AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16211, 14 May 1918, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

THE ALLAN WILKIE SEASON. "SEVEN DAYS' LEAVE" TO-NIGHT. Tho "Sydney Morning Herald," epeaking of the production, "Seven Bays' iieave," says:—"Walter Howard has many admirers of his melodramatic work, and tk& latest of his productions, perhaps not so . skilfully oontrived as those that liavo emanated from his pen, is delightfully fresh, since it deals with a subject rich in dramatic possibilties, and which furnishes amplo scope for the actor." To-nig-ht, at tho Theatre Royal. Messrs Fuller will present Mr Allan \Villcie, the well-known English acior, and a strong cast, in "Seven Days' Leave,'' which deals thrillinglv with tho adventures of a British officor on leave and his sensational destruction of a Gorman U-boat, in which he is assisted by a brave girl. Tho | sinking of the submarine is described as a | wonderful pieco of stago mcchanism, while i tho. art of the scenic artist is stated to be Been in many picturesque settings. The | spy menace 13 dealt with in a masterly Wanner, and never fails .to imposo an irrosistible grip upon tho audience. Mr Wilkic's support includes a strong cast of favourites, Marie Noy, Herbert Leigh, Henri Doro, H. W. Vaxna, Vivian Edwards, Nellie Ferguson, Olive Stevons, and many others. The box plan is now on view at The Bristol and day sales may be obtained at tho Toy Cave, whero seats may also be reserved after 5 p.m. OPERA HOUSE. Tho presentation of tho new vaudeville programme at tiro. Opera House last evening ttvas responsible for almost every available seat being filled. Hamlyn and Mack, the American couple, who were so popular last week, staged one of the most attraciive turns seen here for some time past. Tho stage settings wore their own property. Placod inside two large cabinets, the replicas of gramophone cabineta, they first of all Bang through gramophone hornsi, tihcdr ■voices being quite indistinguishable from thoso one is accustomed to hear in disc record duets. Subsequently Mis 3 Hamlyn was warmly applauded for her singing of a parody on "John Brown's Body," it" being a skit on tho Kaiser. The stajro settings and lighting effects of tho whole turn were greatly admired. Frank, Lank, and Alice gave _ a juggling turn that was equal to anything seen locally on the Fuller circuit. The rapidity and accuracy •with which tho trio, but more especially the two men, threw clubs at one' another was little short of amazing. It was a very fin© turn, and was very popular with last night's audience. Upside Down Wright, as his stag® name suggests, performed some remarkable feats while standing on hie head. Amongst hia feats were smoking enc drink-'ng, but his most startling stunt was to "walk" downstairs ' on his head. Raleigh and McDonald also made a first appearance, the male member doing some very clover tricks, such as riding on one wheel, on a alack wire, his partner singing popular airs the while. Mandeno's Dogs were again great favourites, each* of their tricks being loudly applauded. The Haverley Musical Farce Company repeated, with much success, Murphy at the Cabaret," the balVts bfinsj greatly admirod. Tho stage staff, und3c the direction of Mr Les Flowers, deserve a special word of praisa for their strenuous work in connexion with tho five vaudeville acts, each of which required a full stage setting, involving a great amount of scene shifting. Th© same programme will be given to-night. — |

CRYSTAL PALACE. At the Crystal Place Theatre yesterday the. day sessions were very well attended, while the night session de lvuco saw the house comfortably crowded. One of the most interesting features of the entertainment _ was tho appcaranco of Miss Millicent Jennings, the taleuled Christchurch singer, whose charming' sorano voice was heard to excellent advantage in "Th© Jewel Song" from "Faust," with full orchestral accompaniment and tho well-known lyric, "I Shall Always Remember You." The pictur© programme is an allstar one, and about the best the management has yet presented. Nance O'Neill, tho wonderful actress whose emotional artistry on atajjo and screen is well known, is seen in "The Final Payment," William Fox's latest production. This is a drama possessing a rare charm, countless Gccnca of beauty, and many powerful situations. It is set in a little fishing village, where some vicissitudes in the life of Nita, a village maiden, form the base of the action. Her life contains a great tragedy, and the expression of her emotion is a wonderful performance in the hands of such an artist a3 Miss O'Neill. Special attontion has been paid to the securing of correct settings, with the result that tho picture is complete in every detail, and is one of the best heavy dramas yet produced by William Fox. The supporting programme includes a screamingly humorous Paramount comedy, featuring the well-known heavy-weight comedian, Roscoe Arbuckle. The picture is entitled "Fattv in Coney Island," Mack Sennett's latest riot. "The Uneven Road" is the latest of the "Do Children Count?" dramas, in which the brilliant child actress; Mary McAlistor, is seen at her best. This series of dramas ho 3 now a largo following, and the dainty little star is very popular. ■ Chaptor four of Paramount'® ■unique mystery serial, "Who is Number One?" which is full of sensations and new mysteries, is also on the programme. The orchestra, under Mr W. H. Corridan, supplied excellent incidental muaic. The programme will be repeated to-day.

