ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2506, 6 July 1915, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Miss Dorothy Harris, tho dainty soubrettc, still continues to lend her overplus of savoir vivre as a brighfener to tlio .programme.- at His Majesty's Theatre, where she is an established favourite. This, clever performer lias broadened in her style since, she was hero a (year ago, au.d favours songs of a class do not givo expression to that refinement 'which was such a factor in her success heretofore. Tho influence of the pantomime has wrought changes in: her style, which can scarcely bo said to be an improvement. Last evening she sang "Knit, Knit, Sister Sue,'- "Don't Mention My Name," a suggestive jipjvriding ditty, and "Roll Oh, Missouri," which latter song was quite in her -ljc'st manner. A- new arrival was Alton, a comic acrobat 'and head balancer, who is an adept in tlio art of upside-down posture and circus buffoonery. .Val and Lottie Newman reappeared successfully. The little lady is a clever soubrette, character vocalist, ' arid dancer. She was most successful in her - Dinner"- song, and with tier partner, scored a success' in "Down.-by the IJlaloo." . Val, of the sepulchral voice, was better in his comic explorations than as arballadist. The Musical Sundowner, a violinist of some virtue, played _ "I ..Hear You Calling Mo" and Musin's "Mazurka." His tone is rather thin for such a large theatre, but his temperamental qualities pull him through. The Tossing Testros tossed a. variety of'household implements' about with rare skill, and the male Testro balanced on his .head objects that ranped from a silk hat to a six ; legged table. and-a rickshaw. "Bluffo," an inconsequent juggler and comedian, acted up to his name by fooling the audience adroitly, when he was obviously able to do the tricks ne was merely pretending to do, but'lie wasout .to gain laughter more than admiration,/and succeeded. .'. One of the best and certainly the most • graceful and .amazing of contortionists is Little Verlie, a well-formed-and attractive child, whose . performance js uncommonly clever from beginning to end. That lively purveyor of broad humour, Mr. Dan Thomas, was heard in songs lie has already sung in Wellington, and raised v tho sum of £3 Iss. 2d. for tho Wounded Soldiers' Fund by singing the soldiers' song, "Here Wo Are Again." Victor tho Great' mystified with con-juring-trick old and new, and'reproduced tho never-failing cabinet illusion, in which his lady assistant, tied hand and foot, rings bells_ and throws chairs about within, the cabinet as soon as the curtains.liide her from -the. audience; - v /'THOU SHALT NOT KILL." A masterpiece in the way of dnynatio productions was shown at the King's Theatre last night in a film produced by D. W. Griffith,' entitled "Thou Shalt Not Kill," or "The Avenging The plot is based on Edgar Allen Poe's great story "Tlio. Telltale Heart," and on the poem "Annabel Lee," and a successful effort is, lhado to show how man's _ conscience, that greatest aid to: tho righteousness of the world, ■ works upon evildoers. Tho story in its production approaches the melodramatic at times,' but the marvellous acting lifts it to a high plane, and the. ending is a wonderful climax in which love emerges triumphant, after what has seemed to be a hopeless outlook. The principal character is Henry B. Walthal, who, as the nephew of; a rich old maii, shows a- high dramatio power in, his acting. The story is of an' old inan who jealously guards the affection of' his nephew, and steps in between him and 'his sweetheart, a part _taken_ by Miss Blanche Sweet, a beautiful girl, whb soon wins the Sympathy of, all who: see the film, The nephew broods- over the fact that his uncle has separated him, and in an. intensely dramatic scene lie murders the old man. His guilt}' coriscienco .haunts hiin, and the effect of this is shown in the realistic manner, until he finally confesses his guilt, and endeavours to evade justice by hanging himself. Tho sweetheart also ends her life, and', in this the Jim. gets rather melodramatic. L lt, is, out of this apparently liopeless set of circumstances, that the dramatist shows his. power, ; for' tho whole story is shown to have been a dream, and the . happy ending comes when.- the uncle relents of his harshness, and the happy couple are united. -The supporting films are good; o.ne'of the best being a comedy, "Getting the Judge's Goat," which introduces some fine motor and trotting races., "The Gaumont Graphic" shows some topical* war scenes, while an amusing series of cartoons depicts the Kaiser arid the Crown Princo 'crushed in N their .effort "to gain • world power.' "Oh the Borders of - a Lake," coloured scenic, adds to the general yahie of the progr,-unme..