ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2218, 3 August 1914, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

, "THE FORTUNE HUNTER." Box plans for the first live nights of tho'Fred Niblo season will bo opened at the Dresden this inorning, when a brisk demand for seats is anticipated. Mr. Fred Niblo is no stranger to New' Zealand audienceSj for ire still find ourselves smiling at memories of his "Wallingford." As Nat Duncan in "The 'Fortune Hunter" it is said that lie is sure to meet with tho even, stronger approbation of theatre-goers. It is the general opinion among Australian critics and the public that "Tho Fortune Hunter" is one of the most successful comedies ever staged in tbe Antipodes; and as Nat Duncan, Mr, Fred Niblo will be seen in one of his ■favourite parts, in wliicli-he not only finds scops for his ability as a laughtermaker, but also shows his power to depict some real. human emotion of tho best kind. Miss Josephine Cohan will make her first appearance in New Zealand as Betty, the daughter of Sam Graham, the kind-hearted, but unbusinesslike iiiveiitbr, and the lady is sure to become as popular in New. Zealand as she is throughout America and Australia. Other notable comedies to be presented during tho season are "Never Say Die" and "Officer G6G."

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Tho Fuller-Brenrian management announce a diiange of programme at His Majesty's riioaxro, in which a number of artists new ( to vaudeville patrons will make their first appearance.- The' new turns, are reported to bo of a high standard. Foremost among the newcomers is. Van Bitren and Spiuetti, two American entertainers, who are said to be possessed of excellent voices.- They also specialise in modern ballroom dancing, hnd they are said to know more about tho tango than any of their predecessors. . Another. act that will also be seen 'here'for t'he first time, is that of Bogues and Olivetti, who will sub-mit-a- new • comedy playlet entitled "The Wages," in which is introduced some clever cross talk. Mr. Bogues, who is said to be the possessor of a pleasing tonor voice, will sing some of his recent American successes. Another noteworthy act will ,be that of • the Gould Bros., who have lately- arrived from England, who will • appear for tlao first, time in Australasia. Their specialty is ragtime singing, danciiig, and .comedy sketches. The- Clarke Bros., Scotch comedians, who have; been the recipients of favourable criticism in Melbourne and Sydney, will appear in a pot pourri of Scotch songs, dances, and bagpipe playing. • The -clever Jakelow Trio, in their repertoire of Russian singing and dancing, have been. retained for another week, as also have Bobby Zeno and 1 Eva Malidel," tbe popular comedians. Stewart and .Lorraine will play new selections on their varied collection of musical_ Vincent. Arthur, and Oliver, ijhe favourite vocal trio, and Armstrong and Howarth have been re-engaged for the forthcoming week, and will occuny'a worthy place in the. bill, which is of a nature, it will bo seeu, that should prove a. strong attraction.

"HEARTS ADRIFT." To-night's special feature at tho King's Theatre will bo what s|abuld prove a very welcome reappearance on tho screen of tuo famous uim actress, y in tho t>pic tragedy, Hearts Adrift," doscribed as the most original drama yet presented' at this theatre. Tho play is in three acts, and the whole of the second part is devoted to its unfolding. The following is a reSumo of the story:—Nina, a. twelve-year-old Spanish' girl, like solo survivor of a shipwreck, is tossed upon the beach of a South Sea island. Tho girl thrives, makes comnanious of the beasts and birds of the island, and skilfully constructs garments from skins and fibres. Some .years later Mr. and Mrs Graham are' wrecked . near the same spot. Mrs. Gr.iham is rescued, but her, husband is cast.shoro upon the island and lost sigfit of. .Nina discovers Graham's unconscious body on the beach. Seeing him -.move, she ruiis away in fear. Every 'night_ Nina secretly places food for him, which ho finds' iii the morning. One night Graham detects her. _ She..escapes and but later permits his approach.' One night', in tear of a terrific. thunderstorm, Nina runs to Graham's cave for refuge. He shields her from the tiurm. Bejieviug his wile to bo dead, and deeming thai they must remain on tho island for ever, Graham "marries" Nina. Ho re■cites the 'ceremony, making Nina repast the formula of the ritual after him. They are supremely 'happy until Graham's wife unexpectedly returns to search . for. her husband. There is a reunion of the Grahams. Nina sees the meeting and realises her position. When Graham turns to look for her, lie sees her poised upon tho brow of a - cliff. For one moment eJio stands there, and then leaps to death. A picture of particular interest is "Air Blacks versus New South Wales." which shows the arrival of the New Zealauders, and their training methods, and fine play in tho match. Other films are:—"John Bunny and, the Counter Lunch Girl" (comedy), "Flying (nature study), "Picturesque Honrat" (scenic);. "Blame {(ho Wife" (comedy),' and tho latest Gaumont Graphic. Tho King's orchestra will accompany all screenings. Box plans are open at the Dresden.

