AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16361, 5 November 1918, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

» MUSICAL SOCIETY'S BENEFIT CONCERT. Laet night the concert arranged by 2le&dames Gower Burns and W. Wileon for the benefit of the Musical Society took place at tho Choral Hall, the Mole Voice Ohoir, under Dr. Bradshaw, assisted by the Cathedral Choristers, and the Savage Club Orchestra, under Mr Alfred Bunz, fraternally co-ope rat- . ing. Onoe before these ladies had come to the aid of the tottering society, and it is simply deplorable that toe oldest musical institution in our city should have for its very existence to go begging, put in plain language. Christclrurch could be called little more than a village when the English settlers, feeling from an inbred love of oratorio 1 music the need for transplanting its elevating influence into their new homes, prooeeded to establish kindred musical bodies here, and all over the Dominion. And cow, with a largo and flourishing population, the life of the Musical Society has grown so precarious, that without the labours of an indefatigable' secretary in the person of Mrs W. Wileon, it would most "probably by this time be as extinct as the proverbial moa. The space available in thin column would not permit enumerating the many caused contributory to the long-felt apathy of tho public. But we may well pause and ponder the question whether we could afford to let pass out of our lives what, for centuries past, has justly been, the object of national pride, namely, the unrivalle'd greatness, the inspiring beauty, and moral weight of its oratorio music. Tho programme' of tho concert last night had been well designed, with a view to variety. The Savage Club -Orchestra, under Mr A. J. Bunz'a spirited direction, played Ambroiso Thomaa'a bright "Raymond" over- ■ turo and a selection from "Cavalleria Rueti- , caha" very fairly.' A large share of the programme vfas contributed t>y the Male Voicc Ohoir, Dr. Bradshaw conducting choice numbers of their repertoire, "Whether I Find Thee" and "Feasting I Watch,"- by Elgar, "You Stole My Love," with the assistance of the Cathedral Boys, and "The Image of the Rose," Mr Blakeley, a very good eoloist, constituting, their most finished part songs. Among the soloists Mrs Gower Burns sang gracefully and with very good execution Bishop's florid "Lo, Here the Gentle Lark," Mr Jamieson playing the obbligato well,- but with juat a little too much prominence. Very attractively was given by Miss Marian Woodhouise Elgar's charming "Shepherd's Song." Both the gentlemen soloists, victims of the epidemio, showed'ii fine spirit in making.their appearance nevertheless, the voices of both, of course, suffering from its ravages. But • they made good all. the same. Mr Petty with "Ah Moon of my Delight," ,Mr Hex Harrison in "Lorraine, Lorree," the latter also' singing sweetly. "Mustard and Cress" from the "Daisy Chain." Mr Vera Buchanan played with much expression Percy Grainger's "Danish Melody" and "Anathema," by Foyer. Quito a prominent feature of the evening turned out To be tho song-cycle, "Flora's Holiday," by H. Lane Wileon. The stage had been charmingly decorated with roses and lilies, a maypole in the centre, and fancifully attired little girls grouped picturesquely on the stage. It is a bright, fanciful composition,- with quartets and soli grouped together in excellent contrast and effect. Mrs Gower Burns and Mies Marian Woodhouse, with Messrs Petty and Rex Harrison, did full justice to the very pleasing work, singing well together and conveying the brightness and the doleful philosophy with much skiil, Mrs Gower Burns and Mr Rex Harrison's soli, ' feeing the btst» "| All tho soli and the song-cyclo were eplen-, didly accompanied by Mrs Osmond Smith. j The hall was fairly filled, but not sold out. Tho generosity of the six firms bearing tho cost of the concert deserves to be specially acknowledged! THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS. The well diversified and excellent programme submitted at the Theatre Royal last night by the Scarlet Troubadours via tho- • roughly enjoyed by a large audience, which gave frequent expression to its appreciation of tho different items. The soloists were < highly success fill in their offerings, and tho concerted pieces were admirably given. The • Scarlet Troubadours will appear again at the ' Theatre Royal this evening. j 1 OPERA HOUSE. ! The new bill submitted by Fuller's Vaudc- 1 ; ville Company at the Opera House last night J was witnessed by a largo audience, a typical i holiday one, effusive in its appreciation of moat of the items, and good-naturedly indulgent in respect of others. Tho vaudeville por- ] tion of the programme was bright and entertaining, with plenty of