AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17939, 5 November 1918, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. . At. the Theatre Roys' last evening the Scarlet Troubadours appeared before > largo and oi'ihusifis;le audience, and the bright entertainment went briskly throughout'. Andrew Race and Hog .Hawthorne in comedy interludes, unci Madeline Knight, Lai la Ward and R-enri Alii tor 'among t-no vocalist*,- wero again particularly successful. T'ho boar let Troubadours will appear again to-night. OPERA HOUSE. Every seat at tho Opera- House was occupied long beioro the advertised time of starting lasi, evening, when a programme of exceptional variety anj entertaining capacity r was presented. Ono of the most popular and hilarious turns oi tbo evening was given by, iho Gilberts, two artists whose performance was a great popular success. Miss 'Nellis Kolle is still the favourite of variety audiences,, and tho rollicking refrains of her ' tongs weic sung as heartily as cber, both by kiss Kolle and the audience. Tho Boy Bonham, a juvouilo acrobat of more than average daring and ingenuity created quite a furore c£ applause by iiis dexterous achievements. Another' “ circus" turn oi more than average merit, both in. regard to originality anu € general adroitness was that ior which tau Uomaz Trio was responsible. Tvyo newcomers were Gale and Sadie, artists who ppoci.ajiso in catchy American ditties and quaint dances, and who wore quite successnil. This week’s revue by A 1 Bruce and his Rosebuds was “ Tho Candy Ship," which serves as, an excellent medium ior tho introEduction of many well' staged and excellently rt cons, r tic te-d comedy s.qencs, in which tho v. *. leading members o"{ tho compan to given* plenty of opportunities to displa. their on- .- tertaining abilities. - Many vocal items also figure prominently in the production, and ill ' this department Mabel Morgan, a songster ■ '•of no moan ability, is specially successful. f “ When • j/ove , Creeps in Your Heart," and ■‘‘Aren't. Ton Coming Back to Dixieland.” A were two numbers which wero deservedly popular. A! Btuco and Sam Clark, besides A supplying tho bulk cl tho comedy element, had frequent opportunities afforded ’them in a number of facetious vocal interludes. Mist) Elvie Stagpcolo, in "Oh, You Beautiful Doll,” and R, Raymond in ’/ New Zealand First,” wore two other vorsatilo nrtists who scored heavily' in rhoir song ventures. Tho same programme will bo repeated this even«iag. v\ ■ •' CRYSTAL PALACE. The programmes which have been screened Taily at the Crystal Palace Picture Thea.ro since the opening have been so consistency ,■ good tnat, n would be invidious 10 mako distizfcuons, but wnhoiu dv.ng so ii can be. laid totn atl sincerity inut ibe ono screened qr tbo first time ' yesterday afternoon will tear comparison with any seen in ChristJaurch ior a considerable time. The pic■..tuics wore witnessed by lull houses at all iho ■ le'sions, and patrons came away full ot ..eulogies of tho faro served up for their edification and amusement. Tho leading him Sears the attractive title of " Miss U.6.A.," -.'another of tho groat William box produc- }■' tions, and deals with a topic on winch the ryes of tlio whole world are fixed —the war. >' The part of tho heroine is taken by tho Vivacious ,and clever actress, June Caprice, Mid ahlioiigh the role she plays is rathor different from those in which she previously tppoared on tho screen in Christchurch, being heavier, she perlorms her part in a manner which must moot with the approval ,Df all patrons. In this film the attractive young artist demonstrates that boo possesses histrionic powors which her previous roles »ave her no opportunity to display, and now Ve may expect to see her taking part in clays necessitating oven greater stago-cralt. the story is a simplo one. At tho outbreak of tho war, as far ns America is concerned, war camp 3 were established, and at these Capitoia, whom Juno Caprice impersonates, is a welcome visitor. • Soon it is discovered that a German spy system is at work in tho neighbourhood, and a wireless messago in a strange code is picked up. Grayson, who is in love with Capitoia, is detailed to discover < the men