AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16289, 13 August 1918, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

"LOOK WHO'S HERE." Itr Jack Waller's clover company of performers appeared again at the Xlieatro JKoyal lust liighi, before a large and *ery appreciative audience. The programme oft.-ied was ilie same .13 that given on the opening night, and the I company again succeeded in quickly charming their audience with their cheenul and tuneful mciodics and original skitches. The Purple Band's overture finished, the company -introduced themselves in quaint fashion, -and there followed a rapid succession of charAing songs, skilful iasirumental items, and laughable playlets. Tlio sketch, "In the Trenches," biought the creations of Captain Bairnsfather's fertile brain forcibly and graphically before tljo audience. Other sketches that ''went down ' excellontly were th© picturesque Hawaiian scene, with its dainty dar.ces, and tkfl amusing comedy "Three .Knocks," which concluded the very generous fare provided. The company will give another performance tonight. MALINT. The second performance by Malini, master of magic, was given before a large audience in the King's Theatre last night, and the various examples of dexterity _ submitted by the magician not only mystified but also greatly pleased. The seeming simplicity with which Malini did most wonderful antl apparently impossible feats aroused general admiration. Malini is a very refined patter artist besides one of the world's conjurors. During one of his shows he unfolded a small white handkerchief, holding it up to the audience. He rolied it into a very small ball and then proceeded to bring from it a small flag. Said Malini, "Four months from to-day this flag will be flying .all over the world," and he then brought forth a email Union Jack amidst the applause of the audience. ' The surroundings in which Malini performed his wonders were most pleasing to tho eye. The stage was set out as a drawingroom, artisticuJly and generously, provided with beautiful flowers and pot plants; and many coloured electric light® lent additional attractiveness to the scene. From the ■point of view of the comfort of the audienoo the heating of the theatre was all ,that could be desired, and the additional illumination of tho builvting also proved a very great improvement on the old order of things. At the piano, Mrs A. M. Montague provided the occasional music, and also played the accompaniments for the Miss Ettie Field, whose singing' was greatly appreciated. Tonight ■ Malini - will appear again. CRYSTAL PALACE. In pursuance of its policy of adding variajty to an established excellence of programme, the management of the Crystal Palace has to put beiore tho pifblic thiß week a bill such as ■ picturo-lovers seldom have an opportunity of witnessing. The principal feature is a big Fox drama, entitled "The Soul of Satan," in which is starred Gladys Brockwell, who is speedily achieving a world-wide reputation as an emotional • actress of exceptional ability. Supporting her are Miriam Lee, Charles Clary, Brassby, Norbert Myles, and an exceptionally strong cast. "The Soul of Salan" deals with the life of a girl who is brought up in tho slums of New York. Later she bccomca a prominent figure in the nightlife of' the Great "White Way. One night she meets a man from the West whom she deliberately seeks to ensnare. Instead, she falls in love with him, and on this fabric is woven the subsequent plot—a stropg one, and full of surprises. There are many dramatic «tflations, in which the acting of both Gladys Brockwell and Miriam Leo stands out for its artistic naturalness. The mounting and dressing of "The Soul of Satan" is on the usual scale of Fox magnificence, and the cabaret scene, in particular, is very wonderfully done. Also on the programme is a continuation of tho "Is Marriage .Sacred? series, which" depicts another phase of this important subject. Marguerite Clayton is in the principal part, the film heinp Ess-anay-made. The laughter part, of tho bill is supplied by "Roping tfor Romeo, a Mack. Sennetfc production in two .eels. in which are featured Polly Moran (of Sheriff Nell's Dilemma" fame), Ben Turpin, and Shm Summerville. farce, and sensational incidents are introduced in this hilarious comic. A Paramount Weekly Gazette, deoictine all the latest American happenings an<T in particular "Uncle Sam" *«fngK*dy for war, completes the programme. The playing of the orchestra is an enjoyable feature of the evening session, whilo Miss Franoes Barry, the Wellington mezzo-so-prano, contributes two iteM Last night her numbers were When \ou Come Home" (Squire) and An Emblem.

"A BOON TO FARMERS." The attention of farmers is directed special film that is being screened this w«k at Crystal palace. It w a picture of a demonstration giv6n recently at Ayonbead >f the. Efficienfly Plough LSit, a local invention. Tho ingenious and very simple lifting a tachment, which *» adaptable to any plough, practically without; increasing its weight, and at quite a trifling cost, is ehown m actual operation in tho film.. .One of the most interesting foatures of this invention is the ease with which even a young schoolgirl is enabled to do. efficiently, the work on a farm ot a skilled, experienced, and physically strong ploughman. Countar visitors will be greatly interested m this film, which ia very effectively keeping np the precedent recently established in Christchurch picture shows of showing tho workings of local industries.

"MY FOUR YEARS IN GERMANY."

