AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16323, 21 September 1918, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. "DADDY LONG LEGS." j It. was as Judy Abbott in "Daddy Long; Legs." that Miss Kathleno MacDonell introduced herself to Christcliurch theatregoers about a yoar ago, and the was one that suited her temperament admirably. _ Miss MacDonell made a very favourable impression then, and it was fitting that sho should include the old favourite in hex present repertoire. The quaint comedy was revived f6r one night only last night, and the Theatre Royal was in consequence packed in ever," part. In the hands of Mis 3 MacDonell, of Judy Abbott bcconies something to bo remembered, and incidentally it gives Miss MacDonell still another opportunitv of showing licr wonderful versatility, for the role is as far remoto from those sho took in "Romance" and "Tho Cinderella Man" as could possibly bo imagined. As the waif in the "blue graph am" Mies MacDonell was irresistiblo. and she was equally natural and charming as the dashing young college girl in love with the middle-aged gentleman who proves to be her bcnefactor, Daddy Long Loge." Tho chief charm lies in Iwr entire naturalness, and tho role of Judy Abbott is one wliicli gives, hor every opportunity of exhibiting her decided cleverness. The™ was not a dull moment when Miss MacDonell was on tile stage last evening, aud the atxlienco, judging bv its applause, waa highly delighted with her. Mr Charles Waldron, as Jervis Pendleton, also had a part which gave full scope to his versatility, and ho was ttoe grave, gooct-hearted, and charming gentleman to the life. Miss Emma, Temple, who has been a prima favourite with Christchurcn audi'inoee for very many years, was exoellent in the lcve-able character of Miss Prltohard, while Mr Kenneth Brampton, Mr Charles, Brown, Miss Audrey Worth, Mies Clarice; Hardwicke, and tho rest of the company were all hn-ppily cast in their respective parts. As usual, the pieoo was aplendidly staged, and no detail was-spared to gam cffect. "OUTCAST" TO-NIGHT. The nopeal of Miss MacDonell as Miriam • in tho "Outcast," which is to be staged at the Theatre Royal/ for the first and only ; time to-night, is rather to the heart than to the mind: to the broad human sympathies of tlio audience rather than to the stern judgment in the moral order from which the modern Magdalen shrinks trembling and in fear. Anart from its merits on a play, "Outcast," it is elated, is clean to the extent that there is no attempt to put any upon patrons of the theatre by which vice may take on the complexion of virtue. Xfco •pardon of Miriam is brought about by the triumph of scaling femininity. Guided more by natural instinct than l»y any axed rules of ait, I ;a MacDonell's act ins is stated to be marked by a fine sense of perception and oronortior.. With her dramatic powers completely under control, tho young ectress wins her way into the heart of her rudienco inch by inch. Afl Geoffrey ohorwood, Mr Charles Waldron « said to rorpase anything ha has hitherto don© »n Christchurch. Tho company supporting ia * strong one, and tho piece is said to be a fitting one. for the two •'stars" to hid farewell to XseW Zealand -prior to their- return to America. LEE TOY CHUTvG TO-NIGHT. Lee Tov Chung, the Eastern magician, will appear a"t tho King's Theatre to-night, tojrethav with Professor D'Almaine the wellknown "master of hypnotism. Tho professor selects his class from the audlenoe. and. will introduco his "scientific and medical tests," with a number of highly amusing scenes, including "The Hypnotic German Rotreat." Popular prices will be charged. MR ALLEN DOONE. Mr Allen Doono and his company will commence their season of romantio Irish drama on Tuesday night in the Theatro Royal with "Lucky O'Shen*" Hr Doono is an actor, a singer, and a composer, and he has won success in all capacities in America, Australia, aud New Zealand. Ho hftß associated with him Miss Edna Keeley, who is a dainty little performer, and wins her way into the hearts of the audienoes. Tho rest of tho company are all well known and expcrienccd actresses and actors. "Lucky O'Shea" is full of stirring scene*, touching lcrve episodes, and quaint and pretty bodot, which Mr Allen Doone sings. Most of tho songa that Mr Doone sings are written and composed by himself. "The Parish Priest will be Mr Doone's second production. Mr Doono's visit will recall to thd ®pccess achieved by him on his previous visit to Christchnrch. The box plan is on view at The Bristol.

