ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2607, 1 November 1915, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The programme to-night at His Majesty's Theatre will undergo a considerable change from that of last week. The chief attraction will be a revue, "Catch On," produced under tho direction of Mr. Elton Black, who, as principal comedian, will appear in tho character of "Tiddley Tosb." Mr. Black is said to bo not only exceptionally funny, but also to givo some very clever impersonations of Harry Lander, Clias. Chaplin, and other famous comedians. The .comedian will bo ably supported by Miss Kate Howard, Miss fiellie Quealy, Mr. Peter Brooks, Mr. Harry Quealy, Mr. Gerald Caslimau, Mr. Cliff O'Keefe, and Miss Pearl Livingstone. One of the features of the production is the, Keystone Quartet, which is said to be responsible for some clover . concerted work. There is hiso a ballot of dancers, styled tho Flap, per Brigade, which is reported to be not the least attractive item in 1 the show. New scenery has been specially painted, and a number of novel lighting effects will be included. In addition to the revue, a strong vaudeville company lias been engaged, which includes The Duckworths, American comedy acrobats, Leon Vernon, and Olive Sinclair, Balancing Stevens, Eugenie Boland and Arthur Douglas. The programme will run for six nights, and a matinee will bo given oil- Saturday. THE KING'S. At the King's Theatre to-night will bo .screened for the first time the powerful picturisation of Paul Armstrong's remarkable play, "The Escape." The great picture, which is over 7500 feet in length, is produced by the artistic American producer, D. W. Griffiths, and the cast engaged is an exceptionally strong one, incKwiig Blanche Sweet, Mae Harsh, Bob-, ert Harron, aud many others well known' to picture-lovers. "The Escape" is described as tho vivid, realistic/story of a woman's escape from the sordid surroumd- ■ ings of a drunken • homo and criminal parents, from sin, evil surroundings, and degradation, through much sorrow and Buffering up into the clearer, purer atmosphere of a better life, where she finds true love Wl a liome. The wonderful insight of the underworld, the fight for freedom, tho lesson of the power of love to overcomo all, tho study in eugenic science are all powerfully shown in this film, which is stated to be one of the greatest ever seen. *

The New York "Globe," writing of this picture, says: "From the opening picture, showing May Joyce longing for escape from'her surroundings, and beseeching the besotted father to better the condition of his children, through the years of degradation, until at last the girl, struggles up from darkness into light, the picture is real. Never before has the life 'of a character been Eot down with such literal detail, with such unswerving adherence to the truth." It is claimed to convey a powerful lesson, especially to parents. "Tie picture is exclusive to the King's. The prices and booking arrangements are as usual. . EVERYBODY'S. Thp programme to bo shown at Everybody's Theatre from noon to-day promises to be of exceptional quality. The seventh episode of the great serial, "Tho Million Dollar Mystery," will appear, and it is said to be tho most exciting of the series yet shown. The conspirators employ some members of tho infamous "Auto Bandits," but by. clever stratagem Norton is enabled to outwit thein. "The Doom of the Auto Bandits" is said to be full of intense draiua. and powerful situations. A 2000 ft. Keystone comedy, with Ford Sterling in the'lead is also included on the programme. '(Dirty. Work in a Laundry" is claimed to be genuinely funny, ane one of the best outputs by this papular company. A pathetic and beautiful drama of special, interest entitled" "Old Jane of the Gaiety," tells the story of the onco famous actress who was now wardrobe woman at the Gaiety. The latest "Gazette" is full of interesting items from the front, and the latest events in the Old- Land. Other special- films are also included in what should be one of the best programmes 6hown for some time'.

THE EMPRESS. Heading the new programme at the Empress is a three-part Vitagraph clrama, which deals with a subject of particular interest just now. The picture is calleJ "The Silent Plea," aud was produced under tho auspices of the New York State Commission for the Relief of Widowed Mothers. It makes a powerful appeal for State aid to families who havo lost the bread-winner. The film has a strong real life plot, and the leading parts are portrayed by the well-known artists Edith Story and Harry Morey. Tlierp is al6o a I remarkable cartoon picture on the . programme, showing a prehistoric monster which, by the pen of Winder Jllvay, is made to perform various remarkable feals. The "Topical Budget" contains many interesting items, among which are scenes in connection' with mysterious labour troubles in New Jersey, U.S.A., where serious damago has been done to factories making ammunition for tho Allies. A charming scenic film is entitled "Up tho River Nile"; a Kalem drama, called "The Fate of No. 1," and an amusing animal oomedy, entitled "The •Panther's Prowl," complete the bill. HISS .GRAC.E KENNEDY'S CONCERT. The St. John Ambulance W«u v Fund was further swelled on Saturday evening, when a concert was given in aid of the fund at the Masonic Hall by .Miss Grace Kennedy and her pupils. Miss Kennedy was assisted by Mrs. S. E. Kennedy, Miss F. Hamerton, Miss E. Henry (pianistes), Miss M. E. Kennedy (viola), Miss Sybil Rapley, and Mr. Chas. Clarksou (vocalists). The hall was comfortably filled, and it was apparent that the audience were delighted with the various items, which were unquestionaly of quite a high standard of merit. Musical and vocal items were rendered " by the following:—Violin solo, .Master Willie Maclaurin; song, "Damon," Miss Sibyl Rapley; quartet in G major for four violins, Misses F. Henry, H. Hamerton, Pritchard, and Grey; songs, Mr. Charles Clarkson; duet, violin and piano, pisses H. and F. Hamerton; trio • for violin, 'cello, and piano. Misses M. E. and F. Henry; song, /"Gather Yo Rosebuds," Miss Sibyl Rapley; violin solo, Miss Dorothy Pritchard; 'cello solo, Miss Mildred Henry; violin''6olo, "Chant du* J 'Nord," Miss Grace Kennedy. A very capable orchestra also contributed items. SUNDAY CONCERT. In spite of the rain there was a big audience at the concert given by tho Wellington Professional Orchestra in His Majesty's' Theatre last night. The orchestra's piece de resistance was the Symphonic Poem "Finlandia" (Sibelius), one of the greatest compositions of national music that have ever been written. Indeed, so great' was the enthusiasm created among .the Finnish people by the public playing of it that at a time not' many years ago when .there was a political conflict behyeen Russia and Finland, the playing of this music in public was forbidden. Tho poem is rich in melodies, which are the expression in music of tho spirit of the race in its changing moods. It is no mere collection of pretty folk, tunes; the themes are more subtle and more illusory, but at the same time more beautiful and more faithful expressions of tho spirit, of a strongly emotional and imaginative people than the rude songs of the country could over he. Another piece of music more or, less national in character was "Norwegian Carnival" (Svendsen). Other items on the programme were Triumphal March from "Sigurd Joresalfar" (Grie»), which music was presented to the orchestra by Mr. Walter Fuller, Entr'acte La liariposa (Diaz), Loin du Bal (Gillet), and Idvll "Dawn" (Matt).