ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16349, 2 October 1916, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

. BIRTH OF A NATION." '

Tjie American historical moving picture drama, " The Birth of a Nation," the reputed excellence and • power of , which had aroused high anticipation among local picture lovers, had its initial public presen-tation-at His Majesty's Theatre on Satur-/ day, evening, before an' audience which' practically filled the building. It ma; ' bo said at once that the picture is t\j ; most powerful and impressive producti/ ; of its kind yet screened in Auckland, J is a surprising demonstration of the.wA* 1 derful perfection to which cincmatografj' ! lias been brought. After one has sat'i 1 * thralled for the* space of nearlyyy e 0 i , hours watching as in a dream the pr» ess 1 of the events from which Amcric/has emerged as a great nation, one betf s to • apprec : ate "the vastnesg of the procpi° n > 1 its pathos and humour, and its flgedy ' and glory, which have caused it to" 0 de--1 scribed as the apotheosis of mov'S P^ , tures. I , i It is impossible to here descri\j at any j , length the events detailed in tF "Birth of ft. Nation-" It covers incidA ß which lead up to the American Civi/War, dotails some of tho most drama/ features of the war, and then process in tho second part to deal with the i>e to power and license of the negroes in Ae Southern States, during the period of /construction after the war, and the stjis taken by the Southerners to regain/their supremacy. / Trio opening scenes of th' picture show tho friendly relations exist/g between tho people of the North and/south prior to tho war. .The leading enactors in tho story which connects thagreat incidents of the period are hero i'roduced ill tho persons of members of if families on tho opposite side, that of O Cameron in tho South and of SenatorStojieman in tho North. During an phaugo of visits attachments arc . fornrd which have a vital bearing on the /l'tunes of the two families during tho wf and subsequently.. Politics are then induced, and Abraham Lincoln is seen issuis; his call for 75,000 volunteers in the Inderal cause to subdue ' the sovereignty of the individual States. There follow' a powerful depiction of tho stirring eve l a of the Civil War. General Grant is ien pressing the confederacy in the famous campaign around Petersburg, and Sherman's march from Atlanta to. tho sft is shown in a series of wonderfully gaphic scenes. The end of the war'in Is, with the surrender of General Lee t? General Grant at tho ' Appomattox cowhouse is shown in another dramatic/scene. These parts of the picture are cloned to be facsimile reproductions of tlf actual occurrences. The battle . scenes are many and impressive, and the representations of the nand-to-hand fightiig _ around Petersburg are powerfully r/ilistic. : Quickly Mowing comes the tragedy of the assa'ssiiytioii of President Lincoln by Wilkes Booh, the mad actor, in a festival performanc/ at Ford's Theatre to celebrate the slrrender of Leo. All the particulars are,shown in full and accurate detail' on th' screen, and the great tragedy is acted n the most irreproachable and touching'inanner. The interest quickens in the s/coh'd part of the great d,rama, i ,' when tfcre appear tho horrors of negro i insolenJ and outrage directed against the - Suithern whites,- who are kept in. terror >f their lives by tho negro militia. The s/called "Union League' wins the State .election, and a mulatto is chosen lieutelant-governor. A legislature with ".carp-bag" and negro members in over/helming majority loots tho State, and; lawlessness runs riot. .In an endeai)ur, to check this, the white men in the' country .organise into a vigilant soiiety known as the "Ku Klux Klan." B<i Cameron, the famous " little colonel," hpds this society, which spreads throughpit the South, and makes war on the $groes until ' they havo been disarmed, lefore this is achieved, , however, all kinds 11 insult and savagery are heaped upon the; whites, and the negroes, drunk with 'power, ? commit -nameless - outrages on women and children.' . •, ; -The "Birth . of. a Nation " owes its success to a very large v degree to the judicious selection of the cast, .the principals all ' being finished # actors, whose work throughout ■is unimpeachable. Henry Walthall as Colonel Ben Cameron is admirably fitted to his part, while Ralph Lewis "draws a convincing picture of the radical Northern legislator, Stoneman. Lilian Gish i* well chosen as Elsie Stoneman, and Miriam Cooper appears to advantage as V Margaret Cameron. Tho hpn'ours'for the lady artists, however, undoubtedly fall to Mac Marsh, as Flora Cameron, who ha? a truly remarkable power of facial expression, and is most ■.fascinating and natural. in all her work. The; above are only a few of , the •;leading characters, but the work of those taking the } subsidiary roles iis of uniform excellence * and' power. '; Appropriate music by a' capable orchestra is furnished under tho direction of Mr. Horace Keats. " t

