AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16212, 15 May 1918, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL.

"SEVEN DAYS* LEAVE."

Melodrama, pure and aimpi©, held sway at tho Theatre Royal last evening, when Mr

Allan Wilkie and his company presented

"Seven Days' Leavo" for tho first time in Christchurch. "Seven Days' Leave," as its same implies, has to do not with tho doings of thoso at the front, but of those of a chosen tiio, a captain, a lieutenant, and his batman, who havo been lucky enough to obtain a week's trip to "Blighty" as a respite, from tho grim earnestness of France. To tho uverago battle-scarred veteran, a "Blighty" trip comcs as a Godseud, a wellmerited holiday from the horrors of war, but in "Seven Days' Leavo" the week has no such meaning to tho doughty Captain Terence Fielding. In lact, to him, those eoven days aro more full of dramatic incident than any ho over spent at tho front. In a brief week he wins a sweetheart, loses her, thwarts ihe two leading lights of a very complete German spy is wounded, and wins back his love beforo departing again for France. In fact, as previously mentioned, "Seven Days' Leave' 1 is puro melodrama, and yet refined melodrama, for it contains not a single- murder, not a single death of any description. The play itself ia from the pen of that well-known writer of melodrama, Walter Howard, and in it-self has nothing very outstanding to commend it. It is loosely thrown together; technically it is full of faults; but it has a good excitingstory running through it—one that is not altogether outside the bounds of possibility— it ha 3 just the atmosphere necessary in tacso times of war, and incidentally'ii has a couple of love stories and a fund of quiet restraint aril clever humour; so thai, with this combination of good things, overshadowing tho many that aro less so, "Seven Days' Leave" may be described as a quite successful melodrama—in fact, quite the best cross between drama and tho ("reallcst" melodrama wo havo seen since the days of Bland Holt. Its outstanding feature is that it gives one an insight into tho manner—and not by any means a whoily fictitious and theatrical manner—in which the Gc/man spy system ia worked.

To describe the story of tho play would bo much the same as tolling a friend, tho etory of tho book ono is about to lend him, and thereby destroy hia interest in it but suffice it to say that Captain Terence' Fielding, a decorated British officer on. leave, falls in love with a charming young lady, and at tho eamo time detects in the persons of a young "wounded Belgian officer" and his "sister" two of tho most dangerous of German spies, with whom he has previously come in contact in a German prison camp. Naturally, his ono aim ia to find out their game and tlr.va.rt them, and to do eo ho ha® to deceive his sweetheart into thinking that his affections have been transferred to the "Belgian" lady. Complications of tho most unhappy kind naturally follow, but putting the honour of his country first, tho young soldier still further disgusts his sweetheart, but wins his way into tho home of tho epics and nips their well-laid planv in tho bud, assisted at tho crucial momeint by the aforesaid' sweetheart, who pioves that what a German woman is prepared to do an English woman can do. Of course everything ends happily for the principals—or at lea a t tho English principals—concerned. The man whom tho heroine promises to marry in a moment of heart-broken pique, lilro a proper hero renounces his claim to her hand, and she and her former' lover are reconciled on tho cvo of hia departure for France.

