ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16214, 27 April 1916, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS .

-——i ■;»;• ■;■■;..... ; ; WAR PLAY, " UNDER,FIRE."A cojipbehensivb and realise idea ci phases of the present war is given by the play, "Under Fire," new being shown' at His Majesty's Theatre. Tho story was written by Eoi Cooper Megrae, and is being staged by tho Williamson Dramatic Company, who gave the fourth performance in Auckland last evening. The period of the war dealt with in the play is from the commencement of hostilities to the initiation of the turning movement by the allies which forced tho Germans to entrench along the River Aisne. An ordinary day in the trenches, the Germans' brutal treatment of the Belgians, the interior of a battered church, used as a field hospital, the work of a spy, and even the near explosion of a shell, are represented. Through it all there is a pretty love story, the happy ending of which is implied rather than represented. OPERA HOUSE. An excellent vaudeville entertainment was presented at the Opera House last evening. McUonnell and Austin gave an exhibition of their skill as trick cyclists. Bailey's ever-popular acting dogs presented their masterpiecea pose dedicated to the heroes of Callipoli, Early and Laight delivered a humourous sketch, entitled. "Fun on a Water-waggon." Eileen Fleury gave an exhibition of mimicking, and Glen Echo delivered several ballad songs. Many other interesting and humorous items were presented. LYRIC THEATRE. Hazel Dawn, who made such a good impression by her charming performance in "One of Our Girls" some months ago, was the heroine of a novel comedy, entitled, "Niobc," which was screened at the Lyric Picture Theatre yesterday evening. Her performance on this occasion was again very good. The plot of the picture told how Mr. Peter Dunn dreamed that a statue of Njobe, the Goddess _of Tears, came to life in his home, with amusing and exciting results. The last sceno of tho dream changed from comedy to drama with a very pathetic effect. The supporting items are": "The Good in the Worst of Us," a drama; "Deserted at the Auto," comedy; and a Gaumont Graphic. GRAFTON THEATRE. " Tho Lure of Woman," a film version of tho stage success, "Tho Renegade," by Paul Armstrong, is tho leading picture at the Grafton Theatre this week. In it Alice Brady, a young actress, gives a fascinating impersonation of Katie O'Day, the lovely daughter of an Irish-American settler. Her love affairs form the nucleus of the story. Excellent photography and picturesque settings make the production more attractive, whilst the scenes of Indian and military life included in the picture give it an added attraction. Other items on the programme are "John Bull's Sketch Book." "Sauce for the Goose," and a topical film, showing the arrival and disembarkation of the wounded soldiers who returned on tho ■ hospital ship, Maheno. KING GEORGE THEATRE. Only supporting items will bo clanged at the King George Theatre to-day. 'lie principal picture shown during the first half of this week, a drama entitled, "Scandal," on account of its popularity, will be retained on the programme until Saturday evening. This film is a production of an entirely new character, which, it is claimed, makes for the best in cinematography. It. is primarily for the purpose of combating the evil of idle and ■ spiteful gossip, and is aptly described as a cinematograph sermon. It is also ?n excellent drama. There is no lack of excitement in any scene, and the climax of the story is particularly interesting. KING'S THEATRE. One of tho most exciting dramas screened in Auckland is being presented at the King's Theatre this wees. The title of it is "The Lamb." The principal scene is laid in a desert, where Mary Anson and Gerald Harrison, a coward, are suddenly attacked by a horde of rebel Indians. How the man overcomes his paralysing fear and the couple ultimately escape is very powerfully told. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Another of the popular Charlie Chaplin comedies will be shown at the Queen's Theatre to-day, when "Charlie's Night Out" will be substituted on the pro- • gramme for" Charlie in tho Bank," which was screened with marked success yesterday. The management has decided not to make the usual mid-weekly change of ' programme apply to the drama " Souls Aflame," which will bo shown until the end of the week. GRAND THEATRE The management of the Grand Theatre are up to date in the selection of their programmes, and dealing with the present war are secured by them when practicable. " Convict Lyndon's Escape" is the leading picture this week, and it is well up to the standard of former war dramas. An excellent supporting item is a scenic study of Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. PRINCESS THEATRE. A drama dealing with the despicable life of a certain section of tho wealthy oeoplo of New York heads this week's programme at the Process Theatre. It is entitled, "The Heart of a Painted Woman," and tells how, although almost overwhelmed by her sordid surroundings, a true woman overcomes all temptations and ultimately becomes a public benefactor. ORGAN RECITAL. The city organist will give a municipal organ recital in the Town Hall on Saturday evening. The programme will include popular works by Boellmann and Cries and the " Fantasie" on Gounod's "Faust." PICTURE THEATRES. A neiv theme in cinematograph dramas, dealing with adventures with Indians, has been adopted in the production of "The Lamb," an exciting drama, which heads the programme at Everybody's Theatre this week. "Lil o' London." a pathetic drami. and "Joe Martin Turns 'Em Loose,'* an amusing and novel comedy featuring wild animals, are being shown, at the Globe Theatre.