ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8609, 20 December 1913, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

AUBERT HOMES’ CONCERT. The concert given in the Town Hall lost evening in aid of the Rev. Mother Aubert’s Homes deserved a better fate than a half-empty chamber. The object is such a worthy ono that all praise is duo to those who give their time to this annual entertainment. Hut encouragement from the public is not theirs. Charity concerts are usually amateurish; a hotter term still is to say that they aro “scratch,’’ but-last night’s entertainment was neither. The programme was made up of good music and harmless nonsense, all contributing to an excellent evening. Mr Bernard Pago gave two organ solos, Wagnerls “Prelude to Tristan and Isolde,” and tho well-known “Pastorale” by CesarFranck. Both items were rendered with grace and skill, for which Mr Pago received much enthusiastic approval. Perhaps tho feature of the concert was the last item —two part songs by tho .‘Wellington Liedertafel, “Gondolier’s Serenade ” (Schubert) and “ The Viking’s Song.” Both were charmingly rendered, and more especially the serenade. Mr Hamilton Hodges was enthusiastically encored for his rendering of two dainty items in which ho has been heard to great advantage before. These ‘were “The Pearl ” and “ Amber and Amethyst.” Planquetto’s duet, “ Qui Vive,” by Messrs J. Carr and C. Hickmott, was also amongst tho most enjoyable of tho numbers. The Messrs Segrief, Betty Purclom, Eileen Driscoll, Ruby Scott, and Cata Denharcl, and Messrs F. Johnstone, A. W. Newton, Norman Aitl:en, J. Carr, and Bell also contributed to a nicely-arranged programme. Mr D. A. Kenny made an excellent accompanist. “WITHIN THE LAW.” On Monday morning next box plans are announced to bo opened at tho Dresden for “Within the Law,” tho J. C. Williamson Christmas attraction, which at the Opera House on Boxing Night will servo to introduce to playgoers several now performers of considerable prominence—besides bringing back many well-known and favourite artists. A notable dramatic season may safely be predicted, for beyond question “Within the Law” most bo a very remarkable play, or it could not have aroused tho immense amount of public attention it has commanded in America, England, and Australia. It is intense melodrama of the higher type and distinctly American. Mary Turner is a wretchedly underpaid sales girl, who in convicted and imprisoned for a theft she did not commit. When released from prison she commences her crusade of revengo against society, but always keeping just within the law. Sho leads a band of expert forgers and blackmailers, and marries tho son of her former employer, one of tho sweetest morsels of her revenge. But the regenerating inlluenjo of her husband has it influence, and she finds an honest devotion for the man she married to ruin —so the end is happiness. On November 17th tho company appearing in “Within tho Law” at the Haymarket Theatre, London, gave a command performance before the King and Queen. Tho London season is now in its 35th week, and in New York it has been running, since September, 1912. Of tho new artists appearing in the New Zealand production tho most prominent is Miss Muriel Starr, of whom Australian critics write with unanimous enthusiasm and admiration. Miss 'Mary Worth is also spoken of in glowing terms. Mr E. W. Morrison and Mr Lincoln Plumev are spoken of as powerful and highly artistic performers. ■ THE KING’S THEATRE. Hayward’s Pictures have drawn large and appreciative audiences throughout tho week, the reigning attraction, which will be shown for the last time to-night, being the wonderful historical film in colours, “The Fall of Constantinople.” . Other interesting subjects, which include “Strike Scenes in Wellington,” make up an exceptionally 1 strong programme. There will bo a matineo performance this afternoon at 2.30. On Monday evening the big-, gest detective drama yet screened in the Dominion, “In tho Bishop’s Carriage,” will be exhibited for the first time. This pictorial is 4300 feel long. For Christmas night, a screening particularly suitable for the occasion will be submitted in Pathes’ framed representation, richly coloured, of “The Birth. Life, and Death of Christ.” This fine picture -will be screened to sacred Instrumental music supplied by the Nine’s orchestra.

“THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS ” Never was any notable picture produced in such a strange and unac- : countable manner as “Tho Shadow of the Cross,” which Mr Edwin Kilpatrick will exhibit for a short season in Harcourt’s rooms, opposite the D.1.C., opening on Monday. The painting will be on view in the afternoon only, from I to 5 o’clock, when continuous receptions will be held. It is requested that, when, conve'nient, elderly people who have not the best of eyesight attend each session as early as possible. In order that the picture may bo within reach of all, sixpence for adults and threepence for children will l>c charged to defray expenses. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Liberal patronage has been extended by tho Wellington public to the Britannia Theatre since its opening last Monday. Tne programme at present being screened is of particular interest. The chief item, “Prospecting for Gold,” is a strong and stirring story that grips the attention throughout. Other pictures of merit are “Art or Honour” (a society drama), “Jiles and Susan Come to Town” (a most laughable comic), and a good western drama entitled “Veil of Sleep.” Tho programme will bo screened throughout to-dny.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