„ STARLAND THEATRE. At Starland yesterday tho premier attraction was "The' Return of Eve," a charming play in five acts, by Essanay. The leading roles are delightfully played by Eugene O'Brien and Edna Mayo. The plot is a unique one, and it holds its interest andi guards its secret until tho end. Miss Edna Mayo's acting is of special excellence, -while the picture has been artistically produced and nhotogTaphed. There is » well-selected supporting programme, which comprises another chanter of "Tho Voice on the "ft ire,' two comedies, a- gazetto, and a drama." Mr Havdn Beck's orchestra is in attendance during the evening sessions.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Tho bis bill constituting the new programme at tho Queen's Theatre attracted crowded audiences yesterday at all sessions. In addition to being a big draw tho new programme was additional evidence, if such were needed, of the enterprise of the management of this cosy and well-appointed , theatre, and its desire to provide tor their patrons the best that is procurable in the shape of the latest films. Those which make up the new orogramme have been excellently selected; and the result was that the audiences enjoyed two hours witnessing cinematography of the highest standard, accompanied by well-cho=en and admirably played musical selections. Those who had &••!! daiptv, captivating and beautiful Margarita' Fischer in "Miss Jackie of the Navy," could be pardoned if, prior to seeing the latest veiuc.c la. belle Fischer—"liiss Jackie of tho Army"— : that it would be something in the nature of j an anti-climax, that the interest would not be eo well sustained, and tha.t the incidents i would not be nearly so thrilling. XJut, un-

like most sequels, or continuations, "Miss Jackio of tho Army," which is, neither a sequel, nor a continuation, proved to be a 6turdy, appreciative story, relying for none of its force or interest on its forerunner, and standing quite separate and distinct from it. In "Miss Jackie of The Army" Margarita Fischer is Miss Jackio Kirwood, the dusning, care-fice, happy-go-lucky, and energetic daughter of crusty Major Kirwood, the oiticer commanding an American regiment, who wishes that Miss Jackie had been born a boy—an omission that Miss Jackio does her best to remedy. The slow-going squad of ladies who devote their energies to knitting socks for the soldiors, does not appeal to Mis 3 Jackie as indicating the maximum that women can do for their country. A picture of John d'Arc inspires Miss Jackie with the idea of forming a brigade of girls into "The Fighting Demons." A raid is made upon tho Major's collection of old guns, mid tho "Demons" are forthwith armed, with Miss Jackio as their commander. Training proceeds rapidly, culminating in tho formation, with suitable articles of furniture, of something very liko a trench. Miss Jackio has just given the command: "Over tho top, Demons, and give them hell!" when the Major sind Lieutenant Adair enter the room. The military mon condemn "tho fighting demons" there and then, and they are disarmed and demobilised. Mis 3 Jackie, in a fit of pioue, dccidcs to go of! as a Red Cross Nurse, but 33 intercepted, by Lieutenant Adair, who is now recognised as one of Miss Jackie's suitors, the other being Lieutenant Wilbur. Miss Jackio is not tho sort of j'oung woman to_ bo easily kept down, and her next exploit is of a more serious character, and arises out of her desire to run. to earth some spies'. Tho way in which Miss Jackio gets things mixed up, in the early ®tages of her spy-hunt, provides