ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1335, 12 January 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

1 —_— "XHK CHOCOLATE SOLDIER." Another.highly successful performance of. the delightful comic. opera, "The Chocolate Soldier," was given in tho Opera, House last evening by Mr. J- C. Williamson's New English Comic Opera Company. "The Chocolate Soldier" has ninde himself very popular with tho people, for, lie is the best thing in comic opera which lias been seen hern since. "The--Merry Widow." Miss Amy Murphy, its-Nudinn, is principal soprano; Mr. Noel-Fleming, the attractive tenor of the company, takes the part of the, selfopinionated nuijor; Mr. Leslie Gazo appears in the title role.- while the port of the inimitable Barjir I'opoff is taken by Mr. Albert Kavamtgii. THEATRE ROYAL. * Kinemacolor and black and white pictures drew another good "house" to the Theatre Royal Inst night. The elaborate representation of that old Greek story relating tho adventures of riys-es was, among, the l>?st of tho items shown in black and white. The coloured films were delightful. The quaint scenes by the side of the Zuyder Zee • were applauded, not only because they wert so interesting, but also because of the beauty of the picture. The uniforms and dresses at the unveiling of the Queen Victoria Memorial helped to make another good picture, and the vast interest attaching to the Coronation Durbar made the scenes connected therewith specially appreciable. FULLERS' PICTURES. Among a carefully-selected number of films 'which comprised the new programme at the Seating Kink last night, the outstanding feature was Patho Freres beautifully-coloured picture "The Siego of Calais." Upwards of 2500 figures appear in this great' production, and the leading characters are filled by celebrated actors. The costumes and scenery are magnificent, and the result is a. masterpiece of advanced kinematography. For ten months the inhabitants of' Calais had resisted the attack of the English army under Edward 111, but,.finally, when provisions were giving, out, the garrison sought aid from the King of France. The latter, in endeavouring to raise the siego, was repulsed with heavy loss, and the garrison was compelled to surrender. Edward IJI then sent word to the gOTernor of the town that, unless the wnole of the citizens were to be slain, they must deliver six of their number, who would eomo with halters round their necks and with tho keys of the town in their hands. The conditions imposed caused consternation in the garrison, but a venerable citizen, Eustace St. Pierre, offered to make ono of the six. His kinsmen, Pierre Wissant and Jacques Wissaat, immediately claimed the right to go with him, and the remaining three were selected from a largo number of others, who came forward. These halfdozen men then proceeded to the English camp prepared to sacrifice themserves for their fellow-citizens, but Queen' Philippa of England was so moved by their heroism that she successfully interceded with Edward on their behalf. The story is faithfully portrayed, and great attention is paid to detail, the-scene of the battle between tho English and French armies being a magnificent effort. During the two remaining evenings on which the picture is to bo' shown it should attract crowded houses. Supplementing this principal item are several dramatic, comic, and soenic subjects of high qnalitv, these including "Motoring on Ben Nevis," "Falls of Schwarbuch," "The Satyr and the Lady," "Bill Determines to Go," and the Australian Gazette.

THE NEW THEATRE. The proprietors of the New Theatre had every reason to be satisfied with the meed of patronage accorded them yesterday and last evening.' The picture programmo was tho same as on the previous * day, save for one notable feature. This is a historical drama entitled "The Siego of Calais." The picture is a coloured one, and has been produced on a scale that can only be described, as magnificent. No fewer than 2500 persons bear a part in the various scenes, and the principal characters are impersonated by leading French abtors and actresses. The narrative deals with the ten months' siege of Calais by Edward the Third, in 1347. The furious assaults of the Ijosiegers, the valiant defence of their stronghold by the Trench garrison, and many historical incidents of the siege are realistically portrayed. The final scenes picture the passages of messages, with tidings of surrender, to the English camp, and Queen Philippa's intercession on their behalf. The picture .will be screened again to-day and this evening. Apart from this central attraction, a complete change of programme will be submitted, including the following items— "An Indian's Mistake" (drama), 'The Abruzzi Mountains" (Italian Scenery), "Bill Has No Money to Pay", (comedy), "The Inherited Taint" (drama), "Tonto's Straw Hat" (comedy). THE KING'S THEATRE. A.large assemblage-attended the King's Theatre last night on t'ho occasion of tlio bi-weekly change of -programme, 'West's and Royal Pictures screened a capital new series, and tho performance moved along, smoothly to the strains of music by. tbe Lyric Orchestra. Some idea of (tie magnificence of tho Delhi Durbar was placed belore patrons of the theatre by a number of fiiio views taken while preparations for tiio great event were in progress. They evoked applause from the house. In view of the war 'between Italy and Turkey, u film entitled "Scenes in Tripoli" was particularly interesting. Tho Italian warships Were shown drawn up near the African coast, .and then followed the landing of troops, whilo glimpses of camp- life were also obtained. Another feature of tho programme was a production of "The Christian," as acted by William Anderson's Dramatic Company. Mr. Roy Redgrave was seen *as John Storm, and Miss, Eugenie Duggau as Glory ; Quayle. The pic.ture version of Hall Cainc's famous work is full of "situations/'not-the least exciting being the fire at the .Mission ■House. A good deal of local interest attaches to the views of the Australasian championships, while the film which deals with the-ins.tnicHon.of the blind is of undoubted educational value. The •Vitagraph Compaiw's drama, entitled "The .Sheriff's .Friend," is a touching number in which the hero .is sel the difficult task of choosing between love and-dut'v, and does the correct thing. "The Mistress of Ilaoienda" is a story written round an incident that occurred on the Californian boundary - 'some years ago. While'a young American and his wife were travelling in those parts, the wife was taken ill and both are received bv' Spaniards and given shelter until the •v\ : ife can regain health. Meantime Sonora Dolores falls in love with tho American, and plans to havo his wife carried off bv Indians. The Indian chief, however/carries off Dolores instead and, though the latter is eventually rescued, the shock of the ordeal winch she hits underdone, combined with the hopelessness of her love, brings about her death. \ couple of amusing comedies also fi<pire on the programme, which will be repeated this evening.

