ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8652, 10 February 1914, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE KING’S THEATRE- . The high estimation in which the King’s Theatre is held by picture-lovers was strikingly demonstrated laet evening, when the theatre was packed ,to the doors. The “feature” film was ‘‘King ot the Air,” a resplendent Pathe kinemacoloui* drama of - 6000ft* The’ picture, which is divided into five parts, occupied most of the evening in screening. The acting waa excellent, the principal parte being taken by members or the Oomedie Francois. The story ie one of true love, which ran anything but smoothly. It tells of an aviator, the son of the manager of a large banking concern, who is engaged to tho' only daughter of a rich widow. The latter speculates in a risky concern and loses all her money, whereupon the bank manager orders his son to break off . the engagement. This the eon flatly declines to do. From this point to the happy ending the denouement is extremely interesting. Incidental to the picture are various aviation scenes replete with interest. The race for the Aviation Derby (the Gold Cup of the Aviation Club of Paris), from Paris to Holland and back, ending with twice circling the Eiffel Tower, as shown in the picture, is a masterpiece of kinematographic realism. Some of the most celebrated aviators in the world participated in this race, which has been worked into the film. One of the aeroplanes was fitted up with a moving picture camera, and by this means those in the audience are whirled through space, obtaining a novel view of Dutch scenery. The speed at which an aeroplane travels wilL probably bo realised for the first time by those who see the film. A railway train going at express speed some distance off is sighted by the aeroplane, which gradually catches the train and passes it as if it were, standing still. Incorporated in the picture also is a scone showing an aeroplane take a sudden dive in mid air, to eventually meet destruction on the ground. A laughter-providing film by the Vitagraph Company, entitled “John Tobin’s Sweetheart," featuring John Bunny and Flora Finch, provides a welcome leaven of comedy. There will ..bb a repetition of the programme this evening.

EMPRESS THEATRE. The Kalem Company have distinguished themselves in producing “The Big Horn Massacre,” the sensational Indian and military "feature" drama at the head of yesterday’s new programme of the Empress continuous pictures. The play is enacted in the wilds of the Big Horn Mountains, of Wyoming, U.S.A. The introductory scenes show life in & Sioux Indian camp. Willowbud, the chief’s daughter, has two suitors. The rivals light a deadly duel, and Willowhud’s favourite is killed. The Indian maid gallops away on horseback to escape the victor. He captures her, but while they are straggling the maiden is rescued by the military patrol and is taken to the fort, where she is kindly treated. Her tribe now attack an emigrant caravan and exterminate all except a young settler, who rides away for help, and his sweetheart, who is. kidnapped by the redskins. The troops follow tile young settler, but in the meanwhile the Indian girl has stolen away from the fort to warn her people. The Indians have no time, however, to prepare for an attack, and the soldiers almost wipe out the tribe. The settler and his fiancee are now reunited. Largo numbers of men and horses take part in the production, the screening of which occupies over half an hour. The suuportinp films include "The Doctor’s Blind Child" (Bathe drama), "On the Slones of the Mouiseny" (eSenic). and "Some Nerve” (Keystone comedy). BRITANNIA THEATRE. A sensational drama of great interest entitled "Humanity,” which is a pictorial adantatjon of the well-known play by John Lawson, was produced yesterday in the new programme at the Britannia Theatre. The story tells of the ingratitude shown by a Christian man towards a Jew named Silrani, who befriended him when in dire stralto. When

living in the house of Silvani, the Christian does his best in an underhand manner to wreck his benefactor’s happiness and separate him from his wife. At length the man is discovered in his vile tactics, and in the ensuing fight with Silvani the house catches fire. The two men are seen struggling together on the tottering staircase, which falls, and the Christian is killed. Silvani is rescued, and the happiness of the home is restored. Other interesting films screened are ‘‘Fortune’s Turn" (drama), "Did Mother Get Her Wish?’’ (comic), "Brushmaking’’ (industrial), ‘‘Dooley’s Howard" (comic), and the latest "Topical Gazette." The programme will be repeated throughout to-day. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. There was a big house at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening when a number of new vaudeville items were included in the programme. The principal fresh attraction is the appearance of that excellent little soprano, Margaret Caraher. Miss Caraher has a very rich voice, and is a most expressive singer. Her notes in tho higher register are re'ally fine, and one would like to see her with operatic material. She was heartily applaud, ed last evening after each of her songs. The Guzmanis, a clever trio of Spanish artists., give an effective equilibrist turn. Thov do all sorts of queer things while balancing themselves on spheres, and their balancing is quite the best that has been seen here for some time. Largay and Snee, an American couple, give a breezy little turn full of the latest witticisms. The .lady’s high voice enables her to "squeak’' with good effect, and the settings of the turn are quite good. The J 1 Trovatoro Trio give a grotesque display of operatic numbers, weird-look-ing instruments and ridiculous make-up adding to the burlesque. Contrary to expectations, the trio sine most creditably about half way through the turn, and the blending of their voices is very effective. A new song and patter couple, the Kimball Brothers, give an excellent turn. Ono of them has a rich tenor voice, and together they present some lively fun and good dancing; A great deal of interest centred in the upjiearanco of the .winner of last week’s amateur competition. Mr Charles Harrison, who commenced his professional engagement on the Fuller-Brennan circuit. He sang with good effect, and was enthusiastically encored for his efforts. Tho Rondas Trio appear again in their spectacular wheel turn, and Mr Leonard Nelson sang as popularly as ever. Other items were contributed by Delmar and Cassandra, the slack wire walkers, Weston and Hill and Little Molly. The programme will be repeated this evening.

GEORGE WILLOUGHBY COMPANY. Popular drama at popular prices will be presented once again at the Opera House bv the George Willoughby firm next Monday night. The piece chosen for the opening performarre is "The Beggar Girl's Wedding." by the well-known author Walter Melville. This powerful domestic drama abounds in good comedy, with many sensational incidents. ll will be staged in the same lavish spectacular manner as in the other large centres of Australasia. "The Beggar Girl's Wedding*' will be interpreted by the strongest company ever sent on tour by Mr George Willoughby, and a glance through the bill will be quite enough to convince the theatre-goers of this town of the very high standard of the company. Mr George Cross, who is the leading gentleman of the combination, is undoubtedly tho greatest favourite on the Australian stage to-day. and he is well supported by the young actress. Miss era Remee in the pathetic role of "The Beggar Girl. The comedy is in the hands of Miss lanny Erris. The box nlan will open at the Dresden on Thursday morning, and day sales may he obtained at Christeson’s. DUPAULT TO-MORROW, ’ An evening of unbounded enjoyment is promised for to-morrow night, when. Paul Dufault, the great concert tenor, will give the first concert of his season at the Town Hall. Mr Default possesses a strong individuality and a most delightful personality, which he uses with all-conquer-ing conviction. A recent critic said of him, "He is a striking example of the

saying that it takes brain to make an artist of a person with a voice." The programme for to-morrow night is a remarkably fine one, and will be given almost entirely in English. Mr Dufault will sing the great tenor aria from ‘‘La Cid," and numerous delightful French and English ballads, including tho favourite "Invictus." ' Mr Dufault will also join Miss Bindley, the soprano of the company, in the quaint duet "It Wes a Lover and His Lass." In addition to Miss Bindley, Mr Dufault will ho assisted by Ernest Toy, violinist, and Harold Whittle, pianist. The box plans' are now. at the Dresden for to-morrow night, and for the remaining throe com certs, which will bo given, at the Opera House on the following Thursday, Friday* and Saturday.