i OPERA HOtJSE. The vaudeville and musical comedy entertainment submitted at the Opera House la&t evening met with a big reception at the hands of a large audience. In the vaudeville portion of lh® programme the Gflfaia. Trio roceived very hearty applause for their novelty song and danoo act. _ Jones and Raines enjoyed much popularity in their comedy patter and singing torn. Mia a Violet Trevonyon, the dainty English comedienne, had to respond to several encore#, and Mr Wallace Browulow, operatio baritone, was well received in iia eongs. Winifred and Lumley did not appear on the bill, having gone to Auckland to join a minstrel troupe, which is to tour the Dominion as the first half of a vaudeville programme'. The Walter George Musical Comedy Company successfully repeated "The Blacksmith's Wedding," the most popular features of which were Mr Erank Haimng and Miss May Geary's duet, "The Bella of St. MaryV and Mies Polly McLaren's eolo dance. "The Dying Swan." The same programme wiD be given, this evening, when Mr Wallace Browrvlow will make a farewell appearance. A matinee will be given this afternoon. On Monday Lew Jones and Rcina, Senni will make a reappearance after a lengthy absence, a®d the Sunshine Players.will present a new musical comedy, "In Suany Japan." ~ CRYSTAL PALACE. Large attendance were recorded at Crystal Palace yesterday, when the admirably varied programme, headed by tho William Fox production, "North of 33," starring Dualia Farcinm and Winifred Kingston, was again screened. At tho evening cession do luxe Mt James Cocks contributed aeveral "»ocal items, tho epucial ejections by the Crystal Palace orchestra, trader the bffton of Mr W. H. Corrigan, were highly appreciated. The heedliner ol next week's attractive programme ia the magnificent Fox production, "The Conqueror," a film that local ooddoboaeora in photo-dramas have been looking forward to for some time. It tolls the romantic and thrilling lifo story cf 'General Sam Houston, America's most famous frontier fighter. The -Dart of Hooston ia admirably represented by William Farnum, and that of Eliza Allen by charming Jewel Carmen. Houston to one of many Amerieaas who rose from hrcmble, almost obscure, beginnings to a high position in tho comjminity. Raised in the mountains, ha had little or no book education, and whan his father died, leaving to fight the battle of life, ho was not able to reau or write. When he meets Eliza Allen It ia » oaae of kme at first eight on Ha part, btzt-Eliza*-* city, born

and bred girl, will havo nothing io do with a. Jover eo ignorant Houston. Ho is, however, spumed on to improve himself and ids position bv his love for her. She told him that she vrouldi marry him when lie became* Governor, and lid never rested till ho attained that position. Tho troublous times in Mexico gave Houston air opportunity to show what was in him, and in the border warfare with tho Mexicans ho won a great reputation as a fighter. Love and treason. a»ro interwoven in the latter p<ut 01 the story, which, throughout, is intensely dramatic in. character. The> climax is reached when Houston, during attempted invasion, by tho Mcxiciin?« fioos Sidney Stokea (Charles Clary), who had been instrumental in mooting tho Mexicans, witii Houston's wife in a convent that tho Mexicans had besieged. A terrific fight ensues between tho two men, ending in Stokes being vanquished and in the reconciliation of Houston, and his wife. Tho supporting- films will bo tho Sunshine oomedy, "Damaged fto Goods," another of the meTry and bnguit llutt and Jeff cartoons, and tho latest Gazette. STRAND THEATRE. "Tho Silent Mail," featuring Wm.S, Hart, was finally ehoiyii to laTge audienccs at the Strand Theatre yesterday. The new programme to bo ©crooned for the first tune at all GeeeionA to-day 13 headed, by tho Paramount film version of Mark Twain's immortal work, "Tom Sawyer." There are few books that so strongly appeal to boys of all ag<» than the -narrative b7 America's typical humorist -of tho doings and sayings of Tom Sawyer. The fibok\li&s brought joy to thoupnriHti of readers, -arai the film version brings out all the strongly humorous points in tho story. Tho part of tho hero, Tom Sawyer, is taken by Jack Pickford, and ho js_ said to give a fine impersonation. There will bo also screened the Paramount photo-drama, "T!he Mysotrious Miss Terry," in which Billie Burke is starred. The story is one of love and mystery, and of a social _ butterfly, tired ' of the conventionalities of society, setting out in a spirit of iirresponsible caprice to wselc . adventures amidst new surroundings. Incidentally Miss Terry burgles her own palatial home, takes a position as cashier in a ■warehouse, and becomes involved in many situations of a novel ■ and exciting character. Tho part is one that is admirably enited to Billie Burke, and the story is admirably produced. '

