ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 361, 21 February 1914, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PAUL DUFAULT SEASON

One of the biggest events of the season will be the forthcoming appearances here in concert of the great Canadian tenor, Paul Dufault. Dr. Dufauit’s success in the Southern Hemisphere since his first appearance has been extraordinary. Coming in the support of two famous prima donnas, Paul Dufault was immediately recognised and acclaimed as the star of the organisations, and the announcement that Hastings is finally to have an opportunity of hearing this great singer, at the head of his own company, is a most welcome one. Dufault occupies a niche distinctively his own among the wellknown concert and operatic singers of this generation. Although admirably fitted for an operatic career, he hatrefused many tempting offers, preferring to devote his life to the more interesting work of the concert platform. Dufault possesses, in addition to his beautiful voice, a remarkably delightful sense of finesse, which serves as well in giving an exquisite turn to a musical phrase as it does in greeting the audience fjom the platform. It is the quintessence of breeding that can never be acquired, since it has for_ its wellspring a harmonious and highly attuned nature, leavened by a delightful kindliness that looks friendly-wise into the world’s face, and receives in return the gladsome smile with which the same world rewards its favoured ones, for Paul Dufauit’s success in the musical world has been rapid, since his first public appearance was made little more than a decade ago. The Dufault concert will be given at the Princess Theatre on February 26th. At his concert here Mr. Dufault will be assisted by Miss Pauline Bindley, soprano, Ernest Toy, violinist, anc Harold Whittle, pianist. The box plan which opened this morning at Hall’s is rapidly filling. EMPIRE THEATRE, NAPIER. A most thrilling drama, by the, wellknown “Selig” Company is the big attraction on the bill at Hayw-ard’s, tonight. This film, which is entitled “Alone in the Jungle” is claimed to be one of the most realistic productions ■ever filmed. Thrill follows thrill 'in rapid succession and ferocious lions and leopards are utilised with daring skill. The supporting films are a particularly fine selection.

KING’S THEATRE. HASTINGS. That* masterpiece of English comedy, “Cafcte,” by the late Tom Robertson, is the superlative attraction billed for to-night at the King’s Theatre. The play is admirably acted and beautifully staged and superbly reproduced by the film. To revive our readers’ memories the following brief resume of the plot may be usefuh Eccles,- a profligate old drunkard, is the father of two beautiful daughters, Polly ahd Esther, George D’Alroy. a young officer in the British Army, becomes infatuated with Esther and soon marries -hen without telling .his mother, the Marchioness D’Alroy. A few months later George’s regiment is ordered to India.'- The farewell scene between husband and Wife is broken by the appearance of the Marchioness. She refuses to recognise her daughter-in- ' law, and George sets sail. He is seriiously wounded, and news of his death lis sent to England- Esther, .with her 'young baby, leaves- her husband’s | house and goes to her family. Later the Marchioness .calls, and haughtily offers to take the child and give Esther !an -allowance, ■ but she _ refuses to _be I separated from her child. Happily. D'Alroy is not really dead.. He returns and effects a reconciliation between aristocracy .and democracy, f which 1 gives the picture a satisfactory finish. As there is sure to be a big seats we advise those intending to sea this great picture to book their: seats beforehand.

PRINCESS /HEATREj HASTINGS.

There was another big house at the Princess Theatre last evening, and the pictures shown met with a good reception. 'The change to-night promises to be a programme of more than ordinary merit, and judging by the audiences now attending these popular pictures, a packed house is expected. The'star picture. “The Girl and The Tiger.” is ' a stupendous Bison melodrama, runi ning into 3000 feet, depicting scenes ; from life in India. The plot is as follows: —A young American naval officer, Lieut. Clifford, pays the British resident a visit, and is also entertained by the Maharajah. ' He becomes enamour'ed with the Maharajah’s favourite j Nautch girl, Zahanna. A secret meet--1 ing takes place between them. Singh, ' the Maharajah’s spy, observes the meeting, and reports to'his master. The j latter decided that Clifford must be | killed, and schemes to have him killed 'in a tiger hunt. During the hunt, the tigers rush Clifford; but he reaches a cabin, where he sees within a few feet of him a deadly cobra snake, which he shoots. The Nautch girl comes to his aid. She is attacked by the tigers, but the girl reaches Clifford in time to save the situation. The supporting films are excellently chosen and include the alwajji welcome and interesting “Topical Budget,” and a quartette of star comedies headed by the 1000 foot majestic comedy “A Slight, Misunderstanding.” Don’t miss this all-star programme—it is sure to please.