v SHOBTTS THEATRE. Both in point of variety and on account of the beauty of the subjects, the scries of new pictures screened at Shorrt's Theatre in 'Willis Street yesterday and last evening will bear comparison with onvthing that has been presented of late. One of the best items is a film entitled, "iPcturesqne Taranr.ki." It includes charming views of the Mokau River. Steep-to bluffs, native bush, and little camps are to bo seen here and there, in the sheltered gullies. All these things nre faithfully port rayed in the picture 'which, in addition, shows the litllo'riversloamcrs steering up or down .stream. Every good New Zenhinder will appreciate this picture, and possibly experience pride in realising that his country, in points of natural beauty, is second to none. "Foragiug" is a dramatic story of the best type. It opens in South Africa, and ends m Canada, and deals with the chequered fortunes of two comrades who are strangoly reunited after a separation of many years. "Shipwrecked" includes a ■ picture ' of a great ocean liner which has come to grief on a rocky coast. In one scene, a modern Grace Darling is shown rescuing survivors fiom a floating spar. "Tho Gaumont Graphic" is full of good features, among which maybe named some very pretty fashions of the inoinonl. The same picture* will be screened to-day, when, as usual. Shcirtt's Theatre wilb be open from H a.m. to 11 p.m. j Mil. JOHN M'CORMACK'S CONCERT. ■Mr. John M'Corniiick will make his only concert appearance in Wellington at. the | Town Hall to-night. A programme, ■in--1 eluding operatic and ballad numbers, will

give the celebrated tenor ample scope to please the varied classes of music lovers. He will include as an euooro the air "dnlla, sua. pace," of Mozart, which was the test piece in the recent competitions, thereby obtaining vide musical'publicity. Favourite old ballads will, of course, have prominence in the list Mr. M'Oormack has selected. Miss Rosina Uuekmann, who achieved much success with the Melha Grand Opera Company, as did Mr. .Alfred Kaufmana, principal basso, will, with Mr. Spencer Clay, complete a'highly accomplished concert company. The bcokinpr at the Dresdon is more than satisfactory, and there is every prospect of a very largo audience. Referring to Mr. M'Conuaok's season in Sydney, the "Sydney Morning Herald" says: ':Looking back for years along the shining line of famous singers whoso memory is still brightly in mind, it is difficult to recall any one of them, since Charles' Santloy raised his noble voice in the Sydney Town Hall, more, than twenty- years ago, Tip to the present time, who' has as perfectly charmed our audiences in ballad music as John M'C'ormaek. His farewell last night furnished a closing scene of wild enthusiasm, whilst (luring every appearance ho hushed the vast assemblage to strained attention and stillness beneath the charmful epcll of his voice and art." LTD. As regards the entertainment to bo produced at the Opera House on Wednesday by Brennan's, Ltd., one has only to look at the names on the bill to realise that it is no mere managerial exaggeration to say that the company is peculiarly strong in artists of first rank, 'there is one performer who is neither man nor woman, neither boy nor girl, yet is a very- wonderful periormcr. This is Prince Charles, the- Oraug-Outang, who is- able to mimic man in a way that is irresistibly droll. Many an enthusiastic rinker would be proud if he could skate as Prince Charles does; and even a telegraph messenger couldn't show Charles any points about riding a- bicycle. Jordan and Harvey, who also bulk large on the bill, arc comedians of distinction. Mr. Jordan says that precise replicas of themselves as they appear on the stage are to he met with in thousands in ordinary life in London. Eva Mudge is a bright performer, whoso specialty is quick change; in fact, sho is such a remarkable adept at the art that somebody has happily dubbed her "the Protean Artiste." Archie Glen is billed as the "Laugh-in-every-line comedian," an.l Les Petits Totos are said to be known tin the Continent as "the Darlings of Paris," and to be acrobats in a class by themselves. Besides thesp there arp Neile Kolle, "the girl who reaches your heart," and Charles Howard, baritone. The box plan is at the Dresden. BAND PERFORMANCE. The Wellington City Tramways Band will give a performance at Worser Bay on Sunday afternoon next.