AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16220, 24 May 1918, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

CHAMBER iIUSIC CONCERT. In these days a Chamber M-usic Conccrt geenra a venture, but tho result, artistically and financially, has justified the experiment. A large audience congregated in the Choral Hall last night, where ilr Ernest Empson and Messrs Harry and George Ellwood presented a fascinating programme consisting of three complete, long Trio 3 for niano, violin, and 'cello. Tho interest and appreciation of the audience never flacked. Tliny started with Mendelesohu's bniliav.t Op. !'), a trio splendid in workmur.s'iip STatc/n! in every r.ote: they piaytd especially tho "Andante" and the " Scherzo" with great refinement and the dazzling piano passages found in Mr Ernest Emptou a performer more than equal to a conu?ninl task. Tho brothers Ellwood were, for once, brought back into the art-wor.d. One cau hardly say that they have passed unscuthcd through a routine mill, but nevertheless they have shown themselves and felt one© more genuine artists. Mr Harry* Ellwood has lost something in tone. Mr George in breadth, although tho second subjoct of the Arcnsky "Scherzo" ar.d the "E.cgia" reminded one of his former standard. All, however, they did, breathed artistic senso and feeling. With such a leader as Mr Empson, it is difficult to imagine they could do otherwise. Tr;os No. 3 of Beethovcs'i vorv first work, figured as the second production. The long-winded Allegro can be patiently borne, for is it not the preludo to one of his loveliest themes? And then the "Finale," again with a melody unforgettable, with its exquisite modulations and reminiscences, a movement which foretells tho master breaking his chains. Tho greatest of modern Trios, that of Arcnsky, concluded the conccrt. In a way its execution surpassed tha other two, but mainly for the reason that in it greater opportunities for display arc offered. The opening "Allegro" is very finely, very effectively, written, and is its most impressive movement, although the glitter of the "Scherzo" ecerns to outshine it by its originality. Tho wholo work is a masterpiece. Let us hope this concert will be a first instalment only.

Miss Millicent Jennings varied the programme by her vocal contributions. Her clcar, light, and flexible voice came out with much charm, as formerly, in vivacious, fanciful, capricious designs, such as "The Hobby Horse," "I've Been Roaming," and "Care Flies." Tho gentle tones of "I'll Rock ¥ou' also were very effective. Miss Jean Burrowes accompanied her skilfully. OPERA HOUSE. There was a large attendance at tko Opera Houso last ©vening, when the current programme was repeated. Tho vaudeville turns in the first half were all well received, especially thoso of Bellora (bird and animal mimic), and Frank, Lank, and Alic e (clever jugglers). Tho Hifrerley Musical Furco Company again scored heavily with their presentation of "Murphy Marooned," a humorous skit oil "Robinson Crusoe.'' It was originally intended that this popular company should conclude their Christchurch season on Saturday night, and give way to an all-vaudeville bill on Monday, but owing to difficulties in connexion with travelling arrangements tho company will remain here for four nights next week and on Saturday afternoon and evening will repeat "Xho Man in Black." "Murphy Marooned" will bo played for the last time to-night. CRYSTAL PALACE. A programme of extraordinary attractiveness will be screened at the Crystal Palace, beginning on Monday. Heading it will be the" drama of the Canadian North-West, "The Silent Lie," a Win. Fox film, of which R. A. Walsh is the producer. H. A. Walsh has to his credit such highly artistic productions as "Carmen," "The Honour System, "The Beast," and "The Regenerator,' and his latest work, "The Silent Lie," is described as equalling in all cscntiala previous triumphs. In "Tho Silent Lio Marion Cooper ia starred, those who recollect this brilliant actress in "Intolerance," in which she played "The Friendless One," will be glad of tho opportunity of again witnessing her on the . screen. _ The incidents of "The Silent Lio' 1 are of a highly dramatic character, and the scenes m the wild North-west of Canada, and of tho lifo of its inhabitants are pictured with great realism. The supports will include the sixth episode of "Who is Number whicii is described as one of tho most exciting portions of this fascinating mystery serial. In addition to the Gazetto there will bo aJso screened a Mack Sennett comcd'y, "A Bedroom Blunder." "THE BABES IN THE WOOD." Excellent attendances wero recorded at Crystal Palace and Starland yesterday, when ' the magnificent William Fox version of the old fairy tale, "The Babes in tho Wood, i was screened. It sneaks volumes for author and producer that a theme so essentially on© appealing to tho mind of youth, appeals none the less strongly to grown-ups. This is duo to the excellent manner in which the iutorest is sustained throughout, and also to the exquisitely natural acting of tho two "Babes"—Virginia Leo Corbin and Francis Carpenter. Tlioy are tho lifo and soul of the piece, and it is pure joy to see the fierceness with which Francis Carpenter defends and protects his sister. The admirable settings, especially tho woodland scenes, including the graceful dance of the fairies, are sources of great enjoyment. "The Babes in tho Wood" will be screened to-day and this evening at Crystal Palace and Starland, together with the interesting supporting subjects. The box plan is at The Bristol. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Novelty ot construction as far as the story told iu "The Calendar Girl" is concerned, and charming and convincing acting by Miss Julietto -fay, contributed largely to tno pleasure of tho largo audiences which witnessed the film at all tho sessions at the Queen's Theatre yesterday. The beautiful costumes worn by Miss Day and the admirable photography are also noteworthy features of this aim. The second instalment of tho serial, "A Lass oj tho Lumbcrlands," featuring Helen Holmes, is characterised by many thrilling incidonts, including the heroine's daring rescuo trom drowning of ] the hero, whose ship has been wrecked. The supporting subjects aro excellent. The same programme will bo shown to-day. "SOULS IN PAWN." Next v.-cek's programme at tho Queen's Theatre will bo beaded by the Mutual production, "Souls in Pawn," starting Uail Aano. The film is described as a romantic etory ot lovo and war, with plenty ot intrigues, spies, war, and IhriJs from start to linish. It will bo supported by the third episode of "A Lass ot the Lumberiands" and by "Tho Secret Wire," featuring Harold Lockwood, and "For Sale—A Daddy" tjuvonilc comedy). EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Tho mysterious yet charming story of "Tho Garden of Allah," m which Helen Waro and Thomas Santschi interpret tho leading characters in Robert fiicncns s powertui novel, attracted largo audiences to all sessions at Everybody's Theatre yesterday. The earnb film w}th ita supporting subjects wall be scrcoiied to-day and this evening. I For next week's programme the Goldwyn masterpiece "Baby Mine," is announced, in this admirably constructed comedy Aladgo Kennedy is starred, and her interpretation of tho part ot Zoic, the wile, is cfcEcr.bed as most artistic. LIBERTY THEATRE. Tho large attendances at tho Liberty Theatre yesterday testified eloquently to tho versatility and tho unfailing humour of Charlie Chaplin. "Tho Adventurer," Chaplin's latest smile-projucer, gives tho weilknown humorist plenty ot opportunities for tho display of his peculiar wit, and is fitly described as one continuous laugh. Tho supporting films including the serial "Tho Neglected Wile," arc most interesting. Today and this evening "Tho Adventurer" will be again screened.

