AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17289, 3 October 1916, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. Mr Allau Wilkie and hia company received the compliment of ti crowded house again at tho Theatre Royal last night., when “ Tho Merchant of Venice " was repeated, obviously in a way that met with tho hearty appreciation of all those who attended. Mr Wilkie’s interpretation of tho character of Shylock. as on Saturday night, was a feature of the production, and Miss Frediawyde Kunter-Watta mado % youthful and attractive Portia. This evening “ Hamlet ” will bo produced. OPERA HOUSE. A very pleasant, bright and attractive programme v.-as presented at tho Opera House last night. The principal item was Bert La Blanc’s Musical Travesty Stars in a revue entitled “At the Exposition.” This occupied the wholo of the second part of the programme, and was characterised by vivacity and sprightliness from start to finish. There was not a dull moment while the members of tho company were on the platform. Songs, dances, pattor, repartee and pretty ballets were features of the production. Nellie Fallon's dancing, perhaps, was the best ol tae kind that- has been seen in the Opera House; Hert La Blano and Jako Macs kopt tho houso in a roar; and Maud Miles and other performer* sang popular songs. In t-lie first part there was a novel and fascinating acrobatic turn by the Robert Do Mont Trio, which was both daring and original. The “ Twa Wee M’Colls” have coir,e from Scotland and have brought with them genuine Scottish humour. Clark and Wallace aro typical English comedians. Tho Arteens and Los Lsgerts appeared in fresh gymnastic turns. The programme will be repeated to-nmht. Madge Maitland, billed ss 11 the Irish Girl from America," will commence a season in Christchurch on Monday next.

PICTURE SHOWS. “At Bay,” which was shown at His Majesty’s Theatre last right, is an Ameri-

can production. The plot is the story of a beautiful society girl, who marries a worthless man, is blackmailed- by a gang of rogues, and, in her fight for her liberty, life nnd honour, is brought, to otty. It is, in fact, the story of a courageous woman’s desperate fight against odds which, 1 at times, seem to bo absolutely overwhelming. The piece has many stirring incidents, and these were taken full advantage of by the actors and 'actresses. The first part of the programme was varied. Its feature was a very good " Gazette,” which included several 1 pictures of French vessels in the Mediterranean. The items will be repeated to-night and at a matinee to-mor-row.

•' Tlio White Hope,” a film adaptation by tho Hop worth Company of W, R. _ Trowbridge's story was presented as tho principal item at Everybody's Theatre yesterday, when large attendances were recorded at each session. The pieturo is notable for the fact that George Gunther, a one-time well-known coloured boxer, takes a leading part. The story deals with a white man’s fight for the world’s championship. Tho contest is shown in a very realistic manner, and the ringside scones "and tho pictures of the fight itself are amongst the best ever screened in this city. Added interest is given to the picture by ft love romance, which concludes with the marriage oi an heiress and tho white champion. Scenic, topical and humorous films arc also on tho programme, which will be repeated to-dav. “ Tho Circus of Death.” a Cinos Company production was the principal item in .the new list of films shown at tho Queen's Theatre yesterday. Tho new picture is a sequel to •'The Joclrcv of Death,” «nd is quite as thrillling, and in' many respects more remarkable. The s*cry deals with the secret marriage of a prince' and a circus star. Through unexpected circumstances tho prince is celled to assume the position of ruler of his kingdom. His wife, under the impression that she is abandoned, endeavours to commit suicide, but is rescued bv a band of 'gipsies. The prince believing ho£ dead contracts another marriage, and the two drift a Dart. Tho story is a sad one. hut cannot fail to appeal in its human interest. Another picture on the nrogrnmme shows scenes in the Somwo battle. Tho same films will be' shown todn

Two Mon of Sandy Bur,” Bret Harie’s storv of the falling out m two western prospectors and their subsequent eventful life, was shown at Stnrlnnd yesterday. To meet the needs of the screening, the story shown had been deviated from to a certain extent, vet it makes a fine picture and its success was instantaneous with the large audiences that attended the thestro continuously yesterday. Among other pictures on an extremely food nro'Hvimme were a comedy, “Two Elderly Cunids,” and the "Eclair Journal.” The theatre has undergone commendable alteration,s. and the new indirect lighting is a groat improvement on the old avstem. The programme will bo reneated to-day. An additional attraction on the programme ntJthe Grand Theatre vesterday was the fifth instalment of the " Broken Coin ” serial. Lucii’o Love continues her remarkable «d----venHmes in search of the missing coin. She is captured by an Apache band, and seeks' their aid. Tho sceno then changes to the

Apache don, where numerous thrilling cpf. eodes occur in connection with the missing coin, one half of which m produced by on« of the Apaches. The instalment concludes in a. whirl of sensational events. The Metro film. The Wall Between,” featuring Francis X. Bushman, was -repeated with much euccess. Tho Effme pictures will be Ehown to day. A Triangle-Keystone comedy,' entitled " Fickle Fatty’s Fall,” featuring Roscoe Arbuckle, was the principal film fn- the new programme at the Globe Theatre yesterday, The supporting pictures wore: “Squared Account” (ctrama), “Valley of Lango” (scenic), “ Her Partner ” (drama), a cartoon and the Topical Budget.” The programme will b« reposted to-day. * At Bay,” a Pathe “ Gold Rooster-" dram<v dealing with a society girl’s fight against a gang of unscrupulous blackmailers drew 1-argo attendances to the Sydenham -Theatre Ins* evening. The programme, which in« eludes an official war film, showing the work of the French Navy, and topical and humorous pictures will be reneated to-night.