ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9588, 4 September 1913, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE GREAT McEWEN

, Quite a large audience gathered ut tilt )pera House last evening, when the "Great AloEwen,", a Scottish entertainer of nc irdinary ability, opened a two night's tea on under the auspices of the Caledoniai society. Those who braved the element/] .ere amply rewarded. McEwen, besides* leing a hypnotist of rare power, is an extort conjurer and exponent of sleight-of iand tricks. His exhibition throughout the ■yening was as {£eun and bright as any; iithert<\seen here. Many of the trick* amiliar in this class of entertainment were Jcmoijstrated for the benefit of the audi•nee in a manner which soon made the entertainer a prime favourite with liu audience. McEwen talks throughout with i broad Scotch accent, und keeps up a run;iug flow of Scotch witticisms. Ho is t loxterous palmist, and treated the audience to several tricks which were quite new tc ocal audiences. He manipulates a pack of •ards in a remarkable manner, and then nystifies the audience further by showing iow it is done —perhaps a trifle too quickly o/ the average observer to follow. Besides hese accomplishments' McEwen demonstrat•d his mysterious hypnotic power. Before uniting his subjects to the stage, he speci- • tlv asked them to indulge in no trickery, >ut to honestly submit themselves to his tuggesfion. Five young men who placed hcmselves at nis disposal were put in a rice under mesmeric influence. In this •ondition they wero put through several «ts of locking hands, loss of speech, and orgetfulness of name. From this stage McEwen put his subjects into a hypnotic •ondition, their antics causing much merrinent amongst the audience. One imagined 'imself to be a world-famous tenor for the nomcnt, believing he was singing his.favmrite song before a notable Uudienee. The subject's actions and the song itself wore nost amusing. Two more subjects treated he audienco to exhibitions of the graceful lighland fling, the spectators being conulsed in fits of laughter. Another equally 'litertaining item was an imaginary foot>all match. McEwen's final exhibition was >tie .of'-catalepsy, for which the entertainer >sed one of his own company. The supporting artists are all of a highlass order. The Highland dancing of Mr Vi 11 Bolton charmed the Scots present, nd the same dancer also threaded the naze of a sailor's hornpipe. Miss Florence ilartley, tho possessor of a pleasing mczzooprano voice, rendered enjoyable items, ■rhilc Mr I'. Long, A.L.C.M., carried out he duties of pianist. The season will conclude this evening vith new items, and as the entertainment i as clever and bright as one could possibly desire, a large audience should fill lie Opera House.

A WILL EVANS SKETCH AT lIAYWARD'S.

Many in this country are familiar, per lie grainaphone, with tho famous English omedian, Will Evans. One of tho most ! musing sketches he ever put on a stage .us "Harnessing a Horse."' But that rojresentation was .of a limited character, >.nd quite mild as compared with the film. I'he latter gives much greater scope for the nimitable by-play of "Will," and nover vas our genial friend so much at home as n tho out-of-doors presentation of "Harassing a Horse." Tho following is a brief lescriptionA country horse fair is in ull swing. No one seems anxious to buy me very queer-looking animal, which is mocked down by mistake to a very unwilling purchaser. On getting the horse tome, a battle takes place in harnessing the >rute. Taking the bit between its teeth it ')olts away, breaking up a suffragette meeting, ami overturns a number of policemen. It is an intensely amusing little sketch, and is played by Will Evans with all.his usual vim.

An adaptation of Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice" will be presented under the title, of "Shyloek." The setting is described as magniiicent, and the photography worthv of the subject. A unique attraction wi?l be shown in a review of various styles of dancing down through the ages. They are presented by miniature dancers upon a banquet table before an assemblage of old dancing masters.

Who is there who has not heard of the leaning tower of Pisa? Its height is 178 feet, and it leans 16 foet from the perpendicular. Some splendid views of it, and other interesting ones of the old Tuscan city will be exhibited. Another sterling Vitagraph life pourtraval, "o'llura's Godchild," is sure to prove popular, for the spirit of it suggests that "one touch of nature makes the whole world kin." The latest Gaumonr Graphics—always eagerly awaited —will iind a place in the new series. "What are the comics like this week?" is an oft-heard question. If the answer be that one is a "Keystone" it is enough for most people, tor they've all boen good so far. "Kohen Kollects the Koin" is their Very latest funniosity. Tiny Tim's funmakers, too, rarely miss tire. lie, too, will appear to-night.

TOM REECE. BILLIARD PLAYER, AT FULLERS.

Two splendid films arc featured in Hip Majesty's change to-night. "A Modern Prodigal'" has l>cen a popular success wherever screened. It k a modern version of the grand Biblical story of the Prodigal Son. „ Its keynote, is humanity. A compelling and powerful drama of real life, which contains that one touch of nature that brings a throb to tho hearts of all. After passing through the crucial tests of youthful foily. an only son redeems himself from ,the fetters of vice, and : n true prodigal fa;-hion returns to hie home and rescues his aged mother from poverty and want. Her faith and love, so characteristic of mothers the world over, are the influences that guide hjm back to manhood and happiness. All billiard-players should make a noint of seeing T. Reese, a well-known champion. play the great indoor game. For artistic touch, style, grace, and finish. Torn Recce is unexcelled, and in this picture he give* a fine exhibition. An absorbingly interesting and cleverly constructed drama is entitled "Escape from Prison." This greai picture plav deals with the tripJls and troubles of the poor and lowly. One of its most striking situations is a most ingenious escape from prison hy means of a parachute.,. There is-I he ever welcome illustrated weekjy topical, "Warwick Chronicle"; the big feature A.B. dramagraph "Olaf the Atom'' is a telling tale of a wanderer in search of kindness. There are three superior m»rrv-makers—«the Hep. Comique "Puzzled." Pathe* laugh king "Squashing Bobby." with funny results; the Ambrosia contribution. "Tweedledum Drives a Nail'' or tries to. There are views in Africa depicting life and customs in Darkest Africa, and a. fine Edison drama, with a purpose "In the Usurer's Grip."