involvod. Grayson discovers a clue to the leader of tho spies when ho sees Black . Diamond, a henchman of Gabriel Lenoir, tho heroino’s villainous uncle, at a cache m tho woods where the wireless is secreteu. . Grayson is overcome. in a strugglo, and Black Diamond is about to stab him, ■ when the heroine appears on the scene and knocks tho knife from his uplifted hand. Black unamend makes good his escape, and when' Lenoir hears of the incident he determines to put both Grayson and his lover out of tho way. Desiring to servo her country, Capitoia steals from her hottso and comes upon Lenoir and Black Diamoqd to- • gether. She has an instinctive feeling that the former is head and front of the spies. She- secures an entrance into his house, where she sees tho wiroless instruments vma documentary eyidenco showing in tho most conclusive manner that hois a traitor. She is discovered by Lenoir, but is. rescued by Grayson. The former is taken off to camp, and tho story ends happily in tho usual man- , aer. Tho supporting programme is in every way worthy of tho principal film. Another Arbuckle comedy, entitled " Moonshine,” is a noticeably attractive feature. Another fca- . lure is a two-reel comedy-drama, “ The Wifeloss Husband,” with Marguerite Clayton in the leading role. There was a very attractive musical programme at the evening session.' Two popular vocalists. Miss Millicent Jennings and Air James Cocks, sang tho duots - “Still as the Night” and “Land of the Long Ago,” and the Crystal Palace orchestra played suitable incidental music. The same programme will be given at the various ses-eio-ns to-day. LIBERTY THEATRE. Tho ntuv programmo presented at the Liberty Theatre yesterday was headed by a propagandist photo-play, bearing the title “I ' Want My Children,” or " Master tf His House.” It is a subject belonging to tho sumo class as “ Whore Are My Children,”, introduced to Christchurch some time m;o by ■ Mr Loo do Chateau, who is also responsible for the presentation of “ I Want My- Children.” This film is a much superior production as regards dramatic construction, and tho’ richness and. wealth of its settings. Tho ‘‘Master of His House ” is part owner of a Colorado gold'mine. He saves a Now York socioty young woman from death it; a director which occurred in the mine during a visit made by a party of sightseers. Tho oottp'lo fall in love, and tho parents oi the .young lady, who aro high iu society, but low in finance; favour tbo suit, realising mat it will make their monetary position safe. Tho real therco of the subject, the distaste of the society woman for maternity' then enters the play.' It. is very delicately and skilfully handled, and is quito an object lesson. Tho Influence of the mother results, in the young wife shirking the responsibilities of varenttiood, but nature triumphs over selfishness, md the ending is a very happy one. Tho Manner in which the subject is worked out ' prill appeal to all. while, the picture is. intensely, interesting front many other viewpoints. Tito chief characters are por- ' trayed by Alma Rubens and William Desmond. The soeond star attraction, “ Tho Interloper,” is a high-class drama, in which Miss Kitty Gordon,"a noted American kinema artist, • lakes the leading role. As a second i wile,'who is frequently informed by her busband of the good qualities possessed bv his • .first wife, and resents it, sho discovers l==s- -- ■ ’

that the first wife was not. all that > was thought. Her proofs ore gained in an adventure in which her own position becomes compromised, but sho gains her end in a very womanly way and is about to opon >bo eyes oi her husband to his first, wife’s character, when she .relents and destroys tho proofs. Her own charm of manner alto opens tbo eyos of the husband to tho fact that his second wife is a perfect type of woman, and ‘ho ending is of tits happy order. Miss Gordon annorr in a wealth of. gorgeous and beautiful dresses, and the general presentation of. the picturo 13 praiseworthy. An added attraction at the. night, aeasi m was the vocal contributions of the gifted Mysterious Singer, whoso popularity shows no aiim of waning. The programme, which includes an instalment of the serial photo-play “ The Fatal Ring," and the. latest edition of tho “Gaumont Graphic ” will bo repeated at today’s sessions. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. An interesting dramatic production by the Select Corpdrarion headed the new programme presented at Theatre yesterday. The title of this picture was “Tho Moth,” and the part of the heroino w«3 taken by tho well known emotional actress, Nonna. Talmadge. When tho etory opens the heroine i.s n girl seventeen years of ago, a heiress to millions. In the course of her studies , the girl reads and is infatuated with the story of Cleopatra, tho fascinating queen of Egypt, who made Mark Anthony forget his duty to Rome. Her father,' who is suffering from a disease that mny prove fatal at anv moment, unconsci )uely assists his daughter in her desire to emulate Cleopatra. He wishes to sec her safely married before his, dea,h, and. so, when a young ne’er-do-well comes seeking her hand in marriage he readily. gives his consent Six years are passed over arid when the story resumes tlio evil results of tho muvn.’.go. for money on tho one hand and for fcolisjr romance on the other, aro all too patient. Tho wife has become a social butterfly, seeking to fill ike aching void in her loveless lifo by a ceaseless round of pleasure. The husband has gone back to tho old lifo of his 'bachelor days. One can feci no sympathy for the husband, who married tor money and whoso sole aim is lo get enough to pay fir his pleasures. On the other hand the wife's poti.ion cannot fail to .arouse sympathy. For her love’s young dream is . shattered whilst sho is still voting, and in spite of her better feedings mid her repeated struggles, she is fast becoming a worldly woman, whoso highest aim is pleasure. In many dramatic situations the wife is shown fighting cut her des’iny, and it is in these situations that Miss Talmadge shows to the full her great powers ns an emotional actress. The climax is happy end the manner in which it is reached through the development of a well constructed plot is very interesting irdeed. The staging and settings are magnificent, and form a very striking and effective background to the story. At tho day sessions there was screened as an additional e'l faction a revival of the London Film C mpany's drama, “Rupert of Hentzau,” a sequel to “The Prisoner of Zcnda.” v.hich was revived last, week.' A very interesting travol study picture showed views of btrat-ford-on-Avan, with its many historical buildings associated with tho name of . Shakespeare. The other items on the programme were a Bairnsfathor carton film, and the la*est Paths “Gazette." At the evening session the orchestra played suitable incidental music. Tho same pictures will be shown at- the usual sessions to-day and this. evening. COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT. The complimentary concert arranged by Madame Gower-Burns and Mrs IV. Wilson in aid of the. funds of tho Christchurch Musical Society was given in the Choral Had last night, before a . very largo attendance. The stage was tastefully decorated, and the concert was in all respects a pronounced success. A well-varied programme of instrumental and vocal numbers was presented. Under the conductorshio cf Mr A. J Bunz, the Christchurch Savage Club’s orchestra contributed. Thomas’s overture, “ Raymond,” and excerpts from Mascagni's' opera, “ Cavalleria Rusticana,” both items being pleasingly performed and intelligently interpreted. Tho Christchurch Male Yoico Choir, under Dr J. C. Bradshaw, contributed three of Sir. Edward Elgar’s part songs, “ Yea, Cast Me from Heights of the Mountains,” “Whether I Find. Thee,” and “Feasting I Watch” (from the Greek Anthology). Sir H. Bishop’s fine old part tong, *; Foresters, Sound the Cheerful Horn,” and, assisted by (he Cathedral Choristers, Spofiorill's glee, “Hail, Smiling Morn ” and Macf-amn'e humorous part song. “ You Stole My Love,” the several performances being highly meritorious and entertaining lrr the tolo section of, the con•cert Ma'clam Gower-Burns was at her in Sir H. Bishop’s florid aria-, “Lo, Here tho Gentle Lark/’ the effect being enriched by a flute obbligato skilfully played by Mr E. Jamieson. Miss Marian Woodh-orise contributed