variety and much ■' sparkle and vim about it. Gale and Sadie, two ladies who sang and danced effectively and gracefully, made their first appearance, and met with an enthusiastic reception, the ' sand danoe of the duo being very artistically 1 performed. Tho Gilberts, the popular Eng- ; lißh comedians, introduced' new patter and j jokes, and kept the audience rippling with ' merriment all the time they were on the ' stage. The Homaz Trio offered some fresh ' acrobatic feats and tests of strength. The 1 feat in which one of the male members of 1 the trio leaps from a platform on the stage 1 and is caught by tho hands by tho other * male member, standing some distance away, j was an especially daring and clever one, and ' its successful accomplishment was marked ' by hearty plaudits. The lady member of the j trio pleased greatly with her toe dancing. Miss Nellie Kolle, whose popularity is an 1 ever-increasing quality, was highly successful 1 in her catchy songs and choruses, and she ' ivas recalled several times. Boy Bonham sub- , :nitted some further examples of his wonder- . iul suppleness of body, and his acrobatio J poses and contortionist feats were received with marked appreciation. "The Caudy 1 Ship" was the title of the nautical musical f comedy submitted by Al. Bruce and his Rose- ; airis. • In plot and construction the piece is built on happy-go-lucky lines, the designer J evidently aiming at producing a tuneful and f spectacular collection of more or less related incidents intended to provido the maximum of fun with the minimum of mental effort on \ the part of the audience. The good ship f '.Yeversink" has a very variegated collection * "oi passengers, including an _ actress (Mabelle Morgan), an Irishman and his wife (Al. Bruce | and Florence Fanning), a Jewish musical composer (Sam Clark), and a Chinese stewanl ! (Sam Wallace). With such a mixture it would bo strange if there were not a considerable J" amount of merriment and good fun produced. " Miss Morgan's vocal numbers were "Ain't P You Coming Back to Dixieland?" and "When * Lovo Creeps in Your Heart." Hal Scott was a heard to advantage in "If They Ever Put a * .Tax on Love" and "Turn Back the. Universe," , and Mr R. Raymond was good in "New Zea- a .and First." and with Miss atagpoole gave a ~ pleasing interpretation of "Some Sunday *' Morning." Messrs Bruce and Clark gave r ' 'Bill was a Sailor," and Sam Wallace eang "Chin-Chin Chinaman" with a chorus of j , Celestials bearing Chinese lanterns, which {

xnad« ft pretty stage picture. Hiss Stagpoole and Mr Bruoo were good in. tho number (with chorus) "Oh, You Beautiful Doll," but the effect was spoiled to eome extent by some questionable comedy work which would be no loas if it were cut out. The chorus work generally was good, the spectacular effects in many instances beinc. highly picturesque. Tonight the eame programme will be repeated. FISK JUBILEE SINGERS. The King's Theatre was well filled last night, when the popular Fisk Jubiloo Singers successfully repeated their varied programme, which was most appreciatively received. Tonight the company appear again, and will submit a new programme. CRYSTAL PALACE. The new programme screened for the first time at Crystal Palace yesterday, and witnessed by large audiencce at the -afternoon sessions and by a capacity house at the evening session de luxe, is an excellent one, varied in character and just the admixture that appeals to holiday gatherings. "Miss U.5.A.," the headliner, is a splendidly produced Wil- | liam Fox film starring piquant and charming June Caprice. The story is one of absorbing interest, strongly' romantio and stirringly patriotic. The character represented by June Caprice, the niece of a fine old gentleman of Virginia, is one that gives full scope for playful, kittenish ways as well as the portrayal of more serious traits. Juno Caprice is very successful in conveying the lights and shades of the character, and wins great admiration for the manner in which she tracks down a German spy and her presence of mind in disposing of the other villain of the piece. There is a pleasing love theme and plenty of rapid action. The representation of a heavy rainstorm, in tho opening portion of the story, is very realistically photographed, and the camp scenes, showing Uncle Sam's soldiers at work and play, are also noteworthy. "The "Wifej less Husband," featuring Marguerite Clayton, is a highly diverting comedy-drama, excellently acted and conveying an admirable lesson. Tho new "Fatty" (Roscoe) Arbuckle comedy, "Moonshine," pictures that versatile and quick-fire comedian as a revenue officer, hot on the scent of. "moonshiners" and their private still in the wilds of tho Kentucky hills. "Moonshine" keeps its beholder® in a state of continuous hilarity. It