•; MIROVITCH-PIASTRO CONCERTS. ; What was intended to have been the final concert of the artistic series riven by M.M. Mirovitch and Piastro, the '• Russian musicians, . took > place at the Town Hall concert chamber on Saturday evening, before the largent audience" of the season. ' Both the performers were heard at the highest pitch of their musical form, and were very generous in their - responses to the enthusiastic recalls of tjieir hearers. In consequence the programme was augmented to nearly double its{ original length. Their one joint contribution was tho fino breezy Sonata in G major of Greig, . which was played,, with brilliant effects. , M. Mirovitch drew delightful Melody from the, pianoforte in seve;i programme items and two . encore numbers, all "played with impeccable technique and artistic interpretation, i Notable* amongst his " selections ' were s a bracket of four Chopin works, - the Predule in C sharp minor'of Rachmaninoff and ope of Liszt's Rhapsodies (No. 12). M. Piastre's contributions were .equally' exacting. They included tho- Praeludium and Allegro cf Pugnani-Kreisler, the Caprice No. 24 (Paganini-Auer), ; a Caprice bv Kreisler, Sarasbte's setting of airs from ' Carmen," a Bach-Auer' Sicilierine and one of MacDowell's sketches, "From an \ Indian Village." It was announced that M.M-Mirovitch-and, Piastre . will return .to Auckland after a brief visit to, Wellington, and, would givo a farewell concert on Saturday next. Bequests for special numbers will be received by the management, and as many as possible will be included in Saturday evening's programme. Students and members of musical societies will receive concessions. The box plan opens at Wildman and Arey's on Thurs- | day morning, and applications for seats are invited from to-day.

GRAFTON THEATRE. .This week the directors of the Grafton Theatre are making an important departure • from the usual , routine of. picture productions, having entered into arrangements' for the screening of a remarkable series of highly elaborate photo-dramas from the world-famous studios of the William Fox Film Corporation of Now York, a firm which has latterly created somewhat of a stir in moving picture circles by the costly and magnificent character ' of its film-plays. To-night tho fascinating and tragic story of "Carmen" will be/ presented, every detail in which lias been reproduced in the most perfect manner. The atmosphere and setting'of the play are essentially Spanish, many of the scenes in the picture having, as a. matter of fact, been enacted in Spain. .The architecture of the buildings, the interior of the cigarette factory, the famous toreador scene, where a bull-fight is seen in progress, and the picturesque mountain scenery, combine to form a. natural on-' vironment 'for the story and to create" a vivid impression of the "daily life and happenings in one of the most romanticallybeautiful countries of Europe. Theda Bara, who has been described as the most perfect exponent of • vampire parts • in the realm of »photo-drama, .possesses every natural qualification for the powerful and exacting role she undertakes. a' Gifted with a magnetic - personality, expressive features ; andh sinuous, grace,-, sho : infuses iiito tlio part of Carmen all tho fascinating