Eloquent evidence oi the great interest aroused by the screening of tho cinematograph presentation of Sir James Gerard a highly valuable look, "llyiFour Years zn Germany," was given yesterday evening, when Gome considerable time before the hour'fixed for the exhibition of the picture, lensthv queues had formed outside Liberty Theatre and Everybody's Theatre. That so many people should be willing to wait pntiently for any length of tune for admission to a picture theatre ie a strong indication that the publio appreciate the opportunities afforded to witness a film produced* with Jie greatest possible fidelity, and one that deals with such important and momentous events. At both theatres tho audiences enowed by frequent outbursts of applause that the producer had excelled himself with his faithful and artistic presentation of the various incidents so graphically described xn «he book. Augmented orcheetros at both Liberty and Everybody's provided suitable music, •which added to the pleasure of the audiences. Today at 2 p.m., and this evening at 7.45, "My Four Years in Germany' WjU be again screened at both houses.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. The many admirers of ilary Miles Minter will find much to increase their admiration of this popular screen actress in the <ine drama, "Melissa of the Hills," which headed the new programme nt the Queen's Theatre yesterday and was witne&acd by large ana delighted'audiences. Laid amidst the beautiful "mountain sceftery of Tennessee—"wj|ere every juospect pleases end only man i& vile"

—tho scene of "Melissa of the Hills" lends itself to picturesque treatment, and the c i- - arters o! tho hill folk and thelr dea 4 l y .f? ! maits for exciting and thrilling b " y Mciissa, chamingly represent by JU.ar> Miles Minter, ia the daughter of tho ciei„> man who sponds his life m trying these primitive folk from their and she portrays the character _ admirablj. The big incident in the drama is I the between the rival clans, in which the clergyman is killed and others also lose their Uvea. This is realistically presented, and thefilm throughout is artistically produced, ihere is a strong lovo theme which relieves the more tragic incidents. There was a.so screened the three-reel drama, "hour Months, which a story of absorbing interest was unfolded. The fourteenth episode of the serial, •A Lass of the Lumbc-rlanda, f cal " n "= Helen Holmes, unfolds the w°rkmg ot ne Indian's revenge on "Dollar Holmes. "Twenty Minutes of Magic" woa a hifftoiydiverting" comedy. An interesting industrial film, picturing tho boot manufactory of Messrs O'Brien and Company, of this caiy, aroused much enthusiasm. To-day and this evening the same programmo will be. .» peatod.

OPEKA HOUSE. Mr Walter George's "Sunshine Players" are undoubtedly the most entertaining, "J® most attractive, and the most talented littlo company that has appeared oil the _ locai branch of the Fuller circuit einc© the introduction of revues -and such like. Last week tho co»ipany made a most favourable impression with its opening piece, and the second item of its repertoire, "Tho Pearl o£ Persia,' which was presented for the first timo at tho Opera House last evening, proved even nioro entertaining than its predecessor. Mr George's combination really _ provides firstclass musical comedy in miniature. Good stage cffects and excellent production are features of the company's efforts, while practically every menjber of caat and chorus :s possessed of a good voice, a thing that pears to be missing from many of the similar companies that Christchurch has seen. "The Pearl of Persia" has a very slender plot indeed; most musical comedies, comic operas and revues have; but the piece is brightfy written, capably interpreted, and evenly balanced, and in every way it provides a first-class evening's amusement. Most of the comedy falls on tho shoulders of Mr Ge'orgo Storey, who is certainly much bettor in company than in straight-out vaudeville. In fact he makes a first-class comedian for eucli a production, and he gives every indication that were he given a chance, l-o would fill the bill very successfully a3 a pantomime Dajno. He is inimitable as the Chauffeur in "Tho Pearl of Persia," while the veteran, Mr Walter George, is extremely fieroe and oonvincing, as the ina .y-wife-loving Prince of Ganza. ' Aa the Prince's private seccretary Mr Holly Lesl:e is ferocious. and Mr Barry Hitchings, as an English broker. Mr Frank Haining as tho lover of the heroine, and Mr Milton Owen aa a mere Englishman, are all successful. In the ladies' department, Mirs Dulcie Milner makes a, charming littlo English girl, who is destined for a harem, but escapes through the cleverness of her lover, and the aid of a spinster who would givo anything for a husband, and who gets one, by a trick, in tho person of the Prince. Vivacious and hardworking littlo Miss Georgio Martin fills tho role of the spinster to perfection, and he remaining characters in tho cast are all well portrayed. Besides being prottiiy set, tho piece abounds in catchy mus.cal numbers. Miss Hylda Shannon sings "Destiny" very pleasingly. -Sho is the possessor of a fane soprano voice, but she mars her numbers somewhat by faulty phrasing and breathing. Miss Vera Murray sings "Fairy Moon" very nicely, with the aid of tho chorus, whilo Miss May Geary, aided by the company's quartet gives a pleasing interpretation of "In Monterev." Messrs Leslie, * George, Haining, Storey, and Owen are responsible for a number of good songs, while with Afr George ■and Mr Haining, Miss Dulcie Milner gives her talents full scope. Miss Georgie Martin sings a couple of first-claes comedy numbers, while Miss Polly McLaren contributes a particularly neat and artistic Eastern danoe. All the numbers were received in most hearty manner. In the vaudeville section of the programme, Victor Elvin, trick skater aad dancer on skates, made a successful reappearance, and Bryant and Bryant, Phil Percival and Brull and Hemsley, repeated their turns to the general satisfaction of tho audience the last-named pair proving specially popular with their new burlesques. The same programme will be repeated thaa evening.