professes to be a travesty on the movies, and, consequently, throws consistency to tho winds and revels in all sorts of farcical situations. The result is, of course, a series of highly diverting incidents and situations, such as the hero being doomed to imprisonment in a "cellar" which proves to be an elegantly furnished dining-room. To cap all, the hero declines to marry the heroine, on the ground that he is already married, and hands the beauteous damsel over to his lieutenant. Of the many Arbuckle productions shown here, "Moonshine" is easily tho record fun producer. At the evening session do luxe the duets contributed by Miss Millicent Jennings and Mi James Cocks, "Still as tho Night" and "Land of Long Ago," were admirably received. The special selections played by tho Crystal Palace orchestra, under Mr "W. H. Corrigan's baton, wero chosen with tast*. and were most pleasingly given. To-day at all sessions the eamo films will be screened, and at tho evening session do luxe Miss Jennings and Mr Cocks will sing. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The headlincr of tho new programme at the Queen's Theatre, 6hown for the first time 1 yesterday to large and delighted audiencca, is "Rimrock Jones," in which Wallace Reid is starred. A tale of the up 3 and downs of the_ mining prospector, with bad luck following fust on the heels of good luck, awl [good luck prevailing in the end, "Rimrock ' Jones" is the kind of picturo that is suro to [ prove popular with holiday audionccs. Y'allace Reid, in the name part, is the typical western mining man, a straight shooter and an all-round sport. Tiie - "freak" mining laws, as he calls them, get hiin down to such an extent that, without legislative sanction, ha substitutes the law of his own six-shooter, with which he secures a jrreater amount of justice than was possible under the law of the land. Anna Little, the deaf stenographer, ■ who is instrumental in preventing Rimrock'a fortunes from disappearing for the second time, gives a pleasing interpretation of the character. The photography is admirable, and ■ the story is well constructed and produced, the action being rapid and full of vim. Til© opening chapter of "Tho Railroad Raiders," tho big new photo novel produced b; Mutual, reintroduced to patrons of. the Queen's that danug and finifciicd actress Helen Holmes, who has such congenial work in the new serial. "Fatty in Coney Island," a Fatty Arbuckle screamer, and the Australian and American Gazettes, complete a very fine programme. Admirably chosen selections were given at the evening session by the Queen's Dainty Orchestra. To-day at all sessions the 6amo films will be screened. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Norma Talmadge, who has been rapidly coming to tho front in the ranks of screen artists, is seen at her best in "Tho Moth," the biff feature drama being shown at Everybody's Theatre this week. The story of "Tho Moth" is an interesting one. The heroine (Norma Talmadge) endeavours to emulate Cleopatra. Sho makes an unhappy marriage, and subsequent events produce a situation breathless in its intensity. Tho end is a happy one, but before it is reached a long an 3 thorny road has to be traversed. Naturally, with a story possessing tii:> emotional possibilities of "The Moth,'' its success or faihiro depends upon tho capabilities of the leading interpreter, but in the hands of Norma Taimndge there is supplied a fine outstanding presentment of dramatic' effect combined with elegance. A opecial matinee attraction each day is a revival of "Rupert of Hentzau," the "sequel to "The Prisoner of Zenda." This piciurc, which is based on Anthony Hope's great novel, is full of stirring and romantic incident, in which a gallant English gentleman saves a Queen's "honour, and finally lays down his life for her sake, - and that of her country. Ono of tho most thrilling incidents in the story is a duel between Rupert Uacsendyll and Rupert of Hantzau. Other items on the programme are the latest "P.'.the. Gazette," a travel study picture showinT scenes round Stratford-on-Avon, including the birthplace of bhakespeare, and a Buiii.siatli;r cartoon film. ' The programme will bo repeated to-day. GRAND THEATRE. Holiday audicnccs assembled at the Grand Theatre yesterday, wheji the new programme was screened. The star picturo was Barbara Frietchio," based on Whi.tier s famous poem, in which Mary Miles Minter takes tne leading role. The story is full of charm &nd excitement, depicting as it does a stir* ring incident in tho American Civu _V\ ar. Supporting films include a revival o: ratty and Mabel Adriit," depicting Roscoo Arbuckle and Mabel Normand in cne of their funniest stunts. The programme will w repeated to-day. STRAND THEATRE. Huckleberry Fins and- To® Sawyer .