Taking it as a whole,'tho play is a very interesting ono, though tho first scene "hangs fir©" somewhat. Its many situations are not too melodramatic; in fact, one at least is a little too little so. Ono could hardly imagine two German spies alono in a room with an unarmed Englishman in full possession of their secret, one of them covering him tho while with a revolver, aitd yet being cowed into submission, as it were by tho unaided strength of the lash of the inglishman g tongue. Also, ono has always been led to imagine that German spies are most daredevil persons, and so ono can hardly Understand tho abject cowardice of a epy Who has previously dono great work for his country, and held a colonel's commission in i course, for tho purposes of melodrama, there must be a villain who is a craven at heart, and hence, no doubt tho said German spy. On tho other hand,' the female spy fulfils one's most heroic conceptions of tho secret service woman, and shows herself & true. and devoted-till-death doughtor of the Vaterland. Summed up in a few "Seven Days' Lea,vo" ic a cheerful mixture of tho real thing and the lalhor impossible, blended more judiciously than not, and appealing strongly to the spirit of the tim^s. The company is headed by Mr Allan Wilkie, who left a highly, favourablo impression behind him when ho was last hero with a Shakespearean repertoire. In those days Mr Wilkie proved that ho was an actor of tho first flight, though a catarrhal trouble interfered somewhat with his elocution. Since, then he has undergone a serious operation to his nose, and the result is quit? evident in his enunciation, even though he js still inclined to jerk hia speech a little. Seven Days' Leave" of course centres round the heroic Captain Fielding, played by Jfo Wilkie. though tho part happilv does not by any means overshadow tho rest of —o characters, and no one in the cast can com- j plain that one man receives too much of I the limelight. Nevertheless, Mr Wilkie stands out prominently, as> talent must always do, and at no time did he err by overdoing a : situation. He was evenly convincing right through, and showed that he is equally at homo in melodrama as in 1 Shakespeare. ■ A spccial word of praise must bo given to Mr Ronald Riley for his excellent character sketch in the »art of an English lord—a pnvato by the way—who is batman to a young lieutenant whose mother is a cook. The majority of the comedy is dependent upon him, and he carries through tho character magnificently, at no time exaggerating the part, as five out of Bix actors would be prone to, but acting tho cynical, dryly humorous English "dude" to perfection. Miss Marie Ney, an ex-Wollington girl was charming and convincing in tho leading role of Lady Mary Heather, and Miss Adclo Inman* was also extremely good in •the part of an inolined-to-be-gay daughter of the vicar. Mr Herbert Leigh, apart from a slight incoherency of diction, was admirable as "Colonel Sharow" of the Intelligence Deand made a particular hit with his stirring lines "Carry on." Mr Robert Inman got through a fair amount of work very creditably as the vicar, while Mr Vivian Edwards and Miss Nellie Fergusson were German spieß to tho life, not even their accent failing them. The minor parts were all well sustained, and the company proved- itself a more than ordinarily we3(.-balanced one. ; v

The piece was extremely well staged, tho opening tableau, "Britain's Might," and the submarine scene being especially effective. There was a very foir attendance, and tho audience was lavish in its applause, while Miss Marie Key had to accept several handcome bouquets at the closo of tho performance. ( "Seven Days' Leave'' will be repeated tonight. OPERA HOUSE. The fine all-ronnd programme at the Opera Hou-so was repeated last evening before a large and appreciative audience. All the vaudeville turns were greatly enjoyed. Tho termination of tho wire-waiking act is a decided novelty, and very humorous, tho malo member growing to ji great height while the pair sing, "Grow, "Grow, Grow." Hamlyn and Mack were given a great reception for their most attractively staged act, tho finale of which is also distinctly novel, funny, _ and quite unanticipated. Owing to extensive bookings in America this popular couplo will appear finally on Friday night. Frank, Lank, and Alico (clever jugglers), Upside Down Wright, and Mandeno's Dogs aIJ appeared with success. The Haverley Company's musical farce, "Murphy nt the Cabaret," caused much merriment, besiaej evoking a great deal of favourable comment on the exceptionally pretty ballets. The same programme will be given to-night. CRYSTAL PALACE. Tho large attendances at all sessions, and especially at the evening one, at the Crystal Palace yesterday, were eloquent testimony to the fact that the new programme, from the point of view of variety and balance, is one. of the best yet shown at this popular theatre. Too often it is the case that programmes are not diversified sufficiently, with the result that there is not that wide appeal to all tastes which ensures the plerauro ol the majority of the audiencc. The programme now being screened at Crystal Palace has somctliing that appeals to "all 6orts and conditions of men," and tho appreciative comments of tho audience are proof that .the management has succeHod admirably in striking the golden mean. "The Jfrinaj Payment," iiie tensely uzamalio William Fox production, siarrinz Kance O'Neill, 16 one of tho best films of its class hitherto screened, and the story is one that givts the fullest possible scope for Nance O'Neill's genius aa a tragedienne. The sceno i 6 laid in Southern Italy, tho land ot ardent love and of fierce hate, and the part played by I Nanc© O'lCeiil is one of passionate love and equally passionate hatred. Cast on lines approiimat;n? to grand opera, tho etory develops with tho dignity approximating to the highest expression of dramatic art, and moves to its thrilling climax with the irresistiblezwea ot fate.'

