AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16324, 23 September 1918, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

4 "OUTCAST/' It is rather a pity that the performance of "Outcast" by MiR3 Kathlene MacDonell and her clever company should have been limited to a single night, for in no o;her one of their repertoire were Miss MacDonell and Mr Charles Waldron Been to better advantage. The subject of the .play is a particularly difficult ono to present without offomw, and a litile lees delicacy oti tho part of the author and lees skilful handling on the part of the principals would have resulted in disaster. There was no attempt on the part of the author to charrp.oii immorality. On the contrary, the moral of tie i"^ a y ,Tas i n eifjct that happy miTni-ge is the greatest thing in the worid, for bo.h men and woman. In the words of Miriam the "outcast," "'Mairiage ia the raward of a good woman,'' and the manner in which the declined to marry the man to whom eh© had boen at once mistress and saviour because elie did not consider hor past warranted her obtaining such a reward was ono of the most dramatic of the play. No one, therefore, left tho theatre ' thinking that tho broad path is tho best, but still nobody wont away blaming the man and his mistress for the tactics they adopted to savo oaoh other from ruin. In the rola of Miriam Miss MacDonell was at her very best. In less discerning hands tho_ character might have developed into something at least displeasing, but Miss MacDonell mado out of Miriam a loveable and real woman, oven though fate had placed her outside the pale of '"society." Mies MacDonell's charm lies in hor 'xrfect naturalness, and her magnetic personality. - On tlio slag© she is not the actress, lut the actual character she portrays, and incidentally that character is what she makes it. She was particularly good in the third act with Geoffrey Sherwood, when she trios tonersuade Kim from drifting back lo his old fove, and inviting again the ruin from which she had saved him- As Geoffrey Shorwood, Mir Charles V r aldron was particularly good. Ho was totally different from t-ho Mr WaMron of the previous productions, and he, too, had a part which could easily have lx>en ruined with a little less skilful acting. Mr Waldron, however, acted with an admirable restraint, which made his performance all tho more convincing. Mr Roy as the warm-hearted barrister friend of Sherwood, wa3 first-clnss, and Mr Kenneth Brampton was the irresponsible society youth to the life. Miss Beryl Bryant did not have ffc great deal to do a« the gfrl who had thrown Sherwood over, but_ she was quit© convincing, and Miss Clanco Hardwieke, Miss Audrey Worth, and Mt Plnmpton Wilson filled minor narlß'satisfaotonly. Tho performance of "Outcast marked the conclusion of the company's highly successful season, and after the final curtain the principals had to respond to several calls from the crowded audifiiice. I LEE TOY CHUNG. The King's Theatre was well filled with ail appreciative audicnoo on Saturday night, when Lee' Toy Chung, a Chinee? conjuror, mado his initial appearance in Chmtohurcn, Lee Toy Chung is appearing in conjunction with Professor D'Almaine, a hypnotist of no mean order, whoso decided aepeo of tne humorous enlivened his act considerably, and kept the audience- in a perpetual dimmer of amusement, which very often became uproarious merriment. Lee Toy Chung commenced his performance by doing one or two clever card tricks, these being accomplished with wonderful dexterity. Next he did tho trick of the tied coat and ohair, already made familiar to Christchurch audiences by previous conjurors, but no no the .less puzzling for that. A disappearing class of water (which the conjuror afterwards drank) and a slate that wrote on itself were other feats, wliile Lee Toy Chung concluded his turn with an exhibition of, fire-eating, afterwards breathing; out smoke and fire, and finally drawing from his mouth, strings and strings of coloured paper, flags, handkerchiefs, Professor D'Almaine'* exhibition, what he claimed to be the power of hypnotic suggestion, occupied the entire second half of the programme. The Professor commenced by explaining' hypnotism, its power on the me- ! dium, and then invited a number of members of the audience upon the stage. After making a tost aa to the susceptibility to hypnotic suggestion of the various young men who responded to his invitation, tho Professor straightway proceeded to hypnotise them all at the same time. He then asked them to clasp their hand®, and told them that they could not unclasp them. Tho desperate efforts of the subjects.to prove him wrong: were exceedingly mirth-provoking, same of them oven rolling on the floor of the stage in their attempts to .free their hands Test after teat followed, Professor D'Almaine being successful in all. One of the funniest (for the audience) was his suggestion to three, of the subjects that they were ministero of religion preaching sermons, which were to consfet Only of the alphabet said over and over again. Assuming a rcoognised clerical manner, the subjects immediately started to deliver theirl sermons, and only ceased when they were hoarse, and when released by their hypnotist. His final suggestion that there was gold lying at the feet of