ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1303, 5 December 1911, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE XEWEST MARVEL. KINEMACOLOR AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. Tho art of kinematography has improved with such rapid strides during the past decade that nothing in -Nature seems to bo beyond its range, from tho photographing of the action of bacteria in live bipod to the taking of Mount Etna in eruption. That speaks volumes for the range of its operations as a scientific development of the camera, but brains have tor years been at work in oilier directions, namely to reproduce moving photographs in natural colours. Rathe Freres, °'i r ! p > " long way in producing what they called natural-colour kinematography by evolving a process of colouring films artificially by a secret process which gave very lino results. Still this W i"} s an artificial process, and did not altogether satisi'v the investigator. It has fallen to the lot of Messrs. Albert Smith and Charles Urban to invent u method whereby pictures can bo taken and reproduced in the exact tints and colours of nature. This product, called kinemacolor, was shown for tho first time in >>ew Zealand at the Theatre Royal last evening, under the direction of "Messrs. John 1' uller and Sons, who have secured the solo right of the new process for New Zealand. It is, in very truth, a marvel. Not only do the new pictures give full expression to the bold colours, but every tint and tone and j of-a tone i'a reproduced with astonishing fidelity. By the new procoss the pictures aro* taken through red, green, ancl white light filters, and though tho product is a black and white impression on tho celluloid film, the picture when projeoted through the same filters (a revolving wheel with coloured sectares) all the colours of the spec trum and the tints betwee are reproduced, giving a perfectly natural colour impression of the scene of objects within focus. Tho most beautiful kinemaolor picture shown last evening was a series of scenes of Venice, in which all the brilliant Turneresquo colours were reproduced, giving life and vitality to the ensemble. By an easy stretch of imagination one could readily assume that they woro floating up the grand canal in one of the graceful gondolas which Hit across the smiling scene, past St. Mark's, tho Do'ge's Palace, under the Bridge of Sighs, and past the many noble palaces which seemingly rise from tho blue waters. Another very beautiful picture was a series entitled "From Bud to Blossom," being a number of carnations, roses, tiger lilies, nasturtiums, and other beautiful flowers bursting into bloom "while you wait," radiant in their glowing colours. In the picture showing the investiture of the Prince of Wales, tho many coloured uniforms, and robes, of tho military and officials made a very , gay show, and gave an atmosphere of reality which tho ordinary black and white pictures lack. It was intrresting to note the various shades of the well-groomed horses' coats gleaming in the sun, and those having a perfect knowledge of regimental uniforms could Have no difficulty in picking out the representatives of each now the colours are shown so clearly. Other kinemacolor pictures shown were the King's visit to Ireland, and a realistic storm scene on tho waterfront at Teneriff. Occasionally the pictures suffered slightly through being insufficiently lighted, but this, it is understood, is to bo rectified. Tho programme also included a number of kinematograph pictures, including several row "A.8." and Yitagrapli studies. OPERA HOUSE. The Rickards Vaudeville Company, which opened its' Wellington season in the Opera House on Saturday last,_ appeared before a large and enthusiastic audience last evening. It is quite a long time.since a good vaudeville'show has visited this city, and good vaudeville is always welcomed in Wellington. The musical burlesques and imitations contributed bv Mr. Sydney Bach were responsible for loud applause. Dressed in nautical attire, Mr. Alt' Holt, a clever imitator and siffleur, amused the audience with his numerous imitations, and was well received. Somo exceptionally clover trapeze work is performed by Jldlle. Alcido Capitaine. The programme includes a large number of other excellent turns, which will bo repeated this cveninj. ■ . : . FULLERS' PICTURES; ' Fullers' Pictures at tho Skating Rink attracted a large attendance of the public last evening, when a new scries of films was thrown on tho scrccn. Tho new programme is a most interesting one, and includes several studies