ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9589, 5 September 1913, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

FULLERS' EXTREMELY WELLSELECTED ENTERTAINMENT.

Despite counter attractions the usual large crowd assembled at His Majesty's last night. Several star' features were the attractions, and of them at least four wore of the very- highest class. "Olaf the Atom" is a somewhat weird tale of u heartbroken man, caring nothing for his worldly advancement—he is a mere human atom. After the death of his wife, Olaf becomes a wanderer in search of kindness. In his travels he met with but one kind person, the homesteader's wife. She gave him food, and in return he saved the homesteader and his wife from the artful land-grabbers. But in their joy they forgot Olaf, and he again became a wanderer. Another picture with an entirely novel plot was the A.K. "Escape from Prison." Bob Harper had lost hi 6 position in a parachute factory, and. with sickness at home, the whole family was in a-terrible plight. The poor fellow was sentenced to a year's imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread, and while in prison lie received a letter from his wife to the effect that his little daughter was on the point of death. Escape \v*w' then his only thought, and by means of a few yards of calico, which he managed to get hold of in the store rooni9, he made a parachute. A favourable, opportunity presenting itself, he managed to reach the ground jn safety, and arrived at his home just in time to say farewell to his dying child. But the twin stars of the evening's entertainment were undoubtedly the two very tine films "Billiards by Recce," and the Vitagraph exclusive, "A Modern Prodigal"—two pictures as different as the two poles, but each supreme in its class. "Billiards by Recce" is. as its name indicates, an exhibition game by the great English player. For skill nnd neatness. Recce's style is unsurpassed, and no one at all interested in the game can afford to overlook this film. "A Modern Prodigal" is a beautiful picture by the Vitagraph Company, lucidly disclosing;, by means of flawless photography and inimitable acting. a modern "version of tlic grand old Biblical story of the Prodigal Son. Other fine pictures aro included, making the programme one of the best seen for a long while Next Monday at His Majesty's Theatre a long picture version of the well-known opera "Carmen" will be shown. Miss Leonard, who has sung in the opera itself, tak«<9 the part of Carmen. Tho production is said to be on a scale of great, splendour.

A GREAT SHOW AT HAYWARD'S. The word "big"' tan assuredly be applied in a triple sense to Hayward's in reference to last night—to the attendance, to the value, and to hilarity. Tastes, of course, are as widely different as the two poles are apart. But to many Will Evans' too-funny- for-words sketch, "Harnessing a Horse." was the strongest magnet of an out-and-out good lot. It is the first time the very quaint English comedian has listened to the tempting voice of the cinema, man. That it will not be the last, will be the devout wish of millions of picturegoers. His sketch of harnessing a horse occupies the best part of half-an-hour. Many, because of aching sides, were in all likelihood not regretful when he linished the job. It is quite the nearest approach to a non-stop run of laughter ever furnished in motion pictures. Next in popularity will be, we venture to think, the Edisonian film, "Dances of the Ages." It certainly has the charm of novelty. An old dancing master of the present day dreauis of past ones. Seated at a banquet table with a merry company he witnesses a remarkable review of various styles of dancing, from the stone age to the age in which we live. Though the dancers are in miniature the effect is very fine indeed. Then there is an ambitious undertaking. No less than an adaptation of the immortal work of the Bard of Avon, "The Merchant of Venice," under the title of "Shylock." The characters of the name, part, and also of Portia, Antonio and Bassanio, are all splendidly interpreted, and the subordinate parts done full justice to. The magnificent architecture of Pisa, the ancient Tuscan town, is beautifully pictured, especially the famous leaning tower. An intensely human Vitagraph drama, "O'Hara's Grandchild," makes good, and the latest Gaumont Graphics are very pleasing. "Tiny Tim," the very youthful comedian, again scores heavily.

There should be a record matinee tomorrow afternoon, when the young folk will be fairly intoxicated with delight at Will Evans' tremendously funny sketch, "Harnessing a Horse." To-night's entertainment will be in aid of the fund to send the ladies' team to compete at the New Zealand hockey tournament for ladies, to be held this year al Wanganui. Already 600 tickets have been sold, and a large house is assured.

"THE GREAT McEWEN." A large audience greeted the final performance of the Great McEwen in the Opera House last evening. In the first part of the programme McEwen brought. his conjuring tricks before the audience, and Florence Hartley, a mezzo-soprano with a pleasing voice, the dancing of Mr Will Bolton, and tho pianist (Mr 0. Lour) contributed to the programme. In the second part McEwen displayed his hypnotic powers, the antics of his subject* sending the audience into roars of laughter., McEwen is returning to Palmerston for next Tuesday and Wednesday.