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Excellent, attendances were recorded n.t Everybody'® Theatre ,yesterday, when the Triangle drama, "Tie Missing Bank Notes,' was again screened. It will be ehown finally at all cessions to-day. • The now programme to be shown for tho first timo on Monday will bo headed by the Goldwyn plwto-play, "Fields of Honour." in which Ma® Marsh and her young sister' Marguerite Marsh will be featured. The photoplay » based on the etory of the name title by Irrin S. Cobb, and tells of the. adventures of two Frenoh girls who emigrate to America. On the steamer a. yotmg_ American artist begins to paint one of th» sisters, and when New York is reached he persuades Marie to let him finish the sketch. The artist and Marie fall in love, but the artist's parents, whilst sympathetic, desire to make sure that their eon really loves Marie, and induce him to go on a trip to California. "While he is away Marie's sister dice, and she ia wrongfully accused of having murdered her, and is tried by a judge, who ia tie artist's father. The return of the artist from California leads to the clearing 1 up of the mystery and a happy ending. LIBERTY THEATRE. "The Trap," featuring Alice Brady., which was shown to large audiences at Liberty Theatre yesterday will be finally screened at all sessions to-day. Heading the new programme to be shotfn oil Monday in the

powerful Triangle five-reel drama "The Patriot," in which "William S. Hart is featured. Tho story is a most interesting one, and its development ?ivc3 tlio _ star fall scope lor Lis ■well-known dramatic powers. In tuo drama, William S. Hart is Bob Wiley, formerly a private in the United States army in tho Philippines, but, when the story oDens, a gold miner who has boon defraudod of his claim and, failing- to got jusiioo from tho authorities, joins tho enemies of hia country in Mexico. Ho is about to causo serious disaster to United States troops, when the appearaneo of a little boy in camp reminds him of his own littlo boy who died, and arouses his love of his own land, xlo prevents the threatened disaster to tho troops .and befriends tlio boy® whoso father is xiU©** in thought. Pearl White, who will be remembered as tho star in _ Iron Claw, is featured in tho Patho serial ./Tho Fatal •Ring," ib& first opisodo of whioh will bo screened. Tho plot of the new tcml is .doscribed as mysterious and as gripping «>« imagination. Tho latest Gaumont Graphic will bo also shown. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Tho Men of the Desert," featuring Jock Gardner and Ruth King, whioh was witnessed by large audiences at tho Quoonn Theatre yesterday, will be finally screened with the supporting films at all aesaiona today. "Tho Butterfly Girl," a Mutual feataw do luxe, starring vivacious Margarita. lilscher, a popular favourite nt tijtf Queens, will head tho »w programmo to bofirot shown on Monday. The star is Molly O'Malley, who, with her sister, is sent to live with her aunt wt -tho Tho aunt is aoting as "Tho Butterfly Girl i in a side show, hut business being bad sno is sacked, Pep O'Malley taking Jier place and makina the show a succe«B. Tho owner of tho show ill-treats Pep, who takes refuge in the Hawaiian village, whoro Bho gsts a job as a hula hula girl. In tho meantime Pep has met her fate in Robert Wlupplß. whoso parents object -to Sop. Shs becomes downhearted and is about to do away witb herself when .Whippio rescues her and a W conciliation follows. Tho mipporttngfllms will bo the Mußtiing two-reel drama, Jock, featuring Anna Littlo and Frank Borsage, the comedy "Delinquent Bridegrooms, warring Ben Turpin, and the Gaumont intewst film, "The Science of Palmistry. At tho evenjjig session specially selected music wiu be played by tho Queen's Dainty Orchestra.

