ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1048, 10 February 1911, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" A MESSAGE FROM MARS." Tho theory that we may establish communication with the planot Mars is a fascinating one. It was so to Horace Parker, in a "Message from Mars," and, in drowsing over the idea that .ho falls asleep in a dream, he is visited by a gaunt Martian, whose mission is to save Parker from himself, to cradicato his overwhelming, egotism and selfishness. Howhe does it forms the most delightful entertainment, rich in comedy, and brightened with some startling and novel effects which form the "dynamics" of the Messenger's stock in trade. "A Message from Mars," tho clever comedy cf Robert Ganthony's, which embodies the above ideas, is to be staged by the PlimmcrDenniston Company at the Opera House to-morrow evening, when Mr. Plimmer will npponr jis Parker, Mr. Denniston as tho Messenger, und Miss Lizette Parkes as Horace's lover, Minnie, Templar. Tho box plan at the Dresden is rapidly filling. THEATRE ROYAL. An exceptionally "brigbt and pleasing vaudeville entertainment is being presented at tho Theatre Royal this week, and Judging by tho largo attendance there Inst evening' the numerous patrons of Fullers' have recognised this fait. Tho star item of tho programme is an amusing comedy sketch by Fred Graham and Nellie Dent, entitled "Married a Week." Victor Myers, a Lilliputian comedian, by his quips and songs, vastly amused the audience, and- had to respond to several encores. Other artists -whose turns are favourably received include Herr Theodore, Favell nnd Gaffncy, tho' Anderson Trio, Ellnin Vcrroll, Chas. Heath, Scott Gibson, and Cccilo Stophano. . HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. _ An unnsifally largo crowd filled His Majesty's Theatre last evening to witness tho second weekly change of programme. Tho pictures screened are such as cannot fail to commend themselves to all classes of picture lovers,, for subjects both grave and gay.aro well represented. The best dramatic film of tho. evening was ono en-titled-"Brothers." A-sum of money is stolen by a younger son from his father and on it being discovered his elder brother heroically takes the blame, and tells his father ho is the guilty one. He is turned out of doors and is next seen toiling as a miner on a Californian goldfield. While there, by his gentlemanly behaviour, he wins tho favour of a pretty schoolmistress, and fortuno seems to smilo on him, but one day a cloud arises. He has received a letter from his brother telling him that he has got into innumerable scrapes and hns to leave home. When the younger brother arrives tho schoolmistress jilts tho elder brother for tho ycungcr. Tho brothers subsequently quarrel and the younger, in a drunken fury. sets out to murder his and just as he isabout to commit the crime of fratricide, tho pretty schoolmistress shoots him in the arm. Six years later, when tho girl nnd younger brother are married, tho elder brother, who has prospered, but is unmarried, invitos them to his homo and makes their child his heir. The sotting nnd acting of this study and tho various scenes were remarkably realistic. A very interesting picture was ono illustrating a field day nf tho Feilding Boy Scouts, at which his Excellency Lord Islington'was present, and was an interested spectator of the different work per'formod by tho boys. Tho scenic study "Jerusalem" transported one to that historic city and showed, tho tombs of the .patriarchs, the Mount of Olives, and the Garden of Gcthsemane, as well as other interesting and sacred spots. Another film that proved very, interesting was one illustrating how gold and silvcrare minted. The various proresscs which a sovereign goes through beforo it becomes a coin of the' realm, such as casting, 'standing,- milling, and: testing ' woro clearly shown, and the great cart-loads of-these cc ins on their way. for ; distribution to tho banks' gnvo ono a'fair' idea of the magnitude of tho work. ,'"Zaza" is a'very affecting domestic drama, and tells how a woman was so chagrined when sho learnt that her lover was- already married, that sho took her. own life. Some very picturesque views were given of Swiss alpine scenery, arid of an ascent of Mont Blanc. Other films which deserve special mention include' "Iron Mines of Sweden." "The Gentleman Chauffeur." "The Betrothed'* Secret," "Paul and Virginia," and "Calino Gives a Supper Party."

KING'S TIIEATItE. Tho special i attraction at the King's Thcatro last evening was a kinematographic production of tho recent naval and military turnainent at Palmcrston North: Tho film, which, is about■ 1300, feet in - length, and beautifully clear, was taken by a Wanganui firm, and illustrates all 'tho principal events and competitions of that great military display. Clear and well-defined views aro given of tho various corps, un especially fine ono being obtained' of tho Mounted Rifles. Tho. enthusiasm with which this picture was greeted is its best recommendation. While, tho'film was being exhibited tho King's Theatre Orchestra rendered suitable military music. Major-General Godley, Commandant of the New Zealand forces, Colonel Robin, and other officers of tho Dofcnco Department were interest cd spectators of what is undoubtedly tho finest picture on the programme. ,Twi/ new dramatic studies, "By Woman's Wit," and "Brothers," also contributed towards tho brightness of tho entertainment. Other films specially worthy of mention includo "The Gnumont Graphic,"' "Valleys of Norway," "The Little Station Agent, and "Tweedledum in Tragic Parts." , STAB PICTURES. This week's programme at the Star Pictures again attracted a largo house last evening. Included in the programme are dramatic, scenic, industrial, and comic studies, which aro ovidontly. very much to tho.popular taste.. MISS AMY CASTLES. A privato telegram from Dunedin states that Miss Amy Castles, the well-known soprano vocalist, received an ovation at her opening concert on Wednesday night. Tliero was a crowded theatre, and tho concert was received with the greatest enthusiasm, which culminated when Miss Castles finally appeared. She was recalled a 'dozen times and bowed her acknowledgments amidst a profusion of floral tributes. Finally sho responded with "Home, Sweet Home." which aroused further enthusiasm. Tho other artists'of tho company wero also well received.