- /' EVERYBODY'S PICTURES. ; . Circus 'dramas have always proved attractive pioture subjects. The' Nordisk Company's latest production of this kind follows the general order in this respect.. It is entitled' "Children of the. Circus," and is'included in the new programme introduced at' Everybody's Pi©.' turijs .in 'Manners Street yesterday, If. anything, this story of cirous life-is superior to those previously sent .out from. the Nordisk.Company's headquarters.' It is magnificently mounted, beau- : tifully coloured, • and admirably acted. This was the prevailing opinion among the crowds who saw - the* film yesterday afternoon and ovening, 'and tho result is certain-to be a rush of business during the remainder of tho week. Mdlle. Baptists,- the famous horsewoman, ..is featured in the cast. New items from the war zone are screened in, the Gaumont Graphic, while Path© Freres liavo, sent' along special views of .tho Zeppelin raid on Paris' on March 21Y.a film full -of interest; .'Most of the damage; caused by this Zeppelin was in tho, suburbs, tho roof of one of the buildings being lifted a distance ofover 150 yards by the force of a bomb explosion.,-' One of the fastest Keystone comedies seen here for some time completes the bill, It is called. "Fatty and .Mabel's Married Life" . and as will be surmised the loading parts are played by ..those clover laugh-makers, Mabel Normad and Roscoe Arbuclde. Tlie two" play' some amusing jokes on each other, in tho endeavour td represent parried life as it is. An effieoient orchestra supplies appropriate musical items as the films aro being reeled. • ' THE EMPR-ESS.' Yesterday's all-new programme drew crowded attendances to the popular Empress Theatre. Tlio'star film, Kalom's "Mystery of the Dance Hall," one of tho girl detective series, is a film of oxcejlenco with many strong dramatic qualities. It is well photographed, finely acted and many ot its incidents • anil episodes are of a most exciting character. , Keystone's latest comedy, ."Hearts and Planots" is not only very funny and provocative of hearty 'laughter, but is at the same time distinctly clever. "Flying A," Western drama, "The Law of the' Wild" is a powerful human play of strong appeal. "The Japanese Silk Industry" is ono of those clover, instructive and entertaining studies which might be added to many programmes with advantage. Tho Topical War Budget is full of interesting sections, one which earned mudh applause being "Women in Khaki," The music of the' orchestra was most enjoyable. DICKENS RECITAL, The second' Dickons recital will bo given by Mr. Gilbert Emery, the London character actor, at tho Theosophical Hall, Ballanco Street (opposite the Supremo Court), to-night. An entirely new programme will bo, presented by Mr. Emery) -'"Scenes from 1 . Pickwick Papers," introducing Mr. Sam Weller

Christmas Stories, featuring tho old raiser Scrooge, Barnaby Itudge, and many otherpopular characters of. Dickens trill be given, together with musioal items. All lovers of Dickens's works "will doubtless look forward to the programme which will be submitted tonight. ' PLIMMER-HALL COMEDY CO. "A! Message From Mars" haseverywhero become well established in the ■ popular favour. Its production by tie Plimmer-Hall Company Grand Opera House during the short- season commencing on Monday noxt, is expected to attract large audiences. Mr. Gantiioiiv's composition has many excellent features, as an entertainment.; Its lecturing is not too severe, and since its theme is selfishness, its strictures seem more applicable to one's friends than to one's self, so that an audience can listen to the bitter declamations of the Messenger without muoh embarrassment. The pills are served with a liberal sweetening of comedy, while the element of the .supernatural is always agreeable to • the mind. Mr.' Plimmer is said to enact the type of human selfishness with skill, and judgment,, his exposition of the' character, which to him seems perfectly though to the Messenger so contemptible, being thoroughly, convincing. Mr. Winter Hall, it is stated, gives a vigorous interpretation, of the gospel of "otlierdom," and forms- an . impressive figure throughout, tho Martian's visit. The tramp is played- by Mr. P. S. Latham, and Miss Alyce Holroyd is Aunt Martha. The numerous other parts aro capably played, while the mounting and mechanical effects are described as most effective. The box plan-opens at the Bristol on Thursday when seats may be reserved.