ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8611, 23 December 1913, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

"FEOM MANGES. TO CROSS.” To comparatively few does the opportunity come of visiting Palestine and looking on the scenes made sacred by the life of Jesus, but a graphic presentation of many of the spots is given in the fine series of views embraced in Kalem’s remarkable film, “From Manger to Cross," to be shown at the Town Hall for a short season commencing on Christmas Night. The whole production was undertaken most reverently, the actors realising the far-reaching iniiuence ®of their portrayals, and clergymen of all faiths who happened to bo in Palestine during the taking of the pictures stayed until tho finish and rendered invaluable assistance to the promoters. English and American men and women were employed only for the leading characters. Per all the minor roles and for the picturesque ensembles natives were used—people whose customs have changed little in the 2000 years since their ancestors walked side by side with the Saviour on the plains of Nazareth and in the streets of Jerusalem. The part of Christ us in his later years was portrayed by an English actor, and in no particular is the picture overacted. The last cruel incident in the tragedy of the world is stated to be very realistic, and holds spectators spellbound. This masterpiece in film production shows the abundance of scrupulous care in the • matter of detail lavished upon the subject. The pictures show the real Lake of Tiberias, and the very typo of nets with which Peter and the other fishermen of Galilee pursued their ancient colling. They show the very road on which Joseph, Mary and the boy Jesus returned out of Egypt into Nazareth. They show some glimpses at least of the glorious temple of Solomon, as reconstructed by archaeologists. Tiicy follow in the journey to Golgotha, the way of sorrow (via Dolorosa), trodden by Christian pilgrims oven to this day. There Is also seen the real Bethany, rxirta of the ancient roads that led north out of Jerusalem in the direction of Galilee. Notwithstanding the cost of bringing this production to New Zealand, which, it is stated, is the highest yet paid for a film, the prices of admission will be as is usual for this form of entertainment. Music specially chosen and rendered on the Town. Hall grand organ will provide la suitable musical setting for the portrayals. Mr Christian Hellemann ha® been specially engaged for this. Items will include such musical gems as Gounod 8 Nazareth,” m'arch to Calvary from The Crucifixion/’ excerpts from Handel s ‘'Messiah," including the "Hallelujah Chorus." The box plans for Christmas Night and the following evenings are now open at the Dresden. An afternoon exhibition will be given on Boxing Day. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. This week’s change at His Majesty’s Theatre has introduced some very clever artists. About, a dozen rings, which appear upon close inspection to be absolutely flawless. Professor Lewis loops together in a chain before the gaze of the audience, and finally, holding them by the end ring, shakes them apart without so much as touching them. . A clever invention of the performer himself is what ho calls the “beer", trick. A bottle with the end knocked out of it is hie chief medium in this deception. Time after’ time ho fills a glass m an attendants hand out of the apparently empty bottle. In these and other clever tricks ho is assisted in a capable manner by Little Phoebe Lewis, who is also a clover entertainer. A fine stamp of athlete is Mounter, who apologised last evening for the absence of his partner, Franz, owing to indisposition. Standing on a cabinet with the light thrown on him, he gives a fine display of muscular ; development, and afterwards proves, in various feats of strength, that his muscle is useful as well as ornamental. Mourner is also an adept in the art of ju-jitou. Maurice Chenoweth, who is the possessor of a fine tenor voice, again demonstrated that he can use it to good effect.. A lighter turn is' supplied by St. George and Dayne, two clever sketch artists. The rag-time craze will not bo allowed to die while the Two Storye are on the boards. Their item is bright and breezy from start to finish. Scotch sentiment is stirred up by Neil Cant, an old Wellington favourite, and afterwards bv the Strattons, both of whom are very popular. Leonard Willard and his lady partner provide plenty of fun in their turn., and last night they were enthusiastically applauded- The programme will be repeated this evening.' THE BMPEESS THEATRE. There is an air of sensationalism and expectancy associated with the plot of “The GLI and the Tiger," the lengthy Bison “feature" drama which appeared with yesterday’s new programme of the Empress Theatre pictures. A young American naval lieutenant falls in love with a Eajoh’a favourite nauteh girl. The Eastern ruler is determined to do away with the lieutenant, and arranges a great tiger hunt, to which the latter is invited. The Rajah excuses himself from attending, on, the plea of business pressure. Wild Bengal tigers are seen at close range. They charge the beaters, who run away and leave the young officer to his fate. The lieutenant reaches a hut and holds out against the besieging tigers until the brave nauteh girl comes to his aid. She is attacked by one of the beasts, but defends herself heroically. The production is a remarkably realistic achievement. The minor items include "Pete, the Artist" (Lnbin drama), "The Woods of Mprtain” (scenic), and a number of comedies. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Starring in the new programme, commenced yesterday at the Britannia Theatre, is a dramatic society film entitled "Turned Adrift." The story deals with the trials of a dismissed factory girl, who has to provide for her child. How she fights to do this, and finally succeeds, is sensationally and graphically told. “The Girl Back East" is another drama of great strength and interest. The theme differs largely from that of the last film, the scenes being laid in the West. A film of great local interest is “Mount Egmont," a New Zealand scenic study. “Sensational Motor Boat Racing" la an exciting picture of absorbing interest. The comic side is well catered for in “Bridget and the Egg," a most laughable film. , The programme concludes with ‘.‘How the Spirit of ’76 was Painted,” a military drama. The programme will be repeated throughout co-day. "WITHIN THE LAW." The booking yesterday at the Dresden presages a successful season for this famous drama, which will bo presented for the first time in New Zealand at the Opera House on Boxing Night by J. C. Williamson, Ltd. Bayard V eider's play lias achieved one of the most memorable records attained by any play produced in New York. It has passed xte 500th night, and while no definite date is announced for the closing it is understood that it will ho at the expiration of the theatre lease, which has already been extended three times to permit the piece to continue its successful run uninterrupted. In Melbourne and Sydney the runs have been proportionately as long, for "Within the Law" enjoyed longer seasons and greater success there than any drama previously presented in Australia. The “Daily Telegraph" says “If there were two columns instead of one to be printed to-day, the first column oonld easily be filled with appreciation of the methods by which Miss Starr stresses all the emotional values of h»i part," and at the end of the criticism says:—"This notice is eulogy from start to finish, but the play deserves it. and in last night’s great triumph has any significance Within the Law' is going to be a recordbreaker." a prophecy which was speedily fulfilled-

