AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15862, 27 February 1912, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL

“The Witness for tho Defence” attracted another large audience to the Theatre Royal last evening, and the piece was enthusiastically received, Miss Ethel Irving being recalled several times at the conclusion of each act. The piece will bo staged this evening for the last time. WEST-HAYWARD PICTURES. Even in tlieso prosaic and practical days of the higher education the public are not above taking an interest in l’o-iry tales, if they are properly told, and at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening a large number of grown-up people followed with pleasure all the developments in an enchanting little tale entitled “The Golden Tulips.” It represented a niece of Dutch folklore. A young couple, fishing on the river hank, befriend an old woman, who proves, to he the queen of the fairies, and when Johann’s sweetheart is taken from him to be restored to her wealthy father tho fairy shows that one good turn deserves another by first destroying the old man’s treasured tulips and then restoring them on condition that the lovers are allowed to marry. The pictures were artistically coloured, and full advantage had been taken of the scope afforded for colour work in moving pictures. A series with an interest in another direction, especially- at a time when militarism is much discussed, represents the military tournament held in Palmerston North a short time ago. These pictures showed that very good use is being made of the kinonmtograph camera in New Zealand. There were several specially good snapshots of General Godley. From a scenic point of view pictures of the Zambesi and the Victoria Falls have seldom been excelled in Christchurch. Some remarkably good views bad been obtained of the vast quantities of water as it loapt over the edges of the high cliffs. The “ Patlie Gazette ” dealt with events in the Old Country nnd in Australia and Now Zealand, notably the fourth test match. The “Wild West,” as usual, was renresented by a drama of a type of which the public are beginning to get somewhat tired. Another dramatic niece, entitled “The Inner Mind.” although impossible and melodramatic, had an interest if only on account of its novelty and originality. There wore several humorous pieces, making up a programme- which was verv well received. Tt will be repeated this evening. FULLER’S PICTURES. The excellence of the programmes at the Colosseum was well maintained by tlio new films shown last evening to a crowded audience, and in some respects the new set of pictures was very interesting. “The .Golden Tulip” was a splendid Patho Frcres study in colour, telling a pretty fairy story, and in a modern setting. “The Inner Mind” was just as fanciful. It told of the doings of Professor Locksley, a. hypnotic detective, and, though the achievements'of the “spirit” sleuth were absolutely impossible, the film was delightfully interesting. “ Captain Brand’s Wife ” was a western drama full of galloping horses and firearms, though chiefly remarkable for some daring equestrian work on the part of tho actors. “Carr’s Regeneration” was not carefully carried out, but it proved entirely suited to tho audience, which did not notice that tho t-hemo was not consistently handled by tho author of the playlet. There was a wealth of comedy in “ Some Mother-in-law,” an American film dealing with a decidedly “ fresh ” lady of mature years, who permitted her daughter’s husband to carry on a flirtation with her in order to teach him a well deserved lesson. “ The' Luck of Reckless Roddy”, was another comedy based on misunderstandings arising out of the possession bv the hero, a cowboy, of a feeding bottle and « pair of baby’s boottees. The lcinemacolor pictures included views of Holland and some British wateringplaces and a number of floral studies. The pictures will bo shown again tonight. SYDENHAM PICTURES. The -programme shown at the Sydenham Empire last night was in every way a highly satisfactory one. _ Tho cowboy drama, “ A Race for a Bride,”, proved very sensational. The TurkishItalian war pictures were a most interesting feature of the programme. The same pictures will be shown to-night.