the crowd was the signal for some gold-digging on the stage, 'to the accompaniment of much merriment from the audience Tho otller member of the company was Mr_ Porcy Gow, whose songs might bave been in better ta&to. Tho company is to continue at the King's Theatre throughout the week. To-night Profeeeor D'Almaine will suggest to his hypnotic subjects that they are* chorus girls making tip for and going _ through a performance. Some entertaining moments should result. OPERA HOUSE. There were large audiences at both mar tinee and evening performances at the Opera House on Saturday, many people being unable to obtain admission at night. The vaudeville and musical comedy entertainments were very well received. Mr Wallace Brownkrw, operotio baritone, appeared for the last time on Saturday evening, and was given a. big hearing. Jones and Raines added to their firmly-established popularity with their comedy patter turn; the GiMain Trio were accorded ft good reception for their solo and concerted singing of international songs, and Miss Violet Trevenyon, English comedienne, nt a big favourite, and had to respond to a treble encore. Mr Walter George's Sunshine Players staged "The Blacksmith's Wedding" for the last time, and the bright comedy was greatly enjoyed, especially the tuneful "Bolls of St. Mary's." To-nigbt the company will produce _ "In "Sunny Japan," a musical comedy which is sure to add to their great popularity. One of the leading principal parts, that of an admiral, will be played by Mr Baity Hitch.inge, who, together with Mr Hollv Leslie, will sing that favourite duet, "Larboard Watch." Messrs Walter George, Georgo 6torey, Frank Haining, and Milton Owen, and Misses Dnlcie MUnT, Hvlda Shannon, and Geargi© Martin arc all allotted characters which make for the success of a really good show. New vaudeville items will be given by Jones and Haines, the Gilfain Trio, and Miss Violet Trevenyon, while Lew James and Reina Selkna will re-appear after a • lengthy absence in a comedy and patter turn. The box plus axo at Milner and Thompson's.

CRYSTAL PALACE. "Tho Conqueror" is the title of the big picturo at the Crystal Palaco this week, andtho etorv tells of tho adventures of famous Genernl "Sam Houston, who wrested tio State of Texas from the Mexicans and added it to tho Union. Ho fought Indians and Mexicans in his strenuous efToirts to protect the settlors in tho Lono Star State, and finally won freedom for them. The picturo doalß with the entiro romantic career of General Houston, from his birth in tho mountains of Tenncfiseo to his great achievements as Governor of Texae. It shows how tho future terror o£ the Mexicans had his ambitions flpuried by a young gfrl, who refused to marry him until he became Governor of Tennessee, and how, v.'hijn he went off to Texas, she followed him. The picture contains many ocenes of historical interest, and it is stated that tho director, K. A, Walsh, who produced 1 The Honour System/' has retained the realism of tho rude <Jld days and ut the samo time has emphasised tho romantic explanation of General Houston's greatness. The principal character is presented by_ William Farnurn, end tho girl who made him aspire to great things, Eliza Allen, is played by Jewel , Carmen. There is to be a strong supporting ' programme, including another Sunehmo comedy entitled "Damaged A'o Goods," s>nd a further Mutt and Jeff cartoon by Captain Bud Fisher. Tho Crystal Palaco orchestra at the evening sessions will play as an overture "Oliver Cromwell a la Motte," also appropriate incidental music. Tho box plan '_s at The Bristol, where seats may bo reserved. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Margarita Fischer, who charmed everyone in "Miss Jackie of the Navy," will bo seen again at the Queeii'e Theatre this week m ••Xne Butts 1 fly GLI," a® 'Pep" O'Malley, who, with her sister B<i63, ie sent to live with her aunt, an ftctrcAs in a eid<Mihow at he San Diego Exposition. Thero "Pep" meets | a young man rejoicing in the nam© of Whipplo. This young man; helps Pep to learn the run of the ropes at tho Exposition. After a timo eho is taken on in place o£ her aunt at tho side-show, but as she is brutally treated by tio manager she soon relinquishes tho position. Meanwhile Whipple wishes to marry "Pop," but his parents will not hear of it. After drifting from one position to another "Pep," in despair, determines to do away with herself. She chooses. a rather novel method of suicide, but it does not suocecd, thanks to the efforts of Mr "Whipple, jun. Everything ia straightened out in the end, and the final scene shows "Pep" started on tho high road for happiness. Maxpnta Fischer is said to play a most* convincing l role, and, aa the eupporting cast is very strong, the picturo ia sure to be first-class from the point of view of acting. Lavish set. tings add a further attraction to the picture. Tho supporting programme, which ia an excellent one, includes a two-reel Mustang 1 drama entitled "Jock," a rollicking comedy "Delinquent Bridegrooms," " featuring the I eminent fun-produoer Ben Turpin, and an inI teresting film "The Science of Palmistry.' As usual at the evening sessions, the Queen'a Duinty Orchestra will -provide a high-clafi® programme of incidental music. STRA2TD THEATRE. The big double bill which