The Final Payment" ia recognised u best picture work that Nance O'N'Jl? k! °. n? ' al 'J those who enjoy classio iv.iif ?>« it tensely intoning. dwer has been highly in &,££ i«"\i .? pc ? ul ', ;lr atmoephero of the south, and the sccues in the fishing W? lago are admirably pictured. A not«wortl£ feature o, the film, and a novelty in CW h T\, at °?5" ratP ' » that the suWitul gradually and almost impexccptiblv t&An. •? «n* picture, corn-eying • v Perhaps no greater foil to th« cc °' XciU c °uW bo irn*cined 3,.*" Little Mary McAlistor, who i* another instalment of the "Do rhnj W Count ?" series. awl fe P, TOUt "«cts. aw l The Iceven Road" this charming ittfi actress is seen at her best. It is cal!o«« heart thai is not moved by lessness and charm of Little MarT Alister. In yet another stylo is W terously humorous film. "Fatty ,i r Z Island," in which the hilarious .d™™*)* 7 01 Hoe coo Arbucfcl*. whoso mere on t.io stago is sufficient to create 2° ~ aro forth. Apart, howevor ♦ Fatty s manifold tricks and escapades 't£ film is hijrhly interesting as lnctnrin" Island—' the playground of the world K Jim been described— with ild devices, contraptions, and inventions kom Vew° ySr m TJ l U '° - bis ?> . l i le ,S ill ®?y a nd abandon of the thrlH'*' t delight in them, all contribuu wards making the picture not only M-vf" amusing. bu: really instructive. fourth instalment of tho Anna K*tk„J Green serial, "Who is Number Miracle of the Sea"-tho plot thickens, ar.d mystery is -Ihe American Gazette, whir), • well-balanced programme, is of * passing interest. The subjects dwU are connected chiefly with the « ,Ul being niado bv the United Statef^t^? 0 * . alld worthy pan in the great tjaining o. her men. and tho the power of the whole nation whhT* {* ject of directing everv po«ibl« „<r . ®* > " defeat the Ilun and ail that ho stand **° M.SsS' b "" sl " u - £ thoroiialjly Vr'j^v"d Miss MiUiccnt Jeuniziirs Of "Tho Jewel So£S & I'mist, 6un>' in FrencJi nrv? ti, G< J uuo d» ballad, "I WjU Always VmcmfcA^ in * Ihe uppropnuto ejections admirablr J j by tho orchestra, under Mr W. H rJI Sycd further enhanced tho evening's day and this evening tho 6 1L ™ To " will bo screened. Programme

QUEER'S THEATRE. Theatro resulted l in aUendan cea sessions yesterday. In -Mu ß Jacki e o V ,ui FWh» mß ? y , admiro " of MargirfU i h «. wc . ro to reuow acquS« with tins charming and vorsatilo actr c «i Th! varied and exciting incident in which ah! 111 ?' • i lal ' c ® t succcfls, kept th ß ! °' 10 " enchained, and the film wE# *£ Aultad to ba alio of tho finest shown at th» Queen g The first chapter of the serial, "i .f. 3 °J tho. Lumborlands," pleased itrenllr with its thrilling and realislio story. Xh« admirably selected orchestral inusio. and th« violin solo by Miss Cadenhead, uddod greatly to tho enjoyment, at tho evening eoeeion TI day tho same programme will bo screened

