ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2766, 9 May 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE JULIUS KNIGHT SEASON. This evening will see the first production in Wellington of tho war pbiy, " Under' I'ire," . a play that has, it is stilted, created a very marked impression throughout Australia, and is at present 0110 of tho principal attractions In America, where it is in its second year. The Julius Knight season just completed in Auckland has, it is reported, been singularly successful, all previous records having been broken, "Under l?iro" being credited with having shown tho best financial results of any play produced there of lato years. Jlr. Julius Knight, us Captain Larry Kedmond, should, fuoni alt accounts, bo worth going a long way to see. 'The part, it is claimed, is the strongest that lie lias ever been associated with in New Zealand, both .from' an artistic and picturesque point of view. The exacting rolo of Bthel AVilloughby is said to suit Miss Lizette Parlces admirably, while Messrs. J. li. Atholwood, Louis Kimball, Herbert I/sigh, Boyd Irwin, Hugh Huntley. Carlton Stuart, Alfred Bristow, Kenneth Brampton, Charlie Jloi'so, Ilaymond Lawrence, H. AV. Varna, AV. Vincent, D. J. Williams, and Thos. Lloyd, it is stated, have all prominent and important characters. (if the ladies, Miss Emma Temple, Jtlss Kosslyn Vane, and Hiss Eileen Sparks, are all reputed to bo excellently stiTFe-d. The pioduetion will be presented under, the personal direction of Mr. Julius Knight, whilst the stage management is in tho hands of Air. Victor Tatnell. An excellent orchestra will dispense the speciallywritten music, under the directorship of Mr. J. .T. Drew. The curtain will rise at 8 o'clock, and intending, patrons are requested to attend early as the interest begins with tho first lines spoken. The box plan for the seven nights season are now on view at tho Bristol. Day sales may' be secured at Theatre Confectionery.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATKE. ' . Bailey's posing dogs remain the- outstanding artistic feature on the programme at His Majesty's Theatre this week. By persistent training these dogs, three in number, have been' taught to assume a pose and expression, and to "hold, the picture," whatever it might be, as loug as the curtain is up, and .the result is an admirable series of.episodical groups, which make an instant appeal to all to whom "live sculpture" appeals. Some of the poses presented last evening were "The Dying' Pal," "In Camp," "On the Trail," "The Outcasts," "Kock of Ages," and "Misforune." A genuine hit vus made by Tiny Tot and Marjorie, two child acrobats, who are marvels of vitality and precision in their work, which consists of throwing flip-flaps with lightning. speed, shoulder and head-springs, comersaults and roll-overs. Tiny Tot, a chubby little cherub, was especially clever, and • possesses a sense of humour that set the audience roaring with laughter again and again.. Miss Myra Galo and Little Sadie sang a humorous duet, and Sadie was responsible for a stepdance. ■ Barnes and Barnes, repeated their very clever balancing act, in which the lady mounts to the top of a ladder perched on her partner's shoulder, 'ami does souie breath-catching poses on. her frail support. The Littlejohns, with their glittering array of sapphire-set clubs and axes, provided a clever and highly spectacular juggling act, which was seen here a few weeks ago, and Carlton Max, with his associate, "Jerry," .made good entertainment ventriloquilly. Miss Armitage, of the 40 horse-power voice und thi; ultra-broad patter appeared iu. a variety sketch with Jlr. Hine, who gave a vigorous rendering of that fine song "Hybrias the Cretain." Both artists are talented entertainers, which leaves no excuso for the vulgarity which creeps into their patter. A coloured gentleman,'announced as E. Martin,isaiig a ballad, tho motive of which could not be distinguished, failed .to find favour with the audience, and, finally, Marvellous Ed.,- the clean-cut one-legged hand, balancer, repeated his amazing down performance. Owing to the Sydney boat's, late. arrival Mons. .Poincaire, tho clever Prencli siffleur, could not appear, but will be ihcluded in this evening's Mlb

