ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 48, 20 November 1917, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATBE. Thero arc no new star' in the Fuller firmament this "week, but at least two glittering OTbs of talent remain to shed a lußtro on tho bill. l£isa Uutli Budd, the dainty little lady -who sings and Jokos in a naive manner aB she skyrockets over the heads of the audience on the Ilouian rings, ia a joy to look at. She is petit© in iTguro and her voice is not designed for grand opera, but she is a dainty dancer, and her daring poses oil tho far-swinging rings and tho vortical rope show a degree of youthful grace aud elan that is delightful to contemplate. A lot of people spoko out of their turn about t/>e Creole Fashion PTatc, whoso glaring colour schcme in frockß is ouly a raila surprise compared with tho shock giVen when after a couple of ballads Bung in a little far away soprano, a lusty baritone organ burstß on the amazed audience. The act iB really a clever one—the deebptiou practised delightful. M'Kay and Graham provide an acceptable vocal turn. Mr. 31'Kay has a rich bamone, which found good expression in 'The Deathless Army," the Jly Old Shako," and that splendid /Dgle, "The Floral Dance." Jolly John Larkin is a coloured singer of comio ditties. Harold Lockwood twirled the lariat to some purpose in the costume of the Arizona cowboy. The flrßt half of the progrhmmo was provided by the lolrus of Pleasure in an interlude entitled 'Joy» land," in which all charactorfl are more or less insane, and the bunco game is made a topic of much cheerful idiocy. Les Warton, who has forsaken the burnt oork for the crimson whiskers of the stage Irishman, was comical in a phlegmatic manner, and woke up to sing "O'Brien" iu good style. Another able mummer is Wr. Con Moroni, Clarence the Sport plays tho "kmit of tho period, Jn manner debonair. Mr. Les Bates had little to do as George Skinnem, and Mr. Arthur Elliott was out of touch with refinement in tho one song allotted to him as George Trimmem. Miss i»auge Moore is a neat and attractive performer, whose opportunities displaying any talent were cramped by the general inanity of the subject matter. A double quartet of bright dancers—some of wlilcn chortle quite prettily—holped to conceal the aggregate joylessneßS of "Joyland. Mr. Frank Orowther'u band is always ready and competent.

KING'S THEATRE. A Vitagraph Blno Ribbon feature, "The More Excellent Way," forms the star feature of the programme now screening at the King's Theatre. Tho picture is an adaptation of the book by Cyrus Townuend Brady, an American writer of note. Auita Stewart is cast- in the leadlug role. The story concerns the love of two men for one woman. Ono is a man of middle age, a member of the Stock Exchange; tho other, a weakling, a youth of high birth and a winning personality, but a Blave to liquor. Anita chooses the boy, but duty aud honour ooiue to the front, and she marries the man of iron will and self-control. The contrast between the characters of man and wife Is most happily convoyed. Tho settings are the last word in luxury, and tho much-vaunted new photographic discoveries made by the Vitagrapli Btudio exports are seeu for tlie (!M timo. Prom Saturday next the King's Theatre will be run as a continuous house, commonolng with "The Jlorlnoii Maid," whioh is Bald to be a masterpiece of film production. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Douglaß Fairbanks is seen in a new Triangle comedy-drama, "The Habit of Happiness," the star feature now screening at Everybody's Thoatrc. Fairbanks appears as a member of a family who hayo .iust reached tho point where they are snubbed only by tho best people. His favourito theory is that all ills may bo cured by laughter. In pursuance of this idea he establishes himself as a doctor, and invites all and sundry to try a courso of treatment. In the ooursc of his strenuous eflorte to ouro his patients, he discovers a Waif Street plot to rob one of them, a grouchy old millionaire, of his fortune. This ho defeats, and in doing so ho loseß no opportunity for creating merriment. The third cpisodo of "Tho Scoret Kingdom," "Tho Sealed Packet," Is also shown. This chapter deals. with the experiences of Phillip Barn, while attempting to deliver proofs of his birthright to Licutennut Barneto in Paris. Also on this programme ia Charles Chaplin, in his latest Mutual comedy "Easy Street." EMPRESS THEATRE. "Tho Little Duchcss," a World Film drama, forms the star feature of tho lino programmo now screening at the Empress Theatre. Madge Evans, the wonderful child-actross, portrays the loading role. Qeraldine, an orphan, ruiis away and joins a circus. Later, it iB found that Bhe is .the grandchild of tho Earl of Oairnmore. She is received from tho circus and taken to live with her grandfather. Tho way iu which Bhe brightens the old man's life and at length makes a discovery which lifts from tho family a suspicion .which has for a Bumbor of years been cast upon thom provides material for a charming play. Pinna Ncsbit and James Danes are included in tho cast. Ohapter 19 of "The Iron Claw," "The Cave of Despair," is alßo shown. On Saturday next will he shown tho final episode of this serial, "Who Is The Laughing Maßk?" THE CHEERO'6. A very enjoyable evening is promised by the, "Charley's Aunt" Club at 'the Grand Ojpcra House to-morr<)w evening, when their Costumo Comedy Company will make their Initial appearance in Wellington, and something just out of th# ordinary is being stnged in the first part —three one-act American playlets, right up to the minute in drama and oomedy. Tho proceeds of the entertainment will be given to the Christmas Gift Fund, a ■worthy oause in itself. Coupled with a good night's fun a crowdod lioubc Is anticipated. Having regard to the tragedy of the present day most of the performance will be devoted to com<xly, especially by the "Cheero's." but there should be some excellent singing also, judging by some of the artists appearing. A full house will rosult in very many of "our boys" heing made glad, so everyone who posßlbly can will no doubt be presont.