ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 4368, 12 October 1916, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

. “ PEG O’ MY HEART.” “Peg o’ My Heart,” with which and N. Tait will open at His Majestjffis TJieatro on Saturday week for a season of four nights, has charmed millions, because it is so simple and direct in its appeal to the better side of everybody's nature. This world record winner had its inception in tho fertile brain of Laurette Taylor, then a comparatively unknown actress, who had noted that Irish heroes were popular upon the stage, and she wondered why somoone had not written a play with a real Irish heroine. She became acquainted with J. Hartley Manners, a young Irish actor who had attracted somo attention to himself as a playwright, and who was in Australia some years ago. Miss Taylor outlined her scheme to Manners. They developed the original plot together. About the time Peg became an international figure tlho original Peg became the wife of the brilliant author, who made such a successful play oat of her idea. In the summer of 1912 Peg was presented at the Burbank Theatre. Los Angelos, with Laurette Taylor in the role of Peg. The piece was a fair success there. With no lack of faith in its ultimate worth, Mr Morosco organised a company to support Miss Taylor in the comedy, and secured the new Court Theatre. I 1 lie play and theatre opened at the same time. December 20, 1912, in New York City. Peg became the Tage of the year, and played for 604 consecutive performances. Laurette Taylor became the most popular comedienne of her day, and later on duplicated her great American success in London, where she has made an enormous personal hit. The part of “Peg” is being played in,New Zealand by Miss Sara Allgood, who has achieved a big reputation in England and Australia in the part. The box plan for the season here will open at Miller’s corner on Tuesday next.

OPERA HOUSE PICTURES. There was an exceptionally large audience at the Opera House last evening to witness The Vita graph Company’s blue ‘ribbon star drama,“Front Out of the Big Sn-ows,” which appeals very strongly to those who enjoy tales of adventure, endurance and daring in the great .out-of-doors. Ihe love theme is well woven, advantage being taken of.tin* primitive nature of the trappers who live in the snow-clad forests of North-west- Canada. The plot centres on the love of a young mining speculator for a pretty girl in a “Dance ’Hall” in the baekbloeks. Tho speculator incurs the hatred of a half-breed, who also loves the girl, and who lures the white man into the forest, and leaves him to the wolves. He is rescued in the -nick of time, and the half-breed meets hjs fate. The background of the story is set amidst a wealth of gorgeous scenery. Another line dramatic offering as “Tho Orgy,” a tense one act play. a The plot revolves on the love of a scientist for his ward, who, however, is ■enamoured of the scientist’s secretary. Hypnotism is being studied by the professor, and ho plans a way to make the girl love him. hut in the end he is pleaded to unite the two young lovers. It is a charming play, with plenty of gripping .situations. The comedy clement, a strong feature, is supplied by the Triangle-Keystone Co. “Fatty’’ Arbuekl© and Raymond Hitchcock are the star performers, and between them “The Village iSYwiidal” keens the audience shrieking with laughter. The French official war film .shows General Mahon’s defences at Salonika, a most interesting •subject. The Topical Budget, and a pretty scenic make no an excellent programme. ■ This attractive series will he repeated this evening.