KING'S THEATRE. "Jim the Pcuma-J," iulrui'.ucing the distinguished American actor, John Mason, is tho leading feature at tho King's Theatre for tnc current week. It is a true-to-life story of a notorious forger who lived a double lite.- The picture is adapted to tho screen by the Famous Players Company, from tho pen of Sir Clias. T. Young. Jlr. Mason portrays with great force and dramatic discretion the title character—tho man whose pen works so much harm even to his most dearly loved,. and which finally writes', with his heart's blood, his own punishment. With overpowering motives and situations, and a series of these tense climaxes, "Jim the Penman" is one of the foremost dramatic successes of the contemporary stage. Its portrayal on tho screen, with tho added interest provided by tho wide latitude of the Camera, surpasses even that of the original production. "Jim itho : Penman" is a stirring picture, and peoplo visiting tho King's Theatre can'rest assured that they will have' a good evening's entertain, ment. Other films incliula '"The Jvoyal City of Canterbury," the. Pathe Gazette, and a Vitagraph comedy, "Beautiful Thoughts.''- ' - :

EVERYBODY'S THEATEE. An absorbing drama, entitled "Tho Lamb,"- is the principal attraction at Everybody's Theatre this week, and,. is produced by Jtr.-D. AV. Griffiths, which to picturc patrons is a guarantee of excellence. "The Lamb", is a page from (he hook of life. It tells the story oi a man who. though he seemed to be a ccwnrd, turned out to be a hero. Proceeding to the AVest to live down his reputation of being a coward, the man and [lis fiancee are surrounded by a hordo of savage Sioux. Gerald Harrison, although his knees knock together and his teeth

chatter with fear, sticks oa(: and fights . like a tiger till the (laugi'r is ovfr ami lio eoinos into his own again. "The Lamb," as portrayed by Douglas Fairbunks, is' admirably lui ml led, and Miss Reenu Owens, tile beautiful and charming actress, ably supports him. It :s due to her acting that tho method of the play is lifted out of the ordinary sphere of pieturedoin. I'ho incidents of play are many and varied, and this absorb, ing picture cnrrics the hall-mark of the 'frianglo series. There are two other film;: of merit, namely "The .Gamnont Graphic" and "Historic 'Oxford.",

EMPRESS THEATRE. "Convict Lyndon at Liberty" will appeal strongly to photo-play goers, an<l tho Empress Theatre will continue to crowd its floor space with delighted audiences. It is a pleasant story of social life among men and women 'of culture and refinement whose position is eucli that they have no need to oare for the morrow. But into tho circle comes a'surprise, and Dr. Lyndon, a brilliant chemist, employed in tho War Office, finds himself in convict's garb, eating his heart out in Dartmoor Prison. The sweet English girl whom lie loves is left desolate, because a German spy, who is posing as a patriotic Englishman, commits an amazing perjury. Dr. Lyndon escapes from prison, and Fato guides him lo a lonely liouso occupied by members of tho German Secrpt Society. This is. unknown to Dr. Lyndon, and ho is nursed back to life by Sonia Savaroif, a beautiful intriguer. As the story progresses, it. shows that, Dr. Lyndon is the inventor of a new explosivo which the German secret agents are determined to obtain. Dr. Lyndon is offered a passage to a neutral :country and a largo sum; of money.for the formula; he accepts the terms, not knowing that ho is dealing with spies. At this point Sonia Savaroff "develops a wild jealousy; she has discovered a letter written to Neil Lyndon by Joyce Aylmer,_ his sweetheart. She betrays the convict's hiding place to tho police, at tho same timo informing Lyndon with whom he was dealing, he therefore refuses to sell except to the British Government. Then ■the fight begins, and Lyndon is in a tight corner, but the timely arrival. of the jjolice turns the tables. The play has a conventional ending, but it . leaves a wholesome feeling, and a belief in the goodness of life. Tho London Film Company has not produced anything better. Tho Pathe Gazette and a charming series of views "Around Lucerne," make up a very striking entertainment.