dialfti o , arid ; passion with; which it is asP r(ated. A company of talented actors} | acteses and supernumeraries accords her tliiequisite support,. and assists materiair in carrying through the action of the pF, which throbs with excitement and I'iiem, Incidental music specially arriged from Bizet's tuneful opera'will be fldered nightly by tho Grafton SymJony Orchestra. I OPERA HOUSE, ' I Great interest has been aroused in the 'forthcoming season of tlio well-known actress, Miss Wish Wynne, at the Opera House. Miss Wynne will make her first appearance tin's. evening, and is certain to open to a crowded house. At Homo Miss Wynno is recognised as being a quite exceptional portrayer of character, not only on the music-hall stage, but also on tho legitimate stage as well. It was Miss Wynno who helped to make a great success of Arnold Bennott's play, ' The Great Adventure," which ran for something like two years. Sho was chosch by tho author, who had seen her in her representation of a London street child, to creato the role of his heroine, Janet Cannot. Miss Wynne took London by storm in this part, both her critics and iho public being astonished by the fidelity of her conception. Sho has a very fine repertoire, and will be supported by a number of talented vaudeville artists.

BRANDON-CREMER DRAMATIC CO. An innovation will be introduced shortly at the King's Theatre, Newton, when the Brandon-Cremer Dramatic Company will commence a season of popular standard drama. Mr. Brandon-Cremer has secured a lease of the King's' Theatre, and will introduce his company in "'Hie Pace That Kills," .a speetacular racing drama, produced for the first timo in Auckland. His , company includes 25 dramatic artists, - and Mr. Cremer is bringing all his• scenery and effects from Sydney. Tho scenery in the opening play is _ said to bo exceptionally fino, being painted by George Campbell. Tlio season vill commence on October 14, and a new drama will be presented every week.

TOWN HALL RECITAL. A programme of singular merit was provided by Mr. Maughan Bamett at the organ recital given at the Town Hall on Saturday night. It was worthy of a far larger audience, but those who were privileged to listen to the musical gems so skilfully handled by the city organist were not slow to demonstrate their ' appreciation. Tho choral song and fugue by Dr. Wesley was a delightful number. "Liede Des Chrysanthemes," a. charming piece by Bonnet, the celebrated organist, of St. Eustaebe, Paris, was well rendered, while the second suite for organ, the work of Bocllmann, received artistic treatment. Tho "Toreador et Andalouse," composed by Rubinstein, ,was a notable item, of which Mr. Bauiett made tho most, and a gavotte, danced at the court of Louis XIV., was highly appreciated. A "Spring .Song" by Hollins was a charming item, while extemporisation on tho chimes of Magdalen College, Oxford, produced a delightful effect. Russian songs and dances formed a fitting conclusion to a thoroughly enjoyable musical evening.

LYRIC THEATRE. Judging by Saturday's attendance at tho Lyric Theatre, the new picture, A Trip to Rotorua," should prove a conspicuous success. It is claimed that for every New Zealander who goes-to view the thermal marvels of his country, thero are three Americans and two Australians, but possibly tho presentation of so beautiful a series of pictures as contained in this film will serve to awaken the homefolk to the wonderful attractions of the Rotorua district. . The film is compriV-n----sive to a degree; it, depicts not only thermal scenery, but interesting scenes connected with the native fife of ; these regions. The graceful poi dance by Maori women, the diving of the pickaninnies for pennies, canoe races on , the lake, Maori women cooking in boiling cauldrons— these aspects of native life are shown. Among the most beautiful of many striking scenes depicted may be mentioned the Whakarewarewa i geysers in eruption, views of Ohinemutu; steaming cliffs of Rotomahana, and the.Hamurana Spring, while the closing 'picture, sunset over Lake Rotorua, was a veritable triumph of. the photographer's art. As an educative factor, this series of pictures possesses unique value, and children, as woll as adults, should make an effort to see it.