THE PALACE PICTURES. The new programme to be submitted at the Palace Pictures to-day eon* tains two great features, representative of the linost drama, and comedy .films ever produced. Patrons will receive. exceptionally good , ©nt?rtailime it in the. screening of “Fruits of Desire," the star dramatic? item. Picturised from the well-known hook, “The Ambition, of Mark Truitt,” by Henry Russell Miller,' this superb picture is full of sensational surprises. Mark Truitt’, the millionaire, after trampling everybody underfoot in his battle for wealth., finds that gold is not all, and in the bitterness of his triumph lie realises that untold wealth does not mean happiness.' This powerful story of man’s greed is ably pourtrayod by a splendid cast, and many superb scenes" are interwoven into this film. The comedy feature ientiflrd “A Spanish Love Spasm.” a British film in-which the principal role is pourtrayod by Billy Merson, F.nglandis foremost Comedian. This star comedy constitutes one of the greatest laughter provokers ever seen, and patrons arc enabled throughout the screening to banish for a time all thoughts of the troublous times through which the whole of the civilised world is at present passing. The initial screening of one of the greatest or sensational Metro successes is announced for screening at this popular theatre next Monday. Descriln it as a wonderplay of distinct novelty, and entitled “Her Great Price,” this triumphant film features Mabel Saliol’erro, the first recognised star on the American stage to go into motion pictures. This capable? actress has enjoyed a. unique and successful career on the screen, her personal charm, her genuine dramatic talents and her popularity placing her at the very top of the list of great picture stars. She wears clothes that women talk about and imitate, and her petirtrayals find immense favor with women a s well as men. Booking is hound to' he brisk for this great attraction. and patrons are advised that pm box plan for Monday is on view at the Loudon Music Shop.

"BLHTAIN PREPARED” AT HIS .MAJESTY’S, Tin' public of Gisborne were afforded a rare treat last evening, when they were privileged to witness at His Majesty's Theatre the great war film "Britaili Prepared,” wliieli could not be surpassed for ability to create interest at the present critical juncture in the history of the Empire. One and all have followed with keen interest the marvellous story of now Britain developed her mighty resources. They have now a splendid opportunity to witness Britain's grand and eomplex war machine at work. "Britain Prepared” opens with pictures of the leading statesmen and war leaders of the Allied countries, and as each appeared in turn there were founders of applause which were especially pronounced when the late Lord Kitchener, Mr. Asquith, Viscount Grey, King George, King Albert and Generalissimo Joffrc appeared on the scene. Then came a series of magnificent views, showing how Britain’s live million army was created. The scrips opens with the appeals by the recruiting sergeants who do their duty in a very business-like manner. A most interesting set of views follow*, making quite clear the various stages through which the raw recruit passes until lie is turned out the finished article which the Hums are so anxious to avoid. It is a most impressive lesson on idle enthusiasm with which Britain’s manhood threw itself into the gigantic task of placing its true strength on to the held of hat Me. Next we come to the even more remarkable story of the magnificent part which flic heroic women of our Motherland arc playing in the greatest of all human struggles. They are to be seen in their thousands cheerfully working in the extensive munition factories which are feeding not only Britain hut her Allies with munitions to break down, once and for all time flic Hun world menace. “Hats Otf! to the noble women of Britain” mustbe the feeling of all who see this groat film. In turn we come to the stirring doings of the ships and men who represent the “Sure Shield” of Britain and Empire. Segues are shown of war vessels in the making cruising unchallenged the North Sea, and M battle practice. Not the least imsp’ring views of the series are those which tell the tale of the little known hut hazardous work by our mosquito fleets in keeping the North Sea clear of the dreaded mines which are being spread broadcast by the wicked Huns. “Jack Afloat” is always an interesting theme with Britons in every 'clime, and “Britain Prepared’’ gives the most striking review of the work of the grandest fleet the world has ever seen. No patriot should fail to witness this magnificent film which the Hon. A. J. Balfour, First Lord of the Admiralty, has go thoroughly described as “a deep and vital lesson to all mankind.” The World’s Picture Company are to be complimented and commended on having enabled the people of Gisborne to have the privilege of seeing “Britain Prepared.” It can truly be said that the effect' of its 'being shown here will, as has been the ease elsewhere, he to do incalculable good to the cause ' -of recruiting and the cause of Empire. Keen d:sappointment will he_tho lot of those who miss this film. Muring the showing of “Britain Prepared” the excellent orchestra, at His Majesty’s played a number of martial airs, which, together with the views, raised the Jingo audience to a high pitch of sustainedenthusiasm,. On Friday children will bo admitted to see this grand picture at half-rate —a concession which will be greatly appreciated. 1