For next ween an attractive programme is announced. It will be headed by a Pathe drama, "Convict <J93," in which Mrs Vernon Castle is featured. It will bo supported by the Hth episode of "The Neglccted Wife,'' entitled "Desperation," by the I'riang.e Comedy "Tho Laundry Ciean-up," and the Gauinont Graphic. STRAND THEATRE. Large and delighted audiences witnessed at the Strand Theatre yesterday tho fino cinematograph presentation of tho thrilling and interesting etory '•Freckles." in which Jack Pickford is featured. Today and this evening the fiim will bo finally screened. "Tha Crystal Gazer," starring Fannie Ward, trill be screened to-morrow. GRAND THEATRE. The thrilling and dramatic story of an American lumber camp, "The Avenging Trail," featuring Hjtold Lcckwood, was witnessed by large audiences at the Grand Theatre yesterday. The film and supporting features will be screened again to-day. STARLAND THEATRE. There were excellent attendances at Starland yeeterday, when "The Babes in the Wood" was screened. It will be shown again to-day and to-night. Xext week the programme will be headed by" the cinematograph version of George Barr McCutchcon's romantic novel. "Granstank," in which Francis X. Bushman and Beverley Bayne will be starred. The story is one of rapid action, with stirring incidents of lovo and hate. The first of a now series, entitled "la Marriago Sacred?' 1 will bo screened.

"THE ETERNAL. CITY." | To-morrow afternoon and evening tb® Pars- ' mount adaptation for the screen of Hall Caino's well-known novel. "Tho Eternal City," will be screened at tho Theatre Royal, j Tho production is described as a truly marvellous and magnificent picture. The blending of the spectacular with the dramatic is described. as the best vet demonstrated in the history of motion pictures. Scenes of tho Colisseum, tho gardens of the Vatican, the Castle of St. Angelo, and other historical places of interest are reproduced with great fidelity to detail. Paulino Frederick. America's great tragedienne, plays tho part of Donna Koma and is supported by such wellknown actors as Thomas Holding, Fuller Hellish, l-'rank Loscc, and George Majeroni. Pa-ulino Frederick's interpretation 01 tho character of the beautiful Donna Koma is described as enthralling and she conveys by facial expression all that Hall Cniua meant to convey in the portrayal of the character. ALLAN WILKIE SEASON. The very successful and enjoyable season of the Allan Wilkie Dramatic Company was brought to a close at the Theatre Koyal last night, when "Tho Story of tho Hosary" was repeated. SKATING RINK. The Colosseum Skating Rink was well patronised at all sessions yestorday, thero being littlo room to spare "at night, when proceedings were enlivened by the music supplied by C. Dunn's baud. Tho attendance at the learners' session continues to increase, and the instructors arc also kept very busy between sessions with private lessons. The rink will be open to-day at tho usual hours.