EVERYBODY'S PICTURES. Saturday sessions at' the Opera House were thronged, many being unable to gain admission.- At noon to-day, this' week's all now list of subpects will ba shown for tho first time. TlJie chief feature, . "The Black Triangle," . 4000 ft. long, is, reported to be a strong and clover sensational drama, reploto with good situations and powerful dramatic episodes. The storv is that Lydia, the daughter of a. rich banker, mysteriously disappears, '.whereupon liaoul, her- lover, retains Dotectivo WebV who discovers that tho. abduction, is tho work of a desperato band of cr-initials, styling themselves '"Uho Black Triangle." Theydemand heavy ransom for the girl, which Webb forbids the father to pay. Tlie detective,. in disguise, penetrates into the haunts of . the gang, and whilo there passes through many dangers. He is left for dead, but-contrives to escape, and by . tiles' aid of motors and other modern appliances for quick transport ho manager to keen upon the trail of tlje gang. Ultimately the girl is cleverly rescued, restored to her ftaher and her lover, and Ijhe "Black Triangle" people get their just dues in the shape of penal servitude. A film of special terest should lie "AJI Blacks'versus New | South Wales,'.' which discloses pictures of tjie-players, their training operations, and tho splendid play of theMaorilaiiders in tho match. Other subjects are: "The Evolution 'of London Traffic" (interest), the latest "Pathe -.Gazette," and "Tho Fatal Dress Suit" (comedy); The orohestra attends afternoon aud night,sessions.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. The now programme at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures to-day and to-night' will bring forward tho Barker Company's stirring dramatic portrayal, "Greater Love." The principals are collage chums, who help each other through many difficulties until in postgraduate days tliey have become doetors, and aro rivals for tho affections of May, daughter, of another doctor.' Tho girl loves Tom, but lie 13 too bashful to declare his affection. Herbert, his rival, is not so backward, but when the actual test is applied, May has no difficulty in deciding which of the two shall wed Tier. The management announces that, in response to many requests, the A.B. Company's noted com"ody success "lieeause of a Hat" will bo reintroduced wit.li the now series. Many, attraotivo happenings 'in various

parts of tho world are assembled in tho topical film "Williamson's Weekly." "Porcelain Works" is an interesting industrial item. There are a numbor of other ontertaining subjects. THE POPULAR COMPETITIONS,. The popular competitions at the Town Hall were fairly well patronised oil Saturday night. Everybody laughed and on ono or two occasions the entertainment was made more humorous by the introduction of the "counting out" process by some members of the audience. The revolving polo pillow fights were very amusing, whilst tlie chorus singing of two men created much laughter. Tho competitors .in the ladies' solo competitions were quite good. Miss Baker, who was suffering somewhat from stage fright, 6ang "Somewhere a Voice is Calling" quite prettily. Miss Aitcheson_ sang "Slumber." The participants in the tango, competition were strangers to tho public, platform. However they danced the tango and were loudly applauded. Some daintily executed dances were given by M. and Mdlle. Craus. Tlie competitions will be concluded this evening when the finals will be hold. Included in tonight's programme will be a recitation of Tennyson's poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade, by Mr. Alfred Boothman.