ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16326, 5 September 1916, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ALLEN DOONE SEASON.

There was a fine blending of humour and pathos in the presentation of " The Bold Soger Ix-y," at His Majesty's Theatre last night, when Mr. Allen Doone appeared in the title role of Lieutenant Adair. He brought into the part all the life and vim of the polished actor without the slightest descent into mediocrity, even when the portion of the play would seemingly call for it. He was dashing and vivacious. - The story of " The Bold Soger Boy" was captivating in its many thrilling scenes, and needs to be followed in the variety of stage settings to be thoroughly appreciated. There is a tale ot gambling, murder, and love revealed in a thoroughly human .manner, with the villain vanquished and love requited. Ethel Grist makes a delightful Mrs. O'Hooligan, while Helen Fitzgerald is most charmingly impersonated by Edna Keeley, who is a decidedly polished actress. Tom Buckley was a dasliing Captain Clare Fitzgerald, and Maurice Lynch was inimitable as Swing Hi, Lieutenant Adair's Chinese servant. Mr. J. Vincent White, as a secret agent of the German Government, I played his unthankful role admirably, and ! Give Farnham was an estimable young lawyer. Onslow Edgeworth made a capable Captain Thorndyko, and Ethel Bashford, as Mrs. Bassett, was a pronounced success. Mr. Doone, in addition to his clover acting, shone to great advantage in singing "The Colleen That I Marry," and "The Rose of Old Kerry." The cicver band of children were again a source of great enjoyment. The performance will be repeated to-night, and should draw another large audience.

OPERA HOUSE.

The new programme of vaudeville items presented at the Opera House lost night met with warm appreciation by a large audience. The new turns -are varied and interesting, and with the fresh numbers presented by the artists who have previously appeared constituted an entertainment which bears comparison in its uniform excellent with any presented at this popular house of amusement. Prominent among the newcomers was Del Baitv and Jap, the lattor being a most intelligent dog of the terrier type. One of its items was to enter a miniature dressing-room in which a rug and collar were deposited and come forth fully attired. When told to do so the dog retired to the dressing-room and appeared minus the rug. The animal then went through a series of actions which showed plainly that he clearly understood what was said to him, and in order to prove that the dog was not guided by signs he re peatod his actions blindfolded. The tun was most interesting and instructive. Till Ennestos, who made their initial appear Mice, showed themselves to be very ex pert hand-balancers, and. their turn which contained a number' of novel fca tures, was warmly applauded. Oumty and Brown, two American colourei artists, provided an abundance of amuse merit with their ragtime specialties am patter. One of the artists is a cleve dancer. The Bunty Comedy Company re peatod its success of last week in a. nev Scotch sketch entitled " What Mac Saw-' In this piece Miss Jean Clyde acts tin part of bride elect, with David Urquhar as her fiance. Abie Barker as Mac, tin friend of the latter, arrives at the hous' of the bride on the eve of her wedding and is mistaken by her for a chiropodis whose services she had sought. Mac's pel plexitv on being asked to cut a corn 01 the fair lady's big toe produced roars o laughter from the audience. The positio: became still further confused on the appearance of the bridegroom-to-be while the delicate operation was in progress. The possibilities of fun in this absurd situation were exploited to the utmost, and caused uproarious mirth. Ray Monde and Starr and Starr also contributed fresh items, which were well received. The latter part of the evening was taken up by the Victor Prince Musical Revue Company, which presented its last production of the season, entitled "A Bit of Irish." This piece is perhaps more amusing than anv of the previous revues. Victor Prince in particular excelling himself in his mirthprovoking sallies- He was ably supported by other members of the companv. The orchestra, under the condnctorship of Mr. E. J. Burke, rendered valuable assistance throughout the evening.

"THE PINK DANDIES." The programme so successfully inaugurated by the Dandies on Saturday evening was repeated before a large audience in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. In each case the work of the artists met with the approval of those present, and served to further increase the popularity they have already won. The solos, duets, and concerted items were all attractively given, while Mr. Joseph Brennan's humorous items never failed to raise a laugh. The programme will be repeated again this evening. To-morrow evening a complete change will bo made. PRINCESS THEATRE. The large audiences which filled the Princess Theatre at the various sessions yesterday were ample testimony of the popularity of the noted actress, Miss Clara. Kimball Young. In "The Yellow Passport" Miss Young eclipses all her previous successes and offers a forceful interpretation of a difficult part. The story opens in the Russian city of Kiev, with a massacre by a band known as the "Black Hundreds." Her family destroyed and she herself persecuted by the leader of the band, Sonia Sokoloff adopts a somewhat unusual method of obtaining police protection in order to carry on her musical studies unmolested. She is eventually obliged to go to America, whero her ability is quickly recognised. She becomes famous and, with her betrothal to a noted musician, her happiness seems complete. At this stage, however, her lover and his family discover the secret of "The Yellow Passport." Then follow grievous complications, and many interesting situations develop. There are other fine pictures in support.