two characters who will live as long as English literature is permitted to survive, tha Strand Theatre this woek Mark Twnin'a two immortal characters are further immortalised by Jack Pickford and Robert Gordon, who make the very best out of their respective "vagabond" roles. "Huck and Tom" is undoubtedly one cf the most amusing, and at the same time most clever pictures seen here for many months. The supporting pictures are nil of a very high type, and the .whole programme is well worth seeing. At all sessions to-day the sum« films will be Bhown. LIBERTY THEATRE. , An exceptionally good programme is being screened at the Liberty Theatre this week. The star item is a great indictment of race suicide, in the form of a fine film 'entitled "I "Want My Children." Tho subject is a difficult one to handle, but in this particular cose it is treated most delicatcly, and the result is & story. of great human and genoral interest. , Tho leading parts are taken by William' Desmond, well-Khown to local patrons of the legitimate and Alma Rubens. The earlier stages 01 the picture aro remorkablo for some wonderfully natural sconcs of mining life, and then the story goes 011 to tell of the marriage of the mining multi-millionaire to tho young girl h< has saved from the flooding of the mino. The role of the charming wile, pursued by a worthless millionaire rogue, and' distracted by a mother's insistence that she shall not b-i a grandmother, gives' every opportunity to such a talented young actress as Alma Rubens, and the result is that the whole picture is one that is in every way worth seeing, its acting, photoplay, and production being really first-class. Another, star feature .is "The Interloper," . featuring. Kitty Gordon. This ie a most interesting drama, which at times, reaches a high degree of intensity, and it is undoubtedly tho best picture in which Kilty Gordon has yet been seen here. Tho settings are luxurious in this picture, and the dresses are really wonderful creations. In addition to these two fine piotures;'there is.a particularly interesting "Gaumont Graphic. A feature of the evening's performance yesterday .was tho reappearance of the "Mysterious Singer," who sang "Avo Maria" (Gounod), "My Treasure," and - various other items. The same programme will be repeated throughout this week. CALEDONIAN* SOCIETY'S CONCERT. The Canterbury Caledonian Society have bookod the King's Theatre for Thureday a.nd Friday of this week for their annual Scottish concert, and aro offering the public an ujienualled Scottish programme. Mr Farquhar lioung will sing "John Tamson's.Bairns" and "The Gallant Gordons," and with Mr®'Young will 6ing "I'm Thiukin' " and the "Crookit Bawbee." Mrs Farquhar Young will sing "Tho Auld Hoose" and "Jock o' Hazeldean." Madamo Gower Bume will contribute "Ye Banks and Braes," "Within a Mile of Edinburgh Town," and "The Silent Glen," while Mr John Forrester, Mus.' Bac., of Aahburton, will 'give two pianoforte selections. Mr Jock Stuart will be Jieard in- "Glengarry" and "John, put your Trousers on." Miss Lily O'Leary (Wellington), Mies Flora Shaw (Timaru), Miss Drucy Turner, and Master Leslie Edgint-on will bo responsible for the solo dances. Mr Robert' Malcolm will give "Saunders McGlashan'a Wooin'" fend "Pittin' in a Birth Notice." Mr Colin Campbell will provide some selections on the concertina, and Mr J. McLean will be hoard in his best character 'aongs. Tho male reel party comprises Messrs W. Frasor, J. A. Fraser, W. Allan, , and W. E'dginton. Tho box plan is now open at Milner and Thompson'®. peofessolTbarraden. Professor Barraden gave another of his hypnotic exhibitions in tho Colosseum last night. He again chose subjects from amongst the audionce, who went through various laughablo antics. Tho "New Zealand Cup," in which each competitor imagined a chair to bo his mount, was an exciting and ludioroue event. Professor Barraden was assisted in' his efforts by suitable mitsio capably provided under tho direction of Mrs Hales. To-night the Professor intends, among other things, to demonstrate by esperiment tho medical possibilities of his art.