much amusement, especially as she imagines that Lieutenant Adair is in leaguo with the spies in preparing to blow up a troop train. However, after many thrilling adventures, Miss Jackio 13 instrumental in getting the real spies apprehended, Lieutenant Adair is ordered to join his regiment at the front, and leaves chccred with the promise that MLI 3 Jackie will be his wife upon his safe return. •It will be noted that tho story fairlv bristles with incident, and it should be addod that of - tho majority of them Miss Jackio is the life and soul and principal moving force, -ilargarita iischer plays the part of tho headstrong and beautiful girl with all the abandon required to majco it thoroushlv conMnexng. WIIIIO sho is on tho stage there is something doing all tho time, and the consequence is that the interest is admirably sustained throughout the whol 0 0 f tho fivo «* • ' Those who have seon Miss Fischer in Miss Jackie of tho Navy," in "The Pearl of Paradise," and in "The Girl Who Couldn't Grow up, * will find undiminished plcasuxo m meeting as "Miss Jackio of tho Army.' The other attractions of yesterday's new programme was the screening of tho first chapter of tb 0 serial. r 'A Lass of tho Lumberlands," in which tho ever-popular Helen Holmes is featured. Tho serial is described as being out of the ordinary run of serial productions in that tho main incidents aro not connected with a mystery of crime or with tho unravelling by somo superhumanly acuto dotective of som& gruesome mystery. Tho scene is laid in one of the great lumber areas of Amcrica, and the audience 13 early introduced to tho rough characters and ihe rough life of tho lumbor camp. Some of tho early incidents give a good indication of the "red-bloodedness" of the lumber-jacks. A man-fight is one of these, and the thoroughness with which the fisht is waged is realistic and convincing. "Dollar Holmes," a small timber land owner, is tho central figure of tho opening chapter, and his character is hardly lovable. Greed of money and unscrupu'ousness as to tho means used to obtain money aro some of his outstanding characteristics. Because he has set his heart upcm having a Bon to inherit the greati wealth ho anticipates acquiring, he becomes enraged when ■ his wife presents him with a daughter, and practically drives mother a.nd child from his home. In order to securo additional aieaa of lumber, without which ho cannot fulfil a big contract ho has entered into, -he aids nnd abets Dill, a "bootlegger" (illicit dealer in liquor) in conveying whiskey to tho tribe of Indians who own the area, and who aro thereby induced to part with it. "Dollar Holmes," having acquired the adidtional area, is sought out by Greer, (president of the lumber trust, and is given an_ interest in a railway that the trust ia building, but which cannot be built unless Holmes gives tho trust right-of-way through a portion of his area. The climax of tho first chapter is reached when Holmes's wife and child, whilst attempting to escape over a jam of logs, ar 0 precipitated into the Bwift-flow-ing stream as tho result of an explosion necessitated in order to break up tho jam. They are thought to be drowned, but afro saved; but Holmes is informed that they have been drowned, and as tho first act closes he is seen making overtures to the handsome daughter of the president of the lumbor trust. The serial promises exceedingly well *and the succeeding chapters will be awaited with much interest. Other films screened were the Beauty comedy, "Getting in Wrong," and the Western drama, "Pitch o* Chance."