. STRA2TD THEATRE. Douglas Fairbanks in "The Modern Musketeer" was eoen by large and delighte-l audiences afc the Strand Theatre yesterday. The modern. D'Artagiian goes through some wonderful adventures with the customary Fairbanks agility and eclat. To-day and this evening the same programme will be screened.

"PEG 0' MY HEART." "Peg o' My Heart,"" which opens at the King's Theatre on Monday next, for six nights, is generally voted one of the-sweet-est plays of the day. With Misa Sara Allgood in the role of "Peg," supported by tho original English company brought to Australia by J. and N. Tait, playgoers may look forward to a well-staged production. Miss Allgood is an Irish girl, with Just a taste of the brogue. She has been ten years on the stage, and began her dramatic career at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, where ehe starred in a succession of Jrish plays. The leading role in "Peg o My Heart" was only one of her many English successes. Suporting her will be Mr Felix Blanch, who plays the part of the foppish "Alaric Chichester," while Mr Gerald Henson, a protege of Sir Johnstone Forbes Robertson, is appearing in the role of the lover ■ "Jerrv." Miss Nan Taylor will be seen as Mis Chichester, while the proud and haughty daughter, Ethel Chichester, is portraved by Miss Mabs Gower. Both of these characters are frigid icebergs, which Peg, with all her natural Irish warmth is unable to melt. However, her shafts of Irish wit, and the pathos oi her Irish sadness, gradually thaws the hearts of the household into which she has been thrust to be brought up 83 » the end of the play love comes to Peg, and sho and Jerry at last understand the fuN meaning of Tom Moore s delightful poem, "Oh, there's nothing half so sweet m life as Love's Young Dream." The scenery and lighting effects will be on • a compete «ale, the lighting playing a most important part in tho working out of the plot. Tho bos plan opens at The Bristol to-morrow.

BARTON'S CIRCUS. A circua has always an attraction of its own, and consequently the news that .Barton's Circus, which has already J 36l *?" Christchurch on numerous occasions, to the "delight of young and old alike, wfll <>P|° » season to-morrow night opposite tie Prince of Wales Hotel, Colombo street, will be welcomed by a large number of prospective patrons. New attractions will include the Three Flying Lees, in their sensational flights and daring leaps for life; the Danng Deans, balancing ladies; Benham, toe c.ever up=?.*Jedown man; Dccar, the somersaulting waiter; and the Martinettes. triple-bar 'busters-ln addition there will be the well-known Predo

boys, who are announced to bo making thejr last tour of New Zealand; the Imperial ladder act by George Alton, assisted by nine ladies, and Master Ton, a boy contortionist. The circus haa with it a number of well-trained horses, pontes, and donkeys, and there are three downs.

MALE VOICE CHOIR. That popular combination of vocalists — the Male Voice Choir —under Dr. J. C. Bradshaw, will assist the Lady Liverpool Trench Comforts Fund, by presenting one of its delightful programmes on Saturday next in the Choral Hall. Twenty-two' of the Cathedral Choir boys, whose freßh, young voices are always an attraction, will assist the choir with old-time glees and madrigals. Miss Louisa Croucher, violinist®, and Messrs l'ox. Harrison, C. Clarkßon, H. McLeod will assist the choir, and the Lyric Four will also contribute on© or more of their favourite quartets. The box plans are at Messrs Milner and Thompson's.

SKATING RINK. As the time for practice before the carnival is very limited great use was made of the rink floor yesterday, afternoon and evening by intending competitors in the several events on the programme. The rink will be open again to-day and' to-morrow night the big Grand National fancy drees and poater carnival will oommence. Elaborate decorations have been made, and the lighting will bo 'ho best it is possible to obtain, so that the different costumes should bo seen to the beat effect. Very large entries hay© been received for the various competitions, including the race for the Grand National _ Steeplechase. Special music will bo supplied tomorrow and Thursdny evening (the second night of the Carnival) by Mr C.. Dtmn'e Brass Band. Extra accommodation ' has been provided for spectators, who would bo well advised to book their seats each evening at the' Theatre Royal confectionery shop.