AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16398, 18 December 1918, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

"HEARTS OF THE WORLD." Ono million fighting men in action, twenty thousand horses, miles of artillery, squadrons of aeroplanes, fleets of Zeppelins, the destruction of cities, and tho charge of tanks are, it is said, realistically presented during tbo nnfolding of the love story of "Hearts of the Woiid," which is to b? screened under tho direction of J. C. 'Williamson, Ltd., at the Theatre Royal, commencing in tho afternoon of £so::ing Day. "Hearts of th» World" created a sensation in London York, where as high aa 10s Ed was paid for seats, ar.d in Australia it bus already broken the records cstabii/di'.-d in, Sydney and Melbourne, 'ov "Tbe Birth of :i Nation" and "Ir.t-ileriiiirr." In his usual thorough manner Mr 1). W. Griffith epnred neither money nor troubie in his effort to make "Hearts of the World." which, by t!io by, cost over a million d'llirrs to produc, the greatest and most wonderful spectacular film tiic moving picture worid ha.? ye; known. Ho displayed the rrcatent care in selecting tbe artists required for iiie characters. "Perhaps," caid a New York ,critic, "the most distinctive-character in tho story is the Little Disturber, delightfully played by Dorothy Gish, who ia rcvr:?icd as a comedienne of the first wateriter characterisation of the littlo. street singer, vixenish, but frank and good-hearted, is a positive delight. To her falls the greater part of the comcdy, and she handles it Jiko a veteran." Rol>crt Ilarron appears in this production as an American who gives his services to the cause of France. George Seigniar.n, as the brutal German secret service agent, duplicates his success in "Tbo .uirth of a Xation," as does also Sire Josephine Crowell. who forms tho centre of • a tragic eceno after she liaa been wounded by a German shell.

OPERA HOUSE, The current vaudeville bill drew another large audience to the Opera Houeo last evening, and all tho items submitted met with hearty approval. The members of tho "niggoT minstrel'' troupe provided somo excellent items, for which they wore liberally rewarded with applause. Leonard Nelaon was enthusiastically received with some of_ his latest eong-a, and the old favourite, Nellie | Kolle, also got a good reception. Among others who were popular performers were Maud Courtney and Mr C., Boy Bonham, and Romaine, who*o selections on the violin were greatly onjoyod. Tho same items will be repeated this evening. CHRISTCHURCII MUSICAL SOCIETY. The third .subscription concert of the seaeon will bo given on Monday, 23rd inst., in the Choral Hall. The programme will consist of -the "Messiah," and tho chorus will, be supported by tho Malo Voice Choir and the Cathedral Choristers, together with tho Symphony Orchestra, tho whole under the conductorehip of Dr. Bradahaw. The soloists wil' be Misa Carj, Holdgate, of Timaru (soprano), Miss Dulcio Mitchell (contralto), Mr H. Blakoley (tenor), and Mr Charles Clarkson (bass). The box plan will bo open at Milner and Thompson's to-day at 9 a-m. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "The Oldest Law," featuring June Elvidge, was screened with its supporting subjects to good audiences at Everybody's Theatre yesterday, and will be again screened to-day. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Jules of tho Strdng Heart" and aupportinz films were shown to excollent audiences at the Queen's Theatre yesterday. The same films will bo screened to-day. STRAND THEATRE. Enid Bennett, in "The Keys of Righteoueness," proved & gr©afc attraction at tho Strand Theatro yesterday. With its supporting films it will bo screened again today. . GRAND THEATRE. "The Trail to Yesterday," featuring Bert Lytell, and : tho admirable supporting films were screened to large audiences at the Grand Theatro yesterday, and will be screened again to-day. .

. CRYSTAL PALACE. . ■ Exceltont patronage was accorded the Crystal Palace yesterday when The Painted Mudonna," featuring Sonia Markovs, and A Branded Soul,", starring Gladys Brockwell, were again screened. - The sumo programme will bo given to-day. -

LIBERTY THEATRE. „ Mabel Normand, in "Dodginir a attracted largo audicuceß to Liberty Theatre yesterday. 'With its vavied supporting blms it will bo screened again to-day.