THE KING’S THEATRE,

Mary Pickford. the dainty and expressive little picture-player who won distinction during some few years with the noted A.B. Company, is the central figure of a high class ’’feature” drama, "In the Bishop’s Carriage,” which was introduced at the King's Theatre last evening. This picture-play is a high*class work produced by Frohman, UeIfceoo and other noted American entrepreneurs, incorporated as the Famous Hlayere Company. The plot may be likened to an up-to-date Dickens etory. The characters are handled skilfully and are lifelike portrayals. The leading personality, Nanoo Uldom is persecuted in a charity homo, and escaping, takes refuge in the house of Tom Dorger, 'a pickpocket. The girl enters into partnership with Dorger, and after two years together they steal valuable jewels from an elderly gentleman. The girl take© the jewels, am dto evade the police jumps into a bishop's carriage. After a narrow ©scape from arrest the girl seeks refuge in the house of Obormulier, a theatrical manager. Chit of sympathy 'for Nance the theatrical manager misleads the police, eaves her from the law and then takes charge of the stolen Jewels. The girl returns to the pickpocket, who compels her to show him into the theatrical manager's house so that he can recover *tho j ©wels. The pickpocket is caught, but Nance is again saved by the theatrical manager, who subsequently gives her an engagement on the stage which brings fame to Nance. The pickpocket escapes from gaol and threatens Nano©, but the theatrical manager again intervenes. The pickpocket is sent abroad and Nance accepts her benefactor's offer of marriage. The film occupies the entire second, part of the programme. The A.B. Company's drama, 'The Madonna of the Storm." ig the most meritorious item of the first part of the Trill. Th,c series will bo screened again this evening.

"TUB BERTH, LIFE AND DEATH OF CHRIST."

At the King’e Theatre on Christinas Night the screening of the current set of pictures will be suspended for that evening only, in order to permit of the presentation by the management of a special and eminently suitable attraction in Pathe Freres' splendid reproduction in pictures of "The Birth, Life and Death of Christ/' This 'exceptional motion picture work is 3000 ft long, and particular attention is directed to the beauty of the colouring throughout. The great subject in described as haying been perfected with wondrous skill and artistry. The reputation of Pathe Freres as expert kinematographists has been long and firmly established, and the production of the’film was, on the occasion of its first presentation at Paris, described by a leading journal os having "set the seal upon their fame/’ All notable incidents of the great life are pictured, from the Nativity to the Resurrection and Ascension. "The Birth, Life and Death of Christ" ,is on ideal entertainment for the occasion, and its attractiveness .should be greatly enhanced by the accompaniment of specially arrangedsacred music by the King's orchestra. The supporting pictures will be meritorious and varied, each one being carefully selected. CHRISTMAS NIGHT RECITAL. Mr J. M. Clark has \ arranged for Christmas Night what should prove something very special, namely, an . elocutionary recital, to take place in the concert chamber of the Town Hall, Aa’ reraterG instructor, and judge of elocution, Mr Clark holds a position mqiM In New Zealand, and he may thereforebe relied upon to select the beet talentprocurable and arrange a programme-of outstanding merit. Mr dark himself will recite Will Carleton's fine poem "Betsy and I," "Jean Goello’s Yarn (by Couuee). and "Phil Blood’s Leap (Buchanan). Seats for this recital may be reserved at the Breeden, and those who are wise will take the hint for a full house is naturally anticipated.