AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16350, 23 October 1918, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

MR ALEXANDER WATSON'S RECITALS. There waa an exoellent attendance at the Choral Hall last night at Mr Alexander Watson's recital, the rain proving no deterrent to the admirers and appreciators of this talented elocutionist. The programmo was a compoeit© one, consisting chiefly of selections from Rudyard Kipling. These comprised "McAndrew'a Hymn," "The English Flag," "The Ballad of the Bolivia," "The Married Man" (by special- request), "Gunga Din," , "Fuzzy Wuzzy," and "Oonte." These were I all finely rendered, and the spontaneous ap- ] plauso bore testimony to the hearty appreciation of the audience. Mr Wateon also recited "The Courtin' of I'nohead'e Bell" (J. M. Barrie). ''The War Time Trawler" (by desire) Hopwood, ft.N.), and "Mrs B.'s Alarms" (James Payn). . This evening's recital will be Mr Watoon'» laet appearance in Christchurch, as he leaves tomorrow night for Wellington, en route for America. _ The programme of this farewell recital will comprise selections from "David i Copperfield" and "Nicholas iNickleby," with a miscellaneous second part composed of "The Ballad of the "Revenge" (Tennyson), New Cautionary Tales iHiiaire tselloc), "Gemini and Virgo*' (Calver y), Captain Lee's striking meditation, "A Penitent in tho Trenches," : and the old favourite "Rubinstein at the Piano," OPERA HOUSE. Tie programme submitted by Fuller's at the Opera House lost evening was very well received by a good audience. Tom Leseo, assisted by Miss Duckworth, performed a number of juggling feats, for which he received rounds of applause. Miee Duckworth also did some very clever sharp shooting. Miss Nellie Kolle again got a hearty reception for her catchy songs, and Lew James and Reina Solma contribu-.ed an amusing turn. Miss Violet Trevenyon, English comedienne, who finishes her season here this week, wae as popular as ever, and had to respond to several encores. Murfayne played some delightful pieces on the xylo t hone and the Farrowa contributed muoh to the enjoyment of the evening with their burlesque turn. Mr Al. Bruce and ilia company of Rosebuds occupied the second portion of "J? programme with their second revue, 'Hello, Papa." The piece waa excellently given, the graceful. ballets and musical numbers adding considerably to its effectiveness. All the principals carried out their parte welL The same itema will be repeated this evening. CRYSTAL PALACE. To those threatened with an attack of the i blue 3, the/programme at- Crystal Palace > is well calculated. to prove an effective corrective, George Walsh, the ever-popular, . is on the "go" from first to last in the i hilarious comedy, "This is the Life." He is ably aided and abetted by Wanda Petit, who, as "the girl," acts charmingly, and ; dresses exquisitely. Tho other star feature is the William Fox super-production. "For Victory," starring Gladys Brockwell and Charles Clary, , and telling an absorbingly interesting up-to-the-minute story of the great war. "Are Married Policemen Safe?" a two-reel Sunshine comedy, and the latest Topical Gazette are-also being screened. Mr Rex. Harrison's vocal selections, and the _ offerings by the Crystal Palace orchestra are additional attractions. To-day at all sessions the same'films will be screened. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Heading the attractive programme at the Queen's Theatre is the delightful comedydrama, "Tho Fair Barbarian," starring vivacious Vivian Martin. The supportng. films comprise the Fatty Arbuckle rapid lire farce, "Tho Bell Boy," and the latest American and Australian Gazettes. At all sessions to-day the same films will be screened. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. In "Tho Kaisfer, the Beast of the producer of the film lias left comparatively 1 little to the imagination, and the frightfulness of the Hun is laid bare in all its hideousness. There is, however, an admixture of the humorous, which relieves the tension and makes- the film more enjoyable. Very inspiring and exceedingly well produced are the portions picturing the reply of the United StatC3 to autocracy. There is also being screened the Keystone masterpiece, "A Gentleman of Nerve," starring Mabel Normand and Charlie Chaplin. To-day at all sessions tho same films will be screened. STRAND THEATRE. The programmo at tho Strand Theatre is headed by "Eve's Daughter," starring Billie Burke, and the supports are the comedy, "The Bachelor's Alliance," "Scenes in Southern Italy," and Topical . Gazettes. To-day at all sessions the sj,® o films will be screened. ; . ™" GRAND THEATRE. Tho attractive programme at the Grand Theatre is headed by "Treasure of the Sea," featuring Edith Story, and there is also being screened tho. Charlie Chaplin comedy, "Charlie's Elopement," "The Story of a Grain of Wheat," and the serial, "The Great Secret." To-day tho samo films will be screened at all sessions. LIBERTY THEATRE. The fine double programme being screened at the Liberty Theatre is a most attractive one, and is headed by the modern society drama, "Scandal," in whkli Constance Talmadge, an actress of considerable talent and much beauty, is starred. Another fine film is tho double love story, "Journey's End," featuring Ethel Clayton and Muriel Ostriche. The latest episode of the serial, "The Fatal King, - ' is excitingly interesting. The new songs offered by the Mysterious Sieger are proving most successful. The same films i will bo shown at all sessions to-day. MUSICAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT. The Christchurch Musical Society, which holds the distinction of being the oldest of , its kind in Australasia, will attain its "diamond jubilee" next year, and it is with the object of enabling it to meet this important stage of its existence entirely free from debt that the complimentary concert being • promoted for November 4th is to take place. ' The Male Voice Choir is giving its assistance, and a new and popular song cycle, . entitled "Flora's Holiday," by H. Lane Wil- ' son, is in course of preparation, and will be the generous contribution of the well-known < company which appeared in the "Persian Garden" and "Daisy Chain —Madame Gowor i Burns, Ming Woodhouse, Messrß A. E. Petty, and Rex. Harrison, who will- also contribute choke songs of their own selection, with Mrs 1\ P. Osmond Smith as accompanist. Mr Vere" Buchanan (violinist) will add to the attraction of the concert, and other items will bo announced shortly# The tickets 3s (reserved) may be obtained at Malne r and Thompson's, where eeats may be booked on Monday next, at 9 a.m. FISK JUBILEE SINGERS. ' Tho Fisk Jubilee Singers will re-appear in Christchurch, after an absence of many ■ years. This company , was established about 35 years ago by the late Mr J. McAdoo, and has been touring the world ever since. Death haft removed ail • but two of tho original

band, which, came to Australasia from America, the musical director (Professor C. A. Whit©) and Miss Bello Gibbons, the lady baritone singer and leader of the Jubilee choruses, being the only survivors. In all tho years the Fisks have been appearing before the public it is doubtful whether they were ever stronger than at present, aa a number of new singers has been engaged, and the company is now ten strong, and every performer is a first-rato artist. They have just concluded a successful season through the- North Island. The company will open at the King's Theatre on Wednesday next. The box plans will bo available at the Bristol from Friday next.