PRINCESS THEATRE. ■ . ( There wero crowded audiences at every session at the Princess Theatre 011 Saturday, when "The Spell of The Yukon" was screened for the first time. . 1 The other Service pictures which have been shown at the Princess have prated so successful that the'standard softs? a high one, and saying that the present film' is every whit as good as its predecessors is sufficiently high praise. Service's poems are remarkable for their virile and faithful presentation of life in the great lonely land of the North, and in " The Spell of The Yukon" the audience not only sees, but feels the vast solitude that enwraps these desolate and forsaken, glares. A story as powerful as the poem itself carries'the onlooker from the crowded busi-ness-places of Now York' straight into the heart of the-., wild, -where a bitterlywronged man strives to find forgetfulness. Tho story is set in superb sccnefy, and tho snow-scenes, mountains and rivers of the frozen North are of rare grandeur and beauty. . '

' ' GLOBE THEATRE. A romantic drama, ," Pearls of Temptation," is the chief item in this week's programme at the Globe Theatre. > The story centres round tho - fall of a young mail who, victimised by 'a designing actress who - needs money -to pay her debts, descends so low as not only to steal /a magnificent string of pearls .'which ibelongs to his mother, but •to engineer the theft in such a manner that tho blame falls on an innooent and lovely girl. His father further complicates things by. substituting an imitation string a few moments prior to the theft, and the disgust and rage of the'actress later on, when, she discover! that the necklace is practically 'wordless, is the keynote of ! several 'very 'dramatic situations. ;

GRAND THEATRE.

In "The Bartered BrideV'showliig this week at tho Grand Theatre :a' subject of vital interest is touched upon—the loveless marriage. The picture tells f' 10 '.story of a contemplated marriago of this nature between an heiress and a roptfbate who happens to bear the title of a count. ".A young minister of high - ideate " determined to frustrate-this unw® event. The revenge of tho count, *' 16 duplicity of the girl's mother, who' \/otild willingly have sold. her ; daughter, ftr, d - tho subsequent discovery of tjio .r'fiht man, are factors In the development of an interesting story. o'§ ♦, ■ .

KING GEORGE THEATRE. A chango of program® is . announced at tho King George Theatro to-day, when a society drama, '"A Huntress or Men," will bo screened'for;the first time. Mary Fuller plays the leading part with grace; and charm, representing a beautiful woman, who makes ft her boast that she can win tho love of any an, and not succumb to love herself. t H ' 8 a vain boast, how ever, for 0110 of her victims,_ determined to conquer her, 'succeeds, and is the means of lowering li cr . 'de. Tho ■ programme also contains episode 20 of the ' 1 Broken Coin" scries/ " Danger on tho High Seas," and other well-chosen items. '

• EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. •' ' I v. • '• ' The principal attraction ■ of ' the . now programme' at Everybody's Theatre ,is " The Pawn of Fate,". ; oho of the,"Now World films, which features Doris Konyon, a ? well-known picture actress of beauty and talent. . The play is described as an unusual , one, - of pathos, laughter, and tears, • in which V the - leading lady is as charming in the homely -dress of a i Normandy peasant as in the ' exquisite Parisian creations in which' •she later appears. The story tells = of the adventures of a poor peasant with a pretty wife, who arc lured

to Paris by V scoundrel artist who fancies the latly for himself, and the frustration of . his designs and ultimate triumph oi right are Citrried out in, the most entertaining manner, The- programme also contains a good variety of war films, and other pictures of interest.

KING'S THEATRE. Included in tlio programme to be presented at tho King's Theatre this week is a drama entitled "The Pawn of Fate." The play affords good opportunity for the talented acting of Doris Kenyon, who takes tho part of the peasant bride who, with her husband, is lured to gay Paris as a result of the blandishments of an unscrupulous artist. There is pathos in tho story as well as humour, but it ends happily in tho reunion of the young couple at their own fireside. The picture is well acted and screened with a careful attention to detail. Variety is afforded by a supporting programme of more than usual excellence. ,

• QUEEN'S THEATRE. The leading picture in this week's programme at the Queen's Theatre will be "The Long Chance," a story of mining lifo in tho West. The theme is an unusual one, inasmuch as the hero is a gambler, described as " tlio worst man in. San Pasqual." Tho gambler, however, proves himself to bo a gentleman of the truest type, faithful to tho girl ho loves. An excellent supporting programme is shown.