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE "Polly of tho Circus," tho magnified Goldwyn production, featuring Mao Mar&h, attracted record attendances at all sessions at Everybody a Theatre yesterday, tho building boing crowded from midday onward*, ill© part of tho pretty vivacious circus queen, played by MM ✓'Marsh, is a n exacting one, but she eucooeda admirably in riving a con sis ton t, realistic and convincing? in* torpretation of it. Tho production it&olf Si ono m connexion with which ther© has been no sparing of expense. The largo complete circus which was engaged in order that tho scenes in the circus should lack nothing in - the matter of verisimilitude, ropreeentaaiono a very big expenditure. In othor respects the Bame high standard of perfection hta ' been attained, and the total result is a picturo gives unalloyed delight, "Polly »° rtrus ' 1 tho supporting subjects will bo screened again to-day, GRAND THEATRE. Blue Jeans," in which fascinating Viola Dona ia starred, drew largo audienoce at th« Grand Theatre yesterday. Tho big seven* reol Metro feature is alive with incidents of real human interest, and was followed with keen pleasure. To-day the soma programme will bo screened. . .. STRAND THEATRE. Large and thoroughly apreciative avidfc enoes at the Strand Theatre witnossed tho, Paramount film, "Conntess Charming," in which Julian Eltinge is featured. Much enjoyment was found in tho adventures of tha ; Russian counteos, who is admirably impcr- > sonuted by Eltinge. 'To-day th« same pro- •; gramme will bo screened. STARLAND. Excellent patronage was extended at all sessions at Starland yesterday to the attractive programme now showing. In,"The Return of Eve,"' a splondid Kaaonay production, Edna Mayo and Eugene O'Brien are starred. The story is one of great interest, and thoroughly enchains tho attention. Included in tho supporting films is another chapter of the cngrossingly interesting serial, "Tb» Voice on tho Wire." To-day the same programme will bo again ecreencd.

. LIBERTY THEATHp. ' "The Flames of Chance," Ihe entrancing romance of the present day, in which Hat*. ■ > gory Wilson is featured, drew largo attend* ancc3 to all sessions 'at the Liberty Theatre ■ yesterday. The plot of tho story ». woven round the praiseworthy practice followed many women of befriending soldiers ol th« : Allies confined in enemy prison camps.S s <loTclopment of tho story is followed *'ith t tho keenest attention, and the numerous thrilling incidents heighten the' enjoyment. Margery Wilson, the new. Triangle star, troduced in this film, is ail admira/ble actrcts, • and promises to become n great favourite* Included in tho supporting subjects H an - other chapter of tho thrilling serial,: The » Neglcctcd Wife." To-day tho enrno' programme will bo screened again.

THE EMPSON-ELLWOOD RECITAL.' Mr Ernest Empson, the well-known- pi*"* ist, who by • his masterly interpretation of high-class musio at his recent concert .h® I *. added fresh laurels to those already RUJJJj 1 during his concert tour with M. Paul Do* fault, will bo again heard at tho Choral Hwl on Thursday next, 23rd inst., when he wiU be associated with tho Messrs Horry - siw George Ellwood in tries by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Arensky. _ The artistry of. thcao talented musicians is in itsel. wim-, cient assurance of u musical treat _for 'n® 9 ® attending tho recital, and in addition !!»• Milliccnt Jenninga will sing. ' SKATING RIXK. ■? There were again largo crowd* at all-Mi* eiona at the Colosseum Skating Rink yesterday. The instructors were kept busy w»a private lessons right throughout tho interval* between tho hours at wliicn the rink W open to tile public. Fresh music b v Mr C. Duun's band considerably enlivened proceedings ot tho evening session. The nflk w' be open to-day \from 10 a.m. till noon, —20 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (learners' session), and 7.30 p.m. till 10 p.m.