of superior merit. The fine Gaumont coloured study of well-known flowers attracted special attention for the infinite beauty of sprays, which included the familiar hare-bell, convolvulous, petunia, snap-dragon, and tritonia. A very pretty dramatic story bv the Edison Company is that entitled "Then'You'll'Remember Me,"- constructed upon-the favourite ballad of that name. It is the story, of a man and wife sep-arated-to-all intents and purposes by a sudden lapse.' of memory on tho part of tho man. His mind becomes a blank and lie fails to recognise her till at length, hearing her sing the old song, tho latent memory is stirred by the strains, and it all conies back to him. "Tho Express Envelope," is an absorbing railroad drama, telling of the escape of a girl, who, held up at a lonely station by desperadoes, summons help by tapping a furtive message on a.Norse key. An exciling race on a locomotive' precedes her deliverance from her thrilling plight, and that her rescuer is her lover follows as a matter of course. Of the comic studies "The Tramp Artist," and "Tho Runaway Lorry" are excellent demonstrations of the fact that, in-tho language of Shakespeare, "Age doth not wither, nor custom stale," tho infinite variety of tho kinematograph burlesque. This week's "Patho Gazette" is on a par with previous editions of that bright and topical budget, while there should also bo noted a magnificent scenic film, "Zara"; . an amusing American Biograph comedy "Bill and the Bear"; "Love and Glory" (a thorough-going military drama of -war, love.- revenge, repentance, and forgiveness); Senorita s Conquest," a Mexican romance; and somo interesting views of the sports at Oban and Duntroon (Scotland). ihe programme will be repeated this ovemng. THE KING'S THEATRE. A new programme of pictures was presented to patrons of the King's Theatre last; evening, the series including several star films of .unusual interest. Tho piece-de-resistance was nnquostionablv tho photo-play, which was entitled "Fools of society. The general scheme of tho play is one which figures commonly enough in society novels—a sporting husband, a wifo who suiters from ennui, a lover, intrigues, indiscretions, and the inevitable exposure ami tragedy. But the play is well staged, the situations cleverlv devised, and tho principals aro capable' actors. Tlio lover, who is also the husband's closest friend, is a gentleman rider, and is killed in a steeplechase. His body and effects are tojeen charge of by the husband, who finds in tho pocket-book a letter which discloses to him his wife's conduct. There is a torriblo scene, and a tragic denouement, when the wife is commanded by her husband to onen his revolver case and shoot herself. l>y contrast there are several diverting comedy sketchcs-"Tho Spiritnrdlstic Seance," "Intrepid Davy," and "At tho Eleventh Hour/' An intercstini; American drama, entitled "Billy the Kid," sets out adventures of a "Gii-l of tho Golden West," who was, from babyhood, brought up as a boy. A very beautiful him, in colour, is the series of flower studies, in which such iwll-known blooms as thft petunia, tho convolulus, tritonia, hare-bell, and snap dragons are thrown on the screen. Patho's' Weekly Gazette is a bright and interesting budget, while of sDeeial topical interest is tho series of incidents photographed by tho Cines Company, of Rome, in connection with the transport arrangements and embarkation of the Italian forces en routo for tho seat, of war in Tripoli. The programme will be repealed this evening. THE NEW THEATRE. Tho final surer-jiing of the current programme at tho New Theatre was witnessed by good assemblages last evening. The customary change is to be introduced today. A feature of the new wries is an American Biograph Company's drama "A Squaw's Love." It is a delightful romance. An exciting climax shows tho heroism of a charming Indian maiden who swims under canoes ;uid rips them open in order to enable her friends to escape. The Bison exclusive Western drama "A Tale of the Foothills'' is a tluilling narrative realistically portrayed and well up to the standard uf excellence of this firm. "Tim Drummer Boy of Austerlilz - ' ii a. drama by tho Cincs Cosnpany of the ouxreit kiiiil. It

lias, however, a. full measure of excitement in fhe plol. A vivid scenic study, "A Trip Through Beautiful Wye. Vallevj" is likely lo be popular. Other attractive items ineludn "The Gonlian Knot" f v S. and A. comedy), and "'Tis An 111 Wiiid lilac II lows Nobody Good." Tho new programme will be shown from 11 o'clock this morning till 11 o'clock to-night.