that the censor should have a couch, but he prefers a plain unpadded chair, as a safeguard against sleep, for ho has to be Argus for public morals and decency. In one moment's drooping of the eyelids, who knows what shocking figures might flit across the screen, for impermissible peris do sometimes lurk in the celluloid! Sometimes the censor's youngest child, a todd'er of three summers or eo, plays about his knee, and prattles about tho pageant of au ancient land, but tho censor shifts not his gaze from the passing dhow. Thus ho has watched during sixteen months, from 9 to 5, with an interval for lunch, till the record of his scrutiny is 8,219,070 ft of film—equal to more than 1500 miles, a stretch from North Cape to Stewart Island, and back again over the greater part South Island. Last week's run was 350,200 ft. One film was oondemned, and cute were made in fifteen reels. Apparently the long hours of picture scanning do not injure tho censor's eyes. He is about seventy years of age, but he has not yet the aid of glasses. Ho turns a keen, naked eye to tho scrcen.—Wellington "Poet."