ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 78, 26 December 1907, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

WEST'S PICTURES. : The Town Hall was crowded when thefclmnd struck up at the inaugural performance ot tho Christmas season of West's Pictures '.entertainment last evening. Like tho ph«™graph, tho kincmatograpn is an invontionvpr all time, and, liko the talking machine, ft.'e living picture apparatus is improving wit-V ovory performance given in Wellington. Fromlast evening's exhibition ono would gather that in the making and " faking" of films tho French lead the world; indeed, all tho best'pictures yet shown hero have borno the trade marks of French firms, whose remarkable ingenuity appears to be limitless. Nothing is too laughably ludicrous for the kincmatograph, and no event, of any consequence is sacred from the purring ribbon negative. In tho "manufacture" of some of the pictures, for instance, the "Cinderella " picture sliown last evening, hundreds of people must be engaged to portray tho pageant as photographically reproduced/ Another graphic picture, obviously arranged, was a representation of happenings in Red Russia, in which bombs," ( revolvers, and knives are much in evidence. Amongst the gonuine pictures, that representing tobogganing at St. Moritz, Switzerland, was particularly interesting. A long road, with banked pornors incut in the hardened snow down a mountain side, down which each tobogganner slithers on his little sledge at an incrediblo rate of speed, whilst lying on his stomach* his only brake being a steel plate with a sawlike edge attached to the toes of his boots. The beauties of California, with a glimpse of the giant trees' arid towering watcrfalia, was interesting, as wore also the scones of Japanp.sc life, ashore and afloat. A- well-arranged. " fako " picture was the one ontitled " Daniel' Boono, a Story of the Pioneer Days of America." It represented a pioneer's hut set deep in tho way-back forest. Two of the men folk are seen going from homo, leaving an old man to protect his.wife and two young girls. After the two men leavo Indians surround the hut, and despito tho gallant defence made by those left behind, tho old people are butchered and tho girls are carried oflf. Returning, tho absentees find the hut a ruin of smoking ashes, and go "on the trail" after thoiredskins, and after many moving incidents succeed in rescuing the girls with the assistance of a friendly Indian maid, whom ono of the girls had be-, friended in an earlier scene. Tho detail was marvellous in its completeness, and each scene was enacted in scenery that was convincingly realistic. "Tho Corsican's Daughter " was another " tabloid " drama of onthralling interest. Of comic pictures there is no end. Tho best shown last evening depicted the mishaps of a novice rider on horseback, and a wonderful cyclist, falls foul of bverybody and starts tho inevitable chase so dear toHlie lover of kinematograph shows. "A Visit from Mothcr-in-Law," "Baby's First Outing," "Towser and the Tramp," are all crowded with laughable incidents. .;"The Goldon Beetle" and "The Charmed Umbrella" are ingenious films of the legerdemain order.

■ A feature of tho entertainment is the playing of Do Green's band of a dozen performers. They played and " Faust" selections in an artistic stylo that elicited hearty applause, and supplied incidental music of moro than ordinary merit throughout- the evening. There is to be a performance this afternoon and another this evening.

THEATRE EOYAL. As might h.iva been expected, tho Tlicatrb Royal was packed to tho doors on Tuesday night, and patrons had a rare feast of 'vaudeville- entertainment. Tho Stagpoolo Comedy Threo scored a lingo success in thoir screaming extravaganza. Tho comedy sketch, " Tho Foolish Fool," 'had another successful presontation, in which Tod Armstrong and Miss Pris Venio covered themselves with glory. Tho "swell-dressed" Irish Senators, : Alf and Joo Vbrrio, had a good reception. Losseo and Bexo, described as "marvels" in comedy juggling, do not fall short of their description; Stewart and Lorraine, versatilo musicians, know thoir. business, and aro wortii hearing. Tho loloons aro established favourites .by this time. Other good performers aro Miss Marion Hall, Miss Nollio Power, and! Mr. Arthur George, baritone. A special Christmas night progTatnmo" of biographic scenes am] vocal and instrunibntal contributions was provided at tho Theatre Royal last evening. Tho animated films were .diversified and interesting, particularly so a collection depicting various places that one would visit on a world tour. There woro also comic scenes', and somo ingenious " fakes." On-o of tho' most successful items was tho vocal contribution, Gounod' 3 "Ave Maria," by Madam.o Carelli, tho possessor of a pleasing soprano voice, who. made her initial appearance. "Calvary" was also sung, and elicited applause. This performer joins tho Company, and will re-appear to-night. Other vocal contributors woro Mr. Arthur Georgo (baritone), who sang " Beyond tho Gates of Paradise," and Mr. A. L. Cropp (basso), whose items were " Hosanna in Excelsis," and " Shepherd of Souls."

To-night tho Marlowo Sisters will appear, and also thp Stagpoole9. WONDERLAND. . This favourito pleasuro resort will open its gates at 10 o'clock this morning, and everything will bo in full swing without cessation until 10 o'clock at night. *The attractions of Wonderland aro too numerous to mention,. and no 'doubt country 1 visitors in particular will avail thomsolvcs of its many thrills. An effective tram service will bo running from Courtonay Place., Wonderland will bo open at 10 o'clock each morning from to-day until January 3. • It is announced that, in order' to cater for picnic parties, boiling wntor will bo given away froo.' Many extra attractions in tho shape of geysers and tho re-appearaneo of Do Dib after his sensational accident will be put on during the week.

" THE BLUE MOON." This ovoning, at tho Opera House, Mr. J. C. Williamson's now musical comedy company will inaugurate a Christmas season of nineteen nights with tho production, for tho first timo in New' Zealand, of the dainty and fascinating musical success from tho Lyric Theatre, London, entitled " Tho Bluo Moon." With'tho exception of a few old favourites, such as Miss Colia Ghiloni and Mr. Pat Bathurst, tho company may bo said to bo entirely now, being composed for the most part of Engljsh artists of reputo. There are no fewer than four comedians, viz., Messrs. Victor Gouriet, Myles Clifton, E. Nable, and Harold Parlrcs. Tho principal soprano is Miss Amy Murphy. Mr.. Reginald Kenneth is the, leading baritone. ... Tho work of theso two artists has boon hailed with _ acclamation by all tho critics. Miss Daisio Wallace is tho leading comedienne of tlio.company, and is said to bo a big factor, in the' success of "The Bluo Moon." She is';'also reported as "probably tho most graceful dancer ever seen on .tho Australian stage." In Melbourno recently "The Bluo, Moon" ' ran for six weeks to onormous houses. Thp box plans will bo on view to-day at Christison's, opposite the Opera Houso, where seats may bo reserved.

OPERA HOUSE. , Tho Paper King appeared ngnin at tho Opera House on Tuesday evening to a small audionco. Tho performance of legerdemain was on about a par with that of tho previous evening. Tho lightning sketching elicited applause. i ORGAN EECITAL. . To-morrow afternoon, _at 3 o'clock, a matinee organ recital will ho given by Dr. Fyffe. This will bo a special opportunity for country visitors to hear tho Town Hail organ. Particulars of tho programmo and prices of admission aro advertised in this issuo. , ■ , ' MADAME ABOMAH. Madame Aboniah,, tho giantess; Prince Olrac, the -human volcano, and Moncton,, the man of mystery, will be again ou exhibition to-day.