During tho scrcoinn? of the films the OTchestia, under Mrs iliddleton, gave with admirable effect a number of popular and approriate selections and at the evening sessions Miss Cadeniead, A.T.CJj., played, with fine effect, "De JBeriot's Concerto, No. 9." To-day and this evening the same programme will be screened.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Tho change of at Everybody's Theatre yesterday was . witnessed by crowded houses sit every session Muck interest, had been taken in tho presentation of "Polly of the Circus," the first release of tlio Goldwyn Picture;, which features Miss Mae Marsh, who won world-wide popularity in "The Birth of a Nation" and "Intolerance." The mo3t favourable anticipations were more than fulfilled, for undoubtedly "Polly of the Circus" is on« of tho finest productions ever screened in Christchnrcli. It is undoubtedly iv bliow within a show. Full of realistic scenes of circus life, tho most thrilling i 3 a fire in tho big tent, and tho stampede of tho audience. It required a fully equipped circus to produce this bit of realism, and a complete circus performance is shown on- tho screen, including tho arrival of tho circus in a town nt daybreak, the great street parade, and tho departure in the black of night. And then there is put on tho screen ouo of tho greatest horse raco ecenes ever witnessed, full i.f thrilling incidents. Thunders of applause greeted this scene at every session yesterday, and excitement was worked high. It is difficult to imagine a part more suitable to Miss Marsh than that of "Polly" in Margaret Mayo's famous drama. This heroine is dainty, vivociouo, filled with the jov of living, and is tho pride of tho big, rough men of tho circus. It is a part Miss Marsh has made the most of. Tho picturo tells the 6tory of Polly, child of the circus, who, following the death of her mother in an accident, is raised by an old clown, Toby. Poily becomes a bareback rider, and when alio is injured by a fall during her act, sho is left behind in ths little town, while tho rest of tho circus goes on. "When injured, Polly was taken to the nearest hoime, which happened to bo that of a young minister, John Douglas. Hero Polly stays durin" the long months of convalescence. Sho is sixteen, and beautiful. Tho minister is twenty-five, and a bachelor. So tho gcspjps are eoon busy, and what might have been a pretty romance ia twisted into a scandal by narrowminded villagers. Polly is regarded wiih open hostility, and her pre&cnce is particularly disquieting to Julia Strong, the pretty daughter of the town's big man, Deacon Strong. Julia has set hex cap for tho young parson, and Polly's presence upsets all her plans. Polly, ignorant of the hubbub she ;-s creating, is transformed under the minielcr's guidance from an ignorant circus waif to a tender and adorable young woman. Finally the minister can no longer- ignore tho protects of his congregation, . and ho trios to tell Polly that, sho must to away. The thought of separation terrifies the girl, and tho love 6ho so plainly shows makes the minister realise that ho, too, is in love. Word comes to Polly of the 6eriou« illness of her . old friend, Toby, the clown. Under impulse, Polly, riding her circus hor&e, sweeps into tho race at the county fair at the last moment, and wins the purse with which Bho hopes to buy comfort and health for her old friend. But in winning tho raco she increases the enmity of Dcacon Strong, whose horse she had defeated, and when tho deacon catches her at a disadvantage he banishes her from the village, making her believe that the minister's church will bo taken away from him if she stays. Polly perforce must leave without a word of explanation to Douglas, and the. latter believes sho has chosen to return to the circus and her old life. > Tho months which pass do not eerve to efface her memory, but only to strengthen the minister's love> for the radiant girl who has passed out of his life. With Polly tho story is the same. Her love for Douglas deepens and grows. When another Spring brings the blossoms to the hillside orchards -and the big white tops of the circue tente to the vacant lot behind thfi churoh, the little god that laughs at locks and obstacles finds a way to bring these two loving hearts together again—even though it takes a panic and a circus fire to do it. A specially augmented orchestra, under the direction of Mr W. J. Bellingham, added to tho pleasure of yesterday's entertainment, which will be repeated at all sessions to-day.

