ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 326, 12 January 1914, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE QUAKER GIRL.”

The Merry Widow Opera Company opened a two-nights’ season at the Princess Theatre, Hastings, on Saturday night with a production of the comic opera “The Quaker Girl,” and received a very flattering reception from a large audience. The company 18 not a very strong one numerically, having twenty-two members, but ail the principals, as well as being capable artists, are possessed of excellent voices, and the chorus work with which the play, like most of its kind, _is liberally interpolated, suffered nothing in consequence. From the opening number to the final curtain, the performance went with a joyous swing which left no room for dull moments. The part of Prudence (The Quaker Girl) was played by Miss Vickie Miller, who was very happily caste. Her acting throughout the evening was of a high order, and she was also heard to advantage in several musical numbers. As Tony ClAite. Mr. D. B. O’Connor stood out prominently, and in his association with Miss Miller he was especially pleasing. The role of Jeremiah was filled by Mr. Bertie Nicholson, who proved himself to be a' comedian of considerable ability. Mr. John Ralston as Captain Charters was admirably suited to his part, and Miss Bertha' Hunter as Madame Blum was eminently successful. A charming interpretation of the character of Princess Matilde was given by Miss Ida Leggat, and as Phoebe (the Princess’ maid) Miss Palmer was all that could be desired, as also was Miss Muriel Cathcart as Diane (a French actress). Mr. Bruce Clark was convincing at Prince Carlo, anti Mr. Jack Nuttal, as Monsieur Larose (chief of French police), also performed well. Minor parts were capably sustained. The costuming was a special feature, and a small but well balanced orchestra added welcome effects to the musical numbers.

The company will conclude their season to-night with “The Arcadians” and a bumper house is already assured. The programme will commence at 8 o’clock.

HAYWARD’S PICTURES IN NAPIER.

The programme of films screened for the first time in Napier at Hayward’s Empire Theatre on Saturday evening could not but please the most fastidious picture film admirers. The subjects shown were so varied and so entertaining that not one person of the large audience present left the theatre dissatisfied with what he had seen. No doubt everyone (old and young alike) has read with interest the adventures of Robinson Crusoe on the lonely island of Juan Fernandez, and no one who saw the film depicting his adventures could say that it was unfaithfully produced or that .it was not on all fours with the book. The film was so well produced by the Bison Company that it was followed with deep interest and the sympathies of the audience were with Robinson Crusoe in his lonely existence on the island until joined by the faithful biackfellow Friday whom he saved from certain death by shooting down the black’s pursuers. Saturday’s programme was exceptionally strong in dramatic subjects and lovers of this class of film had their wants well supplied in an Edison film “The Coastguard’s Daughter” and an ever popular vitagraph entitled “Checkmated.” Supporting these films were an industrial subject “The Panama Hat Industry,” “The Lady in Black” and a Lubin comic called “Smashing Time” which provoked roars of laughter. Tonight the same programme will be shown and for the last time to-morrow evening. KING’S THEATRE, HASTINGS. Exceedingly varied, and containing a three-spool “star” picture entitled “The Battle of Waterloo,”- the new series of pictures screened at the King’s Theatre, on Saturday night, met with a hearty reception from one of the largest audiences that has ever filled this theatre. Though the principal attraction was undoubtedly “The Battle of Waterloo,” the programme contained many other films of an interesting nature. The story of the struggle for supremacy between the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon, two of the most picturesque figures in history, is so well known that it was not difficult to follow with the aid of this latest kinematographic production, the clever manoeuvres which the opposing generals adopted on the field of Waterloo. Commencing with the Duchess of Richmond’s ball, on June loth, the film depicts all the chief events of the battle, including the timely arrival of the English allies, which resulted so disastrously to Napoleon’s army. “The Battle of Waterloo” is a remarkable film. The scenic element of the programme was supplied by “Picturesque Coast of Catalonia,” a very beautiful film containing some unique sunset effects. Among other films included in the series, "The Spirit of Envy,” a drama with a moral, and “Love’s Quarantine,” a clever comedy in which the popular “Bunny” is in evidence, were of exceptional interest. A comic entitled “Tweedledum becomes a Bad Man,” a Pathe Gazette (illustrating topical events), and a picture illustrating Labour Day Sports at Wellington, completed the series. This programme which can be thoroughly recommended, will be repeated this evening and tomorrow night.