ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16022, 14 September 1915, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

FIGHTING FORCES OF EUROPE.

The kinemacolor pictures grouped under the title of "With the Fighting Forces of Europe," were screened for the first time in Auckland last night before a large audience at His Majesty's Theatre, under the direction of Mr. W. J. Shephard. They proved both educative and interesting, besides being particularly appropriate at the present time.

The series as a whole has very little direct connection with the present war. It really comprises for the most part a iudteiously selected and well-arranged collection of pictures taken at military and naval reviews and manoeuvres. The exceptions are recruiting scenes in Great Britain and glimpses of the Servian Army in the field. All the nations engaged in the war, except Austria, are represented in the series, and an admirable idea is gained of the fighting forces of each. Britain and her allies figure largely in the films, and tv fine feature is made of the Japanese military section. The kinemacolor process, whilst not yet entirely free from the defect of flicker and flashes of red colour in portions where the action depicted is rapid, has at least the advantage over the ordinary moving pictures in that the natural colours are faithfully reproduced. This beautifies to a remarkable degree the scenic sections, and noticeably brilliant, even gorgeous, effects are secured in the Oriental scenes. These latter include views at the Delhi Durbar and, at another stage, pictures of a gathering of Indian princes in full regalia. Here the kinemacolor achieves quite a triumph in spectacular effect. It is apparent that several of the films in the group were photographed some time antecedent to the war, for some of the military scenes depict British troops in scarlet uniforms now discarded for khaki. None the less the genoral effectiveness Of the series is not lessened. The informative value is indeed considerable, for practically every type of soldier is shown, on the march, on parade, and engaged in sham fights. The various pictures have an inspiriting influence upon the spectator, and it would not be surprising if they assisted the recruiting movement. They are screened to the accompaniment of occasional comment and explanation by Mr. John Goodall. The first portion of the programme shows the army and navy of Germany. Inspections of British and colonial troops by the late Earl Roberts, and of the Egyptian troops at Khartoum by Earl Kitchener, follow. A section is next devoted to Russia, after which a review of French forces is screened. The mobilisation of British troops, scenes of interest in Belgium, and episodes in Belgian army training conclude the first part Later comes a Japanese'section, and this is followed by a reproduction of a review by King George and the Kaiser of British troops outside Buckingham . Palace, camp and field scenes with the Servian and Italian armies, and the Delhi Durbar, lead ■to the concluding portion of the series, which is entirely naval, stirring up feelings of pride and patriotism. The pictures will be screened again to-night and for a limited season. Special matinees are to be given, and returned soldiers are invited to attend during the season.

GRAFTON THEATRE. A picture play entitled " Iron Justice," in which Miss Tittell Brune is featured, is the chief item of a strong programme which was screened at the Grafton Theatre last night. It is a daring play depicting aspects of society which many are familiar ■with but which few really understand. Martin Brand, the man of the play, rules his household with a rod of iron, and justly, according to his lights. The arrest of young Ronald O'Connor on a charge of fraud, and Brand's refusal. to consider his offence leniently cause an open breach between Brand and his wife. She arranges with Frank Deakin, the family solicitor, to brief counsel to defend O'Connor. Her absences from home on this mission arouse Brand's suspicions; he engages a private inquiry agent to watch her. and leaves town, so that his wife may move more freely about. She takes the opportunity of his absence to enjoy herself, and meets Frank Deakin at a ball. He tells her of the progress of the case against young O'Connor, and remarks that he has a letter for her in his overcoat pocket. The detective overhears and secures the letter and some others, among them a love letter. This he shows to Brand on bis return. "The 'action of the play becomes even more charged with thrilling interest from then onwards, until its dramatic ending, which is "a happy one, with a reformed Brand reunited to his loyal wife. A strong series of supporting pictures was also screened.

OPERA HOUSE. The new programme this week at the Opera Iflfcuso is well up to the high standard in vaudeville which has been set by the management. A popular reappearance was made by Miss Dorothy Harris, a singer of ragtime, whose appearance and performance are well above the average. She sang " Back On the Farm," and "Don't Mention My Name" with charming expression and naivette, and was encored several , times. The Juenets were again well received by the packed house in - their novel gymnastic and acrobatic act, when the strong man and his light and agile partner achieve remarkable results in weight-lifting and air turns and balancings. An illuminated skipping-rope plays an important part in one of the scenes in the act. The Newmans, Val and Lottie, who are known as the lone, lean, lanky comedian and his dainty little partner, appeared in one of their latest successes, and provoked roars of laughter and applause ; the depth of voice possessed by Val Newman is remarkable, and he uses it with extraordinary effects. Unique comedy juggling marked the potpourri act in which Hennessey and Martel made their first appearance in New Zealand. Their work was clever and cleanly done, and won welldeserved applause. The Gibson Girls contributed some of their quaint songs and dances. The Butterflies, under Jack Waller, gave another of their musical flights of fancy in which each member of the company sang solos interspersed with concerted items of a burlesque and humorous character. Miss Marion Armitage sang of seaside trippers in her breezy, cheery way. Mr. Gregory Ivanbff, late solo violinist of the Tsar's Imperial Orchestra at Moscow, played " Caprice " with excellent expression and execution, and also played in a trio with Frederick W. Dennett and Wylie Watson. Mr. Dennett's pianoforte work was also a feature of the programme. " I'll Make You Want Me " was a delightful song given by Miss Cecila Gold, while Miss Ada Smart's singing of " Your King and Country " brought cheers from the audience. Air. Wylie Watson was quite successful in the humorous song, " Who Am I?" The burlesque entitled " Recruiting," in which the full strength of the company took part, was another clever turn, with many local and topical "hits.". The programme will be repeated to-night.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Large attendances were recorded at Everybody's Theatre yesterday, when a new programme was screened. The leading picture is entitled " The False Friend," and forms the second episode of the serial story, "The Million Dollar Mystery." The story concerns the mysterious loss of a huge sum of money, and the disappearance of a man who is interested in the missing money. Motor-cars, aeroplanes, and balloons are interesting in a wellacted production, which has aroused the interest and admiration of all who have witnessed it. An interesting film, depicting the operations of the modern submarine, is shown. Many topical features of the war are depicted in the Pathe War Gazette.

KING GEORGE THEATRE. The 10th episode of the special feature, " The Master Key," was presented at the King George Theatre yesterday, and attracted crowded houses throughout the day and evening. The picture thrills the audience, and, despite its unusual length, the interest is maintained. In the current episode State cavalry are shown quelling a riot at " The Master Key " mine. Wilkinson steals the secret of the rich lode':

in the mine inherited by Ruth Gallon, and escapes from the soldiers, who pursue him, by dropping from the end of a rope down a -side. Dore and Wilkinson start out on rival expeditions to recover the secret treasure chest which lies at the depth of the Pacific Ocean. Dore and Wilkinson approach the point where the treasure is lost at the same time. Wilkinson's diver is already down on the sea bottom when Dore's diver puts on his equipment. Wilkinson's diver finds the chest, and it is hauled upward just as Dore's diver crawls along the bottom of the sea towards him. *-

PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. A drama dealing with the sea was screened at the Globs Theatre yesterday. " The Ruse " was the title of a picture included in the programme screened at the Grand Theatre yesterday. The leading picture screened at the Princess Theatre yesterday was entitled " Mother."

A two-reel drama, entitled " Conspiracy at the Chateau," is the main attraction at the Queen's Theatre. "Alone in London" was the title of the feature film shown at the Lyric Theatre last night. The second episode of " The Million Dollar Mystery " was shown at the King's Theatre last night.