' GRAND THEATRE. Tho final eeteenings of "A -Sloeping Mo- ■ mory." 'featuring Emily Stev®nß, vriJl tsko plaoo at tho Grand Theata® at- all sessions to-day. The fiow programme to be shown lor tho first time op" Monday will bo headed by tho superb Metro, coxnedy-drama, With. Neatness and. Despatch," starring Fronow X. Bushman and Boverley Bayne, the acknowledged king and queen of tho sewsn. 1 It is a five-act production and is SMd to be a worthy successor to such brilliant »»n----man-Beverloy Bayne photo-drainas aa Red, , White, and Blue Blood" and The tent's Choice." The, incidents in With Neatness and Despatch" axe thnllingly m-; tereeting, and there is. a genuine lovo interest throughout and an admirable admixture of delightful 00mody. Prancns X. Bushman is seen in quite a different xolo from any of his previous charsoters, and wearsa bizarra tramp costume in many of the scenes. Included in the supporting cast are Frank Ourrior and lticca Allen. The supporting films will include the oomedv Sherlock Ambrose," tho Patho ecenio • Along the Baltic," and the fifth episode of the serial "Tho Great. Secret." Appropriate incidental music will bo played by the Grand Orchestra tinder tho conductorship of Mr A. li. eutton. CHILDREN'S MUSICAL FESTIVAL. A big children's musical festival will be held in tho Colosseum on "Wednesday and Thursday next, at 7.45 p.m. Local musicians who havo heard tho choir and orchestra at

the recent rehearsals ape loud m their P""®* of their work. Tlio combined chorus of cmidrcn and adult members reproeogtß Qvar g» vokes, while tho orchestra. wiU bo » atrong. Tho latter is led by Mr W. E. Skolton, and includes several of tho loading lnstrumontatists of Chrietchurch. Besides tae concerted, items there is a long list of individual items to bo given by tho children. Nothing lfl being left -undone to make tho festival of_ino _ biggest funotions of its kind bold in pw Zealand, committeo ad-rises intending patrons to book their eoxta early. VAT.F. VOICE# CHOIR. / Th© third program mo of the season to presented next Thursday and Saturday ine» by th« Male Voico Choir, under Dr. J. C. Bradshnw, promises to bo very enjoyable. 1 In addition to tho ever fywteome Cathedra! boys, twenty-two in number, Mies Bessie Olds (soprano) and lira Vcre Livingstone (solo pianists) will contribute attraotav® items; Messrs Chads* Clartoon and Hoary Gill (members of choir) will give solos, whilo tho "Lytic Four*' <M«wst» MaKM, Blaksley, Moro, and Johnson), also members of the choir, should ploas» tho audicnoss With their mirth-provoking quartet*. ..THm bor -plans aro at itilner and Thompsons. • POM POM PIEBBOTS. On Thursday «vaaiag, at Biee*rtOß, Mrs H. B. Smith's clover Pom Pom Pistrotar yavs an entertainment in aid of .tho _Lady bltorpool Tramway Oopper TraiL there *« • large wad appweiatav® aodteiw^ lent programme was sahmittsd, inuodug xtoma bf "Lyrics" and a mttmbsr of vocal items, all of "which were warmly ap plauded. . '