Elgar’s “ The Shepherd's Song” in her usual accomplished manlier. Mr A. E. Petty, sang “ Ah, Mon of My Delight," from “ The Persian Garden ” song cycle (Liza Lehmann), and Mr Rex Harrison contribute ed S.pross’s dramatic song,. “ Lorraine, Lor-’ raitre, Lorreo,” both items being highly enjoyable Mr Blakeley was hoard to advantage in his singing of the solo portion ot Reichardfc's part song, "The Image of the Rose,” tho support accorded by tbo Male Yoico Choir being excellent. Mr Yore Buchanan contributed “ A Danish Melody” (Percy Grainger) as a violin solo, and was heartily applauded. Tho concert was con eluded by an autist-io ' presentation of the

ntmg cycle, “Flora’s Holiday” (H. Lane Wilson), tho soloists being Madame GowerBurns (soprano), Miss Marian W’ooriboiise (contralto). Mr A. E. Potty_(tenor) and Mr Rox Harrfeon (baritc/no), with M’r«t F, P. Osmond-Smith at tho piano. Mrs Smith also playod the accompaniments for the- soloists of tho concert.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. “Rimrock Jonos,” tbs headliner it Iho Queen’s Theatre this week, is a film that should fruit all moeds of picturo patrons. It is ft real live story,’ dcpicion in u ; , j live wav.- Rimrock Jonc-s, as characterised by Wallace Reid, if) a personage who in his wild and extravagant ways, when ho “strikes it rich,” if a sheer delight to gazo upon, and in those passages where .lus stronghettdcdneo3 leads him into tho clutches of thenemy, tho, sympathy of ell beholders goc3 out- to him in his trouble. At the opening of the story. Bimvbok, a- mining prospector, is down on his luck through iho scheming ci Andrew M’Bain; By invoking.tho aid ct a long-forgotten law which states Hurt, the holder of tho -a-nex of' a mine can claim tho whole. M’Boin seeks to obtain a- title to Rimrock’s property. -Nothing daunted, Rim-r-ock strikes, into tho wilderness and mountains onco again, and after months of toil finds a richer mine. But- he wants capital to ooen it out, and he return & i° the- township of Gun sight in iurtheranco of las quest The nolo eir.cero listener to his appeal is Mary Fortune, a stenographer, who has come to Gunsight for two reasons, the first to regain her health, which lias impaired her hearing, and the second to recoup a fortune lost in ’tlio East, After a hard winters work, Rimrock Jones has the mine in such shape that ho carries through a deal wit a a. New Y r ork financier, who takes 19 per coni, oi the stock. Rimrock holding 51 per cent. In tho repayment cf Mary Fortune she claims and gets the controlling 2 per cent. Then follow' days of high finance and intrvgtio to get held of the mine, which is- happily baffled by Marv Fortune, a part in '.Which Ann Little gives a masterly portrayal. “Fatty in Coney Island," a typical Roscoo Arbucklo fun producor; “Circumstantial Evidence,the first chapter cf Iho Railroad llaidere,” 'starring Helen Ho.mos; and two»Go-zottos complete an excellent programme.

GRAND THEATRE. Quite one. of tho most interesting and entertaining programmes ever shown a» the Grand Theatre watt screened yesterday to largo audiesneop. Tho programme 'as -ex-, collently varied and comprised dramatic, cornedv, industrial, topical and local film productions. “Barbara Frictcbie, a film adaptation of Whittier’s famous poem, proved a groat, draw. Miss Mary M'les Minter, who is recognised as one of the beat of tho world's-vountr actresses, had the leading role, and this charming little actress has never been.seen to better advantage than in this delightful picture. Tho role of “I'inker a ” is a decidedlv heavy one, with many tragic elements interwoven through it, aid called for an actress of consummate dramatic ■ skill. Miss Min’or admirably fills the bill. Tho staging and mounting aro quite in tho best Metro s‘yle, wbilo the -supporting cost lies been well chosen. Guv Cwimbe.a particularly displaying great histrionic ability. The other pictures wore “ One Good Turn," a reallv' good comedy. "Canada's Asbestos Mines,” and a verv . interesting and _ well taken local film entitled tho “ Efficiency Plough Lift,” depicting a rchool oirl cf twelve years driving a tnroe-fujrow plough, drawn by six horses, certainly one cf G’e most /interesting films