. LIBERTY THEATRE. ' "The Flatues of Chance," which heads tho new prograinm© figuring at Liberty Theatre this weak serves to introduco to Christchurch audiences a new Triangle star im Margery Wilson, who, judging by.her successful debut in the production, should quickly make herself a warm favourite. "Tie Flames of Chance" i 3 born of an original theme, dealing with the present world conflagration. It tells of three soldiers, inmates of a German prison camp, befriended by a little American girl, of the trail of a spy, of complications,, and of a happy ending for the parties. Following a worthy example set by France, many American women, upon the United States' entry into tho war, decided to befriend lonely soldiers lodged in German prison camps by writing to them and sending them creature comforts, bo making their unfortunate existenos somewhat bearable. J canivette Contreau, a new New York typist, becomes godmother to three such soldiers, two young Frenchman and ' a New York member of tho French Foreign Legion, who aro confined in the terriblo Wittenberg l Camp. The soldiers bless their godmother, ■whom they have been led to Tjelievo by her as a kindly old spinster lady. They are surprised when holding up one" of her letters! before the flama of a cacdlo to find revealed some mysterious tracings and figures, and ono of tho German censors at tho camp, whilst examining another one of Jcannette's letters discovers similar tracings, which afford unlimited satisfaction to aim and his confrere. Jeannette's employer has offered his assistance to her' in her particular service, and takes a keen if somewhat furtive interest in tho letters she writes to her soldier boys. Then comes news one day that tho American member of tho trio, possessor of a withered arm, has been released from captivity, and that h© is calling upon'Jeannette to thank her for her kindly actions. Panic-stricken, she assumes the disguise of an old ladv when tho young soldier her. Amusing situations ensue, tho voung mac's heart refusing to believe what liis head tells him. Jeannctt© writes as usual to tho two remaining prisoners of war, but the letter is intercepted bv the American Secret Service, who discover in it written in an invisible ink plans of American naval fortifications. Officers of the Service pay a visit to her abode, and discover her seated with her employer and her soldier friend, the latter having interrupted the emnloyer making a declaration of lovo to her. To save the "old Isdv" th» soldier confesses to be in 7 a German spy, and is conveyed to Secret Servile headquarters, where it is discovered that he is the man who first supplied the information concerning the plans. Officers are then sent on; to arrest Jeannette and her employer, and the soldier's surmise is marked when ho discovers that his rodmothcr i 3 a yoimg and attractive girl. Tho employer is trapped, and confesses that ho is a" spy, and the story ends hapnilv for the two* principals concerned. Thero is a good supporting programme, including the "Ganmont Graphic,' "Dog Catcher's Love," p. Keystone comedy, and a further instalment of "Tho Ncglected Wife." The programme will b? repeated at to-day's sessions.

GBAXD THEATR2. An attractive pictuxo wa3 tho genera! verdict of the large crowds which witnessed Bluo Jeans" at tho Grand Theatre yesterday. Viola Dana'3 presence was sufficient in. itself to draw good attendances, but tha whole production was so meritorious that H was no surprise that the picture proved

popular. Right from tho outset the spectator is interested with the many dramatic eituations, and this interest novcr flags. Thcro is a decided human appeal in this tho latest of Metro photoplays, and Viola Dana rifles to now heights in her wonderful emotional acting. Ono says acting advisedly, as sho really lives the part. As "'June" tho waif Miss Dana gives ono of the most realistic pieces of character acting ever seen, in Cliristchurch. Humour and pathos aro excellently intermingled. ' There is one exceptionally affective perspective iu which is told a tale of deep: anxiety mingled with intense excitement. And there is the big thrill of the picture where a rival mill hand endeavours to dispose of his rival by strapping him to a saw bench, setting tho machinery in motion, tho victim getting nearer and nearer to the fast revolving circular saw. A very fine study of "Odd Animals," and an interesting "Co-operativo "Weekly" round off a very good programme. STRAND THEATRE. "Countess Charming," featuring Julian Eltinge, in tho dual character of n Russian Countess and n rich young millionaire, drew laiga attendances at tho Strand Theatre yesterday. The wholesome humour of the story was "thoroughly enjoyed. To-day "Countess Charming," with its supporting subjects, will be screened again. SKATING RINK. Tho Colosseum Skating Rink was liberally patronised at all the day and evening sessions yesterday. The learners' session continues to show a gratifying increase, while a very large number of learners axe availing themselves of tho services of tho instructors by taking private lessons, and learning twosteps and waltzes, etc. More new flooring has been put down since last week. Tho Kink will bo opon at the usual hours today.