LYRIC THEATRE. A distinctly novel and entertaining drama is being shown at the Lyric Theatre this week. "A 'Child of tho Paris Streets" has all the qualities of a successful picture, and is a departure, from the usual type of picture shown. Tho character of Julie, an Apache girl, affords Miss Mae Marsh an excellent opportunity of exercising her powers as an emotional actress. Mr. Robert Harrow offers valuable assistance, and in both cases the work is excellent. The story deals with the fortunes of a young girl who, kidnapped by Apaches when a baby, lias been brought up as a thief. " Inmates of the Paris Zoo " is an excellent nature study, while "A Tour Throguh Ausable Chasm" is a beautiful scenic subject. The further adventures of "Mutt and Jeff " are the subject of a humorous animated cartoon. The Pathe Gazette is a bright and up-to-date edition, and deals with the most recent happenings at Homo and abroad. A matinee will bo given tomorrow afternoon. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A Yitagraph comedy-drama, entitled "('rooky." heads the current programme at Everybody's Theatre. It describes the humorous adventures of a Sing Sing convict. \vho l escapes, and as the result of mistaken identity is admitted to society. A drama of unusual merit is "On the Turn of a Card," featuring Harry Mom'. The arrival of British prisoners in Switzerland is the subject of a fine topical film, while the Gaumont Graphic contains tho latest news of the war. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A well-told story of adventure in Western America is contained in "Lest Yd Be Judged," now showing at tho Queen's Theatre. It concerns the fortunes of Molly Hanlon, a destitute girl, who unI wittingly go_eg through a mock marriage

with a drunken saloon-keeper. Her hap- • piness is short-lived, however, and she . goes to New York to take refuge at the home of a friend. Her pseudo-husband follows her, and in self-defence she shoots Jura. Interesting developments ensue, I and the story is worked out through a number of exciting situations. The piclure is well supported. KING GEORGE THEATRE. The outstanding features of the Bluebird production, " The Crippled Hand," which was introduced at the King George Theatre yesterday, are the originality of its conception and the excellent manner in which the subject has been treated. It is presented partly as a fairy story, and details the adventures of a modem Cinderella. There are many novel and interesting scenes of fairyland, which reveal the immense amount of time and trouble, not to say money, expended in making the picture an unqualififd success. Robert Leonard and Ella Had appear successfully in the leading roles. A French war picture of unusual interest deals with the battle of the Somme. and conveys a vivid idea of the magnitude of the operation*. "Lucille in Danger" is the sixteenth episode of "The Broken Coin," and advances tlw story to an interesting stage. "The Deacon's Waterloo," comedy, and the Eclair Journal complete the programme. ' KING'S THEATRE. Thert was a satisfactory attendance at tho King's Theatre last evening, and the programme submitted met with the approval of those present. The Yitagrapi comedy "Crooky," was especially appreciated. It is a recital of adventures of a convict, who escapes from prison, and is admitted to society as a result of being mistaken for somebody in a high position. "Tho Turn of a Card" is a drama worthy ol mention featuring Harry Morey. A topical film of unusual interest describes tho arrival of British prisoners of war in Switzerland, while the latest events of interest are mirrored in the Gaumont Graphic. GLOBE THEATRE. An adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel " Far From tho Madding Crowd" is the chief picture at the Globe Theatre this week. The story is set in Wales, and apart from its dramatic work is an interesting scenic study. Tho celebrated English actress Florence Turner plays the leading part, ably supported by a strong cast. "Tubby Turns the Tables " is a clever Vitagraph comedy. An especially interesting number of the Patlio War Special is also shown. GRAFTON THEATRE. Last evening's presentation of the current programme at the Grafton Theatre was witnessed by a large audience. Chief on the list is tile Transatlantic feature, : "Lest Ye Be Judged," featuring Julia Dean and Ham- Carey. The greater part i of the story is set in a mining camp in > Western America, where a number of • interesting situations develop. Then the ■ scene changes to New York, where tho , story is worked to a satisfactory conclvi- • sion. The supporting items include ' humorous and topical studies. 1 —— GRAND THEATRE. I Tho attention of patrons at the Grand ' Theatro yesterday was occupied by an ex- " j citing drama entitled " The Jockey of f'Death." It is a story of circus life, and lis replete with thrilling and sensational l I incidents. Comedy is well represented by |"T>. Winning Punch," in which the \\ inimitable George Ovey presents many I humorous situations. There are a number ; of supporting items, including the topical budget. i ~