shown here. The musical items bv. the Grand Orchestra, under Mi.A 'L. Sut'on. were much,appreciated bv the largo audiences, and the overture, “'Jhe Gondoliers" (Sullivan), came in for much favourable comment. SCOTTISH CONCERT. Tho Canterbury ■ Caledonian _ Society will hold it 3 annual concert at tho King’s ’j’hoatra on Thursday and Friday, and is offering tho public an unequalled Scottish, programme. Mr Fnrqubar Young will sing “ John TTmson’s Bairns” and "Tho Gallant- GardoiiE," and with Mrs - Young will _ (ring “I'm Thinkin’ ” and “ Tho Crcokit Bawbee.” Mrs Farquhar Young will sing “ The Auld Hjooso” and “Jock o’ Hazeldean.” Madame Gower Burns will contribute " Y'o Banks and Braes,” “ Within a Mile o’ Edinburgh Toun,” and " Tho Silent Glen,” while Mrs John Forrester, Mus. Bac.. of Auhburton, will give two pianoforte selections. Mr Jock Stuart, .will bo hoard in “ Glengarry ’’ and “John Put Y'our Trtrasers On.” Miss Lily O’Leary' (Wellington), Miss Flora Shaw (Timaru), Miss Drucy Turner and Master Leslie Ed,gin ton will bo responsible for tho solo dances. Mr Robert Malcolm will give “ Saundio M’Glashin’s Wooin ” and “ Piitiu’ in a Birth Notice.” Mr Colin Campbell will provide some ' selections oil the concertina, and Mr, J. M'Lean will be. heard iff his best character songs. Tho male reol party comprises W. Fraser. J. A. Fraser, W. Allan and W. Edginton. The box plan is now open at . Milner and Thompson’s. FISK .JUBILEE SINGERS. Tho Fisk Jubilee Singers gave another successful and very delightful concert in the King’s Theatre last evening.. The way in which (he audience was charmed by the talented company, was demonstrated by the applause and - tho demands for encores. Mr Marshall Palmer is indisposed,, ancl. was unable to give his ■ items last night, and this necessitated' a rearrangement 'of the programme and tho introduction of several fresh items. , In tho first part, Madamo Slophano sang “Brother of Mine,” and Miss Leiki Wyburil “ For the Sake of tho Past," and both had to respond to encores, a compliment that was accorded to all the soloists ir. tho tecond part. Tho most popular itenof the evening, perhaps, was Mr Sid Haynes a “ Take » Pair of Sparkling . Eyes.” He war, doubly encored ior it, and gave. “ j-.ght Shining Brightly ” and “ Tho Kentucky Baby.” There will be a change .of programme tonight-. STRAND THEATRE. At the Strand'- Theatre yesterday. unothor Mark Twain Sum, and thoretore a greit attraction, wa3 soreened. This is eutitled ■ Hack and Tom,” and iB a. Paramount film featuring Jack Pickford. For deep-,aid plots and good acting, tho play stando on a. level c-f its own. The big ovont cf tho play is the trial of Muff Potter, who is accused of a murder. Judge Thatcher is in the chair; Injun Joe, Muff Potter and Tom Sawyer arc called to tho witners stand. Tom. tear-fully,-relates what ho saw in the graveyard, and, at his recital, Injun Joe leaps ihrougii a. window and makes his escape from tfco courtroom. An extremely humorous comedy, together with Gazettes fill out tho programme. UERCULBS~AT~THE SHOW. Patrick O’Connor, from Tipperary', will bo a. big item in tho side-show section at the Metropolitan Show.' Ho is a perfect Hercules, and claims to bn ono of tho biggest men on earth. Pat is an interesting personality, and' is well endowed- with Irish wit and humour. He manipulates heavy weights,'inside tho marquoe, that no other man can lift. He creales excitemont am-ong the juvenilo fraternity, and causes the childish m.nd to travel back with awe to lho histirv .i Goliath, Herminius, tbo Grecian giant, Samson and others. PROFESSOR BARRADEN. Professor Barradcm repeated his performance at the_ Colosseum last evening before a large audience, -and was successful in. entertaining tlior-c present for two hours by the varied evolutions through wtich he put his subjects. The “Hypnotic New' Zealand Cup", was a very popular feature o! the proceedings. To-night’s performance will include as its principal feature “ The Medical Test-.” , ' 4 SYDENHAM PICTURES. At tho Sydenham Picture Thontre last evening, a large audience watched the screening of " I .Want My Children." and tho seventh episode of “ Tho Fatal Ring.' Tho name films will bo ehown this evening.