ENTERTAINMENTS.

Mataura Ensign, 26 January 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PATHE PICTURES. A very satisfactory audience assembled at the Domnion Hail last evening when the Pathe Picture Company submitted a programme which compared very favorably with any yet seen at Gore. The principal plm was entitled "Esmeralda'' and dealt with the principal theme of Victor Hugo's "Hunchback of Notre Dame." ilie film was an exceptionally powerful one, the events, the acting and scenery, in fact the whole of the conditions surrounding the drama, were of an exceedingly high order. The representation was produced in two parts, in the first part the story of the selection of Esmeralda as "Queen of the Vagabonds," her rescue from the brutal hands of the villain, Claude Frolio, alleged priest, by Phoebus, the captain of the king's guard, and the continual hounding of the unfortunate girl by Froiio until the death of Pho'ebus, who was murdered by the priest, was vividly depicted, this part closing with Esmci-aida shown tc be almost demented wi\h grief at the death of her iover, which tooK place in her presence. Then followed the arrest of the girl for the murder, and a narration of the awful tor. ure:, and sufferings she was subjected to under the direction of the priest because of her refusal of his approaches, culminating in her execution and ',;» death 01 Frolio, who is hurled from the top of the cathedral by Quasimodo, the crippled bell-ringer," who throughout the piece proved a valued friend to the unfortunate girl. Those present who had read the story wero in a better position to appreciate' the production, which no doubt will induce many others to become further acr-uainted with the work. The fact that the pictures comprising the drama were actually taken in the Cathedral Notre Dame itself lent the story additional interest. Other films wero "The Double Adoption," "Jealousy" (studies in dramatic expressions by Florence E. Turner), "Birds of a Featb°r." "Mutual Detestation," "Troubles of Billy," "Waterfalls of Flkarlo " "Views of Africa and Congo."

STEVENSON'S PICTURES

Stevenson's popular pictures were shown in tho Town Hall last evening to a large audience, the programme as is invariably the case being an interesting selection of amusing and instructive subjects. This was the first occasion upon which the renovated hall has been thrown open to the public, and the improvement effected was very noticeable. Tbe old stage has been removed and the screen was adjusted near the northern wall, affording additional accommodation for perhaps a hundred people. In addition the interior has been repainted, the floor relaid, and the building presents on the inside quite an attractive appearance. As already indicated the programme was a good one. It included a number of scenes from the Delhi Durbar, which are just to hand and which gave an excellent idea of the magnificent reception accorded the King and Queen on their visit to India. An interesting subject showed sports in Indo-China, this series including some exciting elephant racing. There was a fine picture having special interest for boy scouts. The dramatic and comic items were well diversified and were heartily appreciated. The films were shown with admirable clearness through the medium of a new machine which has just been purchased by the proprietary. The same programme will be submitted at Mataura this evening.

MR BUCKLEY'S CONCERT. Indications point to Mr Baxter Buckley having a large attendance at the Town Hall this evening for his farewell concert. The programme is an excellent one and patrons can rely on spending a pleasant aiul enjoyable evening. The great Schumann sonata will be performed for the first time in New Zealand and affords ample scope for a display of all manner and kinds of tech-j riique and interpretation. The gigantic nature of the work may be imagined when it is stated that 30 minutes are occupied in its exposition, so that Mr Buckley has set himself a tremendous task. Other items are by Bach, MacDowell, Sgambati, etc. Mrs A. Christie will sing items by Dudley Buck and Liszt, and Miss Brett will assist in the Grieg pianoforte concerto. The Dunedin press speaks highly favorable of Mr John Leech, the tenor, and his items should appeal to all music-lovers. Further particulars are announced on, the programmes.

BLASCHECK. The famous English' humorist and elocutionist, Mr Joseph Blasclieck, will visit Gore on Thursday, February 1, with his musical-humorous entertainment entitled "Society Snapshots." Mr Blasclieck is known throughout the United Kingdom as tlie finest elocutionist and entertainer on the platform, and he has had the honor of appearing before His Majesty the late King, Edward VII., who was much impressed by the excellence and refinement of his various characterisations. The entertaimrieiit he presents is one which appeals to : everyone who desires to see the amusements of the people kept clear from all coarseness and vulgarity, and this artist has shown most effectively that hearty laughter and unalloyed enjoyment can be obtained without recourse to methods which are unfortunately too often adopted at our places of entertainment. Throughout the Empire the clergy of all denominations have been most constant and enthusiastic in their support of this gifted performer, and the Bishop of London recently presided at one of Mr Blasclieck's recitals and expressed his unqualified approval of the entertainment he had had the pleasure of witnessing. Supporting Mr Blasclieck during his season will appear Miss Mildred Wrighton, a very charming and accomplished vocalist and musician, and her songs at the piano are quite unique in their daintiness and their artistic merit. This lady is the daughter of the well-known composer, the late Mr W. T. Wrighton, whose prniofs. "Her Briprlit Smile Haunts Me Still," "BnVht Stnr of Eve." "The "Postman's Knock," "Thy Voice is Near"—to mention only a few of the many—were th° delight of our parents 20 years ago. The box plan is now open at Steans'.