ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2939, 27 November 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATEE. Tho high standard of excellence maintained by the local vaudovillo programmes is again evidenced by the big assemblage ol' stars announced .for tins week's cnange. Hanking as principals oil the bill are tlie Dick and Dorothy trio, two men and a girl, who aro f Suid to present a high-class dancing act. This turn was a head-lino attraction on tho big American and English circuits, mid is described as "an epitomo of all that is new and novel in tho p«etfy of terpsichoreau motion. Anothefc,newcomer is Mr. Donald Cornwallis, an English elocutionist, who has had, tho honour of appearing at command performances before his Majesty the Xing of England. Mr. Cornwallis has an unique line. of work, inasmuch as his items are assisted. and enhanced by tho introduction of the biograpli to illustrato tho stories. To-night he will offer a pathetic little dramatic poem entitled "Papa's Letter." Miss Edith Cowley, a well-known contralto from /South "Africa, will make her initial bow, and the' reappearance of Ross, Wyse, and the Big Surprise will be hailed with delight. Miss Margaret Jewell will be heard in a new assortment of operatio excerpts, Miss Dorothy Harris in new ragtime numbers, and Colos, the banjoist, in fresh instrumental offerings. The remainder of an entertaining bill will be composed- of the ever-popular Ethiopian eccentrics, Starr and Starr, tho Zadellas, and tho two Johnstons. Matinees will bo 'held on Wednesday. and Saturday. THE KING'S. Large audiences witnessed the initial screenings of "The Payment" at tho King's Theatre on Saturday afternoon and evening, tho Triangle Company's dramatic success being well received. The leading roles in "The Payment" aro taken by the favourite emotional star, Bessie Barriscalc, and William Desmond. Phyllis .Page, the leading character of the story, is tho daughter ot a plodding mill-worker. She has ambitions, and wishes to become a painter of miniatures so proceeds to New York. Poverty, however, prevents her securing' tho necessary tuition, but witn a- little pioney saved from her scant earnings at a store she studies art with an old professor, who tells lior she has ability, and with training abroad unquestionably would gain recognition. At this stage there enters into her life temptation. She finds a patron, who provides tlie means for her tuition and studies abroad, at a price which is shown as tho picture is developed. A I'athe comedy by MaxLin; der, entitled "Max Joins the Colours, evoked much laughter, while other nlm topics shown were "Motor Polo" and tho Patho Gazette. The King's Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. A. H. Jerome, played appropriate music. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Commencing on Saturday and lasting throughout this week a capital programme is being submitted at Everybody's Theatre, and is well worth seeing. The principal attraction is "Sweot Lavender," a splendid picturisation of Sir A. Pinero'fc famous drama. Henry Ainley and Alma Taylor are featured in the picture, which throughout is one ot absorbing interest. The photography leaves nothing to bo desired, and stirring and pathetic scenes aro intermingled with others of a more humorous aspect. The story shows how a certain banker 1 of London falls in lovo with a girl, who is, however, beneath his station, and he is afraid to marry her on account of what his friends might think. Sixteen years elapso. The banker has remained single, and has adopted tho son of a friend who died. The son comes to live in a London flat with a friend of his who has a housekeeper with . a pretty daughter, incidentally Iho girl whom the banker had jilted years before" and his own illegitimate daughter. The daughter'*' name is Lavender, and the adopted son is known as Clement. He Immediately falls in love with Lavonder, but attempts are made to keep the two apart, and Lavender's mother tells !»or that Clement would be ashamed of her as his wife. Later tho banker arrives on the scene, and comes face to face with the "girl he had known in. previous years. From thjs stage a cleverly worked final is brought about resulting in i happy reunions taking place amongst them all. "Dick," tho benefactor of Lavender and her mother, plays a forward part in the 6tory, and eventually saves the bank of the banker concerned by. letting them have £40,000, thoreby enabling them to "pay. out." The supporting programme is a strong one, foremost being a comedy entitled "The Judge," featuring Charles Murray as the ' vaorgo -lunij paeds

THE ESrCOERIGIBLE DUEANE. "On the bounce" was how Dukane, .Tumor, cheerfully took things, while Dukane, Senior, cheorfully continued to ■write cheques. However, the Btevn old man, whose (millions had been made in concrete, whose hardness had entered into his composition, got tired of the role of easy money supplier, and young Dukano's troubles began. John Barrymore,

one of tho Famous Players' picture peerage, Ims a part which suits his excellent dry humour to perfectTyn. In tho opening scenes, whereho rises at i p.m., and after tlie bath and dressing interlude's, visits Iho furious old father's oJHce, liarrynioro'ti _ acting is perfection. Tlie acting is swift aud engrossing once the plot thickens, and from the young man's arrival at tlio huge da,m under construction by his father's company, tho succession of events is crowded and. ceaseless. "Dad is always interesting," Dukane says, but tho prodigal in turn makes good, partly through a succession ol' lucky iiccidcnts and partly through tho possession of a cool head and a. rare sense of' humour. Tho lovo story interwoven is sweet and convincing. Included also in tho programme is Sasnnof's Melbourne Cup, and "Tho Txtve Riot," a Triangle-Keystone farce that loses nothing by comparison with any Keystone yet produced. It is genuinely funny. SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT/ Some thirty members of the Wellington Professional Orchestra visited the Victoria Hospital yesterday afternoon and gave a delightful concert to the wounded soldiers. Under the baton of Mr. H. Moschini, tho orchestra played a varied and popular programme, including "Faust," "Loin <1u Bal," "Aida," "fiaymond," also Schubert's "Serenade." By kind permission of Messrs. John Fuller and Sons, tho orchestra was assisted by Miss Margaret Jewell, whoso vocal 'items were much enjoyed. Mr. Walter Fuller ncted as accompanist.