The main attraction at His Majesty's Theatre at present is fhe Tabloid Grand Opera, "The Bulls of San Gabriel,” by Francis M. Hubanik and' his talented company of singers. Lastevening the turn was enthusiastically applauded. Mahoney Brothers, witu their clever little canine companion, Daisy, art' also great favourites. Their item is full of fun and merriment. Maurice Chenoweth lias a fine tenon voice, and uses it to good effect. In (heir acrobatic juggling act the Creightons show a degree of skill seldom eaualled. Cullen and Emery are extremely clever sketch artists, and were well received last evening. Miss Geraldine Morton, Brisbane’s queen of song, is also very popular. There will be a matineo performance this afternoon, and tho programme will be repeated for tho last time this evening. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. For tho last time to-day pnd tonight tho present programme of the Empress Theatre will ho .screened. Iho main attraction is the Vita graph "feature” drama “The Spell.” This is an interesting story of tho treachery of a hypnotist who uses his subtle powers to lure a. young lady into his troupe. There are many other entertaining items. A new programme wilt be introduced On Monday. “FROM MANGER TO CROSS.” Tho management of Biblical Biographs, Ltd., notify that they have arranged to commence their season on Christmas night at the Town Hall instead of on Boxing Day as previously announced and stated on posters now being displayed. Kalem’s remarkable peturo Ifo story of Jesus of Nazareth is claimed to have been photographed in tho Holy Land as nearly as possible on the exact locations in which these events occurred. The following extract from the “Daily Express” (London) criticism of “From Manger to Cross” is of interest:—“Tho story begins with the annunciation and finishes with tho crucifixion, and its humanity and its drama largely lie in the fact that it begins and finishes with Mary. At first wo see her a little proud, and a little awed by the greatness of her destiny. At tho end sho is just heartbroken, clinging to the Cross on which her Son has died. The travail of a woman’s life is summarised sharply, almost abruptly. ' Her care for her Son is shown in the journey back from when the mother walks, leaving her Son to ride upon the ass. Her terror as she feels Him slipping away from her is seen when sho finds Him disputing with the doctors in the temple. Her hopelessness to help comes to her when she meets Him carrying His Cross to Calvary and can do nothing. Mary is tho great mother figure of the world. But great men have no need of mothering, and their mothers break their hearts at the thought. It is better, -perhaps, for a. woman to have children who are weak and nconstant and who quickly weary, for their yearning to be mothered never ends. Jesus, as we see Him in the pictures, is a figure of dignity of naturalness. .... The call of Peter and Andrew by the sea of Galilee is striking. -■ . . The Last Supper, the trial by Pilate, and the journey to the Cross are all deeply affecting. Tho agony in Gethseman© is quite properly omitted, and for the rest it is the human scenes, the scone in.j which the suffering man rather than tho God is most in evidence, that are the most effective. Pilate, the Roman, bewildered by the Jewish thirst for blood, is another figure that’lives vividly on the screen. Tho quick turn of tho crowd from adoration to hatred is dramatically represented. Tho treachery and remorse of Judas are shown with their full force. The whole story is indeed made alive.” During the forthcoming season the Town Hall grand organ will bo utilised to protide a suitable musical setting to the picture, Mr Charles Helleman, who is conductor of the Royal Wellington Choral Society, acting as organist. KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. This evening Professor Norwood, the well-known and popular entertainer, will appear at the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt, in his highly interesting, and amusing hypnotic entertainment. Since his appearance at the Opera House, Wellington, last September, the Norwoods have been touring the North Island with the. greatest possible success. Professor Norwood is a scientific exponent of hypnotism, who possesses a pleasing personality. However ideas may differ with regard to hypnotism ns a power or influence, there can be only ono opinion ‘ as to the use Professor Norwood puts it, and that is to produce ono of the funniest entertainments that can bo put before an audience. From the moment tho professor gets' his subjects under control, until tho fall of the curtain, the audience is kept in a continuous ripple to a roar of laughter. Ho is ably assisted by Miss Winifred Norwood, whoso wonderful mental telepathic seance is the subject of much speculation and wonderment, the number of tests sho is put to being cleverly conceived and faultlessly executed-v Seats can bo reserved with Mr H. Job, Town Hall, Lower Hutt. Prices of admission will be 3s, 2s, and Is. Miss Maud Allan, whose visit to Australia will be one of the events of 1914. is said to be the least technically equipped dancer at present appearing before the world’s public. Beside Gcneo she is technically a novice, yet with a,}! her indifference to the mere trickm of too play which nowadays pass for fine dancing, she is extraordinarily attractive in the special domain that she has made her own. As a pautomimist >u some of her dances, expressive of vaguo dreams or summer fancies, sho is alleged 'to be unsurpassed, and in tho use of her hands and arms she is simply wonderful to behold. One eminent English critic was tremendously struck by her hand play recently in England, and iu a fine notice used d’Anncizio’s description of the eminent Signora Duse by employing tho expression, “the lady with tho beautiful hands.”