constituted tlio new programme at tho Strand Theatre attracted large and thoroughly delighted audencee to all sessions on Saturday. Tom Sawyer' 6 adventures, as sot out in tho Para- . mount film based on Murk Twain's welli known story, pleased young and old alike. Jack Pickford, who is no stranger to patrons i of tho Strand, finds a congenial role in Tom i Sawyer, and gives a fine representation of that young scamp. The part of Huck Finn, ; who can give Tom many points in general • misohiovouaneae, ia also in good hands. Tho l story ie admirably staged, the costuming of , the "respectable" people conforms to that l of tho period of tie events, while that of i the three desperate young pirates carries ' conviction in ©very rag! The other Parai mount feature screened was "The Mysterious Miss Terry," in which the ever-popular and i ever-charming Bfllie Burke is starred. As ■ the capricious social butterfly, eager for s"-n- ---) sat ions thai tho conventions of society do r n ot ordinarily permit to social butterflies, - Billie Burke'adds another to her long list - of triumphs. Her quest , takes her into many r strange environments, and leads her into > unusual and exciting situations. Some of f the most unconventional happenings are those j which arise out of the position of cashier 3 which she takes in a small warehouse, where I eh© becomes tho object of tho affections oi i two of the hands. Mixed with the mystery - is much piquant humour, making the film -a l thoroughly enjoyable ono. Tho same double • bill will be Bciccnod 'again at all sessions ro- > day. 3 LIBERTY THEATRE William S. Hart, the best "bad man" of tti< ' screen, will bo featured at the Libertj ' Theatre this week in the Triangle film "The I Patriot." He takes the part of an America! 1 ex-soldier from tho Philippines, who, at the j opening of the story, is a gold digger in th< , West. Tho picture shows him a pussionatelj . loyal American. Unscrupulous agents rot t him of his mining claim. Embittered, he be I gins to hate his country and goes to Mexico, s wkero he joins an insurgent band which is - going to attack the United States. Ho trai- . torously gives information to tho Amexical , force which will cause the major part of it tc . bo absent when tho insurgents attack th< 9 camp. But a chance meeting with a littl< t child causes him to see the enormity of hit - action. Then follows.a stirring and dra t ma tic climax. In addition there will be th< - first instalment of a thrilling Patho serial i "lie Fatal Ring," which is full of mysterj and moves at top. speed from the ' start There will be twenty episodes of unceaainf excitement' in "The Fatal King," and fo: uncanny power the plot has wldom beca • equalled. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. 9 The star feature at Everybody's Theatn a this week will be a Goldwyn version of Irvii S. Cobb's novel "Fields of Honour," whict is a drama of rare charm and beauty. Thi s central figures in the story aro two Frend j giris (Mae Marsh and her sister Marguerite i who emigrate to America, and there, in tot t great city of New York meet with man; 1 strango adventures. Botn these well-knowi i screen artistes give character portrayals of i j high older of merit, and Vernon Steel make r a fine hero. The setting and photography o b the picture are in tho usual lavish Goldwyi i, style and it is one that is certain to appea , to ail lovers of the film play. In suppor ' there will be shown a War Offical film deal l Big with the work and life of the Chines* » Labour Contingent in France, a scenic filn a of oossdderable interest, and a topica i Gazette. . GRAND THEATRE. "With Neatness and' Despatch" is the »itb 9 of the etar featuro at the Grand Theatn • this week, in which those two screen favour ' ites, Francis X. Bnehman and Beverley ■ Bayne, will appear. The story is full of aur j prises all through, and is one of tho most de lightful and charming pictures yet screena r here. It contains wholesome amusement; i is a "crook" play without a crime and i . drama without a villiain. The eupporting [ programme is an excellent one, and* include* a good comedy, "Sherlock Ambroeo," a scenic^

"Along tho Baltic Coast," and tho fifth episode of "The Great Secret. MR ALLEN DC* ONE'S COMPANY. Mr Allen Doono will' commence a season of Irish drama at fcho T1 eatre Royal'to-morrow evening. A pleasing 1 caturo of the coming productions is that everything dono is c«an and bright, and the droll situations depend solely on merit of acting and Aa«hea of vfiU By maintaining this high level Mr Doono strengthens the reputation that he has Already won by his acting. There is something about the simple 'little plays that Mr Doono ar.d his company produce wmcji tn« audienccs enjoy in a wnj• that is ilot quite thosamo as in other drarm i-s. The explanation is the relish of the Hibernian flavour and nu» colour and fredmess thav aro given to the action of the pieces. The p\ ans for the season nro at Tlio Bristol. During the season Tho Parish I'-rieat," "Tom Alooi e," "Tho Bold Sojer Boy," and "Molly Bavvn" will be presented. SYMPHONY OIlCHi'-STRA. The Cliristchurch Symphonj' Orchestra, under tho conductorship of Mr A,. Worsley, will give a coucort in the Choral • Hnll to-niglit. The soloists will be